COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 3/26/2021)
Posted on: Friday, March 26, 2021 - 1:54pm |
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
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.
Come Join a Park Ranger on a hike along Cox mountain trail and see what the Eno has to offer!
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.
Social Distance and wear a mask
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.
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
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
Join the CNC Coastal Plain Team and participate in the City Nature Challenge. Get out and explore with a ranger our 1-mile loop hike along the Soundside Nature Trail. Learn more about the park's natural world. This program supports both the City Nature Challenge Coastal Plain and ecoExplore. Please visit citynaturechallenge.org and ecoexplore.net for details on these fantastic programs.
Come out and hike with a Park Ranger at the Hickory Creek Access from a ridgeline down to the Mayo River. The hike will start at the end of Tyne Road. Wear sturdy shoes, and dress appropriately for existing weather conditions. Bring your own drinking water. Remember to wear a mask, and to keep an appropriate distance from others. Please contact the park office at (336) 427-2530 to sign up
Join a Ranger for a ~2 mile hike at Occoneechee to view the mountain laurel while it is (hopefully, maybe, possibly?) in full bloom. We will hike sections of different trails to learn more about the montane species of plants that call Occoneechee Mountain home.
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.
The Uwharrie Mountains are one of the oldest mountains in North America. While they are small today, some people believe they were once as high as the Rockies! Join a ranger for a guided hike and we will talk about the interesting geology and history of the area. Email alden.early@ncparks.gov to save your spot. Masks required.
Have you ever felt relaxed while listening to a babbling stream, feeling sunshine on your face, watching dappled sunlight on the forest floor, or smelling the fresh scent of pine trees? We innately feel less stressed in nature, but did you know there is growing scientific evidence to explain how nature can positively impact our physiological and psychological systems?
