That said, two things. One, a forecast is just that, a guess based on what appears might could happen. Sometimes, it seems like more of a whimsical guess, although in this case, where the whole of North Carolina is looking to get wet, it seems less whimsical, more meteorological. And two, a little rain needn’t necessarily stop you from heading out and having fun.

With the latter philosophy in mind — and with a suggestion that you consult our March 6, 2012, post (but updated this week), “Gear Up for Walking in the Rain” — we make our recommendations for the weekend ahead.

Coast

According to the current forecast, the rain is scheduled to depart the northeast part of the state just in time for Canoe the Pond, a periodic ranger-led canoe trip on Merchants Millpond. Forecast: we see the cypress and tupelo gum glistening with new-fallen rain, the Spanish moss dripping more than usual, a brilliant sun poking through as you shove off from the boat house at 1 p.m.

How’s that for optimism!

Logistics: Sunday, Sept. 27, 1 p.m., Merchants Mill Pond State Park, Gatesville. Canoe, paddle, pfd provided. More info here.

Saturday forecast: High of 74, parting skies.

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Looking ahead: Carolina Beach Half Marathon & 5K, Sunday, Oct. 4, 8 a.m. More info here. http://runcarolinabeach.com/

Piedmont

OK, maybe it’s not the ideal weekend to hold Reach the Peaks at Hanging Rock State Park. But frankly, if you’re going to be out in the dampness isn’t it better to be out with several hundred other soggy souls?

In this quickly emerging classic benefitting the Stokes County Arts Council, participants summit Moore’s Knob, Cook’s Wall, House Rock, Wolf Rock, and Hanging Rock — 11 miles in all. If you’re familiar with the park’s Five Peaks Challenge, this is essentially the same, albeit with lunch, an original t-shirt, free canteen, a patch and more! Armor yourself against the elements, earn some peak-bagger bragging rights, and help the local arts community.

Logistics: Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 a.m., Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury. $35 (though you may not get a t-shirt with day-of registration). More info here.

Saturday forecast: High of 65 … the good news is that the chance of rain drops from 96 percent at 8 a.m. to 58 percent the rest of the day.

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Looking ahead: Among the great birding opportunities coming up in North Carolina’s State Parks is the Sunday, Oct. 11, Bald Eagle Count at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Apex. More info here.

Mountains

The farther west you go, the chances of rain diminish — slightly. That and an action-packed lineup recommend Saturday’s Family Hiking Day Celebration out west in Fontana Village. Guided hikes on the Appalachian Trail and Llewellyn Cove Nature Trail, a plant and animal scavenger hunt, nature activities and crafts, birds of prey and other educational presentations and a cookout lunch! Sounds like a day full of family hiking fun.

Logistics: Saturday, Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fontana Village. Free. More information here.

Saturday forecast: High of 73 with a chance of thunderstorms.

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Looking ahead: Introduction to Tenkara: Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Pisgah Center For Wildlife Education, Pisgah Forest. An intro to Japanese fly fishing. More info here.

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

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Coast

Looking for a fast race to get your season off to an encouraging start? Check out the 2nd Annual Brunswick Forest 15K/5K Sunday down Wilmington way,

Specifically, the 5K and 15K courses are in the Brunswick Forest neighborhood. Racing by gender and age category for more serious runners, or show up looking like Ludwig and perhaps win a prize. Food, adult beverages and more afterward. Proceeds benefit the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra.

Logistics: Sunday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m., Brunswick Forest. $35 for the 5k, $50 for 15K. More info here.

Sunday forecast: Sunny and 57.

Piedmont

One of our favorite learnin’ hikes is the periodic Geology Hike at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area in Hillsborough.

Occoneechee Mountain, at 867 feet, is the highest point in the Triangle and because it was quarried years ago, it’s geologic past is exposed. A geologist leads this hike and helps you decipher the mountain’s really, really long past.

Logistics: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2 p.m., Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, Hillsborough. 919.383.1686 for more information.

Saturday forecast: 46 degrees with a goodly chance of rain early in the day.

Mountains

If you’re into mountain bike racing, if you’re into mountain bike racing at night, if you’re into both cross-country and downhill racing, boy are you in luck this weekend.

Saturday is the Icycle mountain bike extravaganza at Fontana Village. Cross-country racing by day, a downhill race that night. All in the rugged Smokies around Fontana dam. And if you could possibly ask for more, check out the forecast below. Too many additional details to list here; if you’re interested, read on.

Logistics: Icycle mountain bike races, Saturday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m. Fontana Village Resort. $30 for one race, $50 for both. More info here.

Saturday forecast: High of 42, snow.

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

Like us on Facebook and get health, fitness and outdoors news throughout the day.

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The post This weekend: Run, ride, learn appeared first on GetGoing NC!.