A big thanks to all of you who responded to our June survey about how we can help you become a better hiker/backpacker. Your response was helpful because until now, we’ve relied primarily on anecdotal information — chatting with you on hikes and trips — to create our programs. This survey helped us see where we were making good guesses, and where we weren’t.
GetOut! Your Friday Nudge for Weekend Adventure
Another summer weekend, meaning hot, sunny and a chance of thunderstorms. Get out and enjoy!
Paddle with a Ranger, Sunday, 10 a.m., Lake Norman Site Park, Troutman (Charlotte area). Afternoon temperatures reaching into the upper 80s, chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon — it all says morning paddle to us. And that’s what Lake Norman has in mind on this hour-long paddle that begins behind the Visitor Center. Boats, PFDs and minor instruction provided: a great opportunity for the first-time paddler. Learn mire and sign up (space is limited) here.
Backpacking the AT: Make a video dream come true
You watch a video of a spellbinding adventure. You think, “Man, I would love to do that … .”
And it doesn’t happen.
It doesn’t happen for any number of reasons. More often than not, though, it falls victim to overthinking the logistics: What kind of preparation do I need? How will I get there? How will I know what to do when I do get there? Before you know it, you’re mentally exhausted and have moved on to the next video.
GetOut! Your Friday Nudge for Weekend Adventure
It’s gonna be one summery weekend, with temperatures in the 90s throughout most of our adventuring region. Our recommendations for this weekend are with the heat in mind.
Stream Safari, Saturday, 2 p.m., Stone Mountain State Park, Roaring Gap. Water — clear, cool water — is a key component of this event, in which water bugs, water quality and staying cool are the focus. If you’re one of those folks who’ve always meant to visit Stone Mountain (but haven’t), here’s a good opportunity. And since Stone Mountain is likely a drive for many of you, we suggest also paying a visit to the park’s namesake, a 600-foot granite dome, via the 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail (which also visits a 200-foot waterfall). Learn more about the hike here, the park here.
Cool hikes with water
Today, we present our 10 favorite mountain watering holes, places where you are guaranteed to escape the death-grip of summer’s 90/90 (heat/humidity) doldrums. Some are just off the road, some you have to work for. All are worth a visit. Links for more information follow.