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Outdoor Programs
What's Happing Now
Try It Outdoors Day • Sunset Paddle • Get Hiking • Summer Camp Registration
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!
Get Hiking!
Enjoy warmer weather and longer days on these 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, June 8 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Shallow Ford Natural Area
1955 Gerringer Mill Rd., Burlington
3 miles. Restrooms available at trailhead.
Register now.
Thursday, June 29 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Glencoe Paddle Access/HRT
2348 Glencoe St. Burlington
2 miles. Restrooms available at trailhead.
Register now.
Try It Outdoors
June 10 from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Guilford Mackintosh Park and Marina
1345 NC 61, Whitsett, NC 27377
Free, but registration encouraged. Register now.
All ages welcome. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Enjoy a morning outdoors at Guilford Mackintosh Park and Marina. The morning will be full of ‘Try It’ activities to get you excited about being outside! Try a short hike, trick your hiking stick, go on a nature scavenger hunt, learn about geocaching, play corn hole or horseshoes, learn to tie knots, and even take a short kayak trip around the cove (kayaking for ages 13 and up)!
This is a family-friendly event. Drop in any time, get your activity passport and GO! We encourage you to pack a picnic, hang your hammock and enjoy National Get Outdoors Day with us!
Hikes with Hounds
Second Fridays
Times & Location vary
Free, but registration and completion of volunteer training required.
Burlington Recreation & Parks and Burlington Animal Services team up for the Hikes with Hounds. Volunteers take a shelter dog for a hike along one of Burlington’s beautiful trails! This volunteer opportunity will offer an enrichment activity for some of Burlington's adoptable dogs to get away for a couple of hours to enjoy nature, socializing and exercise. For more information or to register, please call (336) 229-3150.
Volunteers must meet the following criteria:
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be able to hike up to 4 miles at a moderate pace or on an uneven terrain
• Must attend volunteer orientation training before becoming a trail dog walker
• Must complete and submit a registration form, waiver and provide a copy of ID prior to participation
Sunset Paddles
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.
Fee: $20/person or $8 if you provide your own boat. Registration required.
Tuesday, June 6 from 6:45 - 8:45 pm
Guilford Mackintosh Lake
1345 NC 61 Whitsett, NC 27377
Register for solo kayak rental or personal boat.
Tuesday, June 27 from 6:45 - 8:45 pm
Stoney Creek Marina
1798 Faulkner Drive Burlington, NC 27217
Register for a solo kayak rental or personal boat.
Tuesday, July 25 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Guilford Mackintosh Lake
1345 NC 61 Whitsett, NC 27377
Register for solo kayak rental or personal boat.
Tuesday, August 15 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Stoney Creek Marina
1798 Faulkner Drive Burlington, NC 27217
Register for solo kayak rental or personal boat.
Tuesday, August 29 from 6:15 - 8:16 pm
Guilford Mackintosh Lake
1345 NC 61 Whitsett, NC 27377
Register for solo kayak rental or personal boat.
Haw River Trail Work Days
Second Saturdays
9 am to 3 pm
Haw River Trail/Mountains to Sea Trail
Free, but registration required. Email Greg Yahn, the work day coordinator, to register and for compete details.
Do you love having trails in your community? Pitch in as we partner with the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail to help build and maintain sections of the trail in Alamance County. Breakfast provided. Bring: water, work gloves, long pants, work shoes, snack and/or lunch.