As you contemplate your plans to celebrate Independence Day tomorrow, contemplate this: what would be the most appropriate way to celebrate your independence, that sense of truly expressing your freedom?

With a hike, of course.

In honor of Independence Day, we’ve come up with 11 hikes that capture — in name at least — the spirit of the day. Find one near you and enjoy. (For additional information, check the links at the end of the list.)

American Tobacco Trail, Triangle (Chatham, Durham and Wake counties). 21 miles (consumable in smaller portions). The ATT follows an abandoned rail line (so it’s not too hilly) linking New Hill in Wake County with downtown Durham. Part of it is natural surface, part paved, part both: something for everyone. Also: bicycling, horseback riding.

American Beech Trail, Raven Rock State Park, Lillington. 0.5 miles. Introduce your little ones to the freedom of hiking on this half-mile Track Trail, a nationwide network of family-oriented trails that included brochures for a self-guided tour and signs explaining what you’re seeing.

Bald Eagle Trail, Greensboro. 4.1 miles. Tracing the north shoreline of Lake Higgins, the most intimate of Greensboro’s three watershed lakes, there’s good birding on this stretch, including a possible glimpse of out national bird. Tack on an additional 1.3 miles with the Bald Eagle Loop, mid-hike. Also: mountain biking.

Bicentennial Greenway Trail, High Point. 7.5 miles. This paved path is the southern end of a greenway that, with a gap or two, joins with Greensboro’s Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway, to link High Point on the south with Greensboro’s watershed lakes to the north. Part of the path passes through the Piedmont Environmental Center.

CCC Loop Trail, Singletary Lake State Park, Kelly. 1 mile. The Civilian Conservation Corps, one of President Roosevelt’s innovations that helped lift the country out of the Depression in the 1930s, built this trail, which wanders through a Carolina Bay Forest of bay shrubs, cedar, cypress, gum and poplars.

Eagle Rock Trail, George Washington National Forest, Capon Springs, Virginia. 7.2 miles. Great views abound on this hike, including Paddy Gap, and the gap between Paddy Mountain and Short Mountain. Another plus: according to HikingUpward.com, it doesn’t draw as many hikers you you might expect.

Lower CCC Trail, South Mountains State Park, Connelly Springs. 2.5 miles. Another salute to the CCC, this trail, despite its name, follows a ridge in North Carolina’s largest state park that divides two watersheds (Henry Fork and Murray Branch) and penetrates a forest burned by last fall’s wildfires. Also: mountain biking, horseback riding.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail, statewide, from Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smokies to Jockey’s Ridge on the coast, passing through 37 counties along the way. 1,175 miles. What’s more American than the ambition of building a trail nearly 1,200 miles across an entire state? And there are so many great sections to sample, some of which are likely near you.

Nat Greene Trail, Lake Brandt, Greensboro. 3.6 miles. One of the most popular trails among the 40-plus miles of trail that trace Greensboro’s three watershed lakes on the north side of town. This one, along the south shore of Lake Brandt, is named for the major general of the Continental Army responsible for shooshing the British from the Carolinas.

Overmountain Victory Trail, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina. 87 miles. This National Historic Trail traces the route used by patriot militia during the Kings Mountain campaign of 1780. The park website (below) helps you find segments of the trail near you.

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Learn more about these 10 hikes by clicking on the links below:

1. American Tobacco Trail 
2. American Beech Trail 
3. Bald Eagle Trail
4. Bicentennial Greenway Trail
5. CCC Loop Trail 
6. Eagle Rock Trail 
7. Lower CCC Trail  
8. Mountains-to-Sea Trail  
9. Nat Greene Trail 
10. Overmountain Victory Trail  

The post 10 Especially Appropriate Independence Day Hikes   appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the prospects for cross-country skiing were grim in the Triangle: the nearly six inches of snow forecast the night before — the minimum amount creating a sufficient base on some trails — had taken more the form of ice, a surface good for little more than hockey and busting your keister. But hey, it’s still early in this weather event dubbed Jonas.

So we’ll go ahead and optimistically resurrect our list of places to cross-country ski in the Triangle. And we’ve updated it to include spots in the Triad and Charlotte, where the prospect for Nordic skiing were more promising. Again, this is an update of a piece that originally ran on Jan. 28, 2014, and can now be found on our cross-country skiing site on our home page.

It’s days like today that I pat myself on the back for a decision made 13 years ago.

I’d just finished a gorgeous day on the groomed trails at the White Grass ski touring center in West Virginia and was returning my rental equipment.
“How was it?” asked the ski rental guy.
“Incredible!” I oozed. “I can’t wait to go again.”
“You know,” he said, “Our rental skis are for sale.” At a price, it turned out, that was more than I could afford but too good to refuse. I’ve used them a dozen times since; I’m hoping to make it a baker’s dozen tomorrow.
As Winter Storm Leon (sheesh) makes its way up the coast, the prospects are good for cross-country conditions, from the Triangle into the coastal plain. As of this morning, parts of the Triangle were expected to get up to six inches of snow — with points east forecast to get 10 inches or more.
On the right kind of trail, six inches is all it takes to make or decent cross-country conditions. Where might one find the right kind of trail?
Glad you asked.

Natural surface trails

Because of the rocks and roots found on most trails in the Triangle, you need a substantial amount of snow — 10 inches minimum — to ski. There are some exceptions, however:

Umstead State Park
Raleigh
The 13 miles of bike and bridle trail here offer the perfect base for six-inch conditions. A finely crushed gravel, the surface is devoid of the rocks and roots common on most trails hereabouts, thus, fewer imperfections to cover up. If you’re not comfortable with downhills, pick up the trail via the neighborhood entrance off Old Reedy Creek Road from Lake Crabtree. There, you’ll find more than two miles of flat trail before the rollers begin.
More info here.

Duke Forest
Durham, Orange and Alamance counties.
The fire roads here aren’t quite as surface-friendly as at Umstead, but they’re close. And there are lots of ‘em: the seven individual tracts making up the forest contain 7,020 acres and are accessed via 45 entrances. Learn more about the forest and where you can find helpful maps, by going here.

Al Buehler Cross Country Trail
Durham.
The 3.1-mile Al Buehler Trail has a foot-friendly natural surface similar to that at Umstead. It’s also got some rollers, making for some nice downhill action and some heart-pumping climbs.
More info here.

American Tobacco Trail
Wake, Chatham and Durham counties
At 22 miles, the ATT offers the prospect of long, contemplative escapes. It’s surface is finely crushed stone and because it follows an abandoned rail line, the trail is great for beginners or folks who haven’t been on skis in a while.
More info here.

Greenways

They’re relatively flat, their surface is smooth and because they snake throughout the region, they are generally accessible without a lot of time spent on icy roads. Here are some of the larger greenway networks in the area, which a quick snapshot and where you can go for more information, including how to find the greenway nearest you. You can also find maps, directions and detailed information about local greenways on GetGoingNC’s Greenway Guide.

Cary. The Cary greenway system has more than 70 miles down, anchored by the Black Creek Greenway running from Bond Park to Lake Crabtree and the White Oak Greenway, running from Bond Park nearly to the American Tobacco Trail. More info here.

Chapel Hill. Seven greenways are sprinkled throughout town, perhaps the most popular is the 1.5-mile Bolin Creek Trail, which runs from the Chapel Hill Community Center west to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
More info here.

Durham. In addition to the northern end of the American Tobacco Trail, Durham has several other greenways suitable for skiing, including the Third Fork Greenway.
More info here.

Raleigh. The capital city’s Capital Area Greenway System now has more than 100 miles of greenway, the spine of which is the 28-mile Neuse River Greenway. Lots of good opportunity for Raleigh residents.
More info here.

Farther east

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, Four Oaks. Located just east of I-95, Howell Woods is in Leon’s sweetspot, with snowfall totals in the double digits possible. With 15 interconnected trails (the longest of which is just under a mile) navigating a variety of ecosystems, Howell Woods could be the nordic center of North Carolina in a few hours.
More info here.

Jones Lake State Park, Elizabethtown. Also in the storm’s sweetspot is Jones Lake State Park, which features a foot-and-ski-friendly 5-mile loop trail around its namesake lake. Gorgeous by foot, the trail should be especially fetching on skis.
More info here.

Smithfield. The 3.3-mile Buffalo Creek Greenway runs from downtown to the Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center. A good bet, with snowfall totals in Smithfield expected to eclipse the six-inch mark.
More info here.

Alas, if you’re intrigued but don’t have skis and wonder where you can rent them, the closest place — and only place in North Carolina — is the Pineloa Inn and Ski Shop in the mountains.

Triad

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Coast: Critters and Cocoa

Looking for an excuse to travel to Bald Head Island,? On Friday, the BHI Conservancy staff are putting on a program where participants can meet the residents of North Carolina tidal pools, maritime forests and salt marshes! The program is perfect for kids, and will be held indoors in the Barrier Island Study Center. A great opportunity to get hands-on learning experience with the creatures you might encounter while visiting a beach. This program is from 1- 2 p.m., and is $7. Hot chocolate will be available.

No worries if you can’t make it this week, the program runs at the same time every Friday in January!

Vital stats: Critters and Cocoa, Friday, 1 p.m., Barrier Island Study Center, Bald Head Island. $7. More info and to sign up: dorseybhic@gmail.com or go here.

Saturday forecast: It’s indoors.

Looking ahead: US Open Fat Bike Championship, Blockade Runner, Wrightsville Beach, March 12. More info here.

Piedmont: Winter Morning Wildlife Hike

Register now to secure your spot on Saturday’s Winter Morning Wildlife Hike on the American Tobacco Trail! Join park staff on an educational hike to the Beaver Creek wetlands, where you can learn about an array of waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife. All ages welcome. The hike will begin at 9:30 a.m. and finish around 11 a.m.

Vital stats: Winter Morning Wildlife Hike, American Tobacco Trail/New Hill access, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex, Saturday, 11 a.m. Cost is $5/family. More info at 919.387.4324 or go here.

Saturday forecast: Partly cloudy day with a high of 55.

Looking ahead: Great Backyard Bird Count, nationwide, Feb. 12-15. More info here.

Mountains: Outward Hound Hike

There’s a popular animal shelter bumper sticker that reads: “Who saved who?” That’s the sentiment behind Sunday’s Outward Hound Hike by the Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville. Show up, get a rescue pup, take a hike.

The Outward Hound Hikes are important for the dogs to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, and allows them to get a break from the everyday life at the animal rescue. Pretty much the same deal for whoever’s on the other end of the leash.

Can’t make Sunday’s hike? No matter, there’s an Outward Hound Hike every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday morning at 9.

Vital stats: Outward Hound Hike, Brother Wolf Animal Shelter, Asheville, Sunday, a.m. For more information, go here.

Sunday forecast: High of 32 with a chance of snow! (Make sure to bundle up for this adventure.)

Looking ahead: DuPont State Forest hike: Triple, High and Hooker falls, Saturday, Jan. 30, Carolina Mountain Club. Details here.

— by Emily Reeves, intern

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No matter where you are, head out Friday night and take in the Geminid meteor shower at its peak. And during the light of day you’ll find lessons to be learned about snow.

Coast

The Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak Friday evening — and you can have a prime seat at the Dismal Swamp State Park in South Mills. If the conditions are prime, you should be able to see 50 to 100 meteors per hour! This park program starts at 7 p.m.

Logistics: Friday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Dismal Swamp State Park, South Mills.

Saturday forecast: Low of 33, mostly cloudy.

Piedmont

Sometimes, it’s hard to get the family out on a hike. Sometimes, you need extra incentive. Hidden treasure, for instance. Sunday, there will be incentive aplenty for young hikers on the Winter Scavenger Hunt on the American Tobacco Trail in Apex. Theme: signs of winter.

Logistics: Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m., American Tobacco Trail, meet at the New Hill Parking Area, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex. More info: 919.387.4342

Saturday forecast: Hi of 51, 80 percent chance of rain.

Mountains

It snowed Tuesday at Elk Knob State Park north of Boone, which not only makes for a lovely winter landscape, it also plays into Saturday’s “Snow” program at the park. “For humans,” says the program description, “snow can be pretty, fun, annoying, dangerous and many other things. What does it mean for the natural world? How does it form such intricate shapes? Cut out a scientifically correct flake and learn how to preserve real ones. Come find more about this magnificent crystalline wonder.”

Then, after the program, hike in the stuff up to the park’s namesake knob.

Logistics: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m., Elk Knob State Park, Todd. More info on the park, here.

Saturday forecast: High of 39, chance of precipitation.

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Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.

The post This weekend: Shoot for the shooting stars appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Sometimes you just need to stretch your legs — really, really stretch your legs. If you live in the Triangle and love a good, long stretch, you are in luck, because for an urban area it has more than its share of long trails. And varied long trails to boot. Some are paved and suitable for wheeled sports from cycling to rollerblading to stroller pushing. Some are a foot friendly, finally crushed natural surface, especially good for running. Some are the narrow, intimate singletrack perfect for hiking.
We’ve put together snapshots of five such long trails, ranging from the recently 7.1-mile Black Creek Greenway in Cary to the 60-mile section of the Falls Lake portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (which will soon connected to the Eno River section of the MST and does connect to the Neuse River Trail, which will soon run nearly 33 miles into Clayton). Check out the snapshots. If you’re intrigued, click the recommended link for additional information.

Links to the five trails are below. For future reference, you can find these trails on our home page, on the left-hand bar under “Hiking”.

• American Tobacco Trail
• Black Creek Greenway
• Eno River section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
• Falls Lake section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
• Neuse River Trail

The post Long Trails of the Triangle appeared first on GetGoing NC!.