By Emily Reeves, intern

Coast: Save the Frogs

April 30 — Saturday — is International Save the Frogs Day; Cliffs of The Neuse State Park near Goldsboro promises a hopping good celebration in observance. Participants will be able to take part in various activities that give you the chance to learn about the challenges frogs face.

After a presentation in the Visitor Center, there will be a hike in search of frogs residing in the park.

Saturday forecast: High of 79, low of 61, mostly cloudy.

Vital Stats: Save the Frogs Day, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Saturday, 2 p.m., meet at the Visitor Center. Contact cliffs.neuse@ncparks.gov, call 919.778.6234, or go here for more information.

Looking ahead: Fitness Hike at Goose Creek State Park, Washington, Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m, bring a way to track your steps on a brisk-paced 5-mile hike. More information here.

Piedmont: Spring wildflowers

I have a friend who says late April is the perfect time of year to see flowers. Wildflowers are in peak bloom, their perky color accentuated by the grass and trees, which are the greenest of greens.

Saturday, a Haw River State Park ranger leads a wildflower hike on the new Great Blue Heron Trail in its just-opened Iron Ore Belt Access area. The trail runs near wetlands, through meadows and beneath mature hardwoods; it’s terrain ideal for wildflower viewing and perhaps glimpsing a wood duck, or if you’re lucky, the day’s international guest of honor (see Coast entry, above), the frog.

Saturday forecast: High of 74, low of 60. The day will be cloudy, but don’t forget sunblock!

Vital Stats: Wildflower Walk, Haw River State Park, Browns Summit, Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon. Contact haw.river@ncparks.gov, call 336.342.616, or go here for more information.

Looking ahead: Salamander Search at Pilot Mountain State Park, Saturday May 7 10am -12pm, learn about the lifestyle of a salamander then hike to explore and search for some in their habitats. More info here.

Mountains: 2016 Camp Cedar Trail Run

Saturday, Asheville is hosting the inaugural Camp Cedar Cliff Trail Run on 350 acres of mountain forest that is part of The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. There will be a 5K, an 8K, and a Kids Fun Run. Proceeds benefit the camp. After the runs, participants will be able to enjoy camp activities, food, and fun, while they wait for the award ceremony and raffle drawing.

Saturday forecast: High of 79, low of 60, chance for afternoon thunderstorms.

Vital Stats: 2016 Camp Cedar Trail Run, Camp Cedar Cliff, Asheville, Saturday, 8 a.m; $25 for the 5K, $30 for the 8K. Contact 828.450.3331, or find more information, including trail elevations and maps here.

Looking ahead: Life of a Park Ranger, Gorges State Park, Friday, May 13, 5:30 p.m., learn about the many different hats a park ranger wears while enjoying some S’more’s over an open fire. More info here.

The post Your weekend: Frogs, flowers, fleet feet appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Coast: Centennial on the Neuse

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is holding a centennial celebration, in honor of the 100th anniversary of North Carolina State Parks system, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Lots of activities to choose from, including a ranger-led paddle trip on the Neuse River and a 4-mile fun run.

Come for the hickory-smoked BBQ and stay for an interpretive hike. Those who want to participate in the paddle trip down the Neuse must pre-register (it’s free, but there are a limited number of canoes).

Saturday forecast: High of 66 with a chance of rain.

Vital Stats: Saturday March 26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Visitor Center. Contact 919.778.6234 or cliffs.neuse@ncparks.gov, or go here for more information.

Looking ahead: Kayak Trip at Hammocks Beach State Park. April 8, 8:30am. Space is limited, so contact park office to sign-up: 910.326.4881 Visit here for more information.

Piedmont: Skydive Carolina

Now is a great time to jump out of your comfort zone — literally — and jump out of  a plane from 14,000 feet at Skydive Carolina! Although this facility is located in Chester, S.C., it serves North Carolina as well (it’s less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte).

Challenge that voice inside your head telling you it’s too dangerous or not your thing, and listen to that other little voice telling you that you’ve always wanted to skydive. The tandem option allows you to jump with virtually zero experience after a short information session.

Weekend forecast: Highs in the low 70s, partly cloudy.

Vital Stats: Skydive Carolina 1903 King Air Dr. Chester, SC. Prices start at $189. Contact: 803.581.JUMP. Weekend hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit here for details

Looking ahead: 10-mile point-to-point Trail Trek at Raven Rock State Park. April 9, 8am. Registration is required, advance fee $25 until April 5. Visit here for registration and other information, or email FriendsOfRavenRock@gmail.com

Mountains: No Taste Like Home: Wild Food Adventures

Go wild on this guided trip where you learn to safely gather wild edible plants and other edible options. At the end of the journey, there will be a sampling of the wild foods collected, then you have the option to take your gatherings to an Asheville restaurant where the chef will prepare what you have collected — for free.

Weekend weather: Highs in the mid 60s, partly cloudy.

Vital Stats: Any day you like, in various locations around Asheville, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $75. Contact 828.209.8599 or visit here for more information.

Looking ahead: Carolina Hike Series: Mt. Pisgah & Frying Pan Tower Hike and Brewery Visit, Pisgah National Forest, April 8, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact adam@cfaia.org or 828.884.3443  or visit here for more information.

The post Your Weekend: Celebrate, take a dive, forage appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Coast

Among the coastal plains numerous outdoors attributes: less light pollution. That’s especially groovy if you like stargazing. If you’re not sure you like stargazing, find out Saturday evening at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park when park rangers encourage you to spread out on a blanket and learn the constellations and others things astronomical.

Logistics: Saturday evening, July 26, 9 p.m., Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs (south of Goldsboro). More info here.

Saturday forecast: High of 92, dropping to 75 overnight. More importantly: only spotty clouds.

Piedmont

Lately, we’ve been talking with a lot of folks interested in paddling. But how to do it with a limited investment — both in time and money — to see if it’s really something to pursue?

Thanks to your local and state parks, options abound. Options such as Saturday’s Paddle the Pond adventure at Yates Mill Pond, the nexus of Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh. It’s an hour-long program, it’s just $10 per boat and all equipment is provided. You can’t beat that.

Logistics: Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m., Historic Yates Mill County Park, Raleigh. $10. Preregistration required, by dialing 919.856.6675.

Saturday forecast: Great for paddling, with a high of 91 and a smattering of clouds.

Mountains

This week’s high country recommendation isn’t for an event; rather, for a destination: Lake James State Park.

The park’s been getting some buzz of late for its action-oriented expansion: 20 new boat-in only campsites will open this fall, design just began for a new 30-site drive-in campground (this in addition to its existing 20 backpack camp sites along the lake), and more to the point, the park this past spring opened a 14-mile mountain bike trail network — big news in a park system that’s been slow to respond to mountain biking. The park also has 10 miles of hiking trail and canoe and kayak rentals on the 6,800-acre lake. Check it out; it’s worth the ramble.

Logistics: Lake James State Park, Nebo, summer hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more here.

Weekend forecast: Pretty good!

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

The post This weekend: Hot, dry fun appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Coast

Memorial Day Weekend marks the impending end of school and the often daunting task of figuring out how to keep the kids occupied for the summer. That shouldn’t be a problem Sunday, at least, thanks to the Funyaking program at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park in Seven Springs. Targeted to the 10-to-17-year-old set, kids will get to take to their Funyaks (a rubberized kayak) and play a variety of games, most of which, we imagine, will require the use of a towel afterward.

Logistics: Sunday, May 26, 2 p.m. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs. Free, but pre-registration a good idea, by calling 919.778.6234.

Sunday forecast: Partly cloudy, high of 77.

Piedmont

Worry that you’re not going to get your long run in Sunday morning before settling down to enjoy Memorial Day? Sign up for the Memorial Day Festival Trail Race at the National Whitewater Center in Charlotte and your problem is solved. Both the 5- and 8-mile races on the NWC’s 18-mile trail network begin at 9 a.m., meaning that by 11 a.m. at the latest you’ll be free to take in the center’s live music and fireworks display.

But wait, another dilemma: Live music (Jesse Dee, Bonerama, Marc Broussard) doesn’t start until 4 p.m., and the fireworks, of course, don’t happen ‘til dark. How to pass the time until then? Well, you could go white water rafting. Or rock climbing. Or zip lining. Or stand-up paddleboarding. Or any number of other activities at the Southeast’s favorite outdoor playground.

Logistics: Sunday, May 26, 9 a.m. Admission to the Memorial Day celebration is free; race fee is $27 through May 23, $37 race day. Additional fees to paddle, climb, zip, etc. Race information here, information about the NWC here.

Sunday forecast: Overcast early, then clearing. High of 79.

Mountains

The Mountain Sports Festival in Asheville doesn’t mince words in getting to the point at the top of its website: “SPORTS – Triathlon, 5K, Rock2Rock, Disc Golf, Ultimate [Frisbee], Yoga, Cyclocross.” If that’s not enough, it adds, “Music – Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Rock, Funk and more!” And finally, the deal-maker, “BEER – In cooperation with Highland Brewing Co. & Oskar Blues.”

Drill down and you discover a variety of clinics (tandem bike, off-road Segway, fly tying and casting, roller girls, ninja … ) and more on the aforementioned sports (Friday’s cyclocross race and Rock2Rock Trail run, Saturday’s stand-up paddleboard events, a dodgeball tournament …) all mixed in with a mix of live music and local beer. All in Asheville, in the mountains. Pretty decent way to kick off the summer.

Logistics: Friday thru Sunday, May 24-26. Fees for some activities, most are free. Get the full scoop here.

Weekend forecast: A chance of rain early Friday, gradual warming, from a high of 63 on Friday to 75 on Sunday.

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

Coast

CapeFearCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar for the Cape Fear/Wilmington/southern N.C. coast searchable by date and event name.

Coastal Guide
Comprehensive calendar including nature programs from a variety of costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs. Covers the entire coast.

Crystal Cost Tourism Authority
Comprehensive calendar focusing on the Crystal Coast. Good source for programs offered by N.C. Coastal Federation, Cape Lookout National Park, N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve and other costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs.

NCCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar including programs for the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.

North Carolina Coast Host
Comprehensive calendar for the entire coast that lets you search for events by day, by region, by county, by city or by event (based on key word).

This Week Magazine
Primary focus is the Crystal Coast (North Carolina’s coastal midsection).

Mountains

Asheville Citizen-Times
From the main page, click on “Outdoors,” then WNC Outdoors calendar.

Blue Ridge Outdoors
Searchable calendar lets you extend your reach to events throughout the mid-Atlantic and Southeast (or you can just limit it to North Carolina). Also lets you search a boatload of categories, ranging from Hiking, Mountain Biking and Climbing to Trail Running, Triathlon and Road Walking.

The Mountain Times
From the main page, click on “Calendars,” then Main Events.

Todd’s Calendar

Piedmont

Charlotte

Charlotte Observer events calendar
Comprehensive calendar searchable by category, including Nature, Recreation, Recreation & Wellness, Running

Charlotte Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.

Triad

GoTriad.com
Comprehensive calendar includes a Sports & Recreation category.

Piedmont Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.

Triangle

Triangle.com
Comprehensive calendar searchable by category, including: Birding, Boating, Cycling, Nature, Rec & Wellness, Recreation, Running, Swimming, Tennis, Yoga.

Carolina Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.

Statewide

Office of Environmental Education
One calendar for the numerous Environmental Education Centers statewide.

North Carolina State Parks
Lets you search for programs at the state’s parks, recreation areas and natural areas by location, by month, by topic. To reach the calendar from the home page, click on “Education,” then “Fun & Free Programs at Parks.”

National Forests in North Carolina
From the home page, click on Carolina Connections for news updates on the state’s four national forests as well as hints on recreational opportunities and a detailed rundown of recreation areas and the amenities at each.

U.S. National Wildlife Refuges
Rundown, by month, of regular activities at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service refuges in North Carolina.

* * *
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The post This weekend: Memorable bashes in Asheville, Charlotte appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

The weather’s warming, it’s time to hit the river trail.

Coast

We’re getting into prime paddling season at the coast: Not too hot, not too cold — really, just Goldilocks right. Making this a prime time to get in on Saturday’s kayak trip through the Roosevelt Natural Area at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. This trip takes in the tidal flats and mellow waters of Bogue Sound, between the aquarium and the mainland. A naturalist will explain this cool environment and explain why it smells like it does.

Logistics: $25, sign up at 252.247.4003. Starts at 9 a.m. More info on the Roosevelt Natural area here.

Saturday’s forecast: High of 79, 20 percent chance of rain.

Piedmont

Ever wonder how Lewis & Clark might have felt as they rounded a bend on the Missouri River in Montana and saw a massive bluff looming ahead? You can get a sense of that “Holy Moly!” feeling Saturday on a guided canoe trip on the Neuse River at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. In addition to the 90-foot bluff towering above the south bank you’ll pass numerous springs, historic spring houses and some pristine riparian landscape. This trip isn’t offered often and it’s limited to 10 participants. Act fast.

Logistics: The trip is free, starts at 10:30 a.m. and preregistration is required, by calling the park at (919) 778-6234. Check the weather beforehand and dress appropriately, and bring a spare set of clothes, just in case. More details when you call to register.

Saturday forecast: High of 74 with a 30 percent chance of rain.

Mountains

A good reason to head to Asheville for the weekend: the French Broad River Classique Canoe & Kayak Race. The experts tackle an 18-mile stretch of the French Broad in Henderson County on Saturday, a 16-mile leg in Buncombe County on Sunday. Racing Saturday starts at 11:30 a.m., Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Also on Sunday: it’s time for the novices to shine on an 8-mile fun race from Westfeldt River Park downstream to the Asheville Outdoor Center. This stretch includes some Class I rapids. (Get a better feel for this stretch here.)

Logistics: Sunday’s fun race starts at 10:30 a.m. $10 to race, more info here.

Weekend forecast: Highs in the upper 70s, 30 percent chance of rain Saturday, 10 percent Sunday.

* * *

Those are GGNC’s thoughts for an active weekend. Find out other ways you can get out this weekend by browsing our super calendar, a collection of event calendars from throughout the state, below.

Coast

CapeFearCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar for the Cape Fear/Wilmington/southern N.C. coast searchable by date and event name.

Coastal Guide
Comprehensive calendar including nature programs from a variety of costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs. Covers the entire coast.

Crystal Cost Tourism Authority
Comprehensive calendar focusing on the Crystal Coast. Good source for programs offered by N.C. Coastal Federation, Cape Lookout National Park, N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve and other costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs.

NCCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar including programs for the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.

North Carolina Coast Host
Comprehensive calendar for the entire coast that lets you search for events by day, by region, by county, by city or by event (based on key word).

This Week Magazine
Primary focus is the Crystal Coast (North Carolina’s coastal midsection).

Mountains

Asheville Citizen-Times
From the main page, click on “Outdoors,” then WNC Outdoors calendar.

Blue Ridge Outdoors
Searchable calendar lets you extend your reach to events throughout the mid-Atlantic and Southeast (or you can just limit it to North Carolina). Also lets you search a boatload of categories, ranging from Hiking, Mountain Biking and Climbing to Trail Running, Triathlon and Road Walking.

The Mountain Times
From the main page, click on “Calendars,” then Main Events.

Todd’s Calendar

Piedmont

Charlotte

Charlotte Observer events calendar
Comprehensive calendar searchable by category, including Nature, Recreation, Recreation & Wellness, Running

Charlotte Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.

Triad

GoTriad.com
Comprehensive calendar includes a Sports & Recreation category.

Piedmont Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.

Triangle

Triangle.com
Comprehensive calendar searchable by category, including: Birding, Boating, Cycling, Nature, Rec & Wellness, Recreation, Running, Swimming, Tennis, Yoga.

Carolina Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.

Statewide

Office of Environmental Education
One calendar for the numerous Environmental Education Centers statewide.

North Carolina State Parks
Lets you search for programs at the state’s parks, recreation areas and natural areas by location, by month, by topic. To reach the calendar from the home page, click on “Education,” then “Fun & Free Programs at Parks.”

National Forests in North Carolina
From the home page, click on Carolina Connections for news updates on the state’s four national forests as well as hints on recreational opportunities and a detailed rundown of recreation areas and the amenities at each.

The post This weekend: Get wet appeared first on GetGoing NC!.