Coast

We would be remiss if, in this New Year’s edition of Weekend Plans, we didn’t include at least one polar plunge, that peculiar tradition born in the north where we strip down to our skivvies and immerse ourselves in water that hasn’t frozen over — though in some northern climes the tradition requires drilling a hole through the frozen-over lake surface, then jumping in. An impressive level of lunacy.

To fulfill this obligation, we tried to find the warmest polar plunge around. Thus, we passed on the plunge planned for Hanging Rock State Park on Thursday, from 1-3 p.m., despite the promise of a bonfire and DJ (go here if you’re interested), in favor of the 13th Annual Dolphin Dip Extravaganza at Surf City, where the water temperature is around 55. (If that sounds not-so-cold, when you visit in the summer the water temperature is generally in the low 80s.)

And if you subscribe to the notion that there’s strength (and possibly a little heat) in numbers, more than 4,000 dippers are expected.

Logistics: 13th Annual Dolphin Dip Extravaganza at Surf City, Thursday, Jan. 1, noon, Surf City. For more information, go here.

Thursday forecast: Mostly sunny with a high of 52 (at noon, look for closer to 48).

Piedmont

Sunday, the Eno River Association kicks off its annual Winter Series of Sunday hikes with a hike even regulars at Eno River State Park likely haven’t done: the Road to Shy’s Ford. The hike begins at the Cole Mill Access to the park, and for most of the next 3.5 miles entails hiking off trail. Along the way: “Your guide will tell you more about the interesting history of the area as you take this journey.” Expect to cover more than 7 miles on “uneven terrain.” The hike is rated strenuous.

The Winter Series continues every Sunday afternoon through March 8 — when the Association’s Spring Wildflower Series begins.

Logistics: Sunday, Jan. 4, 1:30 p.m., Cole Mill Access to Eno River State Park, Orange County. More info here.

Sunday forecast: High of 60 with a chance of rain.

Mountains

Got a hankerin’ to head to the mountains after the holidays and before the grind of the new year begins, yet worried about the potential for dicey, icy weather at higher elevations?

Sunday’s Carolina Mountain Club hike at DuPont State Forest is just what you’re looking for. It’s a low elevation hike that will take in some features high in scenic value, including High, Triple and Grassy Branch falls, and the Thomas Cemetery. 11.6 miles total.

Logistics: Sunday, Jan. 4, 8:30 a.m., DuPont State Forest near Hendersonville. More info here.

Sunday forecast: High of 52, mostly sunny.

New Year’s Day hikes

Tomorrow, we’ll have a rundown of New Year’s Day hikes throughout the state, including more than 40 offered by North Carolina State Parks as part of the First Day Hikes program.

* * *

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.

GetGoingNC.com

Promote Your Page Too

The post This weekend: Plunge into 2015 (then dry off and take a hike) appeared first on GetGoing NC!.