Celebrate the National & State Parks Centennial with the NC Sierra Club!

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This year marks the 100th anniversary of our country's best idea -- the National Park Service! It also marks the centennial for our North Carolina State Parks.

The NC Sierra Club Outings Program invites you to join in a celebration of our parks with Sierrans from across the state. Join in the fun of hiking in one of the most diverse State Parks in North Carolina, kayak on the Dan River, play in one of the five waterfalls in the park or just cool off in the seven acre lake.

Friday night we will have a meet and greet where you will be able to find out more about the weekend activities and sign up.

Saturday during the day there will be a variety of outings for people of all skill levels led by Sierra Club Outings Leaders. Saturday evening we will enjoy a group dinner with special guests who will speak about the history and accomplishments of the State and National Park Services, while inspiring the preservation of some of the most remarkable natural wonders within our state. These two park systems are a wonderful resource enjoyed by millions of visitors who have the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world.

Accommodations:

Cabins and camping are available at Hanging Rock State Park. We have reserved a limited number for Sierrans, which you can pay for here. If our reserved sites are sold out, please contact Hanging Rock State Park directly to reserve a space (click here: http://bit.ly/hangingrockreservations).

Cabins have a bathroom, air conditioning and kitchen, but you will need to provide your own linens. Maximum two cars per cabin. Each can accommodate 5 people (2 bedrooms with 2 single beds and one pull-out bed in the living room). The cost is $36 per person for the weekend for the cabins.

Each campsite has a picnic table, grill and tent pad accommodating up to six people and two tents. Drinking water and bathhouses with utility sinks and hot showers are nearby. The cost is $40 for the weekend per campsite (not per person). Participants will need to bring all necessary equipment and supplies for the weekend. (Note that there is a group dinner on Saturday night.)

Schedule:

Friday

5:30pm - 8pm Meet & greet and sign up for hikes

Saturday

9:00am Outings begin (continue throughout the day)

6:30pm Group Dinner - $10 per adult, $5 per child

7:30pm Special Guests present on NPS Centennial

More information will be provided to participants closer to the event.

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Outings

Note that the Sierra Club requires all outings participants to sign a standard waiver.

SATURDAY

Moore's Wall Loop Trail

Leader: Steve Copulsky Difficulty: Strenuous

Start: 10:30am Approx End: 2:00pm

This is a 4.7 mile round trip loop rated as strenuous with an elevation gain of about 900 feet. At the highest point, there is an observation deck with great views of the surrounding Piedmont area. Bring water and lunch or snacks, rain pancho, and hiking boots or shoes with good treads.

Cooks Wall NC Parks Centennial Hike

Leader: Henry Fansler Difficulty: Moderate

Start: 9:00am Approx End: 12:00pm

This hike will focus on the diversity of Hanging Rock State Park from the wetlands to the ridge top of Cooks Wall. We will hike portions of the Lake, Chestnut Oak, Magnolia Spring, Cooks Wall, and Wolf Rock Trails. These trails will give you an idea of how important our state parks are in preserving North Carolina's natural heritage as well as preserving a place of peace and solitude. In Stokes County, the community is reaching out to the park for help with events. It is an exciting time in today’s parks! Bring water, lunch, rain gear and wear hiking footwear. The hike is 5 miles and is rated moderate. Contact Henry Fansler at (336) 473-0283 or hbjfansler@windstream.net.

*NEW* Wolf Rock Loop

Leader: Jim McManus Difficulty: Strenuous

Start: 10:30am Approx End: 2:00pm

This hike begins with a ramble up Hanging Rock, where we will have some great views of the central Piedmont. We then backtrack to Wolf Rock trail, which we will take to Chestnut Oak Nature Trail and back to the campground. The hike is just over 6 miles, and if you just want to go to Hanging Rock, you will be able to signout at the Junction of Wolf Rock trail and take the short cut back to camp.

*NEW* Dan River Kayak

Leader: Vance Parker Difficulty: Easy (Family Friendly)

Start: 8:15am Approx End: 12:45pm

6.5 mile, Class 1 kayak touring paddle down the scenic Dan River through the Hammer Stern Wilderness Preserve. You may bring your own boat or rent an individual kayak with the Dan River Company for $42.23. You must call and reserve your own boat directly with the Dan River Company at (336) 593-2628.

*NEW* Hike the Five Peaks of Hanging Rock State Park

Leader: Joel Wooten Difficulty: Strenuous

Start: 8:30am Approx End: 3:00pm

The hike will be a strenuous loop of five peaks, just under 11 miles. We will meet at the visitor center parking lot at 8:30 Saturday morning. We will hike to Moores Knob first, followed by the House Rock, Cooks Wall, Wolf Rock, the Hanging Rock, and then return to the visitor center.

SUNDAY

*NEW* Wake Up to Waterfalls

Leader: Nancy Card Difficulty: Moderate

Start: 8:30am

Visit some - maybe all - of the park's waterfalls during these leisurely, morning hikes. We'll begin at the Visitor's Center and walk to Hidden Falls (.4 miles*, easy), Window Falls (.6 miles*, moderate) and Upper Cascades (.3 miles*, easy). For those who wish to continue, we'll drive to the parking area for Lower Cascades (.4 miles*, moderate), then continue to the parking area for Tory's Den and Falls (.2 miles*, easy). This outing is designed for participants who do not plan to attend the Chapter ExCom meeting on Sunday. The standard Sierra Club liability waiver is required for all participants. Please wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring water, snacks and sunscreen. Cameras are encouraged. Insect repellent is optional.

*All distances are one-way.

Please continue to check this page for new Outings.