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.
Let’s work off that second slice of pumpkin pie. November is a great time to walk through Lake James State Park in search of the park’s furry and feathered residents. The leaves have mostly fallen, but their aroma still hangs in the air as many of park’s animals are easily seen throughout the day.
Join a Ranger and enjoy a short hike at Lake Norman State Park. Hike off the turkey and cranberry sauce with an enjoyable stroll on the Alder Trail. The Alder Trail follows the shorelines of Norwood and Hicks Creek. Participates can expect to discover different flora and fauna which call the park home. The hike starts at 10 AM and will leave from the Visitor Center.
Hike away those holiday calories! Join Park staff at Pettigrew State Park for a leisurely walk and learn about some of the park's interesting features. Meet at the Park Office at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 23rd. Plan on a 1.5 mile hike. Call the park office for more information (252)797-4475.
Instead of spending your green on Black Friday, join us for a Green Hike Friday to the Haw River and around the park. This moderate 1.75-mile hike will be a great way to work off the big turkey dinners and desserts. We’ll take a leisurely pace and explore the different habitats of the Summit.
Come burn off those holiday calories. Join a ranger at the park for a short hike around the Live Oak and Mallard Creek Trails and learn about the unique ecology of the area. Come prepared for the weather and meet at the swim beach parking lot.
Rediscover your park today and hike with a ranger to the mountain summit 4683 feet above sea level. At the summit, we will examine the NC Climate Office data collection tower. This tower has a great story to tell. See for yourself the science of weather, and climate on the top of Mt. Jefferson. 922
Join Ranger Fields on an adventurous night hike down to the millpond. We will be looking for different types of birds, reptiles and amphibians, and any other crepuscular dweller. Come prepared with hiking shoes and a flashlight/headlamp.
Bird migration is in full swing and it’s time to go watch the spectacle. The Paddy’s Creek parking area offers just the right mix of open water, shoreline woods and fields to see lots of species in a morning. Join Ranger Jamie Cameron for an exciting morning. We’ll start at 9 a.m. from the Paddy’s Creek Area bathhouse breezeway. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Sisters Trek is aimed at introducing women to the fun and benefits of hiking. Please dress in layers for the weather and wear hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes. If you bring your dog, make sure that he is on a leash and socialized and Join Ranger Colleen Bowers as she leads a 2 mile nature hike through the long leaf pine ecosystem. Experience the unique beauty of the Sandhills.
Join a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center for a hike through the woods and talk turkey. Learn the natural history of turkeys and a few interesting facts. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water if you want. Hike should last about one hour. For more information, please call 704-528-6350.
