Sep
29

Leave it to Beavers

Description: Join a ranger to learn about the intrepid beaver. We will discuss its history, characteristics, and learn why it's such an important animal in the state. Meet at the Visitor Center Classroom.

Start Location: Visitor Center Classroom

Length: 30 minutes

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Sep
23

Bearwallow Falls Evening Hike

Description: Join a ranger on a half-mile round trip hike of Bearwallow Falls. Come learn how geography helps form the 20 waterfalls found nestled in the park. Bring water, wear comfortable footwear, and dress for the weather. Meet at Bearwallow Picnic Area.

Start Location: Bearwallow Picnic Area

Length: 45 minutes

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Sep
22

Fall is Approachingǃ

Description: Fall is a great time to learn about the changing of seasons and the science of leaves. Come join Ranger Hill for a guided hike at the White Pines picnic area to see the early signs of Fall.

Start Location: White Pines Picnic Area

Length: 30 minutes

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Sep
21

Track Casting

Description: Make your very own cast mold of animal tracks to take home! Choose from a wide variety of our park creatures’ footprints including raccoons, bobcats, opossums, and more. We will also be learning about how to identify animal tracks. Plan to come back to the Visitor Center to pick up your tracks later in the day.

Start Location: Visitor Center Classroom

Length: 30 minutes

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Sep
20

Sunset Storytime

Description: Bring your kiddos and join our naturalist for a nature storybook reading outside at sunset. We will meet at the outdoor amphitheater (go around to the back porch and down the ramp).

Start Location: Outdoor Amphitheater

Length: 30 minutes

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Snakes of Gorges Presentation
Aug
31

Snakes of Gorges Presentation

Description: What snakes do we have here in North Carolina? Come learn to identify Gorges snakes and some facts about them! You will also get the chance to meet a special guest: Al the garter snake.

Start Location: Visitor’s Center Classroom

Length: 30 minutes

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Aug
25

Leave No Trace Trailhead Table

Description: Come stop by to see naturalist Reagan at the Rainbow Falls trailhead to learn the 7 principles of Leave No Trace in order to recreate at Gorges, and everywhere, in the most responsible way possible.

Start Location: Rainbow Falls Trailhead

Length: 3 hours

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Gorges Rocksǃ
Aug
24

Gorges Rocksǃ

Description: Come learn about the unique geology of Gorges State Park that makes it so special.

Start Location: Visitor’s Center Classroom

Length: 30 minutes

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Sunset Hike
Aug
23

Sunset Hike

Description: Join park naturalist Reagan for a guided sunset hike to the overlook of Bearwallow Valley trail and to learn about the different types of animals at Gorges State Park. Bring suitable shoes for a short walk and your own water.

Start Location: Outdoor Amphitheater

Length: 30 minutes

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Wildlife Safety
Aug
23

Wildlife Safety

Description: Join a Park Ranger and learn how to be cautious around wildlife to protect them and yourselves!

Start Location: Visitor’s Center

Length: 30 minutes

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Hiking’s for the Birds
Aug
19

Hiking’s for the Birds

Descriptionː Join a ranger on a hike to learn about the many different birds that live in Gorges State Park. Be prepared to hike approximately 1-2 miles. Participants will also learn how to use the Merlin app, a great tool for novice birders. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Start Location: Visitor Center

Length: 45 minutes

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National TRACK Trails Dayː Kids Walk/Activity
Aug
17

National TRACK Trails Dayː Kids Walk/Activity

Description: Join Gorges in celebrating the 15th anniversary of TRACK trails on our very own kids’ TRACK trail behind the Visitor’s Center. Park Naturalist Reagan will talk about animal tracks and we will play an animal track game on the trail.

Start Location: Visitor’s Center back porch

Length: 30 minutes

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Nature Craft Day
Aug
15

Nature Craft Day

Description: From DIY bear faces, to plastic bottle fireflies, to coloring, and more, come join us in the classroom for a nature themed craft day!

Start Location: Visitor’s Center Classroom

Length: 2 hours

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Terrific Turtles
Aug
13

Terrific Turtles

Description: Join our park naturalist to learn all about the turtles we have here in Gorges State Park, especially box turtles: North Carolina’s state reptile.

Start Location: Visitor’s Center

Length: 30 minutes

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The Bear Facts
Mar
24

The Bear Facts

Come join Ranger Hill to learn about the black bears at Gorges State Park and what role they play in the park’s ecosystem.

Meet at the Visitor Center.

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The Bear Facts
Jan
28

The Bear Facts

Come join Ranger Hill to learn about the Black Bears at Gorges State Park and what role they play in the park’s ecosystem.

Location: Park Visitor Center                                                        Length: 30 minutes

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Hike to Raymond Fisher Pond
Jan
27

Hike to Raymond Fisher Pond

Join a Park Ranger for a morning Hike down the Raymond Fisher Pond Trail. Please be prepared for a moderate, 60 minute hike, with proper footwear and water. We will be meeting at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead area.

Location: Rainbow Falls Trailhead                                            Length: 1 Hour

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Winter ID?
Jan
21

Winter ID?

Winter is a great time to learn and strengthen your plant identification skills.  Join Ranger Hill for a guided hike at White Pines Picnic Area to learn some easy tips/tricks for being a winter ID expert.  

Location: White Pines Picnic Area                                         

Length: 30 minutes

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Wildlife Safety
Nov
28

Wildlife Safety

Join Ranger Briley and learn how to be cautious around wildlife to protect them and yourself!

Start Location: Visitor’s Center

Length: 30 minutes

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Holiday Hike
Nov
24

Holiday Hike

Get some fresh air and join a park ranger for a moderate hike along the Bearwallow Valley Trail. Be prepared for a 2 mile hike with proper footwear and water. 

Start Location: Visitor’s Center

Length: 30 minutes

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Owl Pellet Dissection
Nov
15

Owl Pellet Dissection

Curious about what an owl eats? Join our Park Naturalist to uncover what one of our local park predators had for lunch!

Start Location: Visitor’s Center Classroom

Length: 1 hour

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A Walk in the Woods
Nov
12

A Walk in the Woods

Winter has arrived, come learn about the different tree species as we hike to Upper Bear Wallow Falls.

Please be prepared for a short hike (.4 miles).

Start Location: Bearwallow Picnic Area

Length: 30 minutes

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Nature Journaling
Nov
8

Nature Journaling

Join Park Naturalist Kinley to connect nature with art. Weather permitting, participants will take a walk outside!

Start Location: Visitor’s Center

Length: 45 minutes

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Sun Printing
Sep
27

Sun Printing

Join our Park Naturalist to make a sun-printed bandana to take home! You may take home your bandana later in the day.

Start Location: Visitor's Center Classroom

Length: 1 hour

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Lichen or Not
Sep
17

Lichen or Not

Come join Ranger Hill to learn about the wonderful life of Lichens and their role in the ecosystem at Gorges State Park.

Start Location: Visitor's Center Classroom

Length: 30 minutes

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Owl Pellet Dissection
Sep
13

Owl Pellet Dissection

Curious about what an owl eats? Join our Park Naturalist to uncover what one of our local park predators had for lunch!

Start Location: Visitor's Center Classroom

Length: 1 hour

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Wildlife Safety
Sep
8

Wildlife Safety

Join Ranger Briley and learn how to be cautious around wildlife to protect them and yourselves!

Start Location: Visitor's Center

Length: 30 minutes

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