Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club upcoming events

Hiking and Clearing the Way on the Scott Ridge Light Loop (11/05/2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike, Other
When: THU 11/5/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/4/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Vance Barron
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-18, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1106 ft.
Description: This loop hike, sometimes called Scott Ridge Light, begins and ends at the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mahogany Rock Road ("Deep Gap Gate Parking Area" on Google Maps). The primary purpose of the hike, in addition to enjoying a beautiful fall day in the mountains, is to prune overgrowth on the unmarked connector trail between the MST and Devil's Garden on Scott Ridge. The connector is 0.7 mile and is suffering from neglect because it is no longer maintained as an official trail. Mountain laurel branches are encroaching on the trail, which is also blocked by some small downed trees that can be easily sawn and removed. Hikers should bring a pruning lopper or saw or both. The long-range forecast is for good weather. Many PHOC hikers love this trail. We will leave it better than we found it!
Required Gear: Pruning lopper and/or pruning saw, work gloves, lunch, and water

Thursday Walk and Dinner (11/05/2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Meal
When: THU 11/5/2026 6:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 11/5/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Carol Parks
Description: The walk portion of this event is cancelled until the first Thursday in March (March 4, 2027). However, we will still go to dinner at 6:30. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks and Joe Regan. Members check your weekly email for details for the dinner location. Non-members can contact Carol Parks (contact info provided at signup) if you have questions.

Goose Creek State Park (11/06/2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike, Paddle, Camping, Social
When: FRI 11/6/2026 12:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 10/23/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Rick Morris
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: R-12, Moderate
Intended Pace: Leisure
Description: Join me for a Weekend Paddle at Goose Creek State Park. There is a Paddle Trail we will be doing over the weekend. There are historic sites and great restaurants nearby. 15 people have already committed. On 8-6-2026 there were no camp cabins available. Sites 1-6 in the Primitive Campground were open with very large sites. For those with an RV, sites 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 16 were still open as of 8/6.
Required Gear: Kayak, Paddle, PFD
Max Participants: 20

Shortoff Mountain (11/07/2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/7/2026 8:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/6/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Dale Dagenbach
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: R-36, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Description: This hike starts near the Linville River, followed by a winding ascent up to the beautiful views of Linville Gorge from Shortoff Mtn. We will hike beyond Shortoff to an appropriate lunch spot along the eastern rim of Linville Gorge, and then enjoy a leisurely descent back to the vehicles. The Gorge should be beautiful at this time of year.
Max Participants: 10

Salem Lake Walk &/or Optional Bike Ride After Walk (11/07/2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 13:45:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk, Hike, Bike
When: SAT 11/7/2026 8:45 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/6/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Kellie Beeson
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-8, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 225 ft.
Description: Meet in parking lot at 226 Linville Road. We will begin walking at 8:45 AM. This 7-mile loop is mostly flat with minor elevation and has beautiful views of the lake. Those who prefer a shorter hike may double back at any point during the hike. We will go counterclockwise around the lake. If you prefer to come later, then walk clockwise to join us for our remaining hike. If you prefer to bike only: I anticipate that we will return to the parking lot around 11-11:15 am and anticipate that I will begin biking around 11:30 AM. Leashed dogs and guests ok. Directions: 226 Linville Road, Winston-Salem. From Greensboro take Salem Parkway Rt. 421N towards Winston-Salem. Get off at Linville Road exit 228. Take a right onto Linville Road. In ¾ mi turn right into the Linville Road Parking lot for the Salem Lake Trail
Required Gear: Water

Mahogany Rock Lollipop (11/07/2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/7/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/5/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Nicole Mazgaj
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-20, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1300 ft.
Description: The Mahogany Rock lollipop, aka Scott Ridge Lite, is back. As most of you know, the only access to this trail, from the Blue Ridge Parkway, was closed for many months. It is now open again and we have already checked it out a couple of times this year to make sure we would not encounter unpleasant surprises. This hike is overall moderate, with a short but steep ascent that connects the MST and Scott Ridge. Buyer beware: the short steep section is unmarked and often requires negotiating around fallen timber. The whole hike is mostly shaded, with stretches of soft-to-the-feet terrain strewn with pine needles, and a profusion of rhododendrons and mountain laurels lining the trails. It is suitable for anyone with experience in mountain hiking.

Laurel Bluff trail (11/08/2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 11/8/2026 10:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/7/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Stephanie Hudnell
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 511 ft.
Description: One of the most scenic watershed trails. Join me for an out and back 6.5 miles hike. Meet at the Laurel bluff trailhead on Lake Brandt Rd.
Required Gear: Water, poles optional
Max Participants: 10

Nat Greene & Palmetto Trails (11/08/2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 11/8/2026 1:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 11/7/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Claudia Cannady
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: R-11, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 300 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 watershed trailhead (on the left as you enter the marina parking lot) at 1:00pm. 5945 Lake Brandt Rd., Greensboro, NC 27455. Bring water and a snack. Contact me with questions or register on the website if you plan to come. [R-11]

PHOC Meeting and Invited Talk: "The Archeology of the Yadkin River Valley" (11/09/2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Club Event
When: MON 11/9/2026 7:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 11/8/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Dale Dagenbach
Description: I’ve often wondered about the people who were here before us when I’m hiking in remote locations like Linville Gorge, but our predecessors haven’t left a lot of signs of their passage that are visible to me. Our speaker this month may help fill in those blanks. Dr. Andrew Gurstelle will be talking about the archeology of the Yadkin River Valley. Dr. Gurstelle is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Academic Director of the Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University. Please join us and learn more about the native peoples who called this area home before European settlers arrived. Dale Dagenbach Vice President PHOC

Standing Indian Loop Backpack (11/09/2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 16:01:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Backpack
When: MON 11/9/2026 11:01 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/8/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Lee Chambliss
Distance: 21 miles
Difficulty: R-34, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 4143 ft.
Description: This backpack circles the headwaters of the Nantahala River, includes 15 miles of the AT and summits Mt Albert and Standing Indian. No difficult climbs and plenty of water and established camp sites. Park at the Backcountry Information Center which is just past the Standing Indian Campground. Plan to camp at Mt Albert 5.5 miles the first day then will hike approximately 10-11 miles the second day, camp then hike out the final 5 miles the next day back to the campground. Car pooling would be optimal with leaving Gbo around 7 AM
Required Gear: Standard backpacking gear and food - will hopefully be cold
Max Participants: 10
Move to "Additional event information" section below
Email: westerbliss@gmail.com
Phone: 336-681-8432
Mobile or Landline: Mobile

Downtown Winston-Salem walk with lunch at Barcelona Burger - moved to 11/12 (11/12/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk, Social
When: THU 11/12/2026 10:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/11/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Lynne Mitchell
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: R-15, Easy
Intended Pace: Slow
Elevation Gain: 100 ft.
Description: Join me for a leisurely walk through downtown Winston -Salem with a lunch stop at Barcelona Burger in Innovation Quarter. I'll point out interesting shops and buildings along the way.
Max Participants: 12

Dinner Outing at North Italia Friendly Center Greensboro (11/12/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Meal
When: THU 11/12/2026 6:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 11/10/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Beverly Grier
Difficulty: Easy
Intended Pace: Leisure
Description: Please join me for dinner at a fairly new Greensboro restaurant: North Italia at Friendly. Per the website, “Over 20 years ago, North Italia was founded on two essential principles: exceptional Italian cuisine and great hospitality. So, what makes us so special? When you walk through our doors, you'll discover an Italian dining experience where traditional flavors meet modern innovation, always evolving, always inspired.” Visit the website to view the menu. Please register by Tuesday, November 10th so I can make a reservation for the 12th. For more information, feel free to contact me.

UNCG Jazz Community Jam Session (11/12/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Social
When: THU 11/12/2026 6:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 11/11/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Allison Schwartz
Description: Jazz and Beer! Let's gather at Oden Brewing for a fun night out to support the UNC Jazz Ensemble. Jazz is from 6-9. The Rockin Moroccan Food Truck starts serving at 5:00.

Uwharrie Hike (11/14/2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/14/2026 9:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/13/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Keith Short
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: R-22, Moderate
Intended Pace: Slow
Elevation Gain: 1000 ft.
Description: A loop hike in the lower Uwharrie National Forest consisting of sections of Dutchman’s Creek and Uwharrie trails. The 1000 feet of elevation gain is spread out over the 8 miles so no long up hills. The trailhead is near Morrow Mt state park.
Required Gear: Fluid and lunch.

Devil's Marbleyard (11/14/2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/14/2026 6:45 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/11/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Andrew Meyer
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: R-40, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1300 ft.
Description: Devils Marbleyard is the place for rock scrambles! This hike starts with a roughly a 1.5 mile hike up Belfast Trail ( moderate difficulty) to an 8 acre uphill boulder field (hard to say exactly what to call it). Once at the top, you do not have to go down the boulder field. There is a trail on the right side of the field, but this trail is quite steep in places. Technically speaking, the up and back of the trail/boulder field is a total of 4-5 miles with an elevation gain of about 1300 feet but I intend to maximize my time on the scramble. I should mention the trail head is a 2.5 hr drive from Greensboro (the location is very close to the National Bridge Park in Virginia). It is a little out there, but I have found this hike to be a lot of fun. The general plan -Get to the trailhead at 9:30am (carpooling highly recommended). Hike to the scramble and spend about 4-5 hours there and be back to the cars by ~330pm. At that point if the group is interested, we could do dinner and then be on our way home. Pre-requisites -Some experience with rock scrambles is highly recommended, and I will be screening people I am not familiar with. Travel logistics -From the Greensboro area: We will carpool with plans to meet at Carolina's Diner on Regional road at 6:45am. -Do you live further out? There are tent, cabin and RV sites available at Thunder Bridge Campground (about 3 miles away from the trailhead) and I think there are other areas as well. Some places may have a 2 night minimum.
Required Gear: Lunch, water, poles might be helpful for going down the side trail
Max Participants: 10

Guilford-Mackintosh Trail (11/14/2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/14/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/13/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Chris Yahnker
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: R-10, Easy
Intended Pace: Slow
Elevation Gain: 220 ft.
Description: This is a relatively hike along the shores of Mackintosh Lake in Guilford County. Enter and pass the fishing/boating check in and follow the road to the parking lot. We'll meet by the restrooms. The trail starts just past the volleyball courts. This is a little over a 3 mile loop with options to turn back at 1 and 2 miles.
Required Gear: Water and a snack

Appalachian Trail West of I-77 (11/14/2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/14/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/13/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: John Casey
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: R-28, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1700 ft.
Description: Every time we've made the drive from Wisconsin to NC in the past several years I've been struck by the beauty of Virginia when we come out of the East River Mountain Tunnel. This hike is in that area just west of I-77 traversing Appalachian trail miles 592 to 586.5 out and back. Compared with the AllTrails hike listed below it stops a mile short, skipping the 500' descent to Laurel Creek and the climb back up. You can put this address into Google Maps to find the parking area: Brushy Mountain Outpost, 2299 N Scenic Hwy, Bland, VA 24315. Car-pooling will be encouraged. www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/appalachian-trail-kimberling-creek-to-laurel-creek
Required Gear: Water, Lunch, Jacket/Raingear, Poles if desired

Indian Creek Trail at Hanging Rock SP (11/14/2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/14/2026 9:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/13/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: George Crouse
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-18, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1000 ft.
Description: Indian Creek is a beautiful wooded hike with several stream crossings (poles are highly recommended). We will start at the parking lot at the end of Flinchum Road in Danbury NC, just past the Dan River Company kayak and canoe rental and Green Heron Ale House. We will ascend to Hidden and Window Falls and a moderate climb to the picnic area below the visitor’s center parking lot at Hanging Rock. 7.2 miles/+/- 1000 feet [R-18]. Poles are recommended, as are waterproof shoes if you have them (stream crossings are shallow unless we’ve had a lot of recent rain, in which case we would modify the route). For those who would like, an additional 1.5 mile loop around the River Bluff Trail offers a beautiful view of the rock bluffs above the Dan River. Following the hike, and dependent upon whether it is open for business, a stop at the Green Heron is optional. Contact George Crouse for further information.

Hagan Stone Park - CANCELLED (11/15/2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 11/15/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/14/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Allison Schwartz
Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: R-11, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 650 ft.
Description: CANCELLED - Join me for a Sunday hike in the an 8.5 mile lollipop loop that begins near the park entrance and circles to the Company Mill Trail that passes by an old homestead, tobacco sheds, long wooden bridges and finishing up by a small waterfall.
Required Gear: Lunch/Snacks/Water/Electrolytes/poles

Thursday Walk and Dinner (11/19/2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Meal
When: THU 11/19/2026 6:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 11/18/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Carol Parks
Description: The walk portion of this event is cancelled until the first Thursday in March (March 4, 2027). However, we will still go to dinner at 6:30. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks and Joe Regan. Members check your weekly email for details for the dinner location. Non-members can contact Carol Parks (contact info provided at signup) if you have questions.

Hunt for Hidden Treasure on the Cook's Wall Trail, Hanging Rock SP (11/21/2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/21/2026 8:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/18/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Vance Barron
Distance: 14 miles
Difficulty: R-33, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1910 ft.
Description: There is a widespread rumor of a cache of Prosecco hidden at House Rock on Cook's Wall Trail at Hanging Rock. This hike will probe for the cache. The journey will begin at the Flinchum Road parking area at 8:30 a.m. The hike will follow Indian Creek, then up Magnolia Springs Trail to Cook's Wall, and return via House Rock and Indian Creek Trail to the starting point. If the cache is discovered, there will be an opportunity to toast the view at House Rock before commencing the hike down to Indian Creek.
Required Gear: Lunch, water, poles, rain gear

Pilot Mountain: Grindstone (11/21/2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/21/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/20/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Ruth Moss
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: R-23, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1500 ft.
Description: This hike will begin and end at the visitor center. We will utilize the Grindstone trail to ascend to the top, walk around the knob via the Pinnacle loop and return to cars via the same route. Bring plenty of water and a snack or lunch. Please sign up by noon, Nov. 20 if you plan on participating. 8 miles, 1500 elevation .(R 23) LIMIT of 15 participants.
Required Gear: water, snacks/lunch, poles if desired.
Max Participants: 15

High Point Greenway (11/21/2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk
When: SAT 11/21/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/20/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Roger Bardsley
Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: R-10, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 50 ft.
Description: We will walk the High Point Greenway from the Piedmont Environmental Center to High Point University. The greenway movement in Guilford County started in High Point, and the scenery along the first part of the walk, finished in the 2000s, is spectacular. The part through High Point University is original and dates to the 1980s. If anyone is interested we can take a quick loop through the HPU campus before heading back.

Laurel Bluff Trail (11/22/2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 11/22/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/21/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Trey Gowdy
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-9, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 285 ft.
Description: Let's hike the Laurel Bluff Trail out & back for a Sunday morning trek in Greensboro, about 7 miles roundtrip. We'll leave from the Lake Brandt Road parking lot on the west side of the trail (5900 Block Lake Brandt Rd, Greensboro, NC) near the dam.
Required Gear: Water
Max Participants: 12

New Member Orientation and Lite Hike (11/22/2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 11/22/2026 1:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 11/22/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Butch and Terri Wilson
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: R-5, Easy
Intended Pace: Slow
Elevation Gain: 200 ft.
Description: Thinking about joining but wondering what it is all about, new member and not sure how to get started or recent member needing a refresher course? Meet with us at 1:30 p.m. in the covered area outside the Lake Higgins Marina office on Hamburg Mill Road in Greensboro. Participants will hear about the PHOC, it’s opportunities, appropriate gear for PHOC hikes, what to expect and how to stay safe on the trail. The orientation will take about 45 minutes. Afterward we hope you will join us for a three-mile hike in the woods on the Bald Eagle Trail – of course all members are welcome! Those interested in the hike should bring plenty of water, a snack, and wear appropriate clothing to be outside. The orientation and hike should wrap up no later than 4:00 p.m. If you need additional information please contact Butch or Terri. We look forward to seeing you!
Required Gear: Water

Downtown Greenway Walk (11/27/2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk
When: FRI 11/27/2026 10:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/25/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Ruth Moss
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: R-7, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 100 ft.
Description: Let’s meet at the tennis courts at Lake Daniel Park in Greensboro. The Tennis courts at Lake Daniel are located at 410 Mimosa Drive, off Benjamin Parkway in Greensboro. We will walk the new Downtown Greenway starting at the Lake Daniel Tennis courts. This paved greenway meanders along a portion of an old rail bed. It passes under Friendly Avenue, crossing West Market St, adjacent to Greensboro College and the College Hill Neighborhood. The greenway crosses Gate City Blvd twice, parallels Murrow Blvd and Fisher Avenue before looping by the baseball stadium. Along the way are various historical markers, pictures, plaques, and small “parks”. The total distance is around 6 miles. We will take this at a more leisurely pace since there are some interesting points of interest along the way. Bring water and snacks. There is the possibility of stopping for coffee or refreshments along the way. Please sign up at the website for this so I will know how many to expect.
Required Gear: snacks, water, dress in layers

Turkey Burner 4 Peak hike (11/28/2026)

Sat, 28 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/28/2026 8:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/25/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Joan Heiss
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: R-28, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 2000 ft.
Description: Please join me for a post Thanksgiving calorie burning hike beginning at 8:30 a.m. We will meet at the lake parking lot for a 4 peak hike including: Wolf Rock, House Rock, Cook’s Wall, and Moore’s Knob. We will hike the Wolf Rock trail to Cook’s Wall. Coming back we will connect to the Moore’s Wall Loop via the Magnolia Springs connector and have lunch at the Tower. 8.5 miles, 2000 ft elev. [R-28]
Required Gear: Hiking poles, snacks, and water

Shallow Ford Natural Area (11/28/2026)

Sat, 28 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 11/28/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/27/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Chris Yahnker
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: R-15, Easy
Intended Pace: Slow
Elevation Gain: 275 ft.
Description: This is a nice set of trails along the Haw River that connects with part of the Mountain to Sea Trail. There are spots for bird & wildlife watching and part of the trail follows the river. If coming from NC 87, you'll turn onto Gerringer Mill Rd at Western Alamance County HS. Go approximately 1 mile and the entrance is on your left right after crossing the Haw River. There is a medium sized parking lot with restrooms at the trailhead. There are approximately 4 miles of trails with opportunities to shorten to 2 or 3 mile hikes.
Required Gear: Water and good footwear. Trekking poles optional.

Farm, Neighborhood, Reynolda, Wake Forest Hike (11/29/2026)

Sun, 29 Nov 2026 17:45:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 11/29/2026 12:45 PM
Signup Deadline: 11/28/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: John Casey
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: R-7, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 350 ft.
Description: This 5 mile one-way hike will begin on the Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail. If you've never been there, I think you'll be quite surprised by the 100 acre farm in the middle of Winston-Salem and the uphill trail through the woods along Peters Creek. Coming off the trail, the next section will go through Winston's historic Boston neighborhood and then past the large Arbor Acres senior living community. Next the hike will proceed onto the Reynolda estate, following the perimeter trail through the woods along the west side to the Reynolda boat house. From there we'll follow a walking path across the small waterfall on Silas Creek and on to the Wake Forest campus where we'll make a short loop past the physics lab, library and fine arts center before returning along the walking path to finish at Reynolda Gardens. Meet at the trailhead parking lot by 12:45 PM to shuttle cars to Reynolda Gardens. The trailhead address is 1215 Reynolda Road. Enter the Crossnore Farm road and then turn right into the small parking lot. If you don't shuttle your car and wish to walk from Reynolda Gardens back to the starting point, it is 1.5 miles down Reynolda Road but be aware that you'll need to walk on the edge of the road facing traffic.

Thursday Walk and Dinner (12/03/2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Meal
When: THU 12/3/2026 6:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 12/2/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Carol Parks
Description: The walk portion of this event is cancelled until the first Thursday in March (March 4, 2027). However, we will still go to dinner at 6:30. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks and Joe Regan. Members check your weekly email for details for the dinner location. Non-members can contact Carol Parks (contact info provided at signup) if you have questions.

Rock Castle Gorge Loop (12/05/2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 12/5/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 12/2/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Vance Barron
Distance: 11.5 miles
Difficulty: R-34, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 2,257 ft.
Description: This hike begins at the CC Camp Road at Rock Castle Creek, climbs up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, goes over Rocky Knob, returns to Rock Castle Creek, and descends to the starting point. Distance: 11.5 miles; elevation gain: 2,257 feet. R34. Please register on the web site no later than Wednesday before the hike.
Required Gear: Cold weather or rain gear, poles, lunch, water
Max Participants:
Email: barronvance@gmail.com
Phone: 336-255-4619
Mobile or Landline: Mobile

Morrow Mountain (12/05/2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 12/5/2026 9:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 11/7/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Dave Johnson
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: R-26, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1600 ft.
Description: November 7th Morrow Mountain Saturday 9:30 AM Mountain and Morrow Mtn Trails Dave Johnson 336-601-1274 Djohnson2075@gmail.com Our outing will begin on the 5-mile, 600-foot Fall Mountain trail, with fine views of the Yadkin River and of the interior of the park, and will conclude with the 6-mile, 1000-foot out-and-back on the Morrow Mountain trail. After taking in the surprisingly impressive views from the Morrow Mountain summit, lunch will be enjoyed at a sheltered, sunny spot on that 936-foot peak. The gathering at the park will be at the boat rental parking lot ( https://files.nc.gov/ncparks/maps-and-brochures/morrow-mountain-state-park-map-2020.pdf ) in time to start the first hike at 9:30 a.m. Carpooling will be from Crumley Roberts, 2400 Freeman Mill Road in Greensboro. If interested in this outing, let me know by 12:00 p.m. on Friday. In your response, please indicate whether you would like to carpool.
Required Gear: poles, water, lunch

Company Mill Hike (12/05/2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 12/5/2026 1:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 12/4/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Wayne Hale
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: R-10, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 400 ft.
Description: This hike begins at Hagen Stone Park in southeast Guilford County. We will meet a the first parking lot to the left after entering the park. We will begin walking on the Chatfield Trail east for 0.5 miles then head south on the Heritage Trail into Company Mill Preserve. Beautiful views of wetlands and the mill dam. Out and back totals 6 miles [R 9]. Some may choose to add the remainder of the Chatfield Trail to make 9 mies [R 11].

PHOC Holiday Party (12/05/2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Social
When: SAT 12/5/2026 6:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 12/2/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Allison Schwartz/Virginia Dodd Pulaski
Description:

Join Us for a Holiday Celebration! Let’s celebrate the holidays together with good food, good company, and a fun holiday game or two! Dressy casual attire is welcome. Achilles Grill will cater the meal, featuring chicken, beef, and lamb skewers; spanakopita; Greek salad; rice; pita bread; and Tasaki sauce and salad dressing. The club will provide wine and beer. Please sign up to bring an appetizer or dessert and register for the event on the website by November 30th. Potluck Dish Signup Google Form http://tiny.cc/PotluckDishSignup This year we’ve decided to partner with Westminster Presbyterian Church for a food drive benefiting the Refugee Feeding Network. This is a community-led program ensuring our refugee neighbors have access to wholesome, nutritious food. It’s a meaningful way to support those who were welcomed to our area and are now facing food insecurity.

• Jasmine Rice • Vegetable Oil • Lentils • Dried White Beans • Dried Yellow Beans • Dried Black Beans • Canned Kidney Beans • Chickpeas • Masarepa Flour • Masa Harina Flour • Cassava Flour • All Purpose Flour • Sugar • Tahini • Crackers • Salt • Tomato Sauce • Tomato Paste • Pasta • Fruit Juice • Olives • Powdered Milk • Peanut Butter • Peanut Powder

**NO GLASS PLEASE**

We will have a box near the entrance of the club for members to deposit items. If you have any questions, please contact Allison Schwartz or Virginia Dodd Pulaski.

Bill Craft Trail (12/12/2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 12/12/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 12/11/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Beverly Grier
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-9, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 500 ft.
Description: Please join me for this out and back hike of approximately 7.2 miles on a quiet, scenic trail off Plainfield Rd. We will say a quick hello to the lone pot-bellied pig and horses on properties at the end of the trail before we turn around and head back to the parking lot. New hikers are welcome. All paces will be accommodated. Leashed dogs are also welcome. Directions: Head north on Church St, crossing Pisgah Church Rd. Cross Lake Townsend twice, turn left onto Plainfield Rd. The trailhead parking lot is on the right, after about a mile. Or head north on Lake Brandt Rd, turn right onto Plainfield Rd. The trailhead parking lot will be on your left, after a few miles. Be ready to hike at 9 a.m. Contact me via email if you have any questions. [R-9]
Required Gear: Poles are recommended
Max Participants: 15

Tour de Wolf Rock (12/12/2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 12/12/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 12/10/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Nicole Mazgaj
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: R-25, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1400 ft.
Description: This hike is a club favorite. Credit for its Gallic sounding name goes to Vance Barron. He suggested it in jest, and it stuck. Its name tells you exactly what you will be doing on this hike: going around, not across, Wolf Rock. The route is a grossly misshapen lollipop. The stick is the MST section that starts from the backpackers parking lot and intersects with the Wolf Rock trail. From there we will hike the lollipop counterclockwise, returning to the intersection with the stick via Black Jack. This is a moderate, scenic, and varied hike suitable for most hikers with some experience in mountain walking. Buyer’s beware: We will be crossing a couple of streams, which at this time of year, may be above ankle height. Poles are therefore strongly recommended.
Required Gear: Poles

Indian Creek Trail (12/13/2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 12/13/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 12/12/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Allison Schwartz
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: R-18, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1000 ft.
Description: Indian Creek is a beautiful wooded hike with several stream crossings early in the hike. We will start at the parking lot at the end of Flinchum Road in Danbury NC, just past the Dan River Company kayak and canoe rental and Green Heron Ale House. We will gently ascend to Hidden and Window Falls and eat lunch at the picnic area. This is an out and back, so after lunch we will head back to the cars. Lots of opportunities to add mileage if interested. We cross the stream many times, so be prepared for those crossings.
Required Gear: lunch/snacks/water/poles

Osprey/Townsend Trails (12/13/2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 12/13/2026 1:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 12/12/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Claudia Cannady
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: R-11, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 340 ft.
Description: Let's enjoy hiking the Osprey & Townsend watershed trails in Greensboro.This is an 8 mile out and back hike from Yanceyville Road to the soccer fields at Bryan Park. We'll see some beautiful lake views, diverse hardwoods, and cross a shallow stream. We will meet at the small gravel parking lot on the left side of Yanceyville Rd as you travel north. Directions to parking lot at 4907 Yanceyville Road: Head north on Yanceyville Road from Pisgah Church Road or the 840 Loop, past Ronald McNair Elementary School and Reedy Fork Baptist Church. Shortly after passing Reedy Fork Baptist Church take a left into a driveway to a small gravel parking lot that is often obscured by tall evergreens. The parking lot is on your left before crossing the bridge.

Thursday Walk and Dinner (12/17/2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Meal
When: THU 12/17/2026 6:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 12/16/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Carol Parks
Description: The walk portion of this event is cancelled until the first Thursday in March (March 4, 2027). However, we will still go to dinner at 6:30. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks and Joe Regan. Members check your weekly email for details for the dinner location. Non-members can contact Carol Parks (contact info provided at signup) if you have questions.

Salem Lake, 226 Linville Road, Winston-Salem (12/19/2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 13:45:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk, Hike
When: SAT 12/19/2026 8:45 AM
Signup Deadline: 12/18/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Kellie Beeson
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-8, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 225 ft.
Description: We will meet in the parking lot at 226 Linville Road. Be ready to begin walking at 8:45 AM. This 7-mile loop has beautiful views of the lake. The terrain is mostly flat with minor elevation. Those who prefer a shorter hike may double back at any point during the hike. We will go counterclockwise around the lake. If any of you that want to come later, then simply walk clockwise to join us for our remaining hike. If you prefer to bike, that's ok also! Leashed dogs and guests ok. Directions: 226 Linville Road, From Greensboro take Salem Parkway Rt. 421N towards Winston-Salem. Get off at Linville Road exit 228. Take a right onto Linville Road. In ¾ mi turn right into the Linville Road Parking lot for the Salem Lake Trail
Required Gear: Water

Three Peaks at Morrow Mountain (12/19/2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 12/19/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 12/17/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Vance Barron
Distance: 12 miles
Difficulty: R-33, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 2100 ft.
Description: This hike will loop three peaks of Morrow Mountain State Park--Hattaway, Sugar Loaf, and Morrow Mountain. There is one steep section climbing Morrow Mountain, but the remainder of the trail is moderate.
Required Gear: Rain gear, poles, lunch, and water

Corridor to Grindstone to Jameoke and back (12/19/2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 12/19/2026 9:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 12/18/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Wayne Hale
Distance: 12 miles
Difficulty: R-29, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1700 ft.
Description: From the Pinnacle Hotel Road parking lot at 8:30 a.m. we will hike the Corridor Trail, then go left on Mountain Trail, then right on GrindstoneTrail to ascend to the bathrooms on the top. We’ll go clockwise round Pilot Knob Trail with lunch along the way. We’ll return to Grindstone to descend to Mountain Trail and then right on the Corridor Trail to return to our parking lot. The route is approximately 11.7 miles long with 1700 feet of elevation gain. [R 29], but may be amended if there are large crowds on the Pilot Knob Trail.
Required Gear: poles recommended

Piedmont Environmental Center (12/20/2026)

Sun, 20 Dec 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 12/20/2026 1:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 12/20/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Butch and Terri Wilson
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: R-6, Easy
Intended Pace: Slow
Elevation Gain: 300 ft.
Description: Please join us for a slower paced hike on the Bill Faver and Racoon Run trails along the shores of High Point City Lake. We will meet in front of the Environmental Center at 1:30 and hike a total of 3 miles.
Required Gear: Water

New Year's Day Hike at Hanging Rock (01/01/2027)

Fri, 01 Jan 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: FRI 1/1/2027 10:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 12/31/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Joan Heiss
Description: Join us for the Annual New Year’s Day hikes at Hanging Rock State Park. There will be 3 levels of hiking: easy, moderate, and strenuous. Each hike will have some beautiful views to start the new year. Please meet at 10:00 a.m. in the upper parking lot in front of the Visitor's Center, and we will divide into groups based on each participant’s preferred hike. Departures will be staggered. The strenuous hike will be about 9 miles. It will include Moore’s Knob, Cook’s Wall, House Rock, and Wolf Rock and is about 2,000 feet elevation gain. [R-29] The moderate hike to Wolf Rock, House Rock, and Cook's Wall will cover about 6-7 miles with about 900 feet elevation gain. [R-16]. The short hike will ascend Hanging Rock and will cover about 3.7 miles with about 600 feet elevation gain. [R-9]. Notes concerning carpools: Feel free to organize your own carpools. I recommend Greensboro hikers gather at the Lowe’s Foods grocery store in Oak Ridge, 2205 Oak Ridge Rd, Oak Ridge, NC 27310, for a departure no later than 9:00 a.m. Winston-Salem hikers should gather at the shopping plaza parking lot near the McDonald’s at 426 Jonestown Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, for a departure no later than 9:00 a.m.
Required Gear: Water and snacks