Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club upcoming events

Country Park Walk (10/08/2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk
When: THU 10/8/2026 5:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 10/8/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Trey Gowdy
Distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: R-5, Easy
Intended Pace: Fast
Elevation Gain: 300 ft.
Description: Join me for an approx 3.5 mile loop walk at Country Park / Guilford Military Park in Greensboro, The path is mostly paved with some gravel. I plan to head out from the parking lot at 5:30pm. Park at the Country Park Jaycee Park Lot at 3899 Jaycee Park Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455. We’ll meet at the end of the parking lot near the baseball field.
Required Gear: Water

HPU Garden Stroll - Cancelled (10/10/2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk
When: SAT 10/10/2026 10:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/9/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Eileen Schiffer
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Intended Pace: Leisure
Description: High Point University has 30 gardens, including topiary, sculpture, lakeside, culinary, and rose gardens, as well as a 15,000 sf conservatory with tropical, subtropical, and dessert plants. Let's explore this beautiful campus. I discovered it this Spring. It should be beautiful in the Fall. Feel free to download their garden map (https://www.highpoint.edu/gardens/maps/) and follow the links to learn more about the gardens. We'll meet at the Caine Conservatory parking lot. Park anywhere in the large parking lot behind the building. You might need to stop at the gate to get a visitors pass. Participants can join for all or part of the stroll.
Required Gear: Comfortable walking shoes. Mostly flat, but a few stairs.
Max Participants: 20

Downtown Greenway Bike Ride (10/10/2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Bike
When: SAT 10/10/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/9/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Virginia Dodd Pulaski, Josie Soreco, David Pulsfort
Distance: 12 miles
Difficulty: R-4, Easy
Intended Pace: Leisure
Description: Looking for a relaxed bike ride with an easy pace and moderate distance? Join us for a scenic 12-mile ride beginning at Lake Daniel Park. From there, we’ll connect to the Downtown Greenway trail system, meander through the charming Sunset Hills neighborhood, and wind through the UNCG campus. Most of the route follows paved cement/asphalt greenway trails, with a few short sections on neighborhood streets. We’ll make a brief stop at Spring Garden Bakery for a quick rest and refreshment. For parking and directions, please enter 413 Mimosa Dr., Greensboro into your GPS, which will guide you to the Lake Daniel Park parking lot. We hope you’ll join us for a fun and leisurely morning on two wheels!
Required Gear: Bike, helmet, water
Max Participants: 12

Cane Creek Natural area (10/10/2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/10/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/9/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Dave Johnson
Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: R-19, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1000 ft.
Description: This recent addition to the NC park system has several loops through a forested section of Alamance County. We will hike the Lookout, Pioneer and Lark Loops, with stops at the Monadnock Lookout Tower and Old Dining Hall Picnic Area. The address is 5545 Bass Mountain Road, Snow Camp NC, about 45 minutes SE of Greensboro.
Required Gear: Lunch, Poles recommended

Dutchman's Creek (10/10/2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/10/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/8/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Nicole Mazgaj
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: R-31, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 2000 ft.
Description: As you all know, fall and winter are the ideal two seasons for hiking in the Uwharrie mountains located south of the Triad. By then all the critters, flying, crawling, and slithering, have decided to give hikers a respite, and the air is again crisp and invigorating. At one time this mountain range peaked at 20,000 feet; but eons have passed since these lofty times, and it is now a shadow of its former self with its highest point maxing at 1,188 feet. Now in its old age, it offers a sumptuous array of hikes, with uninterrupted vistas of evergreens and deciduous trees stretching in every direction, stream crossings along groves of rhododendrons and mountain laurels, and the occasional rock outcropping intruding among the large undulating woods. This hike is rated strenuous due to distance, overall elevation gain, and short but steep hills and rocky descents. However it has long stretches of flat terrain and undulating hills, and is therefore suitable for anyone who can tackle a double-digit hike, without having to worry about unending climbs and forever disappearing summits. PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE BY THE REQUIRED DEADLINE AND I WILL PROMPTLY GET BACK TO YOU WITH MEETING PLACES AND TIME OPTIONS.

Whitetop mountain via AT (10/10/2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/10/2026 9:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/8/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Steve Ferris
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-22, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1300 ft.
Description: We will hike from the parking lot at Elk Garden (rt 600) and hike the AT to Buzzard Rock. The trail traverses White Top mountain in Virginia, the second highest in Virginia with elevation above 5,000 feet. The trail will enter into a bald area of the mountain, with spectacular views on clear days into Tenn and NC, with views of Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountains in NC. I think the view rivals that from Roan or Grayson Highlands, perhaps even better as you see north into Virginia’s mountains and valleys. We might see wild ponies from the parking lot at Elk Garden. Carpool locations and times will be provided later.
Required Gear: Bring lunch, snacks, water, rain gear, hiking poles, and be prepared for chilly temperatures due to high elevation
Max Participants: 16

Piedmont Environmental Center (10/11/2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 10/11/2026 1:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 10/11/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Butch and Terri Wilson
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: R-6, Easy
Intended Pace: Slow
Elevation Gain: 300 ft.
Description: Please join us for a slower paced pet friendly hike on the Bill Faver and Racoon Run trails along the shores of High Point City Lake. We will meet in front of the Environmental Center at 1:30 and hike a total of 3 miles. R6
Required Gear: Water

Backpacking in the Roan Highlands (10/13/2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Backpack
When: TUE 10/13/2026 10:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/7/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Vance Barron
Distance: 15 miles
Difficulty: R-30, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1800 ft.
Description: This is a two-night, out-and-back hike from Carver's Gap along the Appalachian Trail in the Roan Highlands. The hike crosses several balds and Little Hump Mountain. Campsites will be near Grassy Ridge Bald on the first night and near Little Hump Mountain on the second night. An alternative for the second night may be Big Yellow Mountain. All participants should register no later than October 7.
Required Gear: Backpacking gear, including tent, stove, and rain gear

Grayson Highlands in the Fall - AT South, Crest Trail Loop (10/14/2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: WED 10/14/2026 9:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/13/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Clare Strayhorn
Distance: 10.5 miles
Difficulty: R-33, Medium
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1600 ft.
Description: Let's return to Grayson Highlands and enjoy a scenic but moderately challenging hike in the mountains in early Fall. This loop starts at Massie Gap, follows the Rhododendron Gap Trail and AT south to Rhodo Gap, continues on the Crest Trail to the Scales where we will have lunch. From there we take the Virginia Highlands Trail and Wilson Creek Trail back to the AT South and parking area. Expect to see clear views, fall foliage, mountain ash trees laden with berries and ponies grazing on Wilburn Ridge in warm and sunny weather (let's hope) without the humidity. However, also be prepared for rocky conditions underfoot. Carpooling will be available from Carolina Diner, Greensboro, at 7 am, and from McDonalds, Jonestown (Winston-Salem) at 7:30 am. For those interested, there will also be a possibility of stopping in Sparta after the hike at a very nice coffee shop or other watering hole for snacks and beverages. For those going directly to the park, please plan to meet at the Park Office (on the left just past the park entrance and kiosk) at 9:30 am. There is a charge to get into the park ($10 per car-bring cash). Approx. 10.5 miles and about 1600 feet elev. [R-33]

Thursday Night Walk and Dinner (10/15/2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk
When: THU 10/15/2026 4:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 10/1/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Carol Parks
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: R-3, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Description: Thursday Night Walkers will meet the first and third Thursday of the month of October at Country Park at 4:00 pm to walk two laps around the lake, approximately 3.2 miles. The meeting place will be at the entrance to Country Park at the lower parking lot close to the ball field at Lewis Recreation Center. Turn into the access to Lewis Recreation Center from Pisgah Church Road, go past the tennis courts on the left and down to the end where the baseball field is on the left. The group will have two leaders, Carol Parks for the first Thursday and Joe Regan for the third Thursday. We will be going to dinner after the walk. If there is bad weather, the walk will be cancelled but we will still go to dinner. Additional details will be provided in a phoc@googlegroups.com email from the walk leader prior to the event. Call or email Carol Parks (contact info provided at signup) if you have questions.
Required Gear: Appropriate walking shoes and water

Owl's Roost Trail and Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway Loop (10/17/2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/17/2026 8:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/17/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Juhua Chen / Kellie Beeson
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: R-5, Easy
Intended Pace: Slow
Elevation Gain: 282 ft.
Description:

The Owl's Roost Trail is a picturesque trail alongside the serene waters of Lake Brandt. This well-kept trail winds into the forest where hikers may encounter many roots and muddy patches. There are multiple boardwalks throughout the trail and an observation deck with unobstructed views of Lake Brandt. The Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway is a trail dotted with hardwoods and pines. This trail passes through open fields, marshes, woods, and watersheds.

We will meet at the last parking lot of Bur-mil Park near the lake and start hiking at 8:30 AM.

Max Participants: 15

Hattaway and Morrow Mountain Trails (10/17/2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/17/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/16/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Wayne Hale
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: R-22, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1400 ft.
Description: The leaves may be turning in Morrow Mountain State Park allowing us to hike to beautiful views of the rolling Piedmont, Uwharrie Mountains, and the rivers and lake between. This 1400-foot elevation hike will start from the park office parking lot at 9:00 a.m. We will begin with the Hattaway Mountain 3.1 mile loop, then back past the visitors center to the Morrow Mountain Trail. We will have lunch at the summit then return to the park office finishing before 2 PM. Contact me by Friday December 13th at 12 PM if you plan to come, where you live and your interest in car pooling.
Required Gear: poles recommended

Bluff Mountain - Dougton Park 13 milies (10/17/2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/17/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/16/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Alex Wilson
Distance: 13 miles
Difficulty: R-36, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Description: Met at the Grassy Gap Parking at Longbottom Road. This hike goes up the very steep Bluff Mt/Primitive Trail, then traverses some beautiful grassy balds with very good views. We will come down on the Cedar Ridge Trail. This hike is for experienced hikers only.

Kayaking at Lake Brandt (10/17/2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Paddle
When: SAT 10/17/2026 4:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 10/17/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Juhua Chen
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: R-2, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: ft.
Description: It looks like a nice day on the 17th of October. I will do a group kayaking. We will start to kayaking at 4 PM. Please get there some time earlier to allow enough time to do the registration and rent a kayak if you need. We can either rent a kayak or launch your own kayak. The kayak rental information is available on the website. The park will be closed at 7 PM. Our goal is to get back to the loading dock around 6 PM. I will monitor the weather and email everyone one day prior to the event.
Required Gear: Must wear a life jacket!
Max Participants: 15

Knight Brown (10/18/2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 10/18/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/17/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Carol Hildebrandt
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: R-12, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 300 ft.
Description: The trailhead is at 221 Waterfield Lane, Stokesdale. The preserve contains 5 miles of beautiful wooded trails with 2 streams. The trails are in a series of loops so the option exists to do 3.2 miles if preferred. It is a picturesque hike in a beautiful valley.
Required Gear: Water

New River Trail Bike Ride (10/20/2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Bike
When: TUE 10/20/2026 9:15 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/19/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Joanne and David Williams
Distance: 35 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1000 ft.
Description: Join me on a beautiful fall bike ride on Virginia's New River Trail from Galax to Fries. I'm offering two starting points: Stuart Street (35 miles) or Cliff View (31 miles). Details will be provided to the registrants prior to the ride. Please bring plenty of water, a spare tube, helmet and lunch. We'll stop in Fries for a picnic lunch. If there's enough interest, we can stop by the brewery in Galax for a post-ride beverage and a bite to eat.
Max Participants: 15

Wake Forest University Wind Ensemble Concert (10/21/2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Social
When: WED 10/21/2026 7:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 10/20/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Allison Schwartz
Intended Pace: Leisure
Description: Join the WFU Wind Ensemble for their fall concert! Featuring WFU Music students, and classics, old and new. Free and open to the public.

Dinner Outing at Sticks & Stones (10/22/2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Meal
When: THU 10/22/2026 6:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 10/22/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Beverly Grier
Intended Pace: Leisure
Description: Let’s meet at 6 p.m. for fresh pizza by the slice and other delights (burgers, salads, small plates, wine and beer) at Sticks & Stones Clay Over Restaurant on Walker Avenue, near UNCG. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere awaits us in this low-key and fairly inexpensive eatery. Please email me by noon Thursday October 22nd so I can let them know how many will be attending.
Max Participants: 8

Hike from Doughton Park to Stone Mountain State Park (10/24/2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/24/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/19/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Vance Barron
Distance: 12 miles
Difficulty: R-39, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 2700 ft.
Description: This is a hike from Doughton Park to Stone Mountain State Park. This is a shuttle hike. It will begin at Doughton Park, Longbottom Road. The hike will be up Cedar Ridge Trail to Brinegar Cabin, along the MST to Devil's Garden Overlook, to the unofficial trail down Scott Ridge, to the unmarked connector leading to the MST, down the MST to Widow's Creek, and ending at the Backpacker's Lot at Stone Mountain State Park. The distance is 11.5 miles with estimated elevation gain of 2,700 feet. Shuttle details will be shared with participants.
Required Gear: Lunch, water, poles, and rain gear

Tory's Den Ruben Mt Trail (10/24/2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/24/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/23/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Sarah Werner
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-13, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 650 ft.
Description: We will begin at the parking lot off Charlie Young Rd and hike from there onto the Ruben Mt trail, then back on Tory's Den Trail (where it meets Moore's Wall Loop). Returning on the same path, we'll stop for lunch at the base of Huckleberry Ridge, then head back to the parking lot. Optional visit to Tory's Den and Tory's Falls (additional half a mile) at the end of the day. 8 miles. [R-20]
Max Participants: 15

Guilford Mackintosh Trail (10/24/2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/24/2026 11:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/24/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Butch and Terri Wilson
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: R-6, Easy
Intended Pace: Slow
Elevation Gain: 300 ft.
Description: Please join us for a short dog friendly hike at Guilford Mackintosh Park. We will meet at the trail parking lot at the end of the park road. We will be stopping at nearby Red Oak Biergarten for snacks and refreshments after the hike. Red Oak is also dog friendly. If you need additional information please contact Butch or Terri. We look forward to seeing you! 3 miles R6.
Required Gear: Water

Piedmont Trail (10/25/2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 10/25/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/24/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Trey Gowdy
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: R-8, Easy
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 200 ft.
Description: Join me for an easy hike on the Piedmont Trail in Greensboro. This out & back route is a pleasant trek along the shores of Lake Brandt. We'll begin at the East Start of the Piedmont Trail. Parking is a gravel lot at 6045 State Road 2347, Greensboro, NC 27455 (actually Lake Brandt Road) just north of the Lake Brandt marina/dam.
Required Gear: Water
Max Participants: 15

Hike at Pilot Mountain & lunch in King (10/31/2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/31/2026 8:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/30/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Joan Heiss
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: R-28, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1800 ft.
Description: If you want to experience the fall foliage in its splendor, please join me for a beautiful hike at Pilot Mountain State Park beginning and ending at the visitor center. We will ascend via the Mountain trail connecting to the Grindstone all the way to the top. After a restroom break, we will continue along the Ledge Spring trail with beautiful rock wall views and views of the valley below, then back to the Grindstone and our cars. We will drive to King for a post hike group lunch at Amazing Thailand. 10.5 miles, 1800 ft
Required Gear: Water, poles, and snacks

Birkhead Wilderness Hike (10/31/2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 10/31/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/27/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Vance Barron
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: R-22, Moderate
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 1061 ft.
Description: This is a loop hike through the Birkhead Wilderness at the height of the fall season. The hike will begin and at the Tot Hill Farm trailhead. The terrain is undulating with no steep climbs.
Required Gear: Lunch, water, poles, and rain gear

Goose Creek State Park (11/06/2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike, Paddle, Camping, Social
When: FRI 11/6/2026 12:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 10/23/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Rick Morris
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: R-12, Moderate
Intended Pace: Leisure
Description: Join me for a Weekend Paddle at Goose Creek State Park. There is a Paddle Trail we will be doing over the weekend. There are historic sites and great restaurants nearby. 15 people have already committed. On 8-6-2026 there were no camp cabins available. Sites 1-6 in the Primitive Campground were open with very large sites. For those with an RV, sites 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 16 were still open as of 8/6.
Required Gear: Kayak, Paddle, PFD
Max Participants: 20

Downtown Winston-Salem walk with lunch at Barcelona Burger - moved to 11/12 (11/12/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk, Social
When: THU 11/12/2026 10:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 10/14/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Lynne Mitchell
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: R-15, Easy
Intended Pace: Slow
Elevation Gain: 100 ft.
Description: Join me for a leisurely walk through downtown Winston -Salem with a lunch stop at Barcelona Burger in Innovation Quarter. I'll point out interesting shops and buildings along the way.
Max Participants: 12