First, a note that all North Carolina State Parks and most municipal and county parks are closed Christmas Day (Sunday). Thus, if you plan any park exploring, best get it in Saturday (or Friday!). That said … .

Coast | Coastal Plain

Got visiting kin who could use a bit of movement and wouldn’t mind learning about North Carolina history? Load ‘em in the car Saturday morning and head them down to Carvers Creek State Park near Spring Lake, for a 3-Mile History Hike, taking in the grist mill, pavilion, silos and other features of this property, once a farm owned by James Stillman Rockefeller.

Logistics: 3-Mile History Hike, Saturday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m., Carvers Creek State Park, Spring Lake. More info and sign up here.

Saturday forecast: Hi of 61 with a chance of rain.

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Looking ahead: Trail Games at Weymouth Woods, Sunday, Jan. 29, Weymouth Woods State Natural Area, Southern Pines. More info here.

Piedmont

When we think of hiking at Pilot Mountain State Park, our thoughts typically turn to hiking the big kahuna, Pilot Mountain — Big Pinnacle, Little Pinnacle, Ledge Spring — itself. Great views, rocky outcrops, lots to see. Typically, we don’t think of the park’s lesser-visited Corridor and Bean Shoals sections to the south.

Last month, for the first time, we lead a hike in the Bean Shoals area and were surprised by its diversity and beauty. It was also hillier than we expected, being so close to the Yadkin River. In short, a great hike. And one you can explore Saturday morning in the company of a park ranger.

Logistics: Bean Shoals Canal Hike, Sautrday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m., Pilot Mountain State Park / Bean Shoals Access. More info here.

Saturday forecast: Hi if 51, it might be wet.

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Looking ahead: Holiday Sing-A-Long: yuletide faves our forefathers/mothers/sister/brothers might have sung, Monday, Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m., Eno River State Park. More info here.

Mountains

Apparently, Grandfather Mountain State Park didn’t get the memo: they’ll hold their annual Christmas Day Photo Scavenger Hunt Sunday from 3-5 p.m. Here’s how it works: you get a list of 12 items to shoot, the folks who shoot the most qualify for cool prizes (including a first prize of a $50 gift card, a tent and a one-night camping pass to the N.C. state park of your choice). Read more about the contest here.

It’s a great opportunity to get out on Christmas, a great opportunity to try out any new photography devices Santa may have brought, a great opportunity, period.

Logistics: Christmas Day Photo Scavenger Hunt, Sunday, Dec. 25, 3-5 p.m., Grandfather Mountain State Park/Profile Trail Parking area off NC 105 in Banner Elk. More info here.

Sunday forecast: Cloudy, high of 52.

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Looking ahead: The forecast calls for snow and cold going into next weekend, suggesting it could be a great time to go skiing. Keep tabs on the latest conditions at skisoutheast.com.

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

Coast

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