Celebrate Great Trails State Day
Great Trails State Day is Saturday, October 17th, 2026!
Great Trails State Day is a statewide celebration of North Carolina’s trails and the people who help build, maintain, and enjoy them. This year, communities across the Piedmont Triad are celebrating with hikes, paddles, cleanups, and other outdoor events. Check out this year’s local events and find a way to get out on the trails!
📅 October 15 | 10:00 a.m.
📍 Bald Eagle Trail at Lake Higgins Marina, Summerfield
An introductory mountain biking program for ages 2–6, with a focus on riding skills, rough surfaces, and small obstacles. Registration required.
Bush Creek Bridge Trailhead Ribbon Cutting
📅 October 15 | 4:00 p.m.
📍 1295 Andrew Hunter Road
Celebrate the Bush Creek Bridge Trailhead with a special announcement and ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a hike.
📅 October 17 | 7:30 a.m.
📍 Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury
Take on an 11-mile hiking and trail-running challenge covering five peaks: Hanging Rock, Wolf Rock, House Rock, Cook’s Wall, and Moore’s Knob.
📅 October 17 | 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
📍 Crater Park, Elkin
Paddle the Yadkin River State Trail and enjoy the fall scenery as part of Great Trails State Day.
📅 October 17 | 9:00 a.m.
📍 Madison, NC
Celebrate Great Trails State Day by helping clean up the Dan River, protect wildlife, and keep North Carolina beautiful.
📅 October 17
Walk at Asheboro’s Zoo City Sportplex at 9 am, Archdale’s Creekside Park at 9 am, Franklinville Rail Trail/Bush Creek Bridge at 2 pm.
📅 October 17 | 4:00 p.m.
📍 Fisher River Park
Bring the whole family out for an evening of glow-in-the-dark fun, a 5K, and live music.
📅 October 17 | 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
📍 Throughout Alamance County
Celebrate 20 years of the Haw River Trail with a special Day of Hiking! Hikers can choose from self-guided trail segments or register for one of three guided hikes. Hike your segment anytime between 8am and 7pm and help make sure every mile of the trail is explored in a single day. All ages are welcome.