Upcoming Outings and Events

  • Black River NC

    • 03/27/2026
    • 8:00 AM
    • 03/29/2026
    • 4:00 PM
    • Black River Camping Ventures Campground
    • 5
    Register
    Type of Outing: Paddle and Camping
    When: FRI 3/27/2026 8:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 3/20/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Will Truslow
    Distance: 22 miles
    Difficulty: Easy
    Description: This is a 3-day/2-night paddle/camp along the pristine Black River in eastern NC. There are no rapids but might encounter trees to pull over. The first day’s paddle is about 7 miles to camp. We’ll camp at the Black River Camping Ventures Campground that does have porta-johns reported as clean and water for dishes but not to drink. The next night is primitive camping with no facilities. You will need to bring all of your drinking and cooking water with you. Next day, we paddle about 6 miles to then go through the Three Sisters Swamp (1 mile) where the cypress trees have been core dated to 2,624+ years old (614 BC) being the oldest core dated tree on the East Coast and the 5th oldest in the world. Going through Three Sisters Swamp with these ancient trees is a magical treat. After 3 more miles, we’ll camp. It’s about 5 miles more to the take-out and about 22 miles total. Small charge for first night camping and the takeout parking. You’ll need a kayak or canoe, paddle, and life jacket plus gear that would normally go on a backpacking trip. Boats 10-14 feet work well. 14-foot boats will have a bit more difficulty maneuvering amongst the trees in the swamp but otherwise do well for the vast majority of the paddle. Dry bags are better than garbage bags to store tents, sleeping bags, etc. The 2nd day is longer at about 10 miles so be sure your arms can paddle the distance without utter agony. I need to limit the trip to 10 people. Please email me if you are interested in going or have questions. More details to come once the group has formed.
    Required Gear: A kayak or canoe, paddle, and life jacket plus gear that would normally go on a backpacking trip.
    Max Participants: 10
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  • A half day hike at Hanging Rock SP

    • 03/28/2026
    • 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Hanging Rock State Park
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 3/28/2026 8:30 AM
    Signup Deadline: 3/27/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Joan Heiss
    Distance: 8 miles
    Difficulty: R-21, Moderate
    Elevation Gain: 1300 ft.
    Description: Please join me for a late spring hike beginning at 8:30 a.m. We will meet at the lake parking lot for a hike including stops at: Hanging Rock, Wolf Rock, House Rock, and Cook’s Wall. We will hike from the lake connector trail to Hanging Rock first then hike back to the Wolf Rock/Cook’s Wall trails. We will come back to House Rock to enjoy the view and have a little snack/lunch. Coming back we will hike via the Magnolia Springs connector trail. Since we will be hiking on a surface of gravel/dirt/rock with some uneven steps, poles are recommended.
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  • Mount Rogers NRA AT/Rhododendron Gap Loop

    • 03/28/2026
    • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Grayson Highlands State Park VA
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 3/28/2026 9:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 3/25/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Vance Barron
    Distance: 11 miles
    Difficulty: R-24, Moderate
    Elevation Gain: 1375 ft.
    Description: This hike will begin at Massie Gap in the Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. The hike will connect to the northbound Appalachian Trail and go via The Scales to the Pine Mountain Trail, which leads to Rhododendron Gap. From there, the hike will follow the northbound Appalachian Trail back to the connector to Massie Gap and the cars.
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  • Nat Greene and Palmetto Trails

    • 03/28/2026
    • 9:00 AM - 11:45 AM
    • Lake Brandt Marina ̶ Nat Greene trailhead
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 3/28/2026 9:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 3/27/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Laura Chenes
    Distance: 8 miles
    Difficulty: R-12, Moderate
    Elevation Gain: 400 ft.
    Description: Join me on my favorite watershed trail, Nat Greene, looping in the Palmetto trail. These are pretty trails with views of Lake Brandt. Meet at the Lake Brandt Marina ̶ Nat Greene watershed trailhead (on the left as you enter the marina parking lot) at 9:00 am. Bring water. Call or email me if you have questions. [8 miles, R-12]
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  • Piedmont Trail

    • 03/29/2026
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Greensboro, NC
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SUN 3/29/2026 9:30 AM
    Signup Deadline: 3/28/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Trey Gowdy
    Distance: 6 miles
    Difficulty: R-8, Easy
    Elevation Gain: 200 ft.
    Description: Join me for an easy Sunday morning hike on the Piedmont Trail in Greensboro. This out & back route is a pleasant trek along the shores of Lake Brandt.
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  • Thursday Walk and Dinner

    • 04/02/2026
    • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Friendly Shopping Center
    Register
    Type of Outing: Walk
    When: THU 4/2/2026 6:30 PM
    Signup Deadline: 4/2/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Carol Parks
    Distance: 3 miles
    Difficulty: R-3, Easy
    Description: Thursday Night Walkers will meet every Thursday evening in the parking lot in front of Chuck E Cheese at Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a moderate walk. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group will be going to dinner after the walk. If there is bad weather, the walk will be cancelled but we will still go to dinner. Additional details will be provided by a phoc@googlegroups.com email from the walk leader prior to the event. Call or email Carol Parks (contact info provided at signup) if you have questions.
    Required Gear: Appropriate walking shoes
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  • Lewis Fork Wilderness/Grayson Highlands Loop

    • 04/04/2026
    • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Mt Rogers National Recreation Area
    • 0
    Join waitlist
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 4/4/2026 9:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/2/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Nicole Mazgaj
    Distance: 11 miles
    Difficulty: R-32, Strenuous
    Elevation Gain: 2200 ft.
    Description: As many of you know, the Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands area in Virginia is my absolute favorite hiking venue. It is breathtakingly beautiful at all times of year, and offers an unending selection of easy to moderate trail combinations. I was introduced to this particular route by Vance Barron, and I am thankful to him for this little gem of a hike. We will start from the Fox Creek trailhead parking area on Fairwood Road and hike to Rhododendron Gap via the AT and the Pine Mountain Trail, returning to base via the Crest, Cliffside and Lewis Fork trails. Although this hike is on the upper end of moderate, it has a short but steep and rocky section on Cliffside that bumps it up a notch toward strenuous. I encourage the use of poles on this hike. Please register by the specified deadline. I will promptly get back to you with carpooling and meeting options, and I will send a confirming email to all participants, before 12:00 pm on Friday.
    Max Participants: 15
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  • Basin Creek to Caudill Cabin, Daughton Park

    • 04/04/2026
    • 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
    • Gassy Gap Parking on Long Bottom Road (9VG4+34, Abshers, NC 28635)
    • 8
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 4/4/2026 9:30 AM
    Signup Deadline: 3/31/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Jeff Frey
    Distance: 10 miles
    Difficulty: R-28, Moderate
    Elevation Gain: 1600 ft.
    Description: One of my NC favorites. Upper range of moderate difficulty. Rough trail in places (climbing thru trees where downed). Many stream crossings (hiking poles needed for balance on slippery rocks). Plan to get wet and dirty. A nice work out. Very beautiful landscape. Out and back hike. We'll stop take a break for snack/lunch at Caudill Cabin. Trail head parking can get crowded - suggest car pooling and/or arrive early. I'll be there at 9am, hike begins 9:30am. I'll try to connect via email with everyone signed up before the hike.
    Required Gear: Hiking Poles ! Water & Snack/Lunch
    Max Participants: 15
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  • Greensboro Grasshoppers Baseball Game

    • 04/07/2026
    • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • First National Bank Field 408 Bellmeade St. 27401
    Register
    Type of Outing: Social
    When: TUE 4/7/2026 6:30 PM
    Signup Deadline: 4/7/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Allison Schwartz
    Description: Take me out to the ballgame, Take me out to the park! Bring me some peanuts and Grasshoppers gear, Root, root, root for the hometown cheer! For it's swing, smash, crack of the bat, If they don’t win, it’s okay! ’Cause it's one, two, three cheers, we shout — Go Hoppers all the way! Join us for a fun evening at the Greensboro Grasshoppers home season opener! Please use the direct link below to purchase tickets. $14 per ticket (includes all fees). Guests 4 years old and under, not occupying a seat, do not require a ticket for entry. To have a seat a ticket must be purchased. All Guests 5 and over require a ticket for entry. No beverages, food, coolers, or containers may be brought into First National Bank Field. Any questions or to reserve ADA accessible locations please call 336-268-2255 or email tickets@gsohoppers.com. Click on this link to purchase tickets and see y'all at the ballpark on April 7th! :-) https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/GroupPortalPEC.asp?HoldID=28237&SponsorID=19411&EventID=356031 Contact Allison Schwartz with any questions.
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  • HIKE CANCELLED Tory’s Den to Moore’s Wall

    • 04/08/2026
    • 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Hanging Rock State Park
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: WED 4/8/2026 8:30 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/7/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Joan Heiss
    Distance: 9 miles
    Difficulty: R-30, Moderate
    Elevation Gain: 2100 ft.
    Description: HIKE CANCELLED Wednesday hike! Please join me for a lovely spring hike at Hanging Rock State Park. Let’s meet at the Tory’s Den parking lot at 1185 Charlie Young Road. I plan to hike the Tory’s Den trail to the Moore’s Wall loop climbing up the rocky side ascending to Moore’s Knob and then descending via the steps to the Moore’s Wall loop and back to the Tory’s Den trail.
    Required Gear: Lunch and snacks and poles if needed
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  • Thursday Walk and Dinner

    • 04/09/2026
    • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Friendly Shopping Center
    Register
    Type of Outing: Walk
    When: THU 4/9/2026 6:30 PM
    Signup Deadline: 4/9/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Carol Parks
    Distance: 3 miles
    Difficulty: R-3, Easy
    Description: Thursday Night Walkers will meet every Thursday evening in the parking lot in front of Chuck E Cheese at Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a moderate walk. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group will be going to dinner after the walk. If there is bad weather, the walk will be cancelled but we will still go to dinner. Additional details will be provided by a phoc@googlegroups.com email from the walk leader prior to the event. Call or email Carol Parks (contact info provided at signup) if you have questions.
    Required Gear: Appropriate walking shoes
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  • High 5 at Hanging Rock

    • 04/11/2026
    • 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Hanging Rock State Park
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 4/11/2026 8:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/5/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Regina Rollins
    Distance: 11 miles
    Difficulty: R-33, Moderate
    Elevation Gain: 2200 ft.
    Description: The Friends of Sauratown Mountains is sponsoring the seventh annual High 5 at Hanging Rock on Saturday April 11, 2026. Participants will trek 11 miles of park trails to reach five of the highest elevations within Hanging Rock State Park- Moore's Knob, House Rock, Cooks Wall, Wolf Rock and Hanging Rock. This is a fundraiser. All proceeds go to Hanging Rock State Park. Details are on www.high5athangingrock.com and registration must be done through this website. There is also a 5-mile option that summits only Moore's Knob for those looking for less of a challenge. Deadline to be guaranteed a T-shirt is March 31 and April 5th for the event. 11 miles, 2200 ft elev. [R-33]
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  • Rock Castle Gorge LITE

    • 04/11/2026
    • 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • BRP-Woolwine VA
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 4/11/2026 9:30 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/10/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Keith Short
    Distance: 5 miles
    Difficulty: R-13, Easy
    Elevation Gain: 800 ft.
    Description: This hike is an out and back in the gorge only. Not the loop. Hopefully, the wild flowers will be blooming and creeks and waterfalls flowing. We will park and start at CC Camp road. This hike will allow hikers who can’t or prefer to not to do the loop, to see the best part of Rock Castle.
    Required Gear: Water and lunch
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  • Deep River Cleanup

    • 04/11/2026
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Meet at High Point Sheriff's Office
    Register
    Type of Outing: Other
    When: SAT 4/11/2026 10:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/10/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Lisa Keck
    Description: This cleanup is in a remote area in Jamestown that is not your typical cleanup scene located where the Richland Creek and Deep River converge and empty down river into the Piedmont Triad Water Regional Water Authority treatment facility. You must wear enclosed shoes, preferably hiking boots, waders, rubber boots or something protective. Long pants are recommended; there are some briars but they can be avoided with care. There is a hill that we must go down to get to the cleanup, it is not terribly steep but it can be hard for some. Bring bug spray, your own packed lunch and a reusable water bottle! DRRK will provide water! We will meet at 10am at the High Point Sheriff's Office Shooting Range, 6011 Riverdale Road, Jamestown, NC, to park cars and have some donuts and coffee before walking across the street to the site. For additional information, go to the Deep River Riverkeeper website at deepriverkeepersnc.org
    Required Gear: Hiking boots or waders, long pants, bug spray
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  • Vineyard Trail, Forest Bathing Trail and MST to Carter Falls

    • 04/11/2026
    • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Elkin, NC
    • 19
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 4/11/2026 11:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/10/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: C.T. Finney, "Finn"
    Distance: 6 miles
    Difficulty: R-11, Easy
    Elevation Gain: 518 ft.
    Description: This is an interpretive hike that blends local history, ecology, and immersive storytelling to reveal the Big Elkin Creek's hidden world and its critical role within the community of the Yadkin Valley. As we move along the trail, you'll learn how this watershed shaped the landscape, powered early mills, and gave rise to the town of Elkin; why the headwaters matter, what you can do to help protect local watersheds and the mission of both the Elkin Valley Trail Association, who made this trail possible as well as the mission of the Friends of Big Elkin Creek, who are dedicated to conserving this delicate watershed. Please come prepared for a slower-paced hike with several key talking and educational points along the way. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, concerned citizen, or simply curious about the world just beneath the surface, this hike will change the way you see Big Elkin Creek — and maybe even the way you see your place in your own watershed. After the hike, we will hold a social hour held at Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery. Please bring finger-foods for a pot-luck style picnic after the hike. 6 miles, 518 elev. [R-11]
    Max Participants: 20
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  • Guilford Mackintosh Trail

    • 04/12/2026
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Guilford Mackintosh Park, 1345 NC-61, Whitsett, NC
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SUN 4/12/2026 11:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/12/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Butch and Terri Wilson
    Distance: 3 miles
    Difficulty: R-6, Easy
    Elevation Gain: 300 ft.
    Description: Please join us for a short dog friendly hike at Guilford Mackintosh Park. We will meet at the trail parking lot at the end of the park road. We will be stopping at nearby Red Oak Biergarten for snacks and refreshments after the hike. Red Oak is also dog friendly. If you need additional information please contact Butch or Terri. We look forward to seeing you!
    Required Gear: Water
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  • Let’s Eat at Thai Square

    • 04/14/2026
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Thai Square, 3361 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro
    • 5
    Register
    Type of Outing: Meal
    When: TUE 4/14/2026 6:00 PM
    Signup Deadline: 4/6/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Joan Heiss
    Description: Thai Square in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a popular Thai restaurant known for its delicious curries, Pad Ped, and other traditional dishes, offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Located in a business park on Battleground Avenue, it's praised for its prompt service and has vegan options available.
    Max Participants: 10
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  • Thursday Walk and Dinner

    • 04/16/2026
    • Friendly Shopping Center
    Register
    Type of Outing: Walk
    When: THU 4/16/2026 6:30 PM
    Signup Deadline: 4/16/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Carol Parks
    Distance: 3 miles
    Difficulty: R-3, Easy
    Description: Thursday Night Walkers will meet every Thursday evening in the parking lot in front of Chuck E Cheese at Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a moderate walk. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group will be going to dinner after the walk. If there is bad weather, the walk will be cancelled but we will still go to dinner. Additional details will be provided by a phoc@googlegroups.com email from the walk leader prior to the event. Call or email Carol Parks (contact info provided at signup) if you have questions.
    Required Gear: Appropriate walking shoes
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  • Heart of the Triad Spring Choral Concert

    • 04/17/2026
    • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    • Main Street United Methodist Church
    Register
    Type of Outing: Other
    When: FRI 4/17/2026 7:00 PM
    Signup Deadline: 4/16/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Joan Heiss
    Description: A Cultural Outing: the Heart of The Triad Chorus Spring Concert. If you enjoy music and would like to see a great performance by one of our own Wes O'Brien, then please attend! About half of this concert is in Latin. The feature piece is ‘Requiem for the Living’ composed by Greenville, South Carolina resident Dan Forrest. It is exciting and absolutely beautiful. English translations and lyrics are provided. Friday April 17th, 7 pm Saturday, April 18th, 3 pm Main Street United Methodist Church 306 S. Main Street Kernersville, NC Park at the rear of the church
    Required Gear: Free Admission
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  • Lake Townsend Trail Greensboro Watershed Trails

    • 04/18/2026
    • Lake Townsend Trail Greensboro Watershed Trails
    • 20
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 4/18/2026 8:30 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/17/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Hilda Abimbola
    Distance: 8 miles
    Difficulty: R-12, Easy
    Description: From Battleground Ave or Lawndale, proceed East on Pisgah Church, continue East on Lees Chapel, to Yanceyville Road. Turn left at the light at Yanceyville, and proceed 1.9 miles to the Osprey-Lake Townsend parking lot. It is on the left, just around the corner from the Reedy Fork Baptist Church
    Max Participants: 20
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  • Tory’s Den and Ruben Mt Trail

    • 04/18/2026
    • Charlie Young Rd, Hanging Rock State Park
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 4/18/2026 9:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/17/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Sarah Werner
    Distance: 8 miles
    Difficulty: R-20, Moderate
    Elevation Gain: 1200 ft.
    Description: We will begin at the parking lot off Charlie Young Rd and hike from there to the end of Tory’s Den Trail (where it meets Moore’s Wall Trail). Returning on the same path, we’ll stop for lunch at the base of Huckleberry Ridge, then meander along Ruben Mt. Trail back to the parking lot. Optional visit to Tory’s Den and Tory’s Falls (additional half a mile) at the end of the day. 8 miles, R-20
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  • Nat Greene / Palmetto Trails

    • 04/19/2026
    • Lake Brandt Marina Greensboro NC
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SUN 4/19/2026 9:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/18/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Marshall Weatherman
    Distance: 8 miles
    Difficulty: R-16, Easy
    Elevation Gain: 800 ft.
    Description: Join me for an 8-mile hike on the Nat Greene and Palmetto trails. These are pretty trails with views of Lake Brandt. We will meet at the Lake Brandt Marina Nat Greene trailhead (on the left after you enter the marina parking lot at 5945 Lake Brandt Rd ) and be ready to hike at 9:00 am. For those who prefer a shorter hike, you can turnaround at the greenway and make this a 5.2 mile hike. Bring water and a snack. Call or email if you have questions . 8 miles, [R16].
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  • Thursday Walk and Dinner

    • 04/23/2026
    • Friendly Shopping Center
    Register
    Type of Outing: Walk
    When: THU 4/23/2026 6:30 PM
    Signup Deadline: 4/23/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Carol Parks
    Distance: 3 miles
    Difficulty: R-3, Easy
    Description: Thursday Night Walkers will meet every Thursday evening in the parking lot in front of Chuck E Cheese at Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a moderate walk. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group will be going to dinner after the walk. If there is bad weather, the walk will be cancelled but we will still go to dinner. Additional details will be provided by a phoc@googlegroups.com email from the walk leader prior to the event. Call or email Carol Parks (contact info provided at signup) if you have questions.
    Required Gear: Appropriate walking shoes
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  • Primitive & Cedar Ridge Trails

    • 04/25/2026
    • Doughton Park
    • 12
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 4/25/2026 9:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/24/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Juhua Chen
    Distance: 14 miles
    Difficulty: R-44, Strenuous
    Elevation Gain: 3050 ft.
    Description: We will start at Longbottom Rd and climb up the Bluff Ridge Primitive trail and stop at the shelter for snacks and water. We will hike to the capping ground and have our lunch there. We will hike back to our cars through the Cedar Ridge trail. The carpooling will be arranged. 13.50 miles, 3050 ft elev. [R-44]
    Max Participants: 15
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  • Bill Craft Trail

    • 04/26/2026
    • Richardson Taylor Preserve, Plainfield Rd.
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SUN 4/26/2026 9:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/25/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Claudia Cannady
    Distance: 7 miles
    Difficulty: R-10, Easy
    Elevation Gain: 300 ft.
    Description: This local watershed trail is a club favorite out- and-back hike of approximately 7 miles with quiet woods and watershed views off Plainfield Road, Greensboro/Summerfield. Directions: Head north on Church St, past Pisgah Church Rd, across Lake Townsend twice, turning left onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead is on the right after about a mile. Or head north on Lake Brandt Rd, turn right onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead will be on your left after a few miles. We will meet to start hiking at 9:00am. Bring a carrot or apple if you want to feed the pig at the end of the “out.” Contact me with questions or register on the website if you plan to come.
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  • Backpacking Trip: Max Patch to Hot Springs

    • 04/28/2026
    • 04/30/2026
    • Pisgah National Forest
    Register
    Type of Outing: Backpack
    When: TUE 4/28/2026 11:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 4/11/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: C.T. Finney, "Finn"
    Distance: 19 miles
    Difficulty: R-81, Strenuous
    Elevation Gain: 6161 ft.
    Description: This is one of those Appalachian Trail sections that earns its reputation. Big views, long ridgelines, leg-burning climbs, quiet forest miles, and a well-deserved finish in a classic trail town. We'll be hiking this section NOBO. Over three days and two nights, we’ll hike from the open balds of Max Patch all the way into Hot Springs, moving at a steady but supportive pace and settling into the rhythm that makes backpacking so rewarding. And! I have planned this hike to end in Hot Springs just in time for the Town & Trail Festival. I encourage any of those who are interested to book an Air B&B for the final night and spend the evening with me enjoying the festival! This trip is ideal for beginner-to-intermediate backpackers who are ready to challenge themselves, build confidence with elevation, and experience what a true multi-day AT section feels like. Day 1: Max Patch to Walnut Mountain Shelter Approx. 6–9 miles We’ll start early at Max Patch to catch sunrise from one of the most iconic balds on the Appalachian Trail. From there, the trail winds past the summit and drops into forested sections filled with rhododendron tunnels and rolling terrain. Expect a descent followed by a steady climb as we make our way toward Walnut Mountain Shelter, a popular and scenic first-night stop. We’ll settle into camp, cook dinner, and ease into trail life. Day 2: Walnut Mountain Shelter to Deer Park Mountain Shelter Approx. 9 miles Day two is the heart of the trip and the most physically demanding. We’ll climb Bluff Mountain and later Deer Park Mountain, gaining and losing elevation throughout the day. Deer Park Mountain Shelter serves as a natural checkpoint. We’ll camp here for the night and continue on toward Hot Springs in the morning. This is a long but deeply satisfying day on trail. Day 3: Deer Park Mountain Shelter to Hot Springs Approx. 5 miles Our final morning is a shorter hike downhill into Hot Springs. The reward at the end is real: hot showers, town food, and the simple joy of stepping off trail and into civilization. Those interested can grab a meal with me at local favorites like Elmer’s or Smoky Mountain Diner, or relax at one of the nearby hostels before heading home. 19.4 miles, 6161ft elev. [R-81]
    Required Gear: Backpack; Tent; Sleeping Pad; Sleeping Bag; Food (two-day supply)
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  • Thursday Walk and Dinner

    • 04/30/2026
    • Friendly Shopping Center
    Register
    Type of Outing: Walk
    When: THU 4/30/2026 6:30 PM
    Signup Deadline: 4/30/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Carol Parks
    Distance: 3 miles
    Difficulty: R-3, Easy
    Description: Thursday Night Walkers will meet every Thursday evening in the parking lot in front of Chuck E Cheese at Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a moderate walk. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group will be going to dinner after the walk. If there is bad weather, the walk will be cancelled but we will still go to dinner. Additional details will be provided by a phoc@googlegroups.com email from the walk leader prior to the event. Call or email Carol Parks (contact info provided at signup) if you have questions.
    Required Gear: Appropriate walking shoes
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  • Doughton Park

    • 05/30/2026
    • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Doughton Park, NC
    Register
    Type of Outing: Hike
    When: SAT 5/30/2026 9:00 AM
    Signup Deadline: 5/29/2026 5:00 pm
    Leader: Priscilla Trentham
    Distance: 13 miles
    Difficulty: R-37, Strenuous
    Elevation Gain: 2400 ft.
    Description: We will start our hike at Long Bottom Rd, climb up Flat Rock Ridge, and down Grassy Gap back to Long Bottom. There are a few stream crossings on the Grassy Gap section, with water levels varying from low to significant. Poles are recommended. This hike is not for beginners.
    Required Gear: Poles
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