Topics Related to NC PATH

Diquan Edmonds is an outdoor professional, who currently works as the Education and Outreach Manager for the Triangle Land Conservancy. He’s from south Jersey (and still misses the pizza), but after nearly a decade in the Triangle, North Carolina is home. A career outside probably seemed like a foregone conclusion to his friends and family.

There’s no question a brisk hike is a great workout. Getting those muscles flexing and your heart pumping are sure to improve your vital stats, but there is mounting evidence that getting outdoors also has mental health benefits. North Carolina happens to be brimming with beautiful natural places for hikes, walks, picnics, quiet meditation, or just taking a deep breath. Places like Pisgah National Forest.

Many of us take for granted that getting out to enjoy nature is as simple as lacing up our hiking boots and hitting the trail, but negotiating roots, rocks and inclines isn’t in the scope of ability for everyone. Here’s a closer look at some of the locations in North Carolina parks that let everyone get a little closer to nature.

Raven Rock State Park: Longleaf Loop Trail

This particular story is for all the people that don’t think hiking in the Piedmont/Central region of North Carolina is a good idea in the winter. While I believe the winter season is a great opportunity for rest and hibernation, North Carolina — across the state — is lovely, no matter the temperature or season.

The environmental issues we hear about on the news can feel too big for one little person to tackle. Industrial pollution, plastics in the ocean, contaminated waterways…the problems seem overwhelming. However, we can never forget that our actions do make a difference. The entire world celebrates Earth Day, taking the time to learn and take action. When many individuals act, every individual makes an impact. It’s easier than you may think!

Fresh air, rustling leaves, and open spaces are enough for nature-lovers to set out on a trail. For many, however, the opportunity to encounter wild history in its natural habitat, outside the museum walls, is what calls them to the trail. Ruins, mounds, shacks…centuries of history embedded in the landscape of the Old North State are there, waiting for lifelong learners and adventurous explorers to discover. Here’s a list of North Carolina hikes for anyone drawn to moss-covered stone walls, crumbling foundations, ancient earthen structures, and imagining life long ago.

Would you just look at this view? It’s really spectacular when you think about it — reaching the peak of the summit and being able to look east for miles and in one direction, then turn around and look north towards the start of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are few places like this in North Carolina and Hanging Rock State Park is one I believe is a bucket-list excursion for locals and travelers alike.

You’ve got your hiking gear, your sunscreen, and plenty of water. You’re ready for a day of fun on the trail. But wait — is it really as safe as you think? Hiking is a great way to get outside and enjoy North Carolina’s beauty, but if you aren’t careful, it can be dangerous. That’s why we’ve compiled these tips so your next hike is full of adventure and not accidents: