Join a ranger for a morning walk on the Soundside Nature Trail. This is an easy 1-mile hike through maritime thicket habitat. We will look for signs of wildlife and talk about the vegetation along the way. This program is approximately 45 minutes. Due to Covid Restrictions there is a ten-person max and pre-registration is required. Please call the Park Office at 252-441-7132 to register.
COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 3/26/2021)
Posted on: Friday, March 26, 2021 - 1:54pm |
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:
Thursday, April 22, 2021 - 9:00am to 10:00am
Start Location:
Soundside Parking Lot
All hikes will be slow paced on natural surface trails, cover less than three miles and last two to three hours. All participants must wear masks or face coverings, come wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions and please leave pets at home. This is appropriate for all ages, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please RSVP for hikes by phone 828-963-9522 or at
Date of Event:
Thursday, April 22, 2021 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
Start Location:
Bear Paw State Natural Area at the end of Dutch Creek Road; go to 3511 Dutch Creek Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604 then continue to the dead end to the small gravel parking area
Also called Shinrin Yoku, forest bathing is the Japanese practice of connecting with nature to promoe relaxation. Come engage your senses and immerse yourself in the forest with us!
Free of charge. Reservations Required.
Contact 336-342-6181/hawriver.program@ncparks.gov
Date of Event:
Repeats every 2 weeks every Thursday until Fri May 07 2021. Also includes Thu Apr 22 2021, Thu Apr 29 2021, Thu May 06 2021.
Thursday, April 22, 2021 - 6:00pm to 8:30pm Start Location:
Summit Environmental Education Center at Haw River State Park
Also called Shinrin Yoku, forest bathing is the Japanese practice of connecting with nature to promoe relaxation. Come engage your senses and immerse yourself in the forest with us!
Free of charge. Reservations Required.
Contact 336-342-6181/hawriver.program@ncparks.gov
Date of Event:
Thursday, April 22, 2021 - 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Start Location:
Summit Environmental Education Center at Haw River State Park
Come out and hike with a Ranger to the beautiful Falls Creek Waterfall at Mayo River State Park. We will start at the parking lot area and go up the hill to Virginia State Park property. We will see a grave site and then head to Byrd’s Ledge. It has a small waterfall and a great rock formation.
Date of Event:
Friday, April 23, 2021 - 1:00pm
Start Location:
Deshazo Mill Access
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, April 24, 2021 - 10:00am Start Location:
Venus Flytrap Trail
Learn about Occoneechee Mountains Geologic wonders including Quartz and Pyrophyllite. Explore the rock outcrops and overlook with a real geologist.
Call the office to sign up -- space is limited to 10!
Bring good hiking shoes, drinking water, and be ready for it to be warm outside.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 24, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Start Location:
Occoneechee Mountain Picnic Tables
Discover the wonder of the dunes at night by hiking the ridge with a ranger. After the hike, enjoy our favorite campfire treat, S'MORES! This classic treat will be provided to you by the park. Preregistration is required. There is a maximum of 15 participants, so call, email, or simply stop by to register.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 24, 2021 - 8:15pm to 9:30pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
In celebration of Earth Day join a ranger for an exploratory hike around the Quarry Trail. We are going to be learning about tree life cycles and how organisms are connected. Be ready to get your hands dirty and find plants and critters to observe! Email maggie.miller@ncparks.gov to reserve a spot. Masks required.
Date of Event:
Sunday, April 25, 2021 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Start Location:
All hikes will be slow paced on natural surface trails, cover less than three miles and last two to three hours. All participants must wear masks or face coverings, come wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions and please leave pets at home. This is appropriate for all ages, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please RSVP for hikes by phone 828-963-9522 or at
Date of Event:
Monday, April 26, 2021 - 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Start Location:
Profile Trail parking area of Grandfather Mountain State Park; 4198 NC Hwy 105 N, Banner Elk, NC 28604