snowshoeing Archives - GetGoing NC!

Weekend Plans: Snowshoeing? In the Southern Appalachians!?

Emily Reeves — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 20:29:27 +0000

So much snow fell in the mountains last weekend — including a record 66 inches at Mount Mitchell — that not only is it now possible to snowshoe in the the Southern Apps, in some places it’s the only way to get around. Take advantage of this windfall snowfall on guided trips this weekend at Grandfather Mountain State Park.

Had enough of the snow and ice? Then grab a beer and a brat and go for a run in Fayetteville. Or explore the rock of the raven along the mighty Cape Fear.

Mountains: Snowshoe Hike at Grandfather Mountain State Park

Photo courtesy Asheville Citizen-Times

Yes, you read that right, this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, you can try walking on snow!

Grandfather Mountain State Park rangers have decided to offer a new kind of winter sport. Snowshoes will be available, but if you have your own, bring ’em along! Snowshoe hiking is different from regular hiking; expect to burn more energy as it’s a bit like walking on sand at the beach. Don’t let that deter you, however, as the hike is only two miles, with hardly any elevation gain. Park rangers say that it should be okay for any skill level and age! (That said, snowshoes may not fit hikers under the age of 13.)

If there is not enough snow (the park received 14 inches out of last weekend’s storm), a program on Winter Weather Hiking will be held instead in the same location. Additional snowshoe hikes will be held Feb. 12, 13, 26, and 27.

Vital Stats: Snowshoe Hike at Grandfather Mountain State Park, Linville, 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday; meet Ranger Andy Sicard at the Boone Fork Parking Lot, Milepost 299.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Free. More information: grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov, 828.963.9522.

Weekend forecast: Saturday, 43 degrees with wind at 8 mph around 2 p.m.; Sunday, 47 degrees with wind at 7 mph around 2 p.m.

Looking ahead: Totally ‘80s Retro Ski Weekend at Beech Mountain, Feb.18-21
More info here.

Piedmont: Hike to Raven Rock

A ranger tells the story of the rock, at Raven Rock (photo courtesy ncparks.gov)

Did you know Raven Rock near Lillington was originally named Patterson’s Rock after an early settler who took refuge there when his canoe capsized? The name was changed to Raven Rock in 1854, due to the ravens that used to roost on the rock ledges.

This Sunday, join a park ranger on a 2.2-mile hike to learn even more about the cultural and natural history of the area. Maybe you can even surprise the ranger with the knowledge you (might have) just learned! The hike will take about two hours and start at the picnic shelter.

Vital Stats: Hike to Raven Rock, Raven Rock State Park, Lillington, Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon. Free. More info: raven.rock@ncparks.go, 910.893.4888.

Sunday forecast: The hike will begin at about 51 degrees, and finish with temperatures close to 62 degrees. Don’t forget a water bottle!

Looking ahead: Krispy Kreme Challenge, Feb. 6, Raleigh. More info here.

Coast: Boomerang Beer and Brat Fun Run (5k/1 mile runs)

Yes there will be beer for runners over 21 at Saturday’s race at Fayetteville’s Crown Coliseum. There will even be FREE beer for teams of 6 or more! The race starts with a beer, involves eating a foot-long brat along the way, ends with another beer. You can choose between a 5K or 1 mile.

Racers are encouraged to dress in costume, a costume they can swap with other runners along the way. At the finish, there will be a costume contest, a dance off, and bratwurst eating competition. Not yet 21? Not a fan of beer or brats? There will also be vegetables!

Individuals or teams who bring the most non-perishable food items and diapers for a local food bank receive 10 free race entries for June events!

Vital Stats: Boomerang Beer and Brat Fun Run, Saturday, Jan. 30, 1 p.m., Crown Coliseum. $40. More info here.

Saturday forecast: Sunny! About 58 degrees at time of race.

Looking ahead: Coastal Culture and Waterfowl Watching Trip, Feb. 3. More info here.

* * *

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 coastal 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

Great Outdoor Provision Co.
Calendar includes three weekly events for each of its seven markets: Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Raleigh, Wilmington and Winston-Salem. Search by market.

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.

* * *

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

GetGoingNC.com

Promote Your Page Too

The post Weekend Plans: Snowshoeing? In the Southern Appalachians!? appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

This weekend: Run, hike … snowshoe?

JoeMiller — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 15:00:16 +0000

Photo courtesy ridewithgps.com

There’s a half marathon at the coast and a thoughtful hike in the Piedmont this weekend in North Carolina. And, weather permitting, you can do the unexpected in the high country: go snowshoeing!

Coast

Saturday’s Ocean Isle Bridge Run for Food half marathon has been a recent topic of conversation in our household. Our oldest is running the race; a cross-country runner during his days at Enloe High School, this is his first 13.1-miler. We’ve discussed what for him are the unknowns: the advantages and disadvantages of a long flat course, the impact of a usually constant ocean breeze/wind/hurricane-force-blow, the weather. We’ve discussed pace and a target time. All of which has made me wish I was in condition to run a half marathon Saturday at Ocean Isle.

If you, on the other hand, are prepared, then this looks like a great way to start your running new year. From the route map, there appears to be a mix of scenic ocean-front running and protected passage on the second row. The forecast calls for warm (if perhaps wet) conditions, suggesting PRs for the prepared runner.

Logistics: Saturday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m., Ocean Isle. $45 for the half marathon, there’s also a 5K or $35. More info here.

Saturday forecast: 80 percent chance of rain, high of 68.

Photo courtesy ridewithgps.com

Piedmont

Every winter, the Eno River Association celebrates the Triangle’s most popular waterway with a series of Sunday afternoon hikes. The ERA’s Winter Hike Series emphasizes a different stretch of the Eno each week, and the hikes are lead by knowledgeable guides who share insights about the area’s cultural and natural history.

This Sunday’s hike: “Fanny’s Ford and the Road to Holden Mill.” Joe Liles leads this hike in the park’s Fews Ford Access, with stops at the old Holden Mill and the old roadbed that once connected the area to civilization.

Logistics: Sunday, Jan 12, 2 p.m. More info here.

Sunday forecast: Sunny, high of 58.

Photo courtesy Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

Mountains

When it comes to outdoor adventure, North Carolina is full of surprises. Scuba diving with sand tiger sharks in the Atlantic, paddling with alligators along the coast, excellent mountain biking in the non-mountainous Piedmont. This weekend you can add snowshoeing to the state’s unlikely mix.

Saturday, as part of National Winter Trails Day, Sugar Mountain Ski Resort in Banner Elk hosts a day of free snowshoeing expeditions on the mountain. The trips run every hour and the equipment is provided. If you’ve never snowshoed, you should plan to participate. Modern snowshoes let you glide across the top of the deepest snow, getting you into areas of the backcountry typically inaccessible in winter. Read more about the experience in this piece written by Asheville Citizen-Times Outdoor Editor Karen Chavez.

Logistics: Saturday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hourly guided trips reporting every hour on the top of the hour. More info by calling 828.898.4521, ext. 200, or by going here.

Saturday forecast: The forecast for this one isn’t so good: High of 46 and a 90 percent chance of rain. But forecasts can change; check the link before heading out and check with Sugar Mountain to make sure the event is a go.

* * *

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.

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.

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.

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

* * *

GetGoingNC.com

Promote Your Page Too

The post This weekend: Run, hike … snowshoe? appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Ditching one winter expedition for another

JoeMiller — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:24:54 +0000

The plan was to go backpacking at Mount Rogers, a plan that was ultimate done in by it’s inspiration

A winter trip to the highest, most exposed part of Virginia during one of the snowiest winters in recent memory? Epic! But then the area got an additional foot of snow last week on top of an existing foot (sending drifts up over six feet from their original four, according to an advisory posted on the Web site for Grayson Highlands State Park, which adjoins Rogers). Even more snow was forecast overnight. Then a backpacking colleague pointed out that what blazes there are at Mount Rogers (mostly on rocks, since trees are scarce in spots) would likely be covered. Finally, my partner for the trip backed out.

Solo? In two feet of snow? In a moonscape? I haven’t been to the Davidson River/Shining Rock area in a while, I suddenly realized.

One of my original motivations for this trip was to winter-test some equipment. I’d just bought a new 0 degree sleeping bag and was curious to see whether one could actually sleep snugly in frigid cold. I was also curious about my year-old Jetboil camp stove. It’s a canister stove, and canister stoves generally don’t perform well in the cold. This one, though, was getting good cold weather reviews online. Plus, I couldn’t recall the last time I’d hiked in snow, let alone backpacked in it. I was overdue.

I’ve also been resmitten of late by an old flame, cross-country skiing. Twenty-five years ago I had a brief fling with Nordic skiing in Colorado. Ten years ago it was rekindled on a trip to the White Grass ski touring center in West Virginia. I rented skis, then bought them, then didn’t use them again until December, when a rare 8-inch snowfall was enough to get me to make the 12-minute drive to Umstead. That was enough to make me take the three-hour drive a week later to North Carolina’s high country, which lately have seen snowfall more on the order of the Sierra Nevadas than the Southern Appalachians. And that was enough to make me wonder about the Nordic possibilities near Davidson River, which happens to have one of the National Forest Service’s few year-round campgrounds. Davidson River is rich with trails, with hiking, mountain biking and in this case perhaps most tantalizingly, equestrian trails. Horse trails tend to be wider, letting more snowfall in, and have less severe turns and climbs. Surely, Davidson River was buzzing with cross-country activity.

If it was, it turned out, that was news to the two outfitters at the gateway to the region. “Wow, I don’t know,” said the sales associate at The Hub. “Except for the past two winters, we just haven’t gotten enough snow up here.” The response was similar at Looking Glass Outfitters. “There’s always the Blue Ridge Parkway.” Fifteen miles of occasionally icy, sometimes snowpacked US 276 later, I was clipping into my Rossignals and ducking under the gate barring motorized access to the snowpacked westbound (souhthbond officially, if not geographically) BRP.

With that, my words end and the photos begin.

The post Ditching one winter expedition for another appeared first on GetGoing NC!.