Two years ago we published five trails that we found to be especially speed-friendly, in large part because of their generally rockless and rootless treat. Today, we double the list, adding five more that we feel fit the bill.

Here are five trails/trail networks where speeding is understandable and should be tolerated.

1. Brumley Forest

Hillsborough, NC

7.5 miles

Multiple trails

There are about 15 miles of trail at Brumley Forest, half of which are open to mountain biking and have the best runner mojo. Wood Duck Way is a nice warm-up, connecting to the lengthy — 4.2 miles (more if you aren’t paying attention) — Springhouse Loop. You’ll find a few, brief rocky spots, engineered for the enjoyment of mountain bikers, but they break up the run with some focused tip-toeing. Throw in the whoop-de-doing Buckeye Loop and you’ve got 7.5 miles of fast, foot-friendly fun.

More info here.

2. Pilot Mountain State Park

Pinnacle, NC

Mountain Trail/Grindstone Loop

6 miles

Two reasons to run this loop. First, it eschews the crowds that frequent the top of Pilot Mountain, where you can wait 30 minutes for a parking spot, and once you’re on the trail, you’re constantly dodging hikers. (You can begin this loop from the lonely Surry Line Road Access.) Second, it has it’s challenging moments (read: climbs) but none are severe and none last long. Plus, you’ll be spending your time in a nicely shaded hardwood forest, especially important on a summer run.

More info here.

3. Hagen Stone Park

Pleasant Garden (Triad area)

3.5 miles

Chatfield Trail

To indicate how threat-free most of this trail is, it’s one of the most popular cross-country courses in the region. It’s noted for its passing lanes, its push-me-but-don’t-break-me climbs, and its overall flow. As for the half mile or so that’s not part of the course, if you start from the gravel lot just inside the front gate and run clockwise, you’ll get it out of the way first, while you’re still fresh.

More info here.

4. National Whitewater Center

Charlotte

30 miles (with smaller runs easily doable)

Multiple trails

This multi-use network is shared by runners and mountain bikers, but the wide trails (in most spots) make it work for both. A traditional rating system for the mountain bikers makes it easy to see whether a trail is easy, intermediate, or holy-cow-how-did-I-wind-up-here? hard. Designed with mountain bikers in mind, the trail has good flow, and the compacted surface minimizes slippage. One caveat: while you don’t have to pay the Whitewater Center admission fee to run, you do have to pay to park: $5 a day, $40 a year.

More info here.

5. Harris Lake County Park

Holly Springs, NC

5 miles

Peninsula Trail

The true joy of this hike isn’t the smooth running surface, or the absence of elevation. Rather, it’s the ever-changing scenery that makes this 5 miles fly by. You’ll run through a swamp, amid the longleafs of a pine savannah, along the lake, past a disc golf course — you’ll even catch a glimpse of the nuclear reactor over yonder. That smooth trail surface lets you enjoy the views and allows your endorphin-energized brain to emphasize the pure enjoyment of the run.

More info here.

6. Merchants Millpond State Park

Gatesville, NC

6 miles

Lassiter Trail

The trail takes advantage of most of the 3,250-acre park, starting near the boathouse and spending about a mile or so within view of the millpond. It then explores the northeast section of the park, an area filled with mature forest that doesn’t betray its swamp heritage: overhead you’re likely to see Spanish moss and mistletoe clinging to the branches of ancient trees. Pines and a variety of hardwoods, including stately beech, are prevalent, as are a range of critters that enjoy wet environments. Carpenter frogs, leopard frogs, bull frogs, cricket frogs and species of tree frogs enjoy the wetlands as do various pond turtles and snapping turtles. The cottonmouth is also present, so beware. 

More info here.

7. Northwest River Park 

Chesapeake, VA

7.5 miles

Indian Creek, Molly Mitchell, Otter Point, Shuttle and Deer Island trails

The 8 miles of trail here are relatively flat, their configuration making for short loops of 2 miles or longer dashes to help shake the cobwebs. A favorite: from the main parking area, catch the Molly Mitchell Trail, which meanders through a wetland forest (the wetter portions negotiated with boardwalk and bridges) down to near Smith Creek. At the 2-mile mark you’ll hit the Shuttle Trail; if you’re hiking thirst is slaked, go right for the the mile-long hike back to your car. Otherwise, go left and, in a couple hundred feet, go left again on the Otter Point Trail, which will take you closer to Smith Creek and the wetlands. A mile later you’ll be at a grassy area and pier overlooking the Northwest River. Either return to the parking area on the Deer Island Trail (about a mile and a quarter, bringing your mileage up to 4.25) or loop around on the Indian Creek Trail, which will get your total mileage closer to 6. Good options, all.

More info here. 

8. Rivanna Trail 

Charlottesville, Va.

3.2 miles, with longer options

The 20-mile long Rivanna Trail is a bit psychotic. Some of its 19 sections are on the wild side (from Azalea Park to Jordan Park, for instance), but many offer the type of fast hiking you sometimes need — after work, perhaps. One such stretch is the 3.2-mile run from Riverview Park to Holmes Avenue near Darden Towe Park. This stretch is dominated by field and park land, and includes good access to the Rivanna River. The pavement (yes, it’s paved, but it has a wild feel) and the distance make this an especially attractive stretch for those seeking aerobic benefits. Speed walkers, runners, strollers, cyclists who don’t like doing battle with traffic all frequent this stretch. 

More info here.

9. Ivy Creek Natural Area

Earlysville, VA

7 miles

Various trails ranging in length from 0.2 to 1.6 miles.

There is to be no jogging on the seven miles of trail at Ivy Creek! Let’s get that straight up front. So while you may need to restrain yourself to some degree, you likely won’t mind: located at the base of the Blue Ridge, Ivy Creek is a mix of upland hardwood forest, stands of pine, meadows, streams, shoreline rambling along Rivanna River Reservoir and a native grass restoration project, all of which will make you slow down and savor.  Note: Frequently, you encounter a junction of trails. Take a map if you like, but otherwise, go with your favorite color (the trails are color-coded).

More info here.

10. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 294 near Blowing Rock, NC

1 to 26 miles

We throw this mountain wonder into the mix to let you add some elevation gain to your workout. 

Moses Cone, a 3,600-acre retreat along the Blue Ridge Parkway, has a martahon’s-worth of smooth carriage trail that lets you focus on what’s along the trail, not on the trail itself. The mile-long walk around Bass Lake is especially foot-friendly and can be accessed just outside of Blowing Rock. A particularly accessible adventure from Charlotte and the Triad.

More information here.

The post 10 Trails Made for Speed appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

That said, a few thoughts on the weekend ahead:

GetHiking! Triangle Fleece Hike at Horton Grove, Saturday, 9 a.m. Horton Grove Nature Preserve, Bahama. We aren’t about to pass on our first opportunity of the fall to hike in fleece! Expect a temperature around 50 when we hit the trail on this 6-mile hike. Starting from the old white barn on Jock Road we’ll hike a loop composed of the Jordan, Walker, Peaks, Holman, Hart and Justice trails. Because of its elevation and location on a high plateau, it should be comparatively immune from the drenching rains of Michael. Learn more and sign up here.

Big Canoe Program, Saturday, 2 p.m., Merchants Millpond State Park, Gatesville (northeast corner of the state). We’re intrigued by the simple program description: “Come to the visitors center at 2:00 p.m. for a canoe program in large canoes.” Large canoes … hmm. It’s free, and while these are large canoes, seating is limited, preregistration is required, by calling 252.357.1191. Not much more information here.

Hutchinson Homestead Hike, Sunday, 1 p.m., Stone Mountain State Park, Roaring Gap (west of Elkin, which is northwest of Winston-Salem. If you’re new to hiking, this is a great starter hike: from the Lower Trailhead Parking Area, it’s a short hike (a half mile overall) to the Hutchinson Homestread, long enough to see some emerging fall color, learn about the homestead, and see the massive moon face of Stone Mountain (and likely some climbers working their way up the smooth face). Moreyinfo here.

More options

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.

And if you’re interested in exploring the two areas featured in our video, you can find more info by clicking the link below:

• Little River Regional Park
• Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Falls Lake Day-Hike Section S

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

After a teasing blast of fall early in the week, we’re back to the realities of July in the Southeast this weekend. Not a bad thing, just something to take into account as you plan your weekend. We share our thoughts on what might make for a grand weekend of adventure below.

Canoe 101, Merchants Millpond State Park, Gatesville. Saturday, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. One of our favorite paddles anywhere is on this 760-acre millpond that is slowly evolving into swamp. Tupelo gum, bald cypress, Spanish moss … this trip’s got it all. And the 101? For you newbies, a short intro to paddling kicks off the trip. $5 fee. More info here.

Stars and Planets, Mayo River State Park, Mayodan. Saturday, 9:30 p.m. Being outside at night is pretty awesome, especially when you have the friendly folks from the Greensboro Astronomy Club on hand to share their sophisticated telescopes and knowledge of the night sky. It’s cooler at night, too. More info here.

Guided Canoe Trip, New River State Park, Laurel Springs. Sunday, 1 p.m. Nothing says keep it cool like canoeing a mountain river. The New River is wide and friendly on this stretch — you’d have to work hard to capsize. (Don’t work too hard!). Small fee to cover the cost of a shuttle. More info here.

As for us, you’re welcome to join us on a 4.5-mile hike Saturday morning at Eno River State Park: we’ll be hiking the Buckquarter Creek, Shakori and Ridge trails, the latter two of which are rare, for Eno River, trails less traveled. You can learn more about this hike and sign up to join us here.

You can find more events at the following:

• North Carolina State Parks has a variety of adventures planned for the weekend. Check those options here.
• North Carolina Office of Environmental Education, here.
• Right here, at GetGoingNC.com.

Whether you join us along the Eno, grab a paddle in a state park or do some star gazing, just be sure to do one thing:

GetOut!

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

It also makes for a great day hike — a great long day hike.

When the weather turns cold and daylight is diminished, we tend to abandon thoughts of a long hike. But why? That cold air is ideal for staying on the move, and while there is a premium on sunlight, we’ve still got a minimum 10 hours of serviceable daylight to work with. (Not that we should be limited to daylight with 200 lumens at our immediate and affordable disposal.)

The key: you just have to know the right place to take your long hikes. That place being the warmer, flatter coastal region. As luck would have it, there are some great long-hike options along the North Carolina and Virginia coasts. Another reason to give these a try in wintry weather: it’s the only time you won’t be joined by flitting, biting, slithering, stalking creatures who keep a low profile below 60 degrees.

Some of our favorites:

• Neusiok Trail | Croatan National Forest, 21 miles, Havelock, N.C. Part of the statewide Mountains-to-Sea Trail, this hike has a ripple or two on the northern end; otherwise, it’s smooth, flat sailing on a mix of trail and sandy roads penetrating pine savannah and the occasional bay bog. The ripple at the north end? The trail begins beneath a stout bluff overlooking the mile-wide Neuse River, then rolls through seemingly displaced terrain that includes a run of holly and a patch of galax, among other Appalachian flora you don’t expect to find at the coast. Keep an eye peeled for the rusted stills that once bolstered the local economy. More info here.

• 

  Weetok Trail | Croatan National Forest, 11 miles, Maysville, N.C. Ever wish you lived back when the very first human explorers reached the coast? When everything was a mystery, when there were no maps and no blazes to help you make your way? Well, good news, friend — the days of true adventure live on on the Weetok Trail. The Neusiok’s lesser-known Croatan cousin, the Weetok starts marked (there’s event a sign!), and then … . After that, here’s hoping you have a good map, a compass and the skills to use them. (Good indicator of the trail’s navigability: the 2014 Weetock Trail Race gave participants engraved machetes.) The easiest (possibly only?) place to pick up the trail is from the Haywood Landing Boat Ramp off NC 58; details here. More info here.

• Merchants Millpond State Park, 10 miles, Gatesville, N.C. We’d been paddling at Merchants Millpond for 15 years before we even knew the park had hiking trails. But trails they have, and by looping together the Bennetts Creek, Coleman and Lassiter trails, you can loop together a 10-mile hike through very gently oscillating terrain that includes a brush with Lassiter Swamp, the 760-acre millpond for which the park is best known, to a rich ecosystem thick with pines and lowland hardwoods conjoined at the trunk via a dense web of understory. A great spot for birding and wildlife viewing in general. More info here.

• 

  Great Dismal Swamp NWR, 80 miles, Suffolk, Va. Look at the trail map of the Great Dismal Swamp NWR and the ruler-straight trails occasionally teeing into one another or meeting at right angles may not seem all that appealing. But for sheer escapism on a winter’s day, it’s hard to beat these gravel roads that demand little attention and allow the mind to drift in whatever direction it chooses. These long corridors through the 175-square-mile swamp invite a variety of wildlife sightings, from the more than 200 species of birds that either reside permanently or visit for the winter, or, if you’re fortunate, a black bear. More info here.

• False Cape State Park, 7 miles+, Virginia Beach, Va. Talk about a daylong commitment: just to get to the park, you have to hike 3.5 miles through the adjoining Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. From there, the 6.2-mile Sandy Ridge Trail goes down the center of this barrier island, with various short (generally less than a mile) trails spinning off of it. Some take you to Back Bay through maritime woods, some take you out to the Atlantic. Go from November through February and you’ll likely see few other souls: the tram service that otherwise hauls visitors in runs only occasionally in winter. More info here.

• 

  Holly Shelter Game Lands, 19 miles, Hampstead, N.C. There’s something almost midwestern in the wide-open spaces that define this 63,500-acre gameland between Wilmington and Jacksonville: stand at the corner of the dusty Lodge and New roads, look north, and you half expect to see a crop duster gradually materialize and take a swipe at you. The stretches of barren terrain are offset by dense coastal forest, making for an interesting contrast on this 19-mile run, part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. More info here.

For information on our December Neusiok backpack trip, visit GetHiking! Triangle here. And keep an on your local GetHiking! site for more long hikes at the coast this winter.

Happy trails,

Joe

The post This winter, go long appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

After a long spell of rain, you owe it to yourself to spend the weekend outdoors. The opportunities for doing so abound.

Coast

How many chances do you get to run a 5K through a swamp? Not too many.

Saturday, though, you have the chance at the Millpond Day 5K Family Fun Run/Walk at Merchants Millpond State Park. The run is on park trail that winds through bottomland coastal forest and brushes against the park’s 760-acre millpond. It’s part of Millpond Day, a celebration that includes exhibits, programs, entertainment, kids activities, food and more. And, there’s always the opportunity to paddle the millpond in a rental canoe.

Logistics: Millpond Day 5K Family Fun Run/Walk, Saturday, April 29, 8:30 a.m. Merchants Millpond State Park, Gatesville. More info here.

Saturday forecast: Mostly sunny with a high of 92.

* * *

Looking ahead: Carnivorous Plant Hike, Sunday, May 21, Carolina Beach State Park, Carolina Beach. More info here.

Piedmont

It’s early, but it’s worth the odds of catching the first bloom of mountain laurel in the state on Sunday’s weekly hike in the Eno River Association’s spring series. Mountain laurel, as its name might suggest, is typically found in the higher, cooler climes of the mountains. However, it’s also found in shaded, protected pockets of the Piedmont, including spots along the Eno River. One of those spots is on the appropriately named Laurel Bluffs Trail at Eno River State Park.

Sunday, the Eno River Association leads a hike on the trail in search of the lovely flower of the mountain laurel. The hike commences from the headquarters of the Eno River Association, at the corner of Guess Road and the Eno River, heads 2.5 miles upstream to the Pump Station Access, then returns.

Logistics: Laurel Bluffs Trail hike, Sunday, April 30, 2 p.m., Eno River Association office, 4404 Guess Road, Durham. More info here.

Saturday forecast: Mostly sunny, high of 85.

* * *

Looking ahead: Can’t make Sunday’s hike? There are three more in the spring series. Learn when and where, here.

Mountains

You don’t often see a duathlon pairing whitewater kayaking and road cycling. But you do this weekend, at Jerry’s Baddle on and near the Green River of western North Carolina. Launched in 2006 to honor ALS victim Jerry Beckwith and to raise money for the ALS Association North Carolina Chapter, the event consists of 4 miles of whitewater paddling on the Green River followed by 26 miles of road cycling with 4,000 feet of total climbing.  Note: the whitewater portion includes the Class V Narrows portion of the Green River Gorge.

Logistics: Jerry’s Baddle, Saturday, April 29, Saluda. $55. More info here.

Sunday forecast: High of 81, chance of thunderstorms.

* * *

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

* * *

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

The post This weekend: Sunny days ahead  appeared first on GetGoing NC!.