Free N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Programs and Activities

When's the last time you did something new and adventurous? Played outside and learned a useful skill from a fun and knowledgeable guide? Spent time with your friends or family appreciating the beauty of nature? Local opportunities to do all of the above are easier and more accessible than you might think. 

A couple weeks ago we went river snorkeling at DuPont State Recreation Area. Before that, we took an intro-to-fly-fishing course in Pisgah National Forest. Last summer, our daughter participated in a kid's trout fishing camp along the Davidson River. Before that, we took a Hellbender salamander class at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education (now closed due to flooding). 

Fun, right? All thanks to the free public programs provided by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), a remarkable state government agency created by the General Assembly in 1947 to conserve and sustain the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The NCWRC is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of North Carolina’s fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws.

As part of their mission, the NCWRC hosts many educational opportunities to encourage people of all ages to help sustain North Carolina's wildlife and habitats by learning more about them. The programs are offered at no cost and all gear and equipment is provided. Many are located in Western North Carolina, about a two-hour drive from uptown Charlotte, but the NCWRC operates statewide (here are interactive maps of descriptions and locations of many of the things the agency manages). 

So far, our family has focused on aquatic programs, but NCWRC provides a wide variety of activities and resources. Perhaps you'd like more information on birding. Maybe you'd like to go geocaching. Or how about getting involved in conservation programs? NCWRC is responsible for regulating, managing and teaching residents about hunting, trapping, fishing, boating and more. 

You can read about the courses, seminars and workshops they offer here. And here's a calendar of upcoming programs and classes. 

Now, our kids have their eye on a fly-tying camp. Meanwhile, I'm interested in checking out a virtual program on "how to take amazing fishing photos" and the "fish preparation and cookery" workshop. So many cool opportunities! 

Next time you're looking for a fun, educational, free (your hunting and fishing license dollars at work!) adventure, check out all that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has to offer. Not only are they doing good and important work to protect and preserve wildlife resources, but they're also giving us every reason to get out, explore, play and learn to appreciate the natural beauty of our delightful state. 

Day Trip: Cowpens National Battlefield

This weekend, Cowpens National Battlefield will hold a virtual celebration of its 241st anniversary (on Facebook; here's the link), which might offer an easy activity option if Charlotte weather is more sloppy sleet than fluffy snow.

We happened to visit Cowpens on this weekend last year and were able to see the event, which commemorates a pivotal turning point in the Revolutionary War with reenactments and educational displays and presentations, in person. While an online version won't be able to do justice to the musket fire, it may offer a helpful preview of what you can see and do when you get a chance to visit.

The Battle of Cowpens in 1781 was a defining moment in the American Revolution, a backcountry engagement that ignited a chain of events that led to the Patriots’ victory at Yorktown. Today, this historic site is the National Park Service Cowpens National Battlefield, a fun destination for both education and recreation. Located in Gaffney, SC, it’s about an hour and fifteen minutes from uptown.

As one might guess, Cowpens is named for the pastureland that blanketed this area at the time of the war. And, for those familiar with the area, it provided the ideal backdrop for the civil war that unfolded between the Patriots and the Loyalists. Read about the battle here. 

Even if you’re not big on American Revolutionary War history, you’ll appreciate the relics, reproductions and documentary videos on display at the museum in the Visitor Center. The park also periodically hosts other special events and rangers and volunteers are often on hand to share more.

The big draw for us, of course, are the trails and outdoor recreation options. There’s the Battlefield Trail, a 1.2-mile self-guided walking tour of historic landmarks within the park. (You can also take the Auto Loop Road, a 3.8-mile paved road that offers something similar by car.)

We enjoyed the Nature Loop, the trailhead for which is at a large and impressive picnic area located a short drive from the Visitor's Center. This 2-mile trail meanders through the woods and is well marked.

Here's a park map.    

Cowpens National Battlefied is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. year-round (with the exception of New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Indigenous People's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day), but there's trailhead parking on the eastern boundry of the park that's open from dawn until dusk for pedestrian and bike access before, during and after business hours. Admission to the park is free and open to the public, as are all programs. 

Interesting note: Cowpens National Battlefield is part of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks in South Carolina, a group of parks that all tell pieces of the Southern Campaign story. These include Kings Mountain National Military Park, Ninety Six National Historic Site, and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. Each location marks a military event that influenced the American victory in the Revolution.

Cowpens National Battlefield makes for a fun day trip from Charlotte. You might consider tuning in for the online celebration event this weekend if you're looking for something to do, but do go ahead and add this to your list of outings for the next time you're looking to explore. 

How to get there: 

Cowpens National Battlefield is located at 4001 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, SC, 29341. You can also access the park before, during and after hours by foot or bike using the trail accessible from the parking lot located at the corner of SC Highway 11 and Hayes Rd. (GPS coordinates: 35° 7.864' / -81° 47.824') 

The Palmetto Trail: Peak to Prosperity Passage

We've just discovered a new favorite trail, and the only thing I'd change about it if I could is to make it closer to home. The Peak to Prosperity Passage, a 10.7-mile stretch of the 500+-mile cross-South Carolina Palmetto Trail, is about 1.5 hours south of uptown Charlotte. But I guarantee it is well worth the drive.

The trail, preserved and maintained by the Palmetto Conservation, follows what was once a rail line and begins with a beautiful, exhilarating 1,100-foot-long trestle bridge across the Broad River. 

Usually, I like for there to be a "payoff" deeper into an outing, but I just love that this trek kicks off with something for everyone. Even if you don't continue on the trail (but I hope you do!), a stroll across the bridge is magical. We didn't see bald eagles (though they are reported to be in the area), but did spot dozens of turtles sunning on logs and a few otters playing in the river.

Just across the river, the wide, groomed, natural-surface trail heads west through shaded piedmont forest. In all, it crosses 14 wooden trestles over the serpentine Crims Creek. Some bridges include stairs for side-trips down to the creek banks (these make for great snack-break stops). Here's a trail map. 

The trail is flat and easy. And all along the way, there's an abundance of wildlife, from snakes to butterflies, birds and frogs. This time of year, the plant life is lush and green.

This section of the Palmetto Trail is part of the Kids in Parks TRACK Trail program. At the trailhead kiosk, you'll find self-guided brochures and signs to with activities to engage young explorers.

Also at the trailhead is a well-equipped bike maintenance station. What you won't find there are restrooms; plan your trip accordingly.

On a weekday morning, we had the trail almost to ourselves. I imagine (hope!) it gets more use during weekends and holidays, but there's plenty of space for everyone to enjoy its splendor. I'm already planning a return trip to this spectacular destination. I definitely encourage you to check it out, too.

How to get there:
The Peak to Prosperity Alston Trailhead is located at State Road S-20-35, Little Mountain, SC, 29075. This will show in Google Maps. Alternately, you can follow these directions from the trail website:

From Columbia: I-26, exit 97, take US 176 west 11 miles; turn east on SC 213; drive 3.1 miles, turn right onto Alston Road (1st road after the bridge); road changes to unpaved, take right fork, cross RR track and go under the trestle; parking is on the left at the top.

From Spartanburg: I-26, exit 82, take 773 to Pomaria, east on US 176 to SC 213; turn east on 213; follow directions above.

Don't forget to pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers will do
• Bikes and helmets
• A day pack 
• Water (bring plenty; there are no refill stations
• Snacks
• Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen
• Bug spray (especially during warmer months)

Lindsay Pettus Greenway

I love a good stroll along a lush greenway on a pretty spring day. The kids can ride their bikes, the dog can sniff out new territory, and I can enjoy fresh air and movement -- all in the context of nature. Now's the perfect time of year to take an urban creek-side excursion.

Good news, fellow greenway lovers: There's a fresh new option for your enjoyment a stone's throw away from Charlotte. Lindsay Pettus Greenway in Lancaster, SC, about an hour south of uptown, opened to the public in November 2020 and it is gorgeous.

This 1.8-mile (one way), paved trail is a segment of the Carolina Thread Trail. It's a perfect mix of urban development and nature, combined for a lovely trek through Katawba Valley Land Trust conservation area rich with hardwoods and wildlife.

In addition to the paved trail, there's a short, 0.3-mile natural-surface path featuring constructed wetlands and two creek observation areas. This is a lovely little educational side-jaunt.

Along the route, there are benches, a couple of large community swings, bike racks, and restroom facilities. The trail also cuts through two public parks and flanks the Lancaster's downtown district. At the easternmost end is a Kids in Parks Track Trail. 

What impresses me most about the Lindsay Pettus Greenway is it's boardwalks. Long stretches of the greenway are beautiful wooden bridges over low-lying areas. They add to the intrigue of the outing.

The trail is well marked with directional signs and mile markers and there are a couple of official trailhead parking areas (as well as some neighborhood entrances without public parking).

When we went, we parked at the designated lot across the street from the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. (Note, there's no public parking in the Chamber lot, but plenty on the other side of the road. Be careful crossing; there's no crosswalk!). That trailhead puts you at about two-thirds of the way through the greenway. Take a left to go 1.3 miles east and a right to go a half-mile west. Directly in front of this access point is the nature trail.

When we go again, we'll park at the other main trailhead parking area, located at 610 E. Meeting St. This is the easternmost end of the trail. Starting here allows you to enjoy the greenway linearly, point-to-point in it's entirety.

While the greenway is still relatively new, plans are already in the works to make it a true recreational, educational, and entertainment destination. Check the website for news and events.

Bonus: If you want to make a day-trip of your outing, you can throw in a visit to Andrew Jackson State Park, directly en route to and from the greenway.

How go get there:

There are two main trailhead public parking areas. 

Access the easternmost point of the greenway at 610 E. Meeting St., Lancaster, SC, 29720. 

Access the greenway at the nature trail adjacent to two city parks by parking at 459 Colonial Ave., Lancaster, SC, 29720 (NOTE: This lot is across the street from the Chamber of Commerce.)

Don't forget to take: 

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Bikes, scooters or other riding toys -- and helmets! 
• Water and snacks
• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Bug spray (in warmer months) 
• Cash if you plan to stop at Andrew Jackson State Park ($3/adult and $1/kid)

Day Trip: Thermal Belt Rail Trail

Want to go for a ride? Hop in your car and then hop on your bike for an outing on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, a 13.5-mile paved greenway running through the heart of Rutherford County, about an hour and 15 minutes from uptown.

Wide, flat and super accessible, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail connects the foothill towns of Gilkey, NC at the north end and Forest City, NC at the south, with and handful of trail access parking areas in between.

From start to finish, the trail is well marked with mileage signs. It also sports a number of bike racks, bike repair stations, fountains, bathrooms, shelters, information kiosks and benches throughout.

The beginning section (starting in Gilkey and heading south) is more rural, traversing through woods and small neighborhood communities. It has little traffic and few cross streets. 

Miles 5 through 13 becomes more urban, winding through towns and passing by restaurants, shops, parks, sports fields and four libraries. There are two bridges, one at mile 12.5 over highway 74 and one at mile 13.2 over the railroad.

When we went, we started at mile 0 and rode bikes east for a couple of miles to the Bechtler Mint Historic Site Park. This was a cool, educational destination and made for a good stop and turnaround point for our young crew.

While we haven't ridden the trail in its entirety, several friends have told me it's a pleasant experience. When the weather warms, we look forward to checking out a longer stretch, maybe beginning at the other end and working our way back to the Bechtler park for another visit, a longer ride, and a picnic lunch. 

Here's a trail map. 

How to get there: 

There are a number of parking areas along the 13.5-mile trail. See options here. We began at the Mile 0 trailhead, which is located at 100 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC, 28139. To begin at the other end (mile 13.5), parking is available at 50 Forrest West Hunt Dr., Forest City, NC, 28043. 

Love Valley Trail

Saddle up, friends, and let me put a little bee in your bonnet about a most unusual outing.

In 1954, Charlotte businessman Andy Barker left his general contracting career at 29 years old to fulfill his childhood dream of living in an authentic Western town. But, instead of heading out West, he packed up his family and moved just past Statesville, about an hour and 15 minutes north of Charlotte.

Here, in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains, he founded the town of Love Valley, creating an authentic replica of an old Wild West movie setting, complete with a dirt main street open only to pedestrian and equine traffic, a saloon, a general store, a post office and a leather smith.

Today, Love Valley still stands, boasting a population of just under 100 people, and offers visitors a bona fide glimpse of a rugged, quaint Wild West existence. And, bonus for hikers and bikers looking for new frontiers, it's home to a section of the Carolina Thread Trail.

Intrigued by the novelty and lore, and seeking a new-to-us trail, we recently visited Love Valley and, as the cowboys would say, I could yarn the hours away about what we found. It was hands-down one of the most unusual outings we've taken. This tiny, anachronistic town is interesting, bizarre, surprising, and, to me, a little bit uncanny. Here's what you can expect if you go:

There's a large gravel public parking lot at the corner of Henry Martin Trail Rd. and Tori Pass Ln., across the street from Ms. Kitty's B&B. Leave your car here; "downtown" is closed to vehicular traffic.

From the parking lot facing the street, the main stretch is a block to your left. You can't miss the large, soaring, ranch-style "Love Valley" entrance sign. Amble this way to see the historic buildings and to find the trailhead, which is at the dead end, marked with a Carolina Thread Trail sign.

On a weekday afternoon, save for a local or two (and the specter playing piano at the saloon. No, really.), we were the only ones around. Which lent some authenticity to a ghost-town vibe. I never felt unsafe, but I definitely muttered "this is so weird" more than a handful of times.

The 2.7-mile natural surface trail is great for horses if you have one, decent for feet, and not at all ideal for bikes. We tried two-wheelers first, but quickly determined it would make for a better hike. And even then we only got so far.

The trail was muddy and trenched in many places with steep inclines. Total, it's 2.7 miles (one way) and might have become more passable farther along, but I can confirm that the first mile or so is tough and not-so-pleasant going, particularly if it's rained in, say, the past week. (Also, look out for horse droppings and yield to equestrians.)

When we went, the town was still adorned with Christmas decorations, which leads me to believe it had been alive with events and merriment a few weeks ago. But it was hard to tell otherwise whether any of the old shops and restaurants are currently in operation. The town website says they are primarily open on weekends. If you're interested in a social outing, it's probably worth a call to some of the local establishments in advance.

If you're feeling pioneering and interested in taking a step back in time, get a wiggle on (cowboy for "hurry") and mosey up to Love Valley. It's a lot of things, but most especially, something you can't find anywhere else in these parts. Giddy up, pardner.

How to get there:
A public parking lot for downtown Love Valley is located at 152 Henry Martin Trail, Love Valley, NC, 28625. The Carolina Thread Trail sign and trailhead is at the dead end of the main stretch.

Don't forget to pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes: Boots are a good choice for the trail after a rain.
• Water and snacks
• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Bugspray: Particularly in warmer months
• A sense of adventure

Day Trip: Congaree National Park

Magical treehouse meets enchanted forest. That's what you'll find at Congaree National Park. 

Located an hour and a half south of uptown, just past Columbia, SC, this is a beautiful and worthwhile destination for a day-trip from Charlotte.

Congaree National Park, nestled in the floodplain of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers, is home to the largest expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern U.S. And it is gorgeous.

For an pleasant and rewarding excursion, you can chose from a number of trails, but I highly recommend the Boardwalk Loop trail, an easy, 2.6-mile hike that starts and ends at the visitor center. This remarkable trail, good for all ages and abilities, is built almost entirely on boardwalks, some low, some elevated, and all offering an impressive, immersive trek through lush marshlands and towering old-growth trees.

We especially appreciated the 20-stop self-guided walking tour, which provides valuable insight into the Congaree's cultural history and ecological importance. Along the tour, you'll learn fascinating facts about the native plants and observe signs of ecological transformation over the years. You'll also spot an old still, left over from the days when moonshiners found refuge in the hard-to-reach floodplain during the days of prohibition.

We visited for a hike, but the 26,276-acre park, open 24 hours a day, year-round, also offers camping  and canoe/kayaking adventures.

I found our time in these lowland woods, rich with bald cypress, water tupelo and loblolly pines, to be almost mystical -- and we were there on a rainy winter day. I'm already looking forward to a return visit to experience the magic of this natural wonderland as the seasons change. 

Note: Mosquitoes can be unpleasantly prevalent here in warmer months; plan your visit accordingly. 

How to get there: Congaree National Park is located at 100 National Park Rd., Hopkins, SC, 29061

Don't forget to pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water and snacks
• Bug spray (especially in warmer months!)
• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen 

Day Trip: Fonta Flora Trail

Friends, doesn't a quick, easy day-trip sound good right about now? Let me tell you about one of our new favorites.

Last week we took a camping trip to the Highlands of Roan in eastern Tennessee. We always like to find new places to explore en route to our destination (the AllTrails app is great for this). Our drive from Charlotte took us through Morganton, NC, which is only about an hour and a half from uptown. There, we decided to check out the Fonta Flora County Park Loop Trail.

This 3.7-mile, double track, natural-surface loop is part of the larger Fonta Flora state trail system, which will someday connect downtown Morganton to downtown Asheville. Ultimately, the trail will form a 29-mile loop around Lake James. As of last year, more than 20 miles of this project have been completed. The County Park is on the northeastern side of Lake James, directly across the lake from Lake James State Park.

Here's why the Fonta Flora County Park Loop Trail makes for a perfect day trip.

It's easy to get to. This trail is a very doable 1.5-hour commute from uptown Charlotte. When you get there, there's a large parking area complete with bathrooms and water fountains. From the parking lot, you can't miss the trailhead, marked with a beautiful Fonta Flora trestle. The trail is obvious, well maintained, and offers directional signs and blazes from start to finish.

It's pleasant. The gently rolling terrain is suitable for all ages and skill levels. We hiked, but would consider coming back with mountain bikes for a good family/beginner ride. The trail is interesting and peaceful, whether you're an avid outdoorsperson or an occasional adventurist.

It's beautiful. Our favorite part (you might call it the "payoff") was the spectacular view of mountain-rimmed Lake James about midway through the hike. But the entire trek through the forest, over creeks, and by the lake was gorgeous.

It's versatile. While this was our first and only visit, it occurs to me that this will be an excellent destination any time of year. During these hot summer months, the trail offers blissful shade and some chances to take off your shoes and dip your toes in the water if you want. During fall, the foliage will be invigorating. Winters might be cold, but since Morganton straddles the foothills and mountains, its temperatures are somewhat milder than the highlands of Western North Carolina. And I can imagine this is a bountiful playground for all the plants and wildlife in the spring.

It's near other fun things to do. Burke County's motto is "Nature's Playground." So if you're up for more outdoor exploration, there's plenty to choose from nearby. But might I suggest you also check out historic, picturesque downtown Morganton, NC. Grab a bite to eat or (in normal times), plan your trip around events or activities. Or, here's a fun idea if it's apple-picking season. 

As an aside, when we went, we had our fishing rods handy and the kids thoroughly enjoyed fishing along a trail-side cove. If you're a fisherperson or have little ones who enjoy tossing a line in the water, this is a good place to do it.

The Fonta Flora trail is open hikers and bikers year-round and we look forward to checking it out again -- and not just when our travels have us passing by. Whether you do the County Park Loop or check out another segment (see trail map), I think you'll find this to be an excellent daytrip (or longer!) destination. 

How to get there: The trailhead for the Fonta Flora County Park loop is located at the Fonta Flora County Park located at 126 NC-126, Morganton, NC, 28655.

Don't forget to take: 

• Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers will do. 
• Water: You can refill bottles at the parking area. 
• Snacks: There are a number of benches to take a break along the trail. 
• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen: The trail is mostly shaded, but not entirely.