Below are all the details. Go ahead and mark your calendar for one or more of these fun adventures. Questions? Email me at lauren.y.sawyers@gmail.com.
Keep close to nature’s heart. ~John Muir
When: Saturday, March 2 at 9:00 a.m.Where to meet: Kings Mountain State Park in the RV/Tent Campground parking area (Address: Lake Crawford Rd., Clover, SC 29710). From SC-161, turn right onto State Route 705 (Park Rd.) Take the second right onto Lake Crawford Rd. at the admission booth ($2/adult; $1.25/SC Seniors; free/age 15 and under). The parking area and restrooms are located by Lake Crawford approximately 1 mile from the admission booth.
What to expect: This easy, 3-mile hike will traverse gently rolling hills, first passing an impressive Civilian Conservation Corp-era dam at the end of Lake Crawford and leading to the Living History Farm, a replica mid-19th century farm that includes a number of live animals and historically accurate buildings. We’ll end with a picnic lunch next to Lake Crawford.
What to bring:
- Cash for admission ($2/adult; $1.25/SC Seniors; free/age 15 and under)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water and snacks
- Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses
- A picnic lunch
The earth laughs in flowers. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
When: Saturday, June 1 at 9:00 a.m.Where to meet: Landsford Canal State Park main entrance (Address: 2051 Park Dr., Catawba, SC 29704). Here, you’ll find a restroom, playground and picnic pavilion. It’s also where you’ll pay park admission. ($5/adult 16 years and older; $3/child ages 6-15; free/age 5 and under).
What to expect: This flat 3-mile hike will hug the banks of the Catawba River, following the Landsford Canal, a relic of the 19th century built to bypass the river’s rocky rapids. Remnants of the canal, which at one point served as an important trading route between the foothills and coastal plain, can be seen along the route. Landsford Canal State Park is also home to the world’s largest population of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies, which are in full bloom this time of year. They can be viewed from an overlook mid-way through the hike. We’ll end with a picnic lunch at the park entrance.
What to bring:
- Cash for admission ($5/adult 16 years and older; $3/child ages 6-15; free/age 5 and under)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water and snacks
- Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Bug spray
- A picnic lunch
The earth has music for those who listen. ~Shakespeare
When: Saturday, August 3 at 9:00 a.m.Where to meet: Lake Norman State Park Visitor Center parking lot (Address: 759 State Park Road, Troutman, NC 28166). Here, you’ll find restrooms and educational exhibits.
What to expect: The Hawk Loop trail is 3.0 moderate miles of the 30-mile Itusi Trail. This gently rolling natural-surface footpath winds through wooded areas adjacent to Hick’s Creek. Following the hike, we have the option to rent pedal boats, kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes from the Visitor Center ($5/hour; all equipment, including life jackets, included.) We’ll end with a picnic lunch at the Visitor Center picnic area.
What to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water and snacks
- Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Cash for boat rentals ($5/hour)
- Bathing suit, towels and/or a change of clothes in case you want to get wet
- A picnic lunch
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. ~John Muir
When: Saturday, November 2 at 9:00 a.m.Where to meet: Crowders Mountain State Park office parking lot (Sparrow Springs Rd. Access/Address: 522 Park Office Ln., Kings Mountain, NC 28086). Here, you’ll find restrooms.
What to expect: This challenging 4-mile hike will follow the Pinnacle Trail to an impressive panoramic view of fall foliage and the surrounding area. The Pinnacle Trail includes some boulder outcrops to climb over and steep terrain on the final stretch leading to the summit. It is a strenuous, but highly rewarding hike. We’ll break for snacks at the pinnacle and end with a picnic lunch at the picnic area next to the parking area.
What to bring:
- Comfortable and supportive walking shoes or boots
- Water and snacks
- Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Hiking stick (optional)
- A picnic lunch
See you on the trails!
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