Temperatures in the 70s, mostly sunny skies — sounds like a weekend to get out and explore in the GetOut! universe. Some options for your adventure consideration:
High 5 @ Hanging Rock, Saturday, beginning at 7 a.m., Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury. Our friends with the Friends of Sauratown Mountains do a great job supporting both Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock state parks, the west and east endpoints, respectively, of the Sauratown Mountain range. They support the parks in a variety of ways, one of which is by funding some of the smaller park projects that might not otherwise get done. Where do they get their money? you ask. From events like High 5 @ Hanging Rock. The goal of High 5 is to hike all 5 of Hanging Rock’s key high points: Moore’s Knob, Cooks Wall, Hanging Rock, Wolf Rock and House Rock. Complete the circuit and get a patch! There are two rest stops along the route, foot trucks at the finish (get a $5 food truck voucher upon registration). Cost is $40, which, again, will largely go to benefit the parks. Learn more and sign up here.read more
Rainy today, partly sunny tomorrow: Isn’t that how the adage goes? Or something along those lines? If not, well, so be it. That’s the forecast we’re dealing with, and it’s a pretty darn good one: clouds and rain move out overnight Friday, partly sunny skies and temps in the low 60s move in — perfect weather for a weekend of exploring60Some options:
State Park Days at the Coast, Saturday, daylong, Dismal Swamp, Jones Lake, and Merchants Millpond state parks. The last weekend in October appears to be the time to celebrate our coastal state parks, for three of them are having their Days: Dismal Swamp State Park (including a 5K as part of Dismal Day) from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Jones Lake State Park (with
Panthertown Valley: a great place to get a jump on fall
Technically, it may still be summer (fall starts a week from Friday, on Sept. 22), but the weather suggests the season is well underway. Sunny skies, dry air, temperatures in the 70s and low 80s: weather that beckons with a seductive come-hither finger to come outside and have some fun.
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One of the outdoor pleasures we don’t indulge in often enough: paddling a coastal creek. There’s an odd intimacy in paddling coastal creeks as they meander through marshlands: wide-open, yet hemmed in by cord grass at the same time. There’s something especially enticing in such an adventure come fall, as the days for a warm-weather paddle begin to diminish.
Thus, our suggestion that you head to Bald Head Island Saturday for their Kayaking the Creeks program. A Conservancy staffer leads you through the marsh, explaining the intricate ecosystem that supports so much life. PFDs, paddles and double kayaks provided.
Logistics: Kayaking the Creeks, Saturday, Sept. 16, 4 p.m., Village Creek Access, Bald Head Island. $40 for BHI members, $55 otherwise. More info here.
Looking ahead: Can’t make Kayaking the Creeks on Saturday? It’s offered at various times through October.
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Lake James: nestled at the base of Linville Gorge and feeding off the Linville River, is it in the mountains, or does its relatively mellow terrain at the base of the foothills put it in the Piedmont.
For the purposes of Saturday’s 14th Annual RiverFest on the Catawba River, we’re leaning Piedmont this time around. But you should go and judge for yourself, especially on a day that will feature music, food, educational exhibits, a live raptor release at 10:30 a.m., nature hikes, and the opportunity to take a canoe or kayak for a spin, free. Lots of conservation groups, too, who can explain the importance of the river and what they’re doing to protect it.
Logistics: 14th Annual RiverFest, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Paddy’s Creek Area of Lake James State Park, Nebo. More info here.
Saturday forecast: Mostly sunny, high of 82.
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Looking ahead: Hawk Watch, Sunday, Sept. 24, Pilot Mountain State Park. Come check out the fall migration of hawks from Little Pinnacle. More info here.
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If you were contemplating a trip to the mountains, but weren’t sure what lasting impact Irma may have had, the Asheville Citizen-Times reports: “The U.S. Forest Service has reopened most recreation areas and roads on the National Forests in North Carolina including Davidson River Campground, Lake Powhatan and the Cradle of Forestry.” (Learn more about what remains closed here.)
An area that is open for recreational business is Panthertown Valley, where 30 miles of trail take you past waterfalls, over rocky summits, through a lush valley. A gorgeous area, but one where it’s easy to get lost, which is why we suggest that you tag along with our GetHiking! Charlotte group, which will hike 7 miles there Saturday (possibly 8, if there’s interest in a side trip to Schoolhouse Falls. This hike offers good exposure to the essence of Panthertown.
Logistics: Panthertown Valley hike, Saturday, Sept. 16, 9:30 a.m., meeting at Mica’s Restaurant & Pub in Sapphire. 7/8 miles. More info and sign up here.
Sunday forecast: Mostly sunny, high of 74.
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Looking ahead: Fall Colors, Sunday, Oct. 1, Grandfather Mountain State Park. More info here.
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Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.
This week, hikes and a paddle with something extra.
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Exploring is great. Exploring with a party thrown in, even greater!
That’s the situation Saturday at Lumber River State Park, site of the Lumber River Day Festival 2017. There’s exploring, in the form of free canoe rides on the Lumber River. And there’s fun stuff in the form of bluegrass music, pony rides, a casting contest (for kids), miniature train rides, a bouncy house, food (including ice cream) and more.
Logistics: Lumber River Day Festival 2017, Saturday, July 22, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lumber River State Park, Princess Ann Access, Orrum. More info here.
Looking ahead: Ecology Hike, Aug. 5, Pettigrew State Park, Creswell. More info here.
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Exploring, with a party, II: Hanging Rock State Park: known for its great hiking, its incredible views, its waterfalls. Sounds like a great day in itself, no? How about throwing in a Farmers Market?
From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., local vendors and farmers will set up shop in the ample parking area outside the Visitor Center offering homegrown produce, crafts and more. Provided by Stokes Future, a Stokes County nonprofit “designed to help feed our own, employ our own, and prosper.”
As for the hiking: for a short hike with views, check out the Hanging Rock Trail; for a hike with views that escapes the crowds, check out the Moore’s Wall Trail; and for waterfalls, Indian Creek Trail gives you two in about the first half mile.
Logistics: Hanging Rock Farmer’s Market, Saturday, July 22, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury. More info here.
Looking ahead: Can’t make this Farmer’s Market at Hanging Rock? It repeats every Saturday at 11 a.m. Through Nov. 11. More info here.
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Exploring, with a party III: OK, a mini-party. A T-shirt-making party, actually. But with cool t-shirts designed with leaves and fabric paints. T-shirts and materials are free, while supplies last, atop Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. And, it’s for kids 6-13.
Sporting their new t-shirts, your kids will be in the mood for a hike. May we recommend looping together the Rhododendron Trail and Lost Province Trail, with a sidebar to Luther Rock. Some great views and intimate passages through northern hardwood forest.
Logistics: Trees And Tees’ Paint Your Own Tee-Shirt, Saturday, July 22, 2 p.m., Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, West Jefferson. More info here.
Looking ahead: Moonlight Paddle, Friday, Aug. 4, New River State Park, West Jefferson. More info here.
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Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.
Coast
CapeFearCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar for the Cape Fear/Wilmington/southern N.C. coast searchable by date and event name.
Coastal Guide
Comprehensive calendar including nature programs from a variety of coastal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs. Covers the entire coast.
Crystal Cost Tourism Authority
Comprehensive calendar focusing on the Crystal Coast. Good source for programs offered by N.C. Coastal Federation, Cape Lookout National Park, N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve and other costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs.
NCCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar including programs for the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.
North Carolina Coast Host
Comprehensive calendar for the entire coast that lets you search for events by day, by region, by county, by city or by event (based on key word).
This Week Magazine
Primary focus is the Crystal Coast (North Carolina’s coastal midsection).
Mountains
Asheville Citizen-Times
From the main page, click on “Outdoors,” then WNC Outdoors calendar.
It’s Cliffs of the Neuse State Park’s turn to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the North Carolina State Parks system this weekend, with everything from a paddle to a fun run to an interpretive hike. Or, you can forage in a forest or take a dive.
Coast: Centennial on the Neuse
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is holding a centennial celebration, in honor of the 100th anniversary of North Carolina State Parks system, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Lots of activities to choose from, including a ranger-led paddle trip on the Neuse River and a 4-mile fun run.
Come for the hickory-smoked BBQ and stay for an interpretive hike. Those who want to participate in the paddle trip down the Neuse must pre-register (it’s free, but there are a limited number of canoes).
Vital Stats: Saturday March 26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Visitor Center. Contact 919.778.6234 or cliffs.neuse@ncparks.gov, or go here for more information.
Looking ahead: Kayak Trip at Hammocks Beach State Park. April 8, 8:30am. Space is limited, so contact park office to sign-up: 910.326.4881 Visit here for more information.
Piedmont: Skydive Carolina
Now is a great time to jump out of your comfort zone — literally — and jump out of a plane from 14,000 feet at Skydive Carolina! Although this facility is located in Chester, S.C., it serves North Carolina as well (it’s less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte).
Challenge that voice inside your head telling you it’s too dangerous or not your thing, and listen to that other little voice telling you that you’ve always wanted to skydive. The tandem option allows you to jump with virtually zero experience after a short information session.
Vital Stats: Skydive Carolina 1903 King Air Dr. Chester, SC. Prices start at $189. Contact: 803.581.JUMP. Weekend hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit here for details
Looking ahead: 10-mile point-to-point Trail Trek at Raven Rock State Park. April 9, 8am. Registration is required, advance fee $25 until April 5. Visit here for registration and other information, or email FriendsOfRavenRock@gmail.com
Mountains: No Taste Like Home: Wild Food Adventures
Go wild on this guided trip where you learn to safely gather wild edible plants and other edible options. At the end of the journey, there will be a sampling of the wild foods collected, then you have the option to take your gatherings to an Asheville restaurant where the chef will prepare what you have collected — for free.
Vital Stats: Any day you like, in various locations around Asheville, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $75. Contact 828.209.8599 or visit here for more information.
Looking ahead: Carolina Hike Series: Mt. Pisgah & Frying Pan Tower Hike and Brewery Visit, Pisgah National Forest, April 8, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact adam@cfaia.org or 828.884.3443 or visit here for more information.
Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.
Coast
CapeFearCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar for the Cape Fear/Wilmington/southern N.C. coast searchable by date and event name.
Coastal Guide
Comprehensive calendar including nature programs from a variety of coastal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs. Covers the entire coast.
Crystal Cost Tourism Authority
Comprehensive calendar focusing on the Crystal Coast. Good source for programs offered by N.C. Coastal Federation, Cape Lookout National Park, N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve and other costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs.
NCCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar including programs for the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.
North Carolina Coast Host
Comprehensive calendar for the entire coast that lets you search for events by day, by region, by county, by city or by event (based on key word).
This Week Magazine
Primary focus is the Crystal Coast (North Carolina’s coastal midsection).
Mountains
Asheville Citizen-Times
From the main page, click on “Outdoors,” then WNC Outdoors calendar.
