MST Month Kick Off – Vertical Ethiopia with Majka Burhardt
General Location: Raleigh
Date: Tuesday, September 30
Time: 7 pm
Trip Type: Slideshow presentation and book signing
Length: N/A
Level: N/A
Kid Friendly: Absolutely!
Contact: http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/events/vertical-ethiopia/
Meeting Place: Lincoln Theater, 126 E. Cabarrus Street, downtown Raleigh
Description: What if the very country that claims the Cradle of Humanity is also the new Mecca for adventure? Majka Burhardt takes you on a journey to Northern Ethiopia where she climbed desert sandstone towers in an effort to get to know another side of this complex country with an international reputation largely limited to drought, famine, and communism. Her stories and experiences are chronicled in her new book: Vertical Ethiopia: Climbing Toward Possibility in the Horn of Africa. Her presentation examines the interaction between the Ethiopia of the past and the potential of today, with a specific focus on the intersections between history and opportunity, adventure and culture, and environment and growth.
What to Bring: $10 general admission; $5 students.  Buy tickets from Great Outdoor Provision Co. (see contact information above).  When you come to the event, bring money! -- to buy a book and a raffle ticket to support the MST and win a SkyBox to carry all your hiking gear on your car.

Hike from Devil's Courthouse to Daniel Ridge Creek
General Location: Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest in Haywood and Transylvania counties
Date: Wednesday, October 1
Time: 8:30 am       
Trip Type: All day hike
Length: 8.5 miles, 2100 foot ascent
Level: Difficult
Kid Friendly?: Children only if they can easily handle a difficult hike.
Contact: Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119
Meeting Place: Call leader for meeting place       
Description: From Devil's Courthouse overlook, we will proceed on the MST, and then do a steep descent on the Art Loeb Trail and Farlow Gap Trail to Daniel Ridge Creek. Along the way, we’ll view old mica mine tailings and waterfalls, then retrace our steps to the Blue Ridge Parkway/Art Loeb Trail intersection. This hike will feature a 360 degree mountain vista from Devil's Courthouse, a fabulous view of Pilot Mountain from Chestnut Bald overlook and Silvermine Bald, and early fall foliage colors. Short car shuttle. This hike is organized by the Carolina Mountain Club, which builds and maintains more than 100 miles of the MST.  Visit www.carolinamtnclub.org
What to Bring: Lunch and water

Hike to Clingman’s Dome – Where the MST Begins
General Location: Great Smoky National Park in Swain County
Date: Saturday, October 4
Time: 8:00 am
Trip Type: All day hike
Length: 12.5 miles (possibility of a 9 mile hike if someone is interested)
Level: Strenuous
Kid Friendly?: No
Contact: Alan Householder, 865-908-9867
Meeting Place: Clingmans Dome parking lot in the Great Smoky National Park (call the hike leader to register before showing up)
Description: The hike will begin on the Upper Deep Creek Trail and follow that trail 3.5 miles to access the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Then we’ll climb the beautiful Fork Ridge Trail for another 3 miles to the Appalachian Trail and Tennessee state line. The hike will end at Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smokys.
What to Bring: sturdy hiking boots that can handle a creek crossing, lunch, snacks, water, and rain gear.

Paddle the Dan River from Moratock Park to Snow Creek
General Location: Danbury, north of Winston-Salem
Date: Saturday, October 4
Time: 10 am
Trip Type: Paddle
Length: 4 miles
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly: Kids 12 and older in individual boats; those younger must be in boats with adults
Contact: Will Truslow, willtruslow@hotmail.com, 336-547-1903
Meeting Place: Moratock Park in Danbury (from NC 8/89, turn onto Shephard Mill Road, crossing the bridge over the Dan.  At the end of the bridge, an unpaved drive on the right leads to the boat launch near the old iron furnace.)
Description: A leisurely float on a beautiful, less-traveled section of the Dan River. The Dan River Basin Association invites the public to join in, free of charge, for this regular First Saturday Outing, rated as Class 1 in difficulty.  High forested bluffs make this section of the Dan particularly beautiful, and Native American fish weirs are found in the river bed. The trip begins near the historic Moratock Iron Furnace and ends at the new Snow Creek Access, recently opened through an agreement between DRBA and the Davis Chapel Historic Association. In addition to early fall foliage, one can expect to see animal trails, herons, geese, and songbirds.
What to Bring:  Boat, paddles, life jackets, drinks and lunch, wear water-shedding artificial fabric or wool (not cotton or blue jeans) and provide a back-up change of clothing. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver.  A bonus activity will be participation in North Carolina Big Sweep, the statewide watershed cleanup event held each fall. Trash bags and data cards will be provided to all boaters.  Visit www.danriver.org

Hike the Falls Lake Trail from Shinleaf State Recreation Area to Barton Creek Boat Ramp
General Location: northern Wake and Durham counties
Date: Sunday, October 5
Time: 1:00 pm
TripType: Dayhike
Length: 5.3 miles, about 3 hours at an easy pace
Difficulty Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes, as long as they can hike the required distance
Contact: Arthur Kelley (919) 349-2580
Meeting Place: Barton Creek Boat Ramp on Six Forks Road north of Raleigh
Description: We will shuttle from Barton Creek Boat Ramp to Shinleaf State Recreation Area. We will then take a hike back to Barton Creek on the south shore of Falls Lake with nice views of Falls Lake.
What to Bring: Water, a snack and sturdy shoes that you can get muddy.

Open House at the Haw River State Park
General Location: In Rockingham County, north of Greensboro
Date: Sunday, October 5
Time: 1-4 pm
Trip Type: Hikes, tours, exhibits
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly: Yes
Contact: Summit Environmental Education Center, Haw River State Park, 336-342-6163
Meeting Place: Summit Environmental Education Center, Haw River State Park, 330 Conference Center Drive, Browns Summit, NC
Description: The MST is to be built through the new Haw River State Park, but currently the only portion of the park open to the public is the Summit Environmental Education Center. The annual open house at the Park offers guided walks to the wetlands of the Haw River, guided tours of the Summit Environmental Education Center facilities, games and activities for children, park information and exhibits, and Mountains to Sea Trail information and exhibits.

Hike from Craggy Gardens to Little Snowball
General Location: Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville
Date: Wednesday, October 8
Time: 8:30 am
Trip Type: All day hike - bring Lunch
Length: 7 miles, 2630 foot ascent    
Level: Difficult
Kid Friendly?: Children only if they can easily hike 7 miles
Contact: Don Walton,  828-654-9904
Meeting Place: Call leader for meeting place
Description: The hike will start where the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed for construction. From Bee Tree Gap at Craggy Gardens, on MST South, then get on Snowball trail over high ricks (Hawkbill Mtn.) to Little Snowball tower site for great views and return.  This hike is organized by the Carolina Mountain Club, which builds and maintains more than 100 miles of the MST.  www.carolinamtnclub.org
What to Bring: Lunch and water

Paddle from Haw River to Swepsonville
General Location: in Alamance County near Burlington
Date: Sunday, October 5
Time: 1:00 pm
Trip Type: Paddle
Length: about 4 hours
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes
Contact: www.hawrivercanoe.com
Meeting Place: Highway 49 bridge crossing in Haw River
Description: Enjoy a leisurely paddle on the beautiful Haw River with occasional Class I+ rapids to keep the trip exciting and fun.  Your guide will also share a brief history of textile mills along the Haw.  This event is one of a series of events planned as part of Textile Heritage Week. Your tour leader will provide you with a canoe, PFD, paddle, and at least one experienced guide/naturalist.
What to Bring: Guests are responsible for transportation to and from the meeting plae, help with running the shuttle, light weight rain gear, footwear that can get dirty and wet, water bottle, appropriate clothing for the season, hat and sunscreen. A camera and binoculars are recommended, but optional.

Hike from Craggy Picnic Ground to Greybeard Overlook
General Location: Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville
Date: Sunday, October 5
Time: 12:30 pm
Trip Type: Half day hike
Length: 5.5 miles, 1100 foot ascent     
Level: Moderate
Kid Friendly?: Children only if they can easily hike 6 miles
Contact: Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471
Meeting Place: Call leader for meeting place
Description: The hike will start where the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed for construction. At the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area we will climb a short distance to the top of bald Craggy Knob with a view to the south. Then back on the MST to the closed, quiet BRP visitor center. Continue on the MST around Craggy Pinnacle on a rocky and difficult part of the trail, with a possible side trip to the summit. Cross the parkway as the MST continues to Greybeard Overlook and another fabulous view. Return on the same route with a possible walk through the closed Craggy Pinnacle Tunnel. This hike is organized by the Carolina Mountain Club, which builds and maintains more than 100 miles of the MST.  www.carolinamtnclub.org
What to Bring: Snack and water

Paddle the Dan River from Snow Creek to Hemlock Golf Course
Date: Sunday, October 5
Time: 10 am
Trip Type: Paddle
Length: 5 miles
Level: Moderately Easy
Kid Friendly: Kids 12 and older in individual boats; those younger must be in boats with adults
Contact: Will Truslow, willtruslow@hotmail.com, 336-547-1903
Meeting Place: Moratock Park in Danbury (from NC 8/89, turn onto Shephard Mill Road, crossing the bridge over the Dan.  At the end of the bridge, an unpaved drive on the right leads to the boat launch near the old iron furnace.)
From there we will shuttle to begin the paddle at Snow Creek.
Description: The Dan River Basin Association invites the public to join in, free of charge, for this special outing in honor of Mountains-to-Sea Trail Month. History and legend abound on this section of the river, which is characterized by high bluffs forested with hardwoods and stands of stately hemlock trees. Branches of the Great Wagon Road forded the river; caves are said to have been used by Confederate draft dodgers; and Davis Bluff, the scene of a fatal fall, is also known as Mount Horrible. This section of the Dan River is rated mostly as Class 1, but the remains of a former Duke Power dam, dynamited in 1975, create a sometimes challenging Class 2 rapid. Fortunately, the dam/rapid is within sight of watchers at the take-out ramp, which the Association is using with special permission from the landowner.
What to Bring: Boat, paddles, life jackets, drinks and lunch, wear water-shedding artificial fabric or wool (not cotton or blue jeans) and provide a back-up change of clothing. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver.  A bonus activity will be participation in North Carolina Big Sweep, the statewide watershed cleanup event held each fall. Trash bags and data cards will be provided to all boaters.  Visit www.danriver.org

Help Maintain the Trail through Linville Gorge and along Harper and Wilson Creeks
General Location: near Morganton
Date: Monday, October 6 and Saturday, October 18
Time: 8:30 am
Trip Type: Trail workday
Length: N/A
Level: Physically demanding, but we can adjust to abilities. The other volunteers are fun-loving, easy-going folks who are always glad to welcome others into the fold.
Kid-Friendly?: Not suitable for children under 12. Please check with the workday leader before brining older children.
Contact: Bob Benner, 828-437-6635
Meeting Place: K-Mart parking lot in Morganton
Description:  We’ll be maintaining trail – trimming overgrown vegetation and repairing eroded areas.   Work may include using a rake and mattox (similar to a pickaxe) to dig new trail and remove small roots, brush clearing, moving logs, and picking up debris.
What to Bring: Please wear work clothes and bring a bag lunch, plenty of water, work gloves, sturdy hiking or work boots with good ankle support, and sunscreen.  We have a great supply of tools, and we'll give you training on how to use them. 

Help Maintain the Trail through Linville Gorge and along Harper and Wilson Creeks
General Location: near Morganton
Date: Monday, October 6 and Saturday, October 18
Time: 8:30 am
Trip Type: Trail workday
Length: N/A
Level: Physically demanding, but we can adjust to abilities. The other volunteers are fun-loving, easy-going folks who are always glad to welcome others into the fold.
Kid-Friendly?: Not suitable for children under 12. Please check with the workday leader before brining older children.
Contact: Bob Benner, 828-427-6635
Meeting Place: K-Mart parking lot in Morganton
Description:  We’ll be maintaining trail – trimming overgrown vegetation and repairing eroded areas.   Work may include using a rake and mattox (similar to a pickaxe) to dig new trail and remove small roots, brush clearing, moving logs, and picking up debris.
What to Bring: Please wear work clothes and bring a bag lunch, plenty of water, work gloves, sturdy hiking or work boots with good ankle support, and sunscreen.  We have a great supply of tools, and we'll give you training on how to use them. 

A Fireside Chat About Favorite Hikes in North Carolina
General Location: Raleigh
Date: Wednesday, October 8
Time: 6:00 pm
Trip Type: Fireside chat
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes, just so they’re old enough to sit quietly
Contact: Cameron Village Great Outdoor Provision Co., 919-833-1741
Meeting Place: Great Outdoor Provision Co., Cameron Village, 2017 Cameron Street, Raleigh
Description: Someday, you'll be able to backpack most if not all of the 900-plus-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail. In fact, you can can backpack two sections of the MST through the Triangle today. News & Observer outdoors writer Joe Miller discusses his recent treks on those two sections — along the Eno River and Falls Lake — at a campside chat at the Great Outdoor Provision Co. Wednesday, Oct. 8. We'll also talk about backpacking throughout the state, so come prepared to swap stories about your favorite backpack trips in North Carolina. Great Outdoor Provision Co. will provide a light meal for all who attend.
What to Bring: $5 to buy one raffle ticket or $20 to buy five; your purchase will help build and maintain the MST and give you a chance for great prizes!

Hike to Moore’s Wall in Hanging Rock State Park
General Location: In Stokes County, north of Danbury
Date: Thursday, October 9
Time: 10:30 am  to 2 pm
Trip Type: Day hike
Length: 4 miles
Level: Difficult
Kid Friendly: Yes
Contact: Scott Coffman, Hanging Rock State Park Ranger, 336-593-8480, scott.coffman@ncmail.net
Meeting Place: Meet at the lake parking area in the State Park
Description:  We will hike up the Mountains-to-Sea trail to the observation tower on Moore's Wall, the highest point in the Sauratown Mountain Range at 2579 feet, for spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia and as far as you can see towards the Triad cities to the south and east.
What to Bring: A bag lunch.

A Trip Across North Carolina – Hiking the MST
General Location: Wilmington
Date: Thursday, October 9
Time: 7:00 pm
Trip Type: Slideshow presentation
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly? Yes
Contact: Wilmington Great Outdoor Provision Co., 910-343-1648
Meeting Place: Great Outdoor Provision Co., 3501 Oleander Drive (US 76), Wilmington
Description: Learn what’s involved in thru-hiking the MST from Jeff Brewer, who completed the 900+ mile trek in 2003. He’ll tell you about the route and logistics involved – from his own experience and from his experience helping many other people plan their hikes. Jeff is Board President of the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, so he’ll also tell you more about progress in completing the trail and how you can get involved.
What to bring: $5 to buy one raffle ticket or $20 to buy five; your purchase will help build and maintain the MST and give you a chance for great prizes!

Slidehow: Mark Synnott – North Face Athlete
General Location: Winston-Salem
Date: Friday, October 10
Time: 7:00 pm
Trip Type: Slideshow Presentation
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes, if they can sit quietly
Contact: Great Outdoor Provision Co., 402 South Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem, (336) 727-0906
Meeting Place: The Garage, 110 W. 7th Street, Winston-Salem
Description: What to Bring: $5 to buy one raffle ticket or $20 to buy five; your purchase will help build and maintain the MST and give you a chance for great prizes!

Backpack to the Summit of Mount Mitchell
General Location: Mt. Mitchell State Park off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Yancey County
Date: Saturday, October 11 through Sunday, October 12
Time: 9:00 am on Saturday until 7:00 pm on Sunday
Trip Type: Backpacking
Length: 15 miles
Level: Difficult
Kid Friendly: Children allowed if they have sufficient outdoors experience and are able to hike with a thirty-pound pack in the mountains all day.
Contact: Matt Mutel, Mt. Mitchell State Park Ranger (matt.mutel@ncmail.net, 828-675-4611)
Meeting Place: Meet at Mount Mitchell State Park summit parking lot on Sunday morning, and we will shuttle cars down to the trailhead at Buck Creek Gap. On Sunday, we will arrive at the summit of Mount Mitchell in time for supper at the Mount Mitchell restaurant, which closes at 7:00 pm.
Description: This free, strenuous overnight backpacking trip will be guided by a park ranger and is for anyone interested in learning more about the Black Mountain range and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.  The hike will take us from Buck Creek Gap (intersection NC-80 and the Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 344.1) to the summit of Mount Mitchell.  First day is 8 miles; second day is 7 miles.  Trails are steep, rocky and can be very slick.
What to Bring:  Appropriate footwear, good quality backpacking (all-weather!) gear, and a high level of fitness is required. Hikers will be responsible for all meals, cooking gear, and camping gear.  Trip leader will send out a gear-required list two weeks prior to trip.  Gear inspections will be conducted the morning of the first day.  Trip participants without adequate gear will not be allowed to attend due to safety.

Help Build New Trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway between US 421 and NC-16
General Location: Near Glendale Springs and Wilkesboro
Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: 8:30 am
Trip Type: Trail workday
Length: N/A
Level: Physically demanding, but we can adjust to abilities. The other volunteers are fun-loving, easy-going folks who are always glad to welcome others into the fold.
Kid-Friendly?: Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Generally not suitable for young children.
Contact: Jim Hallsey, 336-877-8831 or jhallsey2@cs.com
Meeting Place:  Lewis Fork Overlook near milepost 270 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Look for orange MST Work sign and directions on vehicle windshield.
Description:  We’ll be building new trail on steep, rocky side slope.  Work may include using a rake and mattox (similar to a pickaxe) to dig new trail and remove small roots, brush clearing, moving logs, and picking up debris.
What to Bring: Please wear work clothes and bring a bag lunch, plenty of water, work gloves, sturdy hiking or work boots with good ankle support, and sunscreen.  We have a great supply of tools, and we'll give you training on how to use them. 

Paddle the Neuse River from Auburn-Knightdale Road to NC 42
General Location: Wake and Johnston counties, east of Raleigh
Date: Sunday, October 12
Time: 10 am
Trip Type: Paddle
Length: 10.5 miles
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes
Contact: Frog Hollow, info@froghollowoutdoors.com; 919-949-4315
Meeting Place: NC 42 bridge at the Neuse River (specific directions will be e-mailed to registrants approximately one week prior to the trip date.)  A carpool meeting location in Durham will also be coordinated.
Description: Flatwater interspersed with class 1 rapids make this a fun and leisurely paddle trip. Frog Hollow will provide guides, canoes and or kayaks and all of the necessary shuttle and carpool logistics for the trip.
What to Bring: Lunch, plenty of water, quick dry clothing that you do not mind getting dirty or wet and that is suitable for the forecasted weather (NO cotton), full change of clothing, and towel. All participants must sign a waiver. Visit www.froghollowoutdoors.com for more info.
Cost: $35 per person supplies boat, guide, shuttle and carpool logisitics.  $10 of this fee will be a donation to Friends of Mountains-to-Sea Trail to further construction of the trail.

Hike from Devil’s Courthouse to Pilot Mountain
General Location: Near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood and Transylvania counties
Date: Sunday, October 12
Time: 8:30 am
Trip Type: All day hike
Length: 8.5 miles, 2400 foot ascent
Level: Difficult
Kid Friendly?: Children only if they can easily handle a difficult hike
Contact: Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119
Meeting Place: Call leader for meeting place
Description: Have you ever admired the fabulous views of Pilot Mountain from Devil’s Courthouse and the Chestnut Bald and Silvermine Bald overlooks?  From Devil’s Courthouse, we will follow the MST and then descend steeply on the roller coaster alternate route to Farlow Gap. After a snack break at Bruce Rock, we’ll proceed to the top of Pilot Mountain with its 360 degree mountain vista for lunch. Then we’ll retrace our steps to the Blue Ridge Parkway where a short car shuttle will reunite us with our cars. This hike is organized by the Carolina Mountain Club, which builds and maintains more than 100 miles of the MST.  www.carolinamtnclub.org
What to bring: Snack, lunch and water.

A Trip Across North Carolina – Hiking the MST
General Location: North Raleigh
Date: Tuesday, October 14
Time: 7:00 pm
Trip Type: Slideshow Presentation
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes
Contact: Falls Village Great Outdoor Provision Co,. 919-847-2722
Meeting Place: Great Outdoor Provision Co., Falls Village Shopping Center, 6663 Falls of the Neuse Road, Raleigh
Description: Learn what’s involved in thru-hiking the MST from Johnny “Chief” Massey, who completed the 900+ mile trek in 2007. He’ll tell you about the route and logistics involved – from his own experience and from his experience helping many other people plan their hikes. Johnny is a volunteer with Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea, so he’ll also tell you more about progress in completing the trail and how you can get involved.
What to Bring: $5 to buy one raffle ticket or $20 to buy five; your purchase will help build and maintain the MST and give you a chance for great prizes!

A Trip Across North Carolina – Hiking the MST
General Location: Chapel Hill
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 7:00 pm
Trip Type: Slideshow Presentation
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes
Contact: Great Outdoor Provision Co., 919-933-6148
Meeting Place: Great Outdoor Provision Co., Eastgate Shopping Center, 1800 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Description: Learn what’s involved in thru-hiking the MST from Allen de Hart, the man who developed the 900+ mile route and was the first to hike it in 1997. He then wrote the guidebook used by trail hikers and he’s involved in efforts to build the trail statewide. Allen will tell you about the route and logistics involved – from his own experience and from his experience helping many other people plan their hikes. Allen is also a board member of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail so he can also tell you how to get involved
What to Bring: $5 to buy one raffle ticket or $20 to buy five; your purchase will help build and maintain the MST and give you a chance for great prizes!

Four-Day Backpack from Mt.  Mitchell to Asheville
General Location: from Mt. Mitchell State Park in Yancey County to Asheville
Date: Thursday, October 16 through Sunday, October 19
Time: 8 am on Thursday until 6 pm on Sunday
Trip Type: Backpacking
Length: 32.4 miles
Level: Difficult
Kid Friendly: Children are allowed if they have sufficient outdoors experience and are able to hike with a thirty-pound pack in the mountains all day.
Contact: Matt Mutel, Mt. Mitchell State Park Ranger (matt.mutel@ncmail.net, 828-675-4611)
Meeting Place: Folk Arts Center parking lot (Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 382), the end point of the hike at 8:00AM.  Then shuttle cars to the trailhead at the summit parking lot at Mt. Mitchell.
Description: A free, strenuous 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip guided by a park ranger for anyone interested in exploring the Mountains-to-Sea Trail for a few days. First day is 9 miles. Second day  is 7 miles. Third day  is 11 miles.  Fourth day is 5.4 miles. Trails are steep, rocky and can be very slick.
What to Bring:  Appropriate footwear, good quality backpacking gear, and a high level of fitness are required. Hikers will be responsible for all meals, cooking gear, and camping gear. Trip leader will send out a gear-required list two weeks prior to trip.  Gear inspections will be conducted the morning of the first day.  Trip participants without adequate gear will not be allowed to attend due to safety.

A Trip Across North Carolina – Hiking the MST
General Location: Winston-Salem
Date: Friday, October 17
Time: 6:30 pm
Trip Type: Slideshow Presentation
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes
Contact: Great Outdoor Provision Co., 402 South Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem, (336) 727-0906
Meeting Place: Great Outdoor Provision Co., 402 South Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem, (336) 727-0906
Description: Learn what’s involved in thru-hiking the MST from Bruce Wisely, who completed the 900+ mile trek in 2007. He’ll tell you about the route and logistics involved – from his own experience and from his experience helping many other people plan their hikes. Bruce is also a board member of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and one of the trail construction leaders at Falls Lake, so he’ll tell you more about progress in completing the trail and how you can get involved.
What to Bring: $5 to buy one raffle ticket or $20 to buy five; your purchase will help build and maintain the MST and give you a chance for great prizes!

Hike a Newly Opened Section of the MST at Falls Lake
General Location: northern Durham and Wake counties
Date: Sunday, October 19th
Time: 1:00 PM
Trip Type: Dayhike
Length: about 8 miles, approx 3.5 to 4 hours
Level: Moderate
Kid Friendly?:  Yes, as long as they can hike the required distance
Contact: Jim Suiter, jsuiter@mindspring.com, 919-942-9041and Will Farmer, donnanwill@aol.com 919-435-7103
Meeting Place: MST parking lot on Baptist Road, off NC 98 in northern Durham County. The parking lot is on the left hand side of the road before you reach Rolling View State Recreation Area.
Description: From the MST parking lot at Rolling View, we will follow a spur
trail east to the MST.  Then we’ll hike through beautiful woods, skirting the finger of Falls Lake formed by Lick Creek. At NC 98, we’ll turn back but follow a different spur trail, back to the parking lot.
What to Bring: Water, a snack and sturdy shoes that you can get muddy.

A Trip Across North Carolina – Hiking the MST
General Location: Greenville
Date: Tuesday, October 21
Time: 7:30 pm
Trip Type: Slideshow Presentation
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes
Contact: Greenville Great Outdoor Provision Co,. 252-321-1308
Meeting Place: Great Outdoor Provision Co., 530-D SE Greenville Blvd, Greenville, NC
Description: Learn what’s involved in thru-hiking the MST from Jeff Brewer, who completed the 900+ mile trek in 2003. He’ll tell you about the route and logistics involved – from his own experience and from his experience helping many other people plan their hikes. Jeff is Board President of the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, so he’ll also tell you more about progress in completing the trail and how you can get involved.
What to Bring: $5 to buy one raffle ticket or $20 to buy five; your purchase will help build and maintain the MST and give you a chance for great prizes!

A Trip Across North Carolina – Hiking the MST
General Location: Greensboro
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 7:00 pm
Trip Type: Slideshow presentation
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly? Yes
Contact: Greensboro Great Outdoor Provision Co., 336-851-1331
Meeting Place: Great Outdoor Provision Co., Friendly Shopping Center, 3104 Northline Avenue, Greensboro
Description: Learn what’s involved in thru-hiking the MST from Bruce Wisely who completed the 900+ mile trek in 20073. He’ll tell you about the route and logistics involved – from his own experience and from his experience helping many other people plan their hikes. Bruce is on the board of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and very involved in trail construction at Falls Lake, so he’ll tell you more about progress in completing the trail and how you can get involved.
What to bring: $5 to buy one raffle ticket or $20 to buy five; your purchase will help build and maintain the MST and give you a chance for great prizes!

Hike from Mt. Pisgah to Beaver Dam Overlook
General Location: Along the Blue Ridge Parkway approximately 25 miles southwest of Ashville
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 9 am
Trip Type: All day hike
Length: 8.5 miles, 1700 foot ascent
Level: Moderately difficult
Kid Friendly: Children only if they can easily handle a difficult hike.
Contact: Victoria Tripp, 828-348-4505
Meeting Place: Call leader for meeting place
Description: This moderate hike will start with a short trip up Mt. Pisgah, and will then follow the MST northbound to Beaver Dam Overlook. Expect glorious views and bright leaf colors.  This hike is organized by the Carolina Mountain Club, which builds and maintains more than 100 miles of the MST.  www.carolinamtnclub.org
What to Bring: Lunch and water

Hike from Ox Creek Road to Rattlesnake Lodge
General Location: Near Asheville
Date: Sunday, October 26
Time: 1 pm
Trip Type: Half day hike
Length: 4.5 miles, 500 foot ascent
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly: Children only if they can easily hike 4.5 miles.
Contact: Don Walton, donwalton@bellsouth.net
Meeting Place: E-mail leader for meeting place
Description: This easy loop hike will feature the site of the historic Rattlesnake Lodge.  This hike is organized by the Carolina Mountain Club, which builds and maintains more than 100 miles of the MST.  www.carolinamtnclub.org
What to Bring: Snack and water

Help Build New Trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock
General Location: Near Blowing Rock
Date: October 9-12 and October 23-26
Time:  8:00 am
Trip Type: Trail workday
Length: N/A
Level: Physically demanding, but we can adjust to abilities. The other volunteers are fun-loving, easy-going folks who are always glad to welcome others into the fold.
Kid-Friendly?: Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Generally not suitable for young children.
Contact: Dave Johnson of Chargers & Rechargers,  djohnson6146@charter.net;  828-260-6146
Meeting Place:  On parkway, just south of US-421.  Look for orange “MST” sign and vehicles parked on road shoulder
Description:  We’ll be building new trail.  Work may include using a rake and mattox (similar to a pickaxe) to dig new trail and remove small roots, brush clearing, moving logs, and picking up debris.
What to Bring: Please wear work clothes and bring a bag lunch, plenty of water, work gloves, sturdy hiking or work boots with good ankle support, and sunscreen.  We have a great supply of tools, and we'll give you training on how to use them. 

Backpack the MST through Greensboro
General Location: Greensboro
Date: Saturday, October 25 to Sunday, October 26
Time: 9 am
Trip Type: Backpacking
Length: 20 miles (2 day, 1 night)
Level: Moderate
Kid Friendly: No
Contact: Alex Ashton, 336-641-3762
Meeting Place: Bur-mil Park’s Wildlife Education Center parking lot
Description: Join us this fall leaf season for a scenic, exciting overnight backpacking expedition. This hike will showcase two Guilford County parks and 20 miles of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail bordering Greensboro’s panoramic water supply lakes. Don’t forget the camera! Participants will be hiking approximately 10 miles per day on moderately sloped terrain.  Packers will conclude the hike on Sunday around 2:00 at Bryan Park at Guilford County and catch a shuttle provided by Greensboro Parks and Recreation, returning to Bur-Mil Park at 3:00.  Space is limited to the first fifteen hikers who sign up for the excursion.
What to Bring: Lunch for Saturday and your own tent-camping equipment. Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast and Sunday lunch will be provided and waiting at the campsite. Drinking water will also be provided for hikers to resupply their canteens.
Cost: $15.00/person upfront to cover all three meals.

Hike the Window and Hidden Falls Trail at Hanging Rock State Park
Date: Thursday, October 16
Time: 10:30 am to 12 pm
Trip Type: Day hike
Length: 1.2 miles
Level: Moderate
Kid Friendly: Yes if they can handle a challenging hike
Contact: Scott Coffman, Hanging Rock State Park Ranger, 336-593-8480, scott.coffman@ncmail.net
Meeting Place: At the visitors center at Hanging Rock State Park
Description: We will hike down the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to two beautiful waterfalls along Indian Creek.

Neuse River Float and Nature Hike in Kinston
Location: Kinston
Date: Friday, October 10
Time: 8:00 am
Trip Type: canoe/kayak paddle trip and nature hike
Length: 8 mile paddle, 5 mile hike
Level: Some knowledge of paddling helpful, but not absolutely necessary
Kid Friendly: Absolutely, provided children are accompanied by an adult on the paddle
Contact: Lucy Marston, Lenoir County Tourism, 252-522-0004, lenoircountytourism@suddenlinkmail.com
Meeting Place: Neuseway Nature Park, King Street, Kinston
Description: Join the Lenoir County Paddler’s Association at Neuseway Nature Park and travel by bus to the boat landing. Paddle the beautiful Neuse River with the Lower Neuse Riverkeeper as your guid.  End at the Neuseway Nature Park for lunch on some of Kinston’s finest cuisine!  After lunch, enjoy nature at her  Eastern NC best in the Neuseway Nature Park. Then continue on to the newly-constructed Rotary Dog Park with staff from Kinston-Lenoir County Park as guides. Lunch, light snacks, water and soft drinks will be provided.
What to Bring: $25 per person will reserve canoe or kayak, transportation, lunch and snacks during paddle and hike. If you have your own boat, $20 will reserve a spot on the trip, lunch, snacks and transportation of your boat to the put-in.  Hotel and camping sites are available.  Contact Lucy Marston above for more information.

Learn about the MST in New Bern at Mum Fest!
General Location: Downtown New Bern
Date: Saturday, October 11 to Sunday, October 12
Time: Saturday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm; Sunday, 10:30 am to 5:00 pm
Trip Type: Festival booth about the MST
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly: Yes
Contact: www.mumfest.com
Meeting Place: Downtown New Bern – Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail booth will be on Broad Street
Description: The MST goes right through downtown New Bern, and MumFest is a great time to see this beautiful historic city, enjoy music, eat great food and stop by the FMST booth to learn more about the trail and how you can get involved.

Reptiles of Jockey’s Ridge State Park
General Location: in Nags Head on the Outer Banks
Date: Tuesday, October 14
Time: 2:00 pm
Trip Type: Nature Program
Length: 45 minutes
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes, 4 years and older
Meeting Place: State Park Visitor Center off Highway 158 Bypass in Nags Head
Description: Join us for a short hike along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail while we discuss and search for reptiles that make the park their home.  At one point, we’ll observe evidence of a reptile frozen in time.

Bicycle Tour of Howell Woods
General Location: Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center on the Neuse River south of Smithfield
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: There will be two bike tours, a shorter, more kid-friendly one from 1 to 2 pm and a longer one for adults from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Trip Type: Bike tour
Length: several miles
Level: Moderate
Kid Friendly?: Yes, the shorter bike ride from 1 to 2 pm will work well for children
Contact: James Sasser, Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center Director, 919-938-0115 x221, sasserj@howellwoods.org
Meeting Place: Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, 6601 Devils Racetrack Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524 www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods
Description: Take a leisurely, guided bike ride on the dirt and gravel roads and trails at Howell Woods.  You’ll bike through bottomland hardwood forests and other natural communities. Depending on water levels in the sloughs, there may be several places along the trail where water must be crossed. On the day of the bike ride, Howell Woods will be holding Howell Woodstock, its annual open house.  Many other activities are planned including hayrides, a kid’s fishing derby, a pumpkin carving contest and numerous wildlife and conservation related seminars.

Hike the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
General Location: Outer Banks
Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: 10 am
Trip Type: Day hike
Length: 5 miles (3 to 4 hours)
Level: Moderate (some of the hiking is in sand)
Kid Friendly: Yes, but children must be accompanied by parents
Contact: John Benson, 252-996-0905; jbenson23@embarqmail.com
Meeting Place: National Park Service’s Oregon Inlet Campground on Highway 12 south of Nags Head
Description: This five-mile dayhike will give hikers a taste of the various terrains that the MST follows within the National Seashore. The hike will include road shoulders, marsh and creek areas, and beach. A stop at the Bodie Island lighthouse is planned. Hikers should be prepared for hot weather, bugs, deep sand, and extraordinary natural beauty. Camping is available at the campground. Sites are first-come, first-served.  Contact hike leader for more info on campaing.
What to Bring: Lunch and water

MST Month Closing Event – Chris Sharma (World’s #1 Climber)
General Location: Raleigh
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time:  TBD
Trip Type: Slideshow presentation
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Absolutely
Contact: greatoutdoorprovision.com
Meeting Place: Cameron Village, Raleigh
Description: Chris Sharma is the #1 mountain climber in the world.  He’ll tell us more and show slides of his adventures worldwide.  greatoutdoorprovision.com/events/chris-sharma
What to Bring: $? general admission; $? students.  Buy tickets from Great Outdoor Provision Co. (see contact information above). When you come to the event, bring money! – to buy a raffle ticket to support the MST and win a SkyBox to carry all your hiking gear on your car.

Bird Hike at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
General Location: in Nags Head on the Outer Banks
Date: Wednesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 29
Time: 9:00 am
Trip Type: Nature Program
Length: 45 minutes
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly? For adults and older children
Meeting Place: State Park Visitor Center  off Highway 158 Bypass in Nags Head
Description: Jockey’s Ridge is a great place to explore and discover the birds of the Outer Banks. Join a ranger for a morning walk along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to see our feathered friends in their natural habitat.
What to bring: binoculars for better enjoyment

Dune Hike at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
General Location: in Nags Head on the Outer Banks
Date: Thursday, October 2 and Monday, October 13
Time: 10:00 am
Trip Type: Nature Program
Length: 45 minutes
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes, all ages welcome
Meeting Place: State Park Visitor Center off Highway 158 Bypass in Nags Head
Description: What makes a sand dune? What keeps it from blowing away? How and why do animals make their homes there? Answer these and many other questions during this low-intensity walk through the dunes on a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Interesting Insects at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
General Location: in Nags Head on the Outer Banks
Date: Saturday, October 11 and Friday, October 24
Time: 10:00 am
Trip Type: Nature Program
Length: 45 minutes
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes, 4 years and older
Meeting Place: Auditorium in State Park Visitor Center off Highway 158 Bypass in Nags Head
Description: If you have ever stopped to admire a butterfly, tried to sneak up on a grasshopper, or if you just want to know more about creepy, crawly bugs – this is the program for you. First, learn all the details on insects and then get a close look at these creatures when you take nets and containers into the park for an insect roundup along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Hike the Cliffs of the Neuse
General Location: near Goldsboro
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 2:00 pm
Trip Type: Dayhike/Nature Program
Length: 1 hour (0.7 miles)
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes, ages 5 and up
Contact: Kelly Ondek, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Kelly.ondek@ncmail.net; 919-778-6234
Meeting Place: Meet at the Museum parking lot in the State Park
Description: Join a ranger and explore some of the trails at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. Discover what animals and plants call the park home.
What to Bring: Good hiking/walking shoes. Dress for the weather as we will hike rain or shire.

Hike the MST in Eno River State Park
General Location: north Durham
Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: 10:00 am
Trip Type: Dayhike
Length: 2 miles
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly? For adults and older children
Contact: Call Eno River State Park at 919-383-1686 to register or for more information
Meeting Place: Call Eno River State Park at 919-383-1686 for directions
Description: Enjoy the beauty of the Eno River State Park in the fall, and find out more about the MST route in the Triangle and how you can help. Limit of 20 participants, so please call to register.
What to bring: Good hiking/walking shoes.  Dress for the weather.

Grand Opening of Haw River Park at Glencoe
General Location: north of Burlington
Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: visit www.thehaw.org for more info
Trip Type: Festival
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?:Yes
Contact: visit www.thehaw.org
Meeting Place: Glencoe Mill Village, off Route 62 North, about 3 miles north of Burlington
Description: Join us for the grand opening and dedication of Alamance County’s newest park on the Haw River at the historic Glencoe Mill and see an area that will soon be added to the route of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail as it follows the Haw through Rockingham and Alamance counties.  The park has almost one mile of river frontage, access to a 5-acre island with trails, picnic and fishing areas, and canoe and kayak access to the river. This event is also part of a series of events planned in celebration of Textile Heritage Week.

Hike the MST to Skinny Dip Falls!
General Location: Near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood and Transylvania counties
Dates: Sunday, October 12
Time: 12:30 pm
Trip Type: Half-day hike
Length: 5 miles, 1300 foot ascent
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Children only if they are used to 3 hours of hiking in the mountains
Contact: Renate Rikkers, 828-298-9988
Meeting Place: Call leader for meeting place
Description: On this in-and-out hike, we will start at Looking Glass Rock Overlook, take the Mountains-to-Sea Trail past Skinny Dip Falls, then turn around, have our break at Skinny Dip Falls and then retrace our steps to the parking lot. Bring your bathing suit for a polar bear dip! This hike is organized by the Carolina Mountain Club, which builds and maintains more than 100 miles of the MST. www.carolinamtnclub.org
What to Bring: Snacks and water.

Hike the MST to Black Balsalm with a Sunset and a Full Moon
General Location: Near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood and Transylvania counties
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 5:30 pm
Trip Type: Evening hike
Length: 2 miles, 500 foot ascent
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Children only if they are used to 2 hours of hiking
Contact: Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116
Meeting Place: Call leader for meeting place
Description: Join us on the night of the full moon to enjoy, first, the sunset, and then the moonrise from the summit of 6215 foot Black Balsam (great view)!  We’ll park at the MST crossing on FS 816 and hike the Art Loeb Trail to the summit to enjoy beautifully scenery on a, hopefully, clear night. This hike is organized by the Carolina Mountain Club, which builds and maintains more than 100 miles of the MST. www.carolinamtnclub.org.
What to Bring: Bring a good flashlight, snacks, water, and a warm beverage to share with fellow hikers.

Hike Flat Laurel Creek, Little Sam Knob and the MST Loop
General Location: Near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood and Transylvania counties
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 10:00 am
Trip Type: ¾ day hike
Length: 7.5 miles, 1300 foot ascent
Level: Moderate
Kid Friendly? Children only if they are used to 4 hours of hiking in the mountains
Contact: Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471
Meeting Place: Call leader for meeting place
Description: This pleasant loop trail has great views of Big Sam Knob, Fork Ridge and Flat Laurel Creek. We’ll begin on the Flat Laurel Creek Trail, which ascends gradually until we are hiking next to the creek, where we’ll stop for lunch. Little Sam Knob Trail, with views of Little Sam Knob and Sam Knob, connects to the MST. A one-mile side trip to Devils Courthouse will offer good views before we return on the MST to our cars. This hike is organized by the Carolina Mountain Club, which builds and maintains more than 100 miles of the MST. www.carolinamtnclub.org.
What to bring: Lunch and water.

A Trip Across North Carolina – Hiking the MST
General Location: Greensboro
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 7:00 pm
Trip Type: Slideshow presentation
Length: N/A
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly? Yes
Contact: Greensboro Great Outdoor Provision Co., 336-851-1331
Meeting Place: Great Outdoor Provision Co., Friendly Shopping Center, 3104 Northline Avenue, Greensboro
Description: Learn what’s involved in thru-hiking the MST from Bruce Wisely who completed the 900+ mile trek in 20073. He’ll tell you about the route and logistics involved – from his own experience and from his experience helping many other people plan their hikes. Bruce is on the board of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and very involved in trail construction at Falls Lake, so he’ll tell you more about progress in completing the trail and how you can get involved.
What to bring: $5 to buy one raffle ticket or $20 to buy five; your purchase will help build and maintain the MST and give you a chance for great prizes!

Backpacking trip over Bald Knob 
General Location: north of Marion, in Burke and McDowell counties
Date: Saturday, October 25 through Sunday, October 26 
Time:  11:00 am Saturday to Sunday afternoon. 
Type of Event:  Backpacking trip 
Length:  12 miles 
Level of Difficulty:  Difficult (this is the most challenging part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail)
Meeting Place:  Woodlawn Park, 6 miles north of Marion, NC 
Contact:  Phil Piaski at 828-465-2755 (at least one week before trip)
Kid Friendly:  Teenagers only if able to do a strenuous, 12-mile hike 
Description:  Hiking from west to east on the MST from Woodlawn Park on 221, down to the pedestrian-only bridge across the North Fork of the Catawba River,  then hiking to the shoulder of Bald Mountain to spend the night. Sunday morning up and over Bald Knob and on around Dobson Knob to the take-out on Kisler Memorial Highway.  At least four and no more than eight hikers will be allowed on this trip, due to the limited campsite space and necessary shuttle. Call hike leader at least one week before trip if interested in going.
What the hiker should bring: Everything needed for two days in these remote woods. Water should be available at the campsite on Bald Mountain. 

Trail Workday at Occoneechee Mountain
General Location: in Hillsborough
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Trip Type: Trail Workday
Length: N/A
Level: Difficult
Kid Friendly?: Minimum age of 14
Contact: Call the Eno River State Park office at 919-383-1686 to register or for more information
Meeting Place: Call Eno River State Park at 919-383-1686 for directions
Description: Lend a hand and be part of history! Come work with a park ranger at Occoneechee Mountain on a section of trail proposed as part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. We will be installing waterboards and building a retention wall along the river to protect the trail from erosion. Work will be completed with hand tools. A moderate hike is necessary to reach the site.
What to bring: Please wear work clothes and bring a bag lunch, plenty of water, work gloves, sturdy hiking or work booths with good ankle support, and sunscreen. We supply the tools, and we’ll trail you on how to use them.

Help Build New Trail on Falls Lake
General Location: Off NC-98, north of Durham
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Trip Type: Trail workday
Length: N/A
Level: Physically demanding, but we can adjust to abilities. The other volunteers are fun-loving, easy-going folks who are always glad to welcome others into the fold.
Kid-Friendly?: Not suitable for children under 12. Please check with the workday leader before bringing older children.
Contact: Jeff Brewer, jdbrewer@bellsouth.net, 919-868-6274 or Bruce Wisely, bwisely@earthlink.net, 919-676-3750
Meeting Place: The MST parking area on Baptist Road off NC 98, near Neal Middle School in Durham County.
Description:  We’ll be building new trail.   Work may include using a rake and mattox (similar to a pickaxe) to dig new trail and remove small roots, brush clearing, moving logs, and picking up debris.
What to Bring: Breakfast is provided by Great Outdoor Provision Co. and coffee by Starbucks. Please wear work clothes and bring a bag lunch, plenty of water, work gloves, sturdy hiking or work boots with good ankle support, and sunscreen. We have a great supply of tools, and we'll give you training on how to use them. 

Waterfall hike on Wilson and Harper Creeks
General Location: near Morganton
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 9:30 am
Trip Type: Dayhike
Length: 8 miles
Level: Moderate
Kid Friendly?: For children 12 and older
Contact: Call hike leader Bob Benner, 828-437-6635, by Thursday, October 23
Meeting Place: Wilson Creek Visitor Center
Description: A beautiful hike with several creek crossings on Wilson and Harper creeks.  We’ll loop past two major waterfalls, including one in a box canyon, a rarity in this area.
What to Bring: Snack, lunch and water.

Birdwatching at Howell Woods
General Location: Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center on the Neuse River south of Smithfield
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: There will be two hikes, one from 1-3 pm and another from 4-6 pm
Trip Type: Birding hike
Length: 2 miles
Level: Easy
Kid Friendly?: Yes for 12 and older
Contact: James Sasser, Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center Director, 919-938-0115 x221, sasserj@howellwoods.org
Meeting Place: Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, 6601 Devils Racetrack Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524 www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods
Description: Take a leisurely, guided bird watching adventure to some of Howell Woods’ best bird watching areas.  Participants will explore bottomland hardwood forest, longleaf pine restoration areas, fallow fields and creek and pond habitats.  Open to the first 15 who sign up. On the day of the birding hike, Howell Woods will be holding Howell Woodstock, its annual open house.  Many other activities are planned, including hayrides, a kid’s fishing derby, a pumpkin carving contest and wildlife and conservation seminars.