Meet in the Visitor Center lobby for a leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon. Hike will cover both trail and beach.
252-726-3775
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:
Repeats every month on October, November, December on the third Thursday until Sat Dec 22 2018.
Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 10:00am Start Location:
Visitor Center
Join staff at Pettigrew State Park for a spooky fun time with our family friendly haunted hike. We will have smores and apple cider!
Date of Event:
Friday, October 19, 2018 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Start Location:
Picnic Area
Join a Ranger and enjoy a short hike at Lake Norman State Park. We will hike the .8 mile Alder Trail which follows the shorelines of Norwood and Hicks Creek. Participates can expect to discover different flora and fauna which call the park home. The hike will start at 10:00 AM and leave from the Visitor Center. For more information, please call 704-528-6350.
Date of Event:
Saturday, October 20, 2018 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Join a park ranger for a 1.5 mile hike through Lake Norman State Park. Participants will be hiking off-trail through both forests and fields looking at the Fall colors and the plants and animals that inhabit the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Discussion on the hike will include the history of Lake Norman State Park and the animals that are found during the crisp fall months. Participant
Date of Event:
Saturday, October 20, 2018 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Come hike the Beech Tree Trail with a ranger. See and learn about beautiful fall color.
Date of Event:
Sunday, October 21, 2018 - 2:00pm
Start Location:
Trailhead Parking Lot
This fall come up to the mountain and enjoy the views and hike along the ridgeline with a ranger. We will be presenting a basic geology hike. This will be a good opportunity to become familiar with the local geology and experience this mountain's 300-million-year old story. We will be on the ridgeline for most of this one-mile hike. Please wear appropriate shoes and bring a jacket too. 922
Date of Event:
Sunday, October 21, 2018 - 2:00pm
Start Location:
Picnic Area
Join the Friends of Raven Rock State Park (FRARO) for a full moon hike to the Overlook! Afterwards, there will be s'mores and stories at the firepit behind the Visitor Center! Bring your flashlight, water, and a sense of adventure! This event is open to families and friendly, leashed dogs.
Date of Event:
Tuesday, October 23, 2018 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor's Center
Just because the sun has gone down does not mean that nature has gone away with it. Join a Park Ranger at the Crabtree/Hwy 70 entrance and discuss some of the nocturnal animals you can find in the park. We will also talk about the science of the eye as it relates to nighttime, and a short story on the rich pirate history of North Carolina. The program will last roughly one hour and includes
Date of Event:
Thursday, October 25, 2018 - 7:30pm
Start Location:
Crabtree Large Parking Lot (Located off Highway 70/Glenwood Ave, Raleigh)
We'll be exploring Reedy Creek for our October hike. Meet Holly towards the back of the parking lot. We're hiking to Reedy Creek Lake on the M.U.T. On return we can explore camp Whispering Pines. This hike will be about 3 miles. All the hike will be on M.U.T.
Reedy Creek Entrance address: 2100 N. Harrison Ave, Cary, NC.
Date of Event:
Friday, October 26, 2018 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Reedy Creek Parking Lot (Located off Interstate 40 Exit 287/Harrison Ave, Cary)
Are you ready for a Fall Season outdoor adventure? Meet the park ranger for a one-mile hike along the ridgeline out to Luther Rock. Bring a small flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Parts of this hike are considered strenuous and hiking at night can be physically challenging. This program is designed for all ages with good basic hiking skills.
Date of Event:
Friday, October 26, 2018 - 7:00pm
Start Location:
Park office