Carnivorous Plant Hike, Saturday, 10 a.m., Carolina Beach State Park, Carolina Beach. The perfect hike for someone you’d like to get more involved in the outdoors. The trail, the Flytrap Trail, is short, just a half mile. It’s flat and easy to navigate (it’s wheelchair accessible), and it features a natural wonder, the carnivorous plants — including the Venus flytrap — that are unique to the region. A ranger leads the way and shares the stories of these curious plants. Masks are required, space is limited: reserve a spot by calling 910.458.8206. More info here.

Basin Hike, Saturday, 2 p.m., Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Kure Beach. Another good option for the hike-reluctant. Though this trail is a mile long (2 miles, out and back), it is flat and it probes some of the most wide-open space in the state. With the Atlantic Ocean on your left at the start, the trail goes through dune and salt marsh on its way first to a concrete World War II bunker that, more than a half century ago, was home to the Fort Fisher Hermit. The trail continues on to the end of the peninsula, where you can check out The Rocks and The Basin, part of the Zeke’s Island component of the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve, a “1,160-acre area of outstanding estuarine and ocean resources with extensive marshes and tidal flats.” Masks are required, space is limited: reserve a spot by calling 910.458.5798. More info here.

On to the mountains:

Profile Trail Wildflower Hike, Sunday, 10 a.m., Grandfather Mountain State Park, Banner Elk. Wildflower season has begun at one of the most ecologically diverse places in the state, in the country. And if you’re picturing the wild, gnarly, volatile Grandfather Mountain, picture again: this hike is on the Profile Trail along the base of the massif’s northwestern flank, mostly along the Watauga River through a mature hardwood forest. The entire hike is less than three miles and takes a leisurely pace (allow 2 to 3 hours). Masks are required, space is limited: reserve a spot by calling 828.963.9522 or emailing grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov. More info here.

Camping, anyone?

A reminder that if you’ve got a hankerin’ to go camping this weekend — or any time — but don’t have the essential gear, our GetCamping! program can help. Six-person tent, two plush two-person sleeping mattresses, camp stove, rockin’ camp chairs and more. All you have to bring is yourself and some food. Learn more about our GetCamping! program here.

Looking for a hike?

Interested in taking a hike but not sure where to go? Our GetHiking! guides provide maps, detailed route descriptions, details from how to reach to trailhead to how far and hard the trail is, an overview of the hike — even a virtual tour! Check out our offerings here.

The post GetOut! Guided Hikes from the Mountains to the Sea appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

A person could get used to this weather, no? Temperatures in the 70s, sunny skies, crisp, dry air … . Just the incentive for getting out in the wild. We have some thoughts on the subject of where you might explore this weekend — and suggestions for where you can find more options. Just be sure to get out and enjoy!

Ranger-Led Hike on the Renovated Nuwati Trail, Saturday, 1-4 p.m., Grandfather Mountain State Park, Banner Elk. Storms a year ago put the hurt on trails throughout the high country, including those at Grandfather Mountain. The Nuwati and Cragway trails in particular were hammered, forcing their closure while they could be rerouted. That process has been completed, and Ranger Musumarra will be leading a hike on the new trail Saturday afternoon. Sturdy footwear, snacks and water are advised, as is clothing appropriate for the weather, which as of late Thursday was looking cool (low 60s) and sunny. Learn more here.

Wolf Rock Hike, Saturday, 1:30 p.m., Stone Mountain State Park, Roaring Gap. At Stone Mountain State Park, Stone Mountain gets all the attention: it’s always “Stone Mountain this,” and “Stone Mountain that” … . Honestly, you’d think the park’s other mountains might develop a complex. Not Wolf Rock, another extensive slab surface which is accessed via a gradually climbing trail and offers great views to the north and west. About 3 miles hiking total, bring water and snacks. Learn more and sign up here.

Full Moon Hike, Sunday, 8 p.m., Medoc Mountain State Park, Hollister. If you’re one of those types who seeks to squeeze every last minute out of the weekend, then check out this last-call hike at Medoc Mountain State Park northeast of Raleigh. In fact, head up early, while the sun’s still up, and check out the park’s 10 miles of mostly gently rolling trails before hiking under the lights (those lights being the headlamps you provide). If you’re going, please let Heidi know by calling 252.586.1770. Learn more about the hike and the park here.

GetHiking! this weekend

What are our GetHiking! groups in North Carolina and Virginia up to this weekend? Plenty, thanks for asking … .

GetHiking! Charlottesville: Appalachian Trail to Rt. 60, Saturday, October 12, 8 a.m., Fontaine Research Park, Charlottesville. Strenuous. 11-miles. Hike highlights: Appalachian Trail, Cow Camp Gap Shelter, Cow Camp Gap. Learn more here.

GetHiking! Charlotte: Crowders Mountain Figure Eight, Saturday, October 13, 8 a.m. Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain. 8-miles through the peaks of Crowders Mountain and Pinnacle Mountain. Learn more here.

GetHiking! Charlottesville: Cole Mountain Hike, Sunday, October 13, 9 a.m., Barracks Road Shopping Center, Charlottesville. Moderately Strenuous. 6-mile hike leading up to the peak of Cole Mountain. Learn more here.

GetHiking! Triangle: Sunday Morning on the MST, Sunday, October 13, 9 a.m., Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh. Moderate. 5.8-mile hike through flat terrain and cool air. Learn more here.

Live the video

The Wilson Creek area on the southeast flank of Grandfather Mountain doesn’t get near the attention you might expect, what with its view-giving cliffs, its ubiquitous waterfalls, it’s multiple pools. Learn about this awesome area, much of which is a Wilderness Study Area, and plan your own visit, starting here.

More weekend options

Looking for more options for weekend adventure? Check out our GetOut! Find An Adventure resource page here.

The post GetOut! Your Friday Nudge for Weekend Adventure appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

It’s been cool most of the week throughout our blogging area, and it will be cool again at least on Saturday, making this the perfect summer weekend to get in a hike.

Mount Jefferson Downhill Skateboarding Event, Saturday and Sunday, starts at 9 a.m. both days, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, West Jefferson. Scratching your head, are you? Here’s the deal: The 1.6-mile road to the summit of 4,683-foot Mount Jefferson will be closed to vehicles both days to accommodate the mountain’s annual downhill skateboard race. Yup, youngsters on skateboards — more than 100 of ‘em — will skateboard down the mountain, dropping more than 700 vertical feet along the way. However, there will be shuttle service to the top of the mountain: park at the Lowe’s in West Jefferson and take a shuttle to the top, where you can hike the park’s 5 miles of trail. And you can check out the race as well. (FYI, one of the sponsors for the race, the Ian Tilmann Foundation, will be giving helmets to the first 100 kids who sign a pledge to wear a helmet while skateboarding.) Learn more about the race here and hiking at Mount Jefferson here.

Ranger-led Hike on the Profile Trail, Sunday, 10 a.m., Grandfather Mountain State Park,  Banner Elk. Think of Grandfather Mountain and you think of winging bridges and wild weather. That’s all on top of the mountain. At the base, on the massif’s northwest flank, lies the start of the Profile Trail, which revels in stately Southern Appalachian hardwoods and tranquil hiking. Join a ranger to explore this softer side of old Grandad on a 2-mile, 2-hour hike. Learn more and sign up here.

Sunday Morning Birdwalk, Sunday, 8 a.m., Eno River State Park, Durham. Ever walk through the woods in the early morning, hear the avian chatter and wonder who’s talking — and what they’re saying. Eavesdrop with a ranger on this leisurely 2-mile hike. Learn more and sign up here.

GetHiking! this weekend

What are our GetHiking! groups in North Carolina and Virginia up to this weekend? Plenty, thanks for asking …

Live the video

The Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness in the Nantahala National Forest, coupled with the adjoining Citico Creek Wilderness in adjoining Tennessee, make up more than 35,000 acres of some of the wildest terrain on the East Coast. GetBackpacking! spent four days exploring the wilderness this past weekend, and will return next year. Until then, learn more about the area’s trails here.

More options

Looking for more options for weekend adventure? Check out our GetOut! Find An Adventure resource page here.

The post GetOut! Your Friday Nudge for Weekend Adventure appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Yeah, there’s a little rain in the forecast for the weekend. However: 

1. It’s a forecast, which is essentially an educated guess, which is subject to not being accurate;
2. There do appear to be some less wet spots in the forecast; and,
3. Why should that keep us from having a little fun at least planning for the weekend?

That said, here three ideas for getting out and exploring:

B.W. Wells Heritage Day, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Wake Forest. There’s a cool area of Falls Lake State Recreation Area on the east side of the lake that few people know about: the B.W. Wells area. It’s where B.W. Wells, a botany professor at N.C. State and one of the state’s foremost early ecologists lived and peppered his land with a variety of plant life. The area is usually closed, but is open for touring on Heritage Day. Learn more about B.W. Wells here, learn more about B.W. Wells Heritage Day here.

Beginner-Novice Guided Hike, Saturday, 2 p.m., Grandfather Mountain State Park, Banner Elk. Our GetHiking! program is all about helping the uninitiated get into hiking. So when we see a good opportunity, we’re more than happy to pass it along. This 2-hour hike will cover 1.5 miles on Grandfather’s Profile Trail. Along the way, Ranger Sicard will talk about the mountain’s plant life as well as the basics of hiking. A good introductory outing. Learn more and sign up here.

Hike to Fall Creek Falls, Sunday, 1:45 p.m., Mayo River State Park, Mayodan. Another good beginner opportunity as a park ranger and the Rockingham County Naturalist Club lead this hike past a small cascade at Byrd’s Ledge, then up to the larger Fall Creek Falls. 1.1 miles total, at a leisurely pace. Human and natural history will be shared along the way. Learn more and sign up here.

As always, you can find more opportunities this weekend here:

• North Carolina State Parks have a variety of adventures planned for the weekend. Check those options here.
• North Carolina Environmental Education Centers has an extensive calendar of what’s happening at its affiliates; check it out here.
• You can also find more adventures right here, at GetGoingNC.com

GetHiking! this weekend

What are we up to this weekend? Lots!

GetHiking! Charlottesville: The Priest,Saturday, April 13, 8 a.m. Fontaine Research Park, Charlottesville. Strenuous. 9.2-miles. Hike highlights: Appalachian Trial, Peak wildflowers, swinging bridge over the Tye River. Learn more here.

GetHiking! Virginia Beach: GOPC,Sunday April 14, 9:45 a.m, First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach. Easy. 5-mile loop at First Landing State Park. Learn more here.

Live the video

This week’s video is from our hike last weekend at Brumley Forest North Nature Preserve, a Triangle Land Conservancy property east of Hillsborough. The North section has three miles of hiking-only trail, the South has more than 11 miles, much of which is also open to mountain biking. For information on Brumley Forest, including directions, go here.

GetOut and enjoy!

The post GetOut! Your Nudge for Weekend Adventure appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Coast

Did you miss the chance to jump into an icy pool — the classic polar plunge — on New Year’s Day? Do you feel your year isn’t off until an official start until you’ve had the wake-up call that only baptism in 55-degree water can confer?

If so, head to Kure Beach Saturday for their 11^th Run-N-Plunge at the Kure Beach Pier. Live music by the Prime Time Band, silent auction, costume contest, art, food, and more. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics New Hanover County. And to warm up, there’s also a 5K and 1-mile fun walk. (And yes, the temperature of the Atlantic at Kure Beach is currently 55 degrees.)

Logistics: 11^th Annual Polar Plunge, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, Saturday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m., Kure Beach Pier. More info and to register, here.

Saturday forecast: Sunny with a high of 60 at plunge time.

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Looking ahead: BNP Trail Jam (3.5-mile, 9-mile and 18-mile races), Saturday, Feb. 18, Brunswick Nature Park, Wilmington. More info here.

Piedmont

Like a little history on your hikes? Then join the Eno River Association this Sunday on its weekly Winter Hike Series. Each week, the hike visits a separate section of the Eno River Valley: this week, it’s the Pump Station Area, home to Durham’s first public drinking water source. Much of the brick structure remains, which makes for some great exploring. Adds the ERA: “Portions of the hike will be off-trail, some sections may be steep, muddy, or on rough terrain. you may want a walking stick, and sturdy shoes are a must.”

The hike will cover about 1.5 miles and last two hours.

Logistics: Eno River Association Winter Hike Series: Pump Station Trail, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m., Eno River State Park, Pump Station Access off Rivermont Road. Learn more here.

Sunday forecast: Mostly sunny, high of 78!

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Looking ahead: Polar Plunge Splash-n-Dash, Saturday, Feb. 18, Randolph-Asheboro YMCA, Asheboro. More info here.

Mountains

Can’t tell an oak from an ironwood in winter. Leaves do make a difference, but so do bark, limb, bud and branching pattern. Learn to read the more subtle signs that identify our trees on a Winter Tree ID Hike Sunday at 1 p.m. At Grandfather Mountain State Park. Specifically, the hike will cover the lower reaches of Grandfather Mountain, departing from the Profile Trail parking lot and stick to the lower reaches of the mountain.

The hike will cover 2 miles and last about two hours.

Logistics: Winter Tree ID Hike, Sunday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m., Grandfather Mountain State Park, Banner Elk. More info here.

Sunday forecast: High of 61, chance of rain.

* * *

Looking ahead: National Trails Day Hike to Mt. Craig, Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m., Mount Mitchell State Park. More info here.

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

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

Coast

The post This weekend: Polar Plunge, History Hike, Nature Hike appeared first on GetGoing NC!.