Looking for outdoor fun? Join us on an adventurous hike around the park Lake. Discover what animals call this place home and learn a little park history. This hike is suitable for kids and adults. The trail is less than a mile long and wheelchair accessible.
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Take A Hike
Take A Hike
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. - John Muir
I have two doctors, my left leg and my right. - G.M. Trevelyan
Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way. - Dr. Suess
Backpack Tips
According to an REI article, packing can be broken down into three zones, plus peripheral storage:
Visualize stacking cordwood. You’re laying down rows, not building columns: Fill nooks and crannies until you have a solid, stable load—and be sure weight is equally balanced on each side. Tighten compression straps to streamline your load and prevent it from shifting as you hike.
Guided Hikes
Date of Event:
Wednesday, July 28, 2021 - 9:30am to 10:30am
Start Location:
Lake Fishing Pier
Meet at the park visitor center for a short hike to learn about the trees of Pilot Mountain State Park. Identification by leaves, bark, fruit, and flowers will be discussed.
Date of Event:
Wednesday, July 28, 2021 - 11:00am to 12:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Meet in the Visitor Center lobby for a leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon. Hike will cover both trail and beach.
Date of Event:
Repeats every week every Thursday until Fri Aug 27 2021.
Thursday, July 29, 2021 - 10:00am Start Location:
Visitor Center
Have you ever wanted to go on a hike with a Park Ranger? Now's your chance! We will meet outside the Education Center near the trailhead for the Balsam Nature Trail. Ranger Blackwell will lead you a gudied 3/4 mile hike through a high-elevation spruce-fir forest. We'll stop at some of the interpretive wayside signs along the way and discuss the unique environment, species, and history of Mt.
Date of Event:
Thursday, July 29, 2021 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Start Location:
Education Center
(NOTE: THIS HIKE IS NOW FULL.)
Date of Event:
Thursday, July 29, 2021 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Start Location:
Profile Trail Parking Area of Grandfather Mountain State Park; 4198 NC Hwy 105 N, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Observe and learn about the wildflowers found in the Black Mountains. The hike begins at the park office at the Commissary Trailhead and is a 1 mile hike out and back.
Date of Event:
Friday, July 30, 2021 - 4:00pm
Start Location:
Commissary trail head at park office
Join a naturalist on a 4.1 mile hike to Holden’s Mill. Learn about the history of the Holden family and the operation of their mill while exploring the ruins of it.
Limit: 10
Bring water and wear proper footwear for a hike.
Date of Event:
Saturday, July 31, 2021 - 9:00am to 11:00am
Start Location:
Fews Ford-Piper Cox House
Join a Park Ranger at the Flytrap Trail for a hike along the trails. We will discuss the different types of carnivorous plants we have including the Venus Flytrap. Also, learn about different habitats that exist within Carolina Beach State Park and how each habitat affects the plants and animals that call the park home.
Date of Event:
Repeats every week every Saturday until Sat Nov 06 2021.
Saturday, July 31, 2021 - 10:00am Start Location:
Venus Flytrap Trail
Join a Ranger for a short Cypress Point Trail Hike. We will discuss the history of Merchants Millpond and the plants and animals that we encounter. The program should last about 45 minutes. For more information, feel free to contact park staff at 252 357 1191.
Date of Event:
Saturday, July 31, 2021 - 3:00pm to 3:45pm
Start Location:
Boat Ramp Access
A NC State Park Ranger has many responsibilities from law enforcement to education to high angle rescue and wears many hats. Come meet with a ranger to learn all aspects of their jobs and see all the equipment needed to provide visitors with a safe and fun visit to our state parks
Date of Event:
Saturday, July 31, 2021 - 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Start Location:
Rumbling Bald access 827 Boys Camp Road Lake Lure, NC 29746 GPS: 35.4434, -82.2194