Let’s see, last weekend I tried the rah-rah cheerleader approach to get your mind off the rain, the wet weekend before I suggested just throwing a trash bag over your head and making the most of it. This weekend? How about, it’s not supposed to rain the entire weekend …

Birding on the Haw River, Saturday, 9 a.m., Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Apex. Saturday morning: that’s one time when the forecast suggests we might not have rain. So why not hang out near the Bynum Bridge and do some birding with Ranger McMurray? This event is in Bynum, at the Lower Haw Natural Area. Find a map here; email Ranger McMurray with questions here.

Forest Management and Winter Tree ID, Saturday, 10 a.m., Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle. Another morning event, this one swapping birds for trees. Learn how to ID them sans leaves, learn how our state parks manage their forests. Learn more here.

Graylyn Road History Hike, Sunday, 3 p.m., Umstead State Park, Raleigh. There’s also a chance that the rain may move out by Sunday afternoon, making this 2- to 2.5-mile hike a good option. This hike starts at the multi-use trailhead (on the Glenwood Avenue side of the park) and involves hiking “down by the spillway and then .. to the old quarry/ dynamite shack area, which is easily one of the prettiest parts of the park. From there we will continue on the Sycamore Trail until we hit Graylyn Road and we will walk up the road visiting the family homesites and graveyards that are there.  You will learn about the people of Cedar Forks community that used to live here at the park.” Hike is free but limited to the first 25 hikers to call 919.571.4170, that’s 919.571.4170! Be one of the first 25 callers! Learn more here.

As always, you can find more opportunities this weekend here:

• North Carolina State Parks have a variety of adventures planned for the weekend. Check those options here.
• North Carolina Environmental Education Centers has an extensive calendar of what’s happening at its affiliates; check it out here.
• You can also find more adventures right here, at GetGoingNC.com

GetHiking! this weekend

What are we up to this weekend? 

GetHiking! Panthertown Valley, Saturday, 9 a.m., Panthertown Valley, Cashiers. This 7-mile hike will hit four waterfalls and offers lots of views. If you haven’t hiked here before, this is a great opportunity to get to know one of the most scenic spots in the state. Learn more and sign up through our GetHiking! Charlotte Meetup, here.

Live the video

The 5,069-acre Birkhead Mountains Wilderness sits on the north end of the Uwharrie National Forest southwest of Asheboro. Check out several hiking options in the wilderness at alltrails,com.