When Rod Broadbelt began leading hikes at Umstead State Park more than two decades ago, they were events not for the feint of foot. Rod had just retired to Cary, moving from the Philadelphia area where he was a member of a competitive hiking club.
Competitive hiking? you ask.
Ten years ago, we ran a weekly series of posts called “Hikes You Can Do.” They were hikes across the state, seven in all, that weren’t long (though some included longer options), that weren’t necessarily strenuous (but would still get your heartbeat up), and that just about anybody could do.
The times they are a changin’. And that change is affecting when we get out and play. Two factors in particular affect the when-we-play factor in North Carolina:
Telecommuters with more flexible work schedules and retirees whose time is likewise more malleable means that these two sizable demographics aren’t relegated to just getting out on weekends. Add in a sizable service industry with varied working hours that can leave time off during the day, and we’ve got a seemingly sizable number of candidates for midweek escapes.
This week’s video is a salute to exploring in the rain, which is our way of saying there’s a lot of it in the forecast the next few days.
But not on Saturday! So, we have three options today: 1) if you want to stay dry, 2) if you don’t mind the rain, 3) if you’d rather wait until New Year’s Day (when there’s still a chance of rain).
Here are some resources that will hopefully help you find the adventure you want:
=&0=&. Looking for a place to hike near home? Here are our recommendations for:
=&1=&. Find out what your local GetHiking! chapter (as well as GetExploring! Greenville) is up to over the holidays starting here.
=&2=&. If you’re willing to commit and day (including driving), check out these worthy options:
Five Great Hikes at the Coast and Coastal Plains. Heading to the beach for the holidays? Work in
one of these hikes
