This series includes 9 guided hikes over the last four months of the year. In addition, for the weeks we don’t offer a guided hike, we offer a suggested hike you can do alone or as a group. 

This series provides you the incentive to get back on the trail during the best time of year to be doing so! Some of the hikes you may recognize from your past GetHiking! adventures, some will be new. Five of the hikes are during the day (Sundays and the Friday after Thanksgiving), four are on Tuesday evenings.

What: 9 hikes — 4 on Sundays, 1 on the Friday after Thanksgiving, 4 on Tuesdays.

Experience level: Our hikes are geared toward hikers with some experience.

When: First Sunday of the month, September through December, plus the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) and the last Sunday of the year (Dec. 27). Hikes begin at 9 a.m., Tuesday evening hikes begin at 6:30 p.m.

Includes:

• The Monday before each hike you’ll receive an eguide for both hikes that week, including map, route description, route overview, directions and other details.
• GetHiking! Guide to 25 Triangle Trails

Cost: $95, $165 for couples and families. To register, go here for single hikers, here for couples and families.

Questions?  Email me at joe@getgoingnc.com.

The hikes

Sundays

October 4  Horton Grove Nature Preserve, Bahama, 5 miles. A GetHiking! favorite, this Triangle Land Conservancy property north of Durham is good in any season, but especially in autumn, where a rich mix of hardwood canopy and understory gets an early start on fall color.

November 1 Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area: Peach Orchard Trailhead, Snow Camp, 5 miles. We hike Cane Creek’s Pine Hill Trailhead when it opened in 2020, we hiked the Oak Hill Trailhead when it opened three years ago. Now, we hike the just-opened Peach Orchard Trailhead, where we can also climb the also recently opened observation tower.

November 27 Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-H, Shinleaf Recreation Area, Wake Forest, 6 miles. Duck in and out of several coves, disappear into upland hardwood forests, catch good views of Falls Lake on this out-and-back hike.

December 6  Butner Game Lands: Flat River Access, Bahama, 5 miles. Part of the 40,000-acre Butner Game Lands located along the north shore of Falls Lake, we hike the Brickhouse Road parcel, which includes wide open stretches, ponds, and encounters with the Flat River and Falls Lake.  

December  27 Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-R,S Redwood Road to Red Mill Road, Durham, 6 miles. A mix of forest and meadow, this hike includes a brush or two with Falls Lake, an old railroad trestle, a long-abandoned barn. Our favorite Winter Hike along Falls Lake.

Evenings

September 8 — Brumley Forest North, Hillsborough. 3 miles. Sunset: 8:35 p.m., twilight ends: 9:03. p.m.. A mix of meadows, ponds and mature forest make ideal features for enjoying sunset.

October 13 — Pennys Bend Nature Preserve, Durham. 3.2 miles. Sunset 6:44 p.m., twilight ends: 7:08 p.m.

A lollipop loop that goes out along the Eno River, returns, in part, through a Piedmont prairie.

November 10 —  Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake: Dayhike Section M, Durham County. 3

miles. Sunset: 5:13 p.m., Twilight ends: 5:39 p.m.. We’ll hike west on the MST through one of the more mature forests the trail encounters along Falls Lake. There’s a small waterfall a mile in.

December 8 — Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, Dayhike Section T, 3 miles. Durham. Sunset: 5:13 p.m., Twilight ends: 5:38 p.m.. A hike we recently rediscovered after a long absence, we begin at Red Mill Road and hike west on the MST, mostly through bottomland forest until a climb takes us to our turnaround and a bluff overlooking the Eno River.

The post GetHiking! 2026 Fall Hike Series appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

This series provides you the incentive to keep hiking weekly, and the opportunity to explore new trails while enjoying the  camaraderie of fellow hikers. We focus on the trails less traveled, at the times less traveled. 

What: 8 hikes — 7 on Sundays, 1 on the Friday after Thanksgiving — on Triangle trails.

Experience level: Our hikes are geared toward hikers with some experience. You needn’t be fast; we lead our hikes from the rear, so no one is left behind. 

When: First Sunday of the month, July through December, plus the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) and the last Sunday of the year (Dec. 27). Hikes begin at 9 a.m.

Includes:

• The Monday before each hike you’ll receive an eguide for each hike, including map, route description, route overview, directions and other details.
• GetHiking! Guide to 25 Triangle Trails

Cost: $175, $295 for couples and families. To register, go here for single hikers, here for couples and families.

Questions?  Email me at joe@getgoingnc.com.

Where we hike

July 5 Brumley North, Hillsborough, 3.2 miles. We cut back the mileage on our summer hikes, heading to this, one of our favorite hikes from our previous summer  evening hike series. Plus, the return of post-hike popsicles!

August 2 Confluence Natural Area, Hillsborough, 4 miles. We’ve only hiked here once, shortly after the new Poplar Bend Loop Trail opened. We hike along both the east and west branches of the Eno River, as well as through a maturing upland hardwood forest. Apres hike popsicles.

September 6 Mountains-to-Sea Trail, DH-P (Hickory Hill Boat Ramp), 5 miles. A flat trail  that spends its start and finish along Falls Lake, disappearing midway into a rich bottomland forest. Popsicles to reflect with at the end.

October 4  Horton Grove Nature Preserve, Bahama, 5 miles. A GetHiking! favorite, this Triangle Land Conservancy property north of Durham is good in any season, but especially in autumn, where a rich mix of hardwood canopy and understory gets an early start on fall color.

November 1 Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area: Peach Orchard Trailhead, Snow Camp, 5 miles. We hike Cane Creek’s Pine Hill Trailhead when it opened in 2020, we hiked the Oak Hill Trailhead when it opened three years ago. Now, we hike the just-opened Peach Orchard Trailhead, where we can also climb the also recently opened observation tower.

November 27 Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-H, Shinleaf Recreation Area, Wake Forest, 6 miles. Duck in and out of several coves, disappear into upland hardwood forests, catch good views of Falls Lake on this out-and-back hike.

December 6  Butner Game Lands: Flat River Access, Bahama, 5 miles. Part of the 40,000-acre Butner Game Lands located along the north shore of Falls Lake, we hike the Brickhouse Road parcel, which includes wide open stretches, ponds, and encounters with the Flat River and Falls Lake.  

December  27 Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-R,S Redwood Road to Red Mill Road, Durham, 6 miles. A mix of forest and meadow, this hike includes a brush or two with Falls Lake, an old railroad trestle, a long-abandoned barn. Our favorite Winter Hike along Falls Lake.

The post GetHiking! Summer/Fall 2026 Hike Series (Single Hiker) appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

This series provides you the incentive to keep hiking weekly, and the opportunity to explore new trails while enjoying the  camaraderie of fellow hikers. We focus on the trails less traveled, at the times less traveled. 

What: 8 hikes — 7 on Sundays, 1 on the Friday after Thanksgiving — on Triangle trails.

Experience level: Our hikes are geared toward hikers with some experience. You needn’t be fast; we lead our hikes from the rear, so no one is left behind. 

When: First Sunday of the month, July through December, plus the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) and the last Sunday of the year (Dec. 27). Hikes begin at 9 a.m.

Includes:

• The Monday before each hike you’ll receive an eguide for each hike, including map, route description, route overview, directions and other details.
• GetHiking! Guide to 25 Triangle Trails

Cost: $175, $295 for couples and families.

Questions?  Email me at joe@getgoingnc.com.

Where we hike

July 5 Brumley North, Hillsborough, 3.2 miles. We cut back the mileage on our summer hikes, heading to this, one of our favorite hikes from our previous summer  evening hike series. Plus, the return of post-hike popsicles!

August 2 Confluence Natural Area, Hillsborough, 4 miles. We’ve only hiked here once, shortly after the new Poplar Bend Loop Trail opened. We hike along both the east and west branches of the Eno River, as well as through a maturing upland hardwood forest. Apres hike popsicles.

September 6 Mountains-to-Sea Trail, DH-P (Hickory Hill Boat Ramp), 5 miles. A flat trail  that spends its start and finish along Falls Lake, disappearing midway into a rich bottomland forest. Popsicles to reflect with at the end.

October 4  Horton Grove Nature Preserve, Bahama, 5 miles. A GetHiking! favorite, this Triangle Land Conservancy property north of Durham is good in any season, but especially in autumn, where a rich mix of hardwood canopy and understory gets an early start on fall color.

November 1 Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area: Peach Orchard Trailhead, Snow Camp, 5 miles. We hike Cane Creek’s Pine Hill Trailhead when it opened in 2020, we hiked the Oak Hill Trailhead when it opened three years ago. Now, we hike the just-opened Peach Orchard Trailhead, where we can also climb the also recently opened observation tower.

November 27 Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-H, Shinleaf Recreation Area, Wake Forest, 6 miles. Duck in and out of several coves, disappear into upland hardwood forests, catch good views of Falls Lake on this out-and-back hike.

December 6  Butner Game Lands: Flat River Access, Bahama, 5 miles. Part of the 40,000-acre Butner Game Lands located along the north shore of Falls Lake, we hike the Brickhouse Road parcel, which includes wide open stretches, ponds, and encounters with the Flat River and Falls Lake.  

December  27 Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-R,S Redwood Road to Red Mill Road, Durham, 6 miles. A mix of forest and meadow, this hike includes a brush or two with Falls Lake, an old railroad trestle, a long-abandoned barn. Our favorite Winter Hike along Falls Lake.

The post GetHiking! Summer/Fall 2026 Hike Series (Couples/Families) appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Welcome to our Winter/Spring 2026 Sunday Monthly Hike Series! This series offers 8 guided hikes, 6 on the first Sunday of the month, plus two bonus Sunday hikes to kick off the year! In addition, for the weeks we don’t offer a guided hike, we offer a suggested hike you can do alone or as a group. Each recommendation comes with a GetHiking! eguide, which includes map, route description and general hike  info.  

This series provides you the incentive to keep hiking through winter, and the opportunity to explore new trails while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers. We focus on the trails less traveled, at the times less traveled.  

What: 8 Sunday hikes on trails in the Triangle.

Experience level: Our hikes are geared toward hikers with some experience. You needn’t be fast; we lead our hikes from the rear, so no one is left behind. 

When: First Sunday of the month, January through June, plus the third Sunday of January (MLK Weekend) and the fourth Sunday of March. Hikes begin at 9 a.m.

Includes:

• The Wednesday before each hike you’ll receive an eguide for each hike, including map, route description, route overview, directions and other details. (Every Friday we send a hike reminder along with a look at the weather.)
• GetHiking! Guide to 25 Triangle Trails
• GetHiking! Guide to Winter Hiking

Cost: $295  for couples and families ($175 for single hikers).

Questions?  Email me at joe@getgoingnc.com.

Where we hike

January 4  Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-H, Shinleaf Recreation Area, Wake Forest, 6 miles. Duck in and out of several coves, disappear into upland hardwood forests, catch good views of Falls Lake on this out-and-back hike. 

January 18  Butner Game Lands: Flat River Access, Bahama, 5 miles. Part of the 40,000-acre Butner Game Lands located along the north shore of Falls Lake, we hike the Brickhouse Road parcel, which includes wide open stretches, ponds, and encounters with the Flat River and Falls Lake.   

February 1  Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-8  (NC 50 to NC 98),  Raleigh, 7.2 miles. This is the longest continuous section of the MST along Falls Lake, with views of the lake, passage through a long-abandoned farm, and stretches that feel as remote as any you’ll encounter in the Triangle.

March 1  Mountains-to-Sea Trail, DH-P (Hickory  Hill Boat Ramp), 6 miles. A great trail for spotting the first trout lilies, spring beauties and other signs of emerging spring.  It’s been rerouted in spots, so even if you’ve hiked this trail, if you haven’t hiked it recently you’re in for a surprise.

March 22 Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area: Oak Hill Trailhead, Snow Camp, 6 miles. A bonus Sunday hike to welcome Spring (which arrives on March 20) at this  new network that’s similar to the Uwharrie Mountains, but without the drive.

April 5  Horton Grove Nature Preserve, Bahama, 6 miles. A GetHiking! favorite, this Triangle Land Conservancy property north of Durham is good in any season, but especially in spring, where a rich mix of hardwood canopy and understory captures the pastel blooms of spring. 

May 3  Eno River State Park: Pleasant Green Access to Cabe Lands Access, Durham, 5 miles. We start in a bottomland forest, then climb a ridge dense with mountain laurel before descending down to the Eno and circling the Eno Quarry. 

June 7  Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-R,S Redwood Road to Red Mill Road, Durham, 6 miles. A mix of forest and meadow, this hike includes a brush or two with Falls Lake, an old railroad trestle, a long-abandoned barn. Our favorite Winter Hike along Falls Lake. 

The post GetHiking! Winter/Spring 2026 Hike Series (Couples and Families) appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Welcome to our Winter/Spring 2026 Sunday Monthly Hike Series! This series offers 8 guided hikes, 6 on the first Sunday of the month, plus two bonus Sunday hikes to kick off the year! In addition, for the weeks we don’t offer a guided hike, we offer a suggested hike you can do alone or as a group. Each recommendation comes with a GetHiking! eguide, which includes map, route description and general hike  info.  

This series provides you the incentive to keep hiking through winter, and the opportunity to explore new trails while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers. We focus on the trails less traveled, at the times less traveled.  

What: 8 Sunday hikes on trails in the Triangle.

Experience level: Our hikes are geared toward hikers with some experience. You needn’t be fast; we lead our hikes from the rear, so no one is left behind. 

When: First Sunday of the month, January through June, plus the third Sunday of January (MLK Weekend) and the fourth Sunday of March. Hikes begin at 9 a.m.

Includes:

• The Wednesday before each hike you’ll receive an eguide for each hike, including map, route description, route overview, directions and other details. (Every Friday we send a hike reminder along with a look at the weather.)
• GetHiking! Guide to 25 Triangle Trails
• GetHiking! Guide to Winter Hiking

Cost: $175 ($295 for couples and families).

Questions?  Email me at joe@getgoingnc.com.

Where we hike

January 4  Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-H, Shinleaf Recreation Area, Wake Forest, 6 miles. Duck in and out of several coves, disappear into upland hardwood forests, catch good views of Falls Lake on this out-and-back hike. 

January 18  Butner Game Lands: Flat River Access, Bahama, 5 miles. Part of the 40,000-acre Butner Game Lands located along the north shore of Falls Lake, we hike the Brickhouse Road parcel, which includes wide open stretches, ponds, and encounters with the Flat River and Falls Lake.   

February 1  Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-8  (NC 50 to NC 98),  Raleigh, 7.2 miles. This is the longest continuous section of the MST along Falls Lake, with views of the lake, passage through a long-abandoned farm, and stretches that feel as remote as any you’ll encounter in the Triangle.

March 1  Mountains-to-Sea Trail, DH-P (Hickory  Hill Boat Ramp), 6 miles. A great trail for spotting the first trout lilies, spring beauties and other signs of emerging spring.  It’s been rerouted in spots, so even if you’ve hiked this trail, if you haven’t hiked it recently you’re in for a surprise.

March 22 Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area: Oak Hill Trailhead, Snow Camp, 6 miles. A bonus Sunday hike to welcome Spring (which arrives on March 20) at this  new network that’s similar to the Uwharrie Mountains, but without the drive.

April 5  Horton Grove Nature Preserve, Bahama, 6 miles. A GetHiking! favorite, this Triangle Land Conservancy property north of Durham is good in any season, but especially in spring, where a rich mix of hardwood canopy and understory captures the pastel blooms of spring. 

May 3  Eno River State Park: Pleasant Green Access to Cabe Lands Access, Durham, 5 miles. We start in a bottomland forest, then climb a ridge dense with mountain laurel before descending down to the Eno and circling the Eno Quarry. 

June 7  Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Falls Lake, DH-R,S Redwood Road to Red Mill Road, Durham, 6 miles. A mix of forest and meadow, this hike includes a brush or two with Falls Lake, an old railroad trestle, a long-abandoned barn. Our favorite Winter Hike along Falls Lake. 

The post GetHiking! Winter/Spring 2026 Hike Series (Single Hiker) appeared first on GetGoing NC!.