It’ll feel like summer this weekend. Of course, it is summer … . With the preliminaries out of the way, let’s see what this summery weekend holds in store. And in light of the heat, we’re looking for cool.

Creek Creep, Saturday, 1 p.m., Mayo River State Park, Mayodan. This sounds like ideal fun on a 90-degree summer’s day: “Come see what is swimming around in the creeks at Mayo River State Park. …” Led by a ranger, you’ll get to swamp around in the Falls Creek Falls to see what lives in these waters. Bring drinking water, insect repellant and clothes you want to get wet. Learn more here; call the park to register 336.427.2530. 

Nature Hike, Saturday, 2 p.m., Mount Mitchell State Park, Burnsville. At 6,600 feet, you might need a fleece for this ranger-lead hike on the three-quarter-mile Balsam Nature Trail; Wednesday evening when the temperature was 91 degrees in Raleigh it was 58 at Mount Mitchell. Learn more about the hike — and the weather — here.

Guided Canoe Trip, Sunday, 1 p.m., New River State Park. You just look at the New River as it rocks its way through the mountains and the temperature drops 10 degrees. Free (save for a small shuttle fee) but registration is required because space is limited: call: 336.982.2587.

GetHiking! this weekend

What are our GetHiking! groups in North Carolina and Virginia up to this weekend? Plenty, thanks for asking …

• GetHiking! Charlottesville: Nicholson Hollow Trail, Saturday, July 20, 8:15 a.m. 4105 Lewis and Clark Dr, Charlottesville. Moderate. 8 miles. Hike highlights: Brokenback Run, Hughes River, Nicholson Hollow Trail. Learn more here.
• GetHiking! Charlotte: Panthertown Valley, Sunday, July 21, 9:30 a.m. Ingles Market, Cashiers. Easy. 8-mile hike passing waterfalls, cliffs, and other scenic areas. Learn more here.

More options

Looking for more options for weekend adventure? Check out our GetOut! Find An Adventure resource page here.