Outdoor Programs

What's Happing Now
 

Kayaking  •  Hiking 
Join us for a guided outdoor trip, class or program.  Whatever you choose, get out and enjoy it!
Check out the calendar of events. For active Senior Adult outdoor recreation, check out these events.
Do you have a group that would like a private adventure or custom outdoor program? We can help - contact us!
Go Outdoors

Sunset Paddle


Tuesday, August 29 from 6:15-8:15 pm
Guilford Mackintosh Park and Marina
1345 NC HWY 61, Whitsett
Fee: $20/person or $8 if you provide your own boat. Registration required.
Solo kayak rental - full - join the waitlist
Register for personal boat.

Enjoy a leisurely, guided paddle on one of Burlington's beautiful lakes. Your stress will melt away as you paddle under the setting sun. Paddlers will have a guide who provides basic instruction as needed and leads the group on the lake. Fee includes guides, boat rental, paddle, PFD. If your are interested in renting a kayak, please join the waitlist. Every effort will be made to accommodate those on the list.

Meet Up Paddles


Friday, October 6 from 9:30-11:30 am
Lake Cammack | 4790 Union Ridge Rd. Burlington
Registration opens September 1st
 
Friday, October 27 from 9:30-11:30 am
Stoney Creek Marina | 1798 Faulkner Dr. Burlington
Registration opens September 15th
 
Don’t paddle alone – enjoy a morning on the lake and meet other kayak enthusiast. Bring your binoculars! Fee is $20/person or $8 if you bring your own boat. Fee includes guide, boat rental, paddle and PFD. For ages 18+.

Leaf Peep Paddle


Saturday, October 28 from 8:30-10:30 am
Guilford Mackintosh Park and Marina
1345 NC HWY 61, Whitsett
Fee: $20/person or $8 with your own boat
Registration opens September 15th
 
Enjoy a cool, crisp morning on the lake. COffee and donuts will be provide before setting out on the water. Take in the vibrant colors of the changing season while cruising the lake. Fee includes, guide, kayak rental, paddle, PFD, coffee and donuts. For ages 18+ (ages 13-17 with participating adult).

Quick Start to Kayaking


By appointment, M-F between 8am-5pm
Fee: $30/person
This 2- hour class will equip you with the skills and confidence you need to start kayaking. Learn about safety, kayak fit, proper paddle grip and stokes as well as how enter and exit the water. Classes are taught by an ACA certified instructor. A minimum of 2 and max of 4 people are needed to conduct a class. Contact Melissa Hoose, Kayak Instructor, for more information. For ages 16+ or ages 13-15 with participating adult. Weight limit of 230lbs.

Get Hiking!


Get hiking on local hikes around Burlington. Expect natural surface trails, rolling terrain with a few steep hills and a moderate pace.  Wear comfortable walking shoes (closed-toed) or boots. Bring a water bottle and bug spray. Suitable for ages 8+ (ages 8-16 must be accompanied by an adult). Dogs welcome!
Free, but registration required!
Thursday, August 17 from 6:00-7:30 pm
Cedarock Park
4242 R. Dean Coleman Rd. Burlington 
3 miles. Restrooms available at trailhead.
Register

Thursday September 7 from 6:00-7:30 pm
Shallow Ford Natural Area
1955 Gerringer Mill Rd. Burlington
3 miles. Restroom available at trailhead.
Register 
Try It Outdoors Day - Its Coming

Special Hiking Events



MST in a Day

-
Saturday, September 9 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Stoney Creek Marina Trail Head
1785 Faulkner Dr. Burlington
4 Miles. Portable restroom available at trailhead.
Free, but registration required. Register

Celebrate 40 years of the Mountains to Sea Trail by participating with hundreds of trail enthusiast who will each walk a portion of the trail on September 9! Through everyone’s collective efforts, 100% of the 1,175 mile trail will be covered in a single day!

Be a part of this special event by hiking the MST with Burlington Recreation and Parks Outdoor Programs from Indian Valley Paddle Access to Stoney Creek Marina. The hike is moderate in difficulty and 4 miles long. A shuttle will be provided to take hikers to the trail head at Indian Valley to hike back to their cars. Suitable for ages 10+ (ages 10-16 must be accompanied by an adult). Sorry no dogs in the shuttle.

Want to hike a different section of the MST? Register with The Friends of the MST to hike a different leg on your own!  www.mountainstoseatrail.org

Fall Foliage Hike


Saturday, October 28 from 1:00-3:00 pm
Guilford Mackintosh Park and Marina
1345 NC HWY 61 Whitsett
3 miles. Restroom available at trailhead.
Free, but registration required. Register

Grab a friend and get out for a hike while enjoying the changing of the seasons! The hike is about 3 miles on natural surface trail over rolling terrain. Wear comfortable walking shoes (closed-toed) or boots. Bring a water bottle and bug spray. Trekking poles recommended.
Suitable for ages 8+ (ages 8-16 must be accompanied by an adult). Dogs welcome!

For more information on any of these programs, email or call the Outdoor Program Coordinator at (336) 222-5135.