Support Us Button Widget

Explore new terrain to celebrate Great Trails State Day in NC

Get outside this Saturday, Oct. 21 for Year of the Trail’s inaugural Great Trails State Day in NC — we’ve compiled free events and ways to celebrate during this mountains-to-coast campaign.

Two people mountain biking on the trails at Brumley Nature Preserve.

Register for one of many events at Brumley Nature Preserve on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Photo by Chris Fowler, provided by Triangle Land Conservancy

Take a hike... in the most positive way possible. Join thousands of other nature enthusiasts this Saturday, Oct. 21 for Year of the Trail’s inaugural Great Trails State Day in NC. We’ve highlighted a few free events and ways to celebrate the Triangle’s diverse trail and greenway system during this mountains-to-coast campaign.

Get wild: Take an adventure with the Triangle Land Conservancy at Brumley Family Nature Preserve in Chapel Hill for its Wild I.D.E.A.s Gets Outside day of hands-on activities in nature. The schedule includes a native plant hike with NC Wildlife Federation, fishing demos, how-tos, and more.

Hop on a bike: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, social wellness app Workoutbuddi will host a 5.9 mile bike ride along the Art to Heart Corridor starting at the NCMA and finishing in downtown Raleigh. Meet new adventurous friends and come prepared with your own bicycle, helmet, and comfortable riding attire.

Walk it out: Join a park naturalist to become one with nature at Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve during a relaxed fall stroll from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

A glass-blown pinecone.

Share your shiny pine find on social media using #PineconePathwaysNC.

Photo provided by HomeofGolf.com

Search for treasure: Hop in the car to traverse Moore County’s trails and participate in the Pinecone Pathways Program to search for 10 special edition glass-blown pinecones, created by glassmakers at Starworks, that will be hidden along the county’s scenic trails.

Each pinecone is marked with a number leading to prizes like US Open coffee mugs, gift cards to places like Double Eagle Indoor Golf & Lounge, and two tickets to the 2024 US Open practice round at Pinehurst No. 2. Keep your eyes peeled — hints will drop on social media the morning of the event.

Plan your next adventure: Are you busy this weekend? No worries, there is plenty of time to hit the trails — here are some resources to help you explore the great outdoors right here in the Triangle.

More from RALtoday
From the floral backdrop to the customized ring — we’re dreaming of having our own viral engagement in Oak City.
The Pack is back in Carter-Finley on Thursday, Aug. 28 — here’s what you need to know while rooting for NC State football this season.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Have you ever thought “That’s an odd place for a bar.” Well in Raleigh, there is no such thing as odd for these spots around town.
After its March closure, a new team with ties to the former ownership group of 42nd Street Oyster Bar has expressed interest in reopening the Raleigh staple as early as February 2026. Read up on readers’ memories from this local gem.
Learn about the biggest industries and employers in Wake County with this guide to local business.
NC State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are joining forces for their exhibition games against South Carolina + Maryland, respectively, ahead of promising seasons.
Our readers dogeared these parks for us while we dream of this concept founded in South Korea’s capital city.
Electric-assist bikes are coming to downtown Raleigh, and they can start and stop just about anywhere. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.
Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Raleigh that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.