We take a slightly different approach this week, inspired by what seems to be a greater-than-usual offering of intriguing critter programs this weekend in our state parks system. Today, we simply list the program title, the park hosting it, when it is, and a link. You have no reason not to learn a thing or two this weekend.
Category Archives: Weekend
GetOut! Your Friday Nudge for Weekend Adventure
It’s been cool most of the week throughout our blogging area, and it will be cool again at least on Saturday, making this the perfect summer weekend to get in a hike.
Mount Jefferson Downhill Skateboarding Event, Saturday and Sunday, starts at 9 a.m. both days, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, West Jefferson. Scratching your head, are you? Here’s the deal: The 1.6-mile road to the summit of 4,683-foot Mount Jefferson will be closed to vehicles both days to accommodate the mountain’s annual downhill skateboard race. Yup, youngsters on skateboards — more than 100 of ‘em — will skateboard down the mountain, dropping more than 700 vertical feet along the way. However, there will be shuttle service to the top of the mountain: park at the Lowe’s in West Jefferson and take a shuttle to the top, where you can hike the park’s 5 miles of trail. And you can check out the race as well. (FYI, one of the sponsors for the race, the Ian Tilmann Foundation, will be giving helmets to the first 100 kids who sign a pledge to wear a helmet while skateboarding.) Learn more about the race here and hiking at Mount Jefferson here.
GetOut! Your Friday Nudge for Weekend Adventure
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.
GetOut! Your Friday Nudge for Weekend Adventure
When you dream of a summer weekend in the dead of winter, you dream of a summer weekend like the one forecast for this Saturday and Sunday: high around 90 (in the Piedmont, at least), slight chance of thunderstorms. A weekend, in other words, made for dreamy adventure.
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.