After a teasing blast of fall early in the week, we’re back to the realities of July in the Southeast this weekend. Not a bad thing, just something to take into account as you plan your weekend. We share our thoughts on what might make for a grand weekend of adventure below.

Canoe 101, Merchants Millpond State Park, Gatesville. Saturday, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. One of our favorite paddles anywhere is on this 760-acre millpond that is slowly evolving into swamp. Tupelo gum, bald cypress, Spanish moss … this trip’s got it all. And the 101? For you newbies, a short intro to paddling kicks off the trip. $5 fee. More info here.

Stars and Planets, Mayo River State Park, Mayodan. Saturday, 9:30 p.m. Being outside at night is pretty awesome, especially when you have the friendly folks from the Greensboro Astronomy Club on hand to share their sophisticated telescopes and knowledge of the night sky. It’s cooler at night, too. More info here.

Guided Canoe Trip, New River State Park, Laurel Springs. Sunday, 1 p.m. Nothing says keep it cool like canoeing a mountain river. The New River is wide and friendly on this stretch — you’d have to work hard to capsize. (Don’t work too hard!). Small fee to cover the cost of a shuttle. More info here.

As for us, you’re welcome to join us on a 4.5-mile hike Saturday morning at Eno River State Park: we’ll be hiking the Buckquarter Creek, Shakori and Ridge trails, the latter two of which are rare, for Eno River, trails less traveled. You can learn more about this hike and sign up to join us here.

You can find more events at the following:

• North Carolina State Parks has a variety of adventures planned for the weekend. Check those options here.
• North Carolina Office of Environmental Education, here.
• Right here, at GetGoingNC.com.

Whether you join us along the Eno, grab a paddle in a state park or do some star gazing, just be sure to do one thing:

GetOut!