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Length: 4.0 Miles | Route Type: Out & Back | Elevation Gain: 524ft | Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

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The BLK Pride Event is for Queer/LGBTQ+ Black people only. We will enjoy a hike while building community through dialogue about the varying experiences of Black Queer/LGBTQIA+ people.

Length: 3.6 Miles | Elevation Gain: 249ft | Route Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy to moderate

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Get ready to roll! Join us for an energizing community bike ride along the beautiful Walnut Creek Trail — where smooth paths, scenic views, and great company come together for the perfect outdoor vibe.

We will ride from Walnut Creek Softball Complex to the Neuse River Trail/Walnut Creek Trail intersection. This is approximately 14 miles round trip. We will consult with the group on whether we should keep the total trip to 10 miles. No one will be left behind l.

Whether you're a casual cruiser or a seasoned cyclist, this ride is all about fresh air, positive energy, and building community on two wheels.

After the ride, for those that are interested, we will meet at Juiced Cafe afterwards to get a refreshment and patronize a black-owned business that includes other merchandise, if interested.

About the Ride

• Trail Name: Walnut Creek Greenway

• Length: 10 to 14 Miles (with an option for more if the group is feeling it!)

• Elevation: Mostly leisurely, but expect a few gentle grades.

• Route Type: Out and back.

• Attributes: Paved asphalt.

• Difficulty Level: Easy to medium.

Preparing for the Ride

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the ride.

• Pack: Bring snacks and at least 64 ounces of water.

• Safety: Helmets are mandatory. Please DM one of the leaders before the event if you have any health concerns we should know about.

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We will begin kayaking with a tutorial for beginners so everyone can feel confident on the water. Once the tutorial is finished, you can paddle around the lake at your own pace. Lake Crabtree does not have rapids, so you don't have to worry about turbulent waters while kayaking.

All kayakers are required to wear a life jacket while on the water. Children must be at least 16 years old to kayak.

Lake Crabtree County Park offers free single kayak, double kayak, canoe, pedal boat, and stand-up paddle board rentals on a first come, first served basis for 2 hours of use. You will be able to add your name to a waiting list if there are no rentals available when you arrive. You will need a government ID to get a rental.

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This hike will be a special and exciting collaboration hike with Nitza in Nature! This will be our third event together and we always have an amazing time. We’ll start with a hike, followed by a visit to the winery. If you are not interested in visiting the winery, you are still welcome to hike with us.

Length: 3.6mi | Elevation Gain: 462ft | Trail Type: Out & Back

AllTrails Map: Stone Mountain Falls via Lower Trailhead

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Lit in Nature is all about literature in nature—making space to move our bodies and feed our minds. We’ll hike, chill, and soak up some Black brilliance in the beauty of Eno River State Park.

We’re heading out on Eagle Trail, a 4.1-mile out-and-back route that winds alongside the Eno River. We’ll walk about 2 miles in, then take a 30-minute break to read, meditate, sketch, birdwatch—or just be.

Since it’s close to Juneteenth, we invite you to bring a book by a Black author—something that speaks to your spirit or sparks your curiosity. We will have extra books for anyone interested.

Carry these words from bell hooks with you on the trail: “Black self-recovery takes place when we begin to renew our relationship to the earth, when we remember the way of our ancestors.”

“Little is written about the joy Black folks experience living in harmony with nature.”

Let’s change that—together.

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Come support this showcase of black artists! Featuring 23 contemporary African diasporic artists, The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure celebrates the Black figure from the perspective of Black artists, illuminating the richness, joy, beauty, and complexity of Black life.

This is a community day at the museum, so access to this exhibit is FREE. There will also be other activities including exhibit tours, opportunities to meet local artists, and hands-on activities like making portraits.

Enjoy the exhibit however you'd like to. Feel free to roll with the group or branch out to explore solo. We'll meet around 11 am at the front of the museum. For those interested, bring a chair or blanket. We can grab some food and have lunch outside in the museum park after the exhibit.

https://ncartmuseum.org/the-time-is-always-now-artists-reframe-the-black-figure/ https://ncartmuseum.org/events/the-time-is-always-now-community-day/

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This hike is family friendly. We will move at a pace that can support the littlest legs of those attending. We will also take time to explore the sights and sounds of the trail through a scavenger hunt.

Length: 1.5mi | Elevation Gain: 137ft | Trail Type: Loop

AllTrails Map: Buckquarter Creek Trail

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Length: 4.6 Miles | Elevation Gain: 984ft | Route Type: Loop | Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Description: This trail is natural and contains many rocky portions, so we recommend hiking shoes with ankle support. The trail involves substantial elevation changes. Dogs are allowed but must be on a six-foot leash.

About the Park: Located in Stokes County, 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park started as a Civilian Conservation Corps project and has become a park that offers every part of a traditional outdoor experience. Trails lead to picturesque mountain views, rock outcrops, waterfalls, and even a cave. Some are open to horseback riding and mountain biking; a portion is part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Campgrounds, a swim lake, and access to paddling on the Dan River complete the gamut of recreational opportunities.

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Length: 5 Miles | Elevation Gain: 157ft | Route Type: Loop | Difficulty Level: Easy

Description: The trail includes minor elevation changes and tree roots throughout. Dogs are allowed but must be on a six-foot leash.

About the Park: Located just south of Raleigh, the newest Wake County park is quickly becoming a destination park. Excellent fishing in both the lake and farm ponds, hiking and mountain bike trails, volleyball, horseshoes, and a playground await visitors.

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As part of our inaugural BLK Joy Outdoors Week, we will hold a panel on The Impact of Black Representation in the Outdoors.

Unlike our usual events, this panel is not limited to Black people; anyone may attend. There is no cost to attend the panel.

Panelists:

• Ranita (she/her) is a speech-language pathologist who has a background working with neurodiverse children. She is passionate about literacy development and diverse representation in children's literature. She is taking her passion for the outdoors and knowledge of child development to create inclusive, outdoor learning experiences that center diverse children’s books. Ranita aims to support schools, families, and communities in connecting land stewardship, outdoor exploration, and STEAM to empower children and foster lifelong learning.

• Marqiece (he/him) is the President of the Raleigh-Durham Chapter of BLK Hiking Club. During the pandemic, he picked up hiking while living in San Antonio, Texas. The racial isolation he experienced from rarely seeing other Black hikers in Texas led to him joining the BLK Hiking Club in Atlanta, Georgia, and eventually founding the Raleigh-Durham Chapter after moving to North Carolina in 2022. Marqiece is driven by a desire to connect Black people to the outdoors through hiking and inspire them to feel confident about engaging outdoors to contribute to their health and joy.

• Ashley is Lead Educator with Bike Durham, who teaches bike safety, leads community rides, and empowers families through hands-on education. Ashley supports neighbors with repairs at the East Durham Cycle Center, hosts workshops, and creates inclusive cycling programs that build confidence, promote health, and strengthen the community through safe, joyful biking.

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Length: 3.3 Miles | Elevation Gain: 203ft | Route Type: Loop | Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Description: The trail includes minor elevation changes and tree roots throughout. Dogs are allowed but must be on a six-foot leash.

About the Park: Durant Nature Preserve is a 237-acre park in North Raleigh that earned its designation as a nature preserve in 2010. It offers many activities, including 5 miles of hiking trails, fishing, birding, and year-round nature programming.

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Trail Name: Sandy Pines Preserve Loop

Length: 3.6 Miles | Elevation Gain: 101ft | Route Type: Loop | Difficulty Level: Easy

Description: The trail is dirt and unpaved, with a low elevation change throughout.

What to Bring:

1. At least 64 ounces of water

2. Snacks

3. Sun protection as needed (hat, sunscreen, ultraviolet (UV) resistant clothing, etc.

4. Bug protection as needed (insect repellant spray, clothing, etc.)

We are collaborating with The Boulder Garden (https://www.thebouldergarden.com/), a new, indoor bouldering gym in Durham, for a no-frills casual bouldering experience, where you can enjoy climbing at your own pace.

We will begin at 11:30 am with The Boulder Garden staff providing initial instruction for first-timers on how to boulder.

The cost is $15/per person and includes free rental shoes and free liquid chalk so you don’t have to bring anything at all. There are 25 spots available.

Prior to arriving, attendees must sign the waiver, provide their shoe size, and pay at the following links:

• Waiver: https://climber.hellocapitan.com/thebouldergarden/documents/fill/list/

• Registration and payment: https://climber.hellocapitan.com/thebouldergarden/schedule/events/123/?event_types=2185&day=2025-03-08

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BLK Hiking Club events are intended for Black people only unless otherwise stated due to the limited options that exist for Black people to engage in the outdoors where we can easily see and engage with others who look like us and share our experiences. While we appreciate the work of allies, they are encouraged to join one of the many other hiking groups in the Triangle.

Length: 5.7 Miles | Elevation Gain: 272 FT | Trail Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy

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The BLK Men's Hike is for Black Men only. We will enjoy a hike while building community through dialogue about the varying experiences of Black men.

Located in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing.

Length: 4.0 Miles | Elevation Gain: 377 FT | Trail Type: Loop | Difficulty: Moderate

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The BLK Women's Hike is for Black Women only. We will enjoy a hike while building community through dialogue about the varying experiences of Black women.

Located in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing.

Length: 4.0 Miles | Elevation Gain: 377 FT | Trail Type: Loop | Difficulty: Moderate

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BLK Hiking Club events are intended for Black people unless otherwise stated due to the limited options that exist for Black people to engage in the outdoors where we can easily see and engage with others who look like us and share our experiences. While we appreciate the work of allies, they are encouraged to join one of the many other hiking groups in the Triangle.

Length: 4.6 Miles | Elevation Gain: 984 FT | Trail Type: Loop | Difficulty: Moderate

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BLK Hiking Club events are intended for Black people unless otherwise stated due to the limited options that exist for Black people to engage in the outdoors where we can easily see and engage with others who look like us and share our experiences.

While we appreciate the work of allies, they are encouraged to join one of the many other hiking groups in the Triangle.

We will be joined by Eno River Association volunteer and land steward Brian for a walking stick whittling workshop along the Eno! Learn about stewardship and natural resource management while collecting saplings to create a hand-carved walking stick to take home.

Bring a pocketknife, a chair, water and something to snack on while you learn the basics of wood whittling with Brian on a peaceful Sunday morning at the Confluence Natural Area in Hillsborough.

The cost of this event is $9 per person. You must register and pay at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/private-event-blk-hiking-club-walking-stick-whittling-workshop-tickets-978724801227?aff=oddtdtcreator

We will go on a brief hike for this event. This trail is natural so we recommend comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes.

Dogs are not allowed for this event.

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Our BLK Pride Events are for Black Queer/LGBTQ+ people only.

BLK Hiking Club events are intended for Black people only unless otherwise stated due to the limited options that exist for Black people to engage in the outdoors where we can easily see and engage with others who look like us and share our experiences.

While we appreciate the work of allies, they are encouraged to join one of the many other hiking groups in the Triangle.

We will enjoy a hangout at Bond Park. Bring a blanket, chair, lunch, snacks, games, or whatever you want. This is just time time for us to hangout and enjoy each other's company

On this guided hike, we will explore an iconic part of the town of Hillsborough - Riverwalk. We will enjoy a scenic walk along the river and stop at various cultural and historic sites to learn about changes through time along the Eno and in Hillsborough.

Length: 4.0 Miles | Elevation Gain: 0 FT | Trail Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy

We will begin kayaking with a tutorial for beginners so everyone can feel confident on the water. Once the tutorial is finished, you can paddle around the lake at your own pace.

Lake Crabtree does not have rapids, so you don't have to worry about turbulent waters while kayaking. All kayakers are required to wear a life jacket while on the water. Children must be at least 16 years old to kayak. Lake Crabtree County Park offers free kayak rentals on a first come, first served basis. You will be able to add your name to a waiting list if there are no rentals available when you arrive.

While waiting, there is a greenspace near the boathouse where you can lounge until your rental is available. If you have your own kayak that you would like to bring you can.

More information about boating and rentals at Lake Crabtree can be found here: https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/parks-recreation-open-space/all-parks-trails/lake-crabtree-county-park/lake-crabtree-boating-and-boat-rental

Fred G. Bond Metro Park, at 310 acres, is one of the largest municipal parks in Wake County. Like an oasis in the middle of town, the park preserves the environment and offers opportunities for many types of recreation.

The White Oak Creek Greenway originates in Bond Park. It currently consists of segments of trail which result in a combined distance of 7.38 miles. The White Oak Creek Greenway, along with the Black Creek Greenway represent two of the Town's most important regional greenways.

When completed, these two trails will extend over a distance of 14 miles and connect to the American Tobacco Trail, Durham, Bond Park, Lake Crabtree County Park, Umstead State Park, and Raleigh. This trail section within Cary was recently added to the East Coast Greenway, which will eventually go from Maine to Florida.

Length: 4.6 Miles | Elevation Gain: 210 FT | Trail Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The BLK Men's Hike is for Black Men only. We will enjoy a hike while building community through dialogue about the varying experiences of Black men.

The Lake Johnson Trail includes a 3.5-mile paved greenway loop as well as a 1.9-mile unpaved loop plus another 1.0 mile of out and backs to scenic lake overlooks. Part of the paved loop includes a section of Walnut Creek Greenway Trail. The paved portion goes through the woods, along the lake, and across the dam.

The unpaved portion, a bit less traveled, goes to the headwaters of the lake. Both can cross the boardwalk across the lake to complete a figure 8 if you want. The trail has flat sections, hilly sections, sections into the woods, and sections along the lake, offering quite a bit of diversity of terrain. Great place to get closer to nature in Raleigh.

Length: 3.5 Miles | Elevation Gain: 289 FT | Trail Type: Loop | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The BLK Women's Hike is for Black Women only. We will enjoy a hike while building community through dialogue about the varying experiences of Black women.

The Lake Johnson Trail includes a 3.5-mile paved greenway loop as well as a 1.9-mile unpaved loop plus another 1.0 mile of out and backs to scenic lake overlooks. Part of the paved loop includes a section of Walnut Creek Greenway Trail. The paved portion goes through the woods, along the lake, and across the dam.

The unpaved portion, a bit less traveled, goes to the headwaters of the lake. Both can cross the boardwalk across the lake to complete a figure 8 if you want. The trail has flat sections, hilly sections, sections into the woods, and sections along the lake, offering quite a bit of diversity of terrain. Great place to get closer to nature in Raleigh.

Length: 3.5 Miles | Elevation Gain: 289 FT | Trail Type: Loop | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Look no further than Forest Ridge Park, a hidden gem that offers an array of recreational activities for nature lovers of all ages. From its expansive parkland to its thrilling mountain bike trails, Forest Ridge Park is a paradise waiting to be explored.

Length: 3.9 Miles | Elevation Gain: 150 FT | Trail Type: Loop | Difficulty: Easy

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Join us for this collaboration with Xplore Kayak (https://xplorekayak.com/) for a kayaking adventure!

You may bring your own kayak if you own one. This is a bring your own lunch event; we will each lunch during the event.

Registration: $35

-Includes 1 adult single or tandem kayak and gear. You do not need to purchase this if you are bringing your own kayak and gear.

-Must be 18 or older for a single adult kayak.

-Children 8 or older may be in a tandem kayak with an adult.

Shuttle Service: $15

-Shuttle transportation of you, your kayak, and gear back to the starting point. You do not need to purchase this if you will not need transportation back to the starting point.

Length: 8 Miles

Start Point: 640 Wildlife Rd., Lillington, NC 27546

End Point: 1002 S. 13th St., Erwin, NC 28339

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

You will need to complete your registration at the link below to pay the registration or shuttle service fee, if applicable. Eventbrite Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cape-fear-river-paddle-tickets-922878673957?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android

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This child-friendly collaboration with the North Carolina Zoo will be a lunch and learn event where you bring your own lunch.

Children as young as kindergarten age are welcomed on this hike. We will have lunch at the summit of the trail where North Carolina Zoo staff will teach us about plants and wildlife in the area before hiking back down.

Length: 2 Miles | Elevation Gain: 141 FT | Trail Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy

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About the Hike & Wine 9:00am-12:30pm: Waterfalls series hike at Hanging Rock 1:00pm-3:00pm: Dragon Glass Winery (https://www.dragonglasswinery.com/)

We will visit all 5 waterfalls at Hanging Rock State Park so be ready to do some waterfall chasing! Visiting all 5 waterfalls will take approximately 3 hours total, including drive time between parking lots within the park. See the link below for more details about each waterfall, and we will meet at the address given to visit the first 3 waterfalls.

Hanging Rock Waterfalls: https://explorationsolo.com/waterfalls-hanging-rock-state-park/

This Hike & Wine event includes an optional winery visit to Dragon Glass Winery after the hike for those 21 years of age and older. If you are interested in visiting the winery, sign-up at Nitza In Nature's Eventbrite page below. The tasting room has a limited capacity. The first 20 people to sign-up through the Eventbrite page will have a spot. If any spots open up after the first 20 have been filled, an announcement will be made.

Winery Eventbrite Sign-up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hike-and-wine-hanging-rock-waterfalls-with-blkhikingclubrdu-tickets-916887423967