Before we get to organized options, if you’re looking to hike on your own this weekend, remember that this gorgeous weather brings out hordes of occasional hikers, and that finding a slice of solitude might be more challenging than usual. It doesn’t have to be that way, however, as we noted in Wednesday’s blog, “It’s Spring! Here’s how to avoid crowded trails.” Find it here. 

Now, for those of you interested in tapping into a a weekend hike or program, here are some offerings:

• Lower Haw River State Natural Area: Whack Attack! Invasive Species Removal Workday, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lower Haw River State Natural Areal Bynum. This natural area (pictured above) is a sliver of land running along the Haw River between Bynum and U.S. 64. It’s one of the more wild areas in the region; so wild, in fact, that it’s all but impassible during the warm weather months. It also doesn’t have a true trail; rather, a game path escorts you along the river. But that’s starting to change, and this workday, sponsored by the Friends of the Lower Haw State Natural Area, is part of an effort to make that happen. A great opportunity to learn about invasive plants — them remove them. Pre-registration is required, by emailing ncmlynch@gmail.com. Learn more here.
• BW Wells Heritage Day, Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., BW Wells Recreation Area, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Wake Forest. This annual event is a rare opportunity to explore this portion of Falls Lake, where pioneering N.C. State University botanist Bertram Wells retired. At least four walks, all lasting an hour or so, and other events are scheduled. Learn more here.

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  Secret Pond Wild Things, Sunday, 2 p.m., Carvers Creek State Park, Spring Lake. A good opportunity to introduce yourself to this relatively new (2013) 4,000-acre park near Fayetteville. On this outing, a ranger leads a search for macro invertebrates and amphibians. Plan to work in a hike on the 3 miles of trail here at the Long Valley Farm access while you’re there. Learn more here.

• Caraway Creek Preserve Trail Workday, Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon, Caraway Creek Preserve, Asheboro. Nothing like getting a sneak peak at new trail network, especially if that trail network is still emerging. Come by a part of the construction crew building 3 miles of trail. Learn more here.
• Sunday Wildflower Hike: West Point on the Eno, Sunday, 2 p.m., West Point on the Eno city park, Durham. The Eno River Association’s weekly spring wildflower hike series visits this popular Durham park this week with hopes of seeing mountain laurel in bloom. This is a slow-paced hike with lots of stops to check out spring growth. Learn more here.

Those are some pretty good offerings for an early spring weekend that’s looking pretty swell. Take advantage: GetOut! And enjoy.

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Ferreting out less-frequented trails, II

Finding those less-popular trails, those stealth trailheads, those spots that elude the masses, isn’t hard, but it doesn’t hurt to have a few extra insights into the topic. Our “Explore Your Neighborhood” guide can help you do just that. Written at the start of the pandemic, it was intended as a way to find hidden adventure gems close to home. But the tips that help you do just that also apply to helping you identify stealth spots at large. Learn more and check it out, here.

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