Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club upcoming events

Lake Townsend Trail Greensboro Watershed Trails (04/18/2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 4/18/2026 8:30 AM
Signup Deadline: 4/17/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Hilda Abimbola
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: R-12, Easy
Description: From Battleground Ave or Lawndale, proceed East on Pisgah Church, continue East on Lees Chapel, to Yanceyville Road. Turn left at the light at Yanceyville, and proceed 1.9 miles to the Osprey-Lake Townsend parking lot. It is on the left, just around the corner from the Reedy Fork Baptist Church
Max Participants: 20

Nat Greene / Palmetto Trails (04/19/2026)

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 4/19/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 4/18/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Marshall Weatherman
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: R-16, Easy
Elevation Gain: 800 ft.
Description: Join me for an 8-mile hike on the Nat Greene and Palmetto trails. These are pretty trails with views of Lake Brandt. We will meet at the Lake Brandt Marina Nat Greene trailhead (on the left after you enter the marina parking lot at 5945 Lake Brandt Rd ) and be ready to hike at 9:00 am. For those who prefer a shorter hike, you can turnaround at the greenway and make this a 5.2 mile hike. Bring water and a snack. Call or email if you have questions . 8 miles, [R16].

Thursday Walk and Dinner (04/23/2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk
When: THU 4/23/2026 6:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 4/23/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Carol Parks
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: R-3, Easy
Description: Thursday Night Walkers will meet every Thursday evening in the parking lot in front of Chuck E Cheese at Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a moderate walk. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group 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 by 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

Primitive & Cedar Ridge Trails (04/25/2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 4/25/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 4/24/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Juhua Chen
Distance: 14 miles
Difficulty: R-44, Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 3050 ft.
Description: We will start at Longbottom Rd and climb up the Bluff Ridge Primitive trail and stop at the shelter for snacks and water. We will hike to the capping ground and have our lunch there. We will hike back to our cars through the Cedar Ridge trail. The carpooling will be arranged. 13.50 miles, 3050 ft elev. [R-44]
Max Participants: 15

Historic Walk in Bethania, NC (04/25/2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk
When: SAT 4/25/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 4/24/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Virginia Dodd Pulaski
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: R-4, Easy
Elevation Gain: 150 ft.
Description: Join us for a scenic and historical hike through Bethania, the first planned Moravian settlement in North Carolina, founded in 1759 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We will meet at the Bethania Visitor Center at 9:00 am and begin our walk along the Graveyard Hill Trail, leading to God’s Acre Cemetery, a peaceful and historically significant site. From there, we’ll continue on the Walnut Bottoms Loop Trail, a shaded path offering lovely views of Walnut Bottoms Creek and a tranquil woodland setting. Our hike will conclude with a guided walking tour of Bethania’s historic district, where we’ll explore preserved landmarks including early homes, tradesmen’s shops, a church, school, barns, and gardens. After the tour, those interested are welcome to browse the visitor center to learn more about the area’s rich history and shop for local goods such as honey and handmade crafts. Please bring a packed lunch to enjoy afterward, either in the shaded picnic area or inside the Chapel, where refrigeration is available. Call me if you have any questions.
Required Gear: Usual hiking gear, water, and packed lunch
Max Participants: 12

Stone Mountain Wolfe Rock Homestead (04/25/2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 4/25/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 4/24/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Dave Johnson/Susan Slocum
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: R-24, Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1400 ft.
Description: Description: Beginning at the Backpackers Parking Lot, we will hike up the MST Connector trail, turn right onto the Wolf Rock trail, pausing to see if the Trout lilies are blooming yet at Wolfe Rock and proceed to Black Jack Ridge trail down to the Homestead for our food stop. After lunch we’ll explore the Stone Mt Loop trail to the base of the upper waterfall as an out and back extension. We then continue on the stone Mt Loop trail past the Homestead again to connect with the Wolfe Rock Trail to the MST Connector trail and back to our cars at the Backpackers parking lot.
Required Gear: Poles Recommended

Bill Craft Trail (04/26/2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SUN 4/26/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 4/25/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Claudia Cannady
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: R-10, Easy
Elevation Gain: 300 ft.
Description: This local watershed trail is a club favorite out- and-back hike of approximately 7 miles with quiet woods and watershed views off Plainfield Road, Greensboro/Summerfield. Directions: Head north on Church St, past Pisgah Church Rd, across Lake Townsend twice, turning left onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead is on the right after about a mile. Or head north on Lake Brandt Rd, turn right onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead will be on your left after a few miles. We will meet to start hiking at 9:00am. Bring a carrot or apple if you want to feed the pig at the end of the “out.” Contact me with questions or register on the website if you plan to come.

Backpacking Trip: Max Patch to Hot Springs (04/28/2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Backpack
When: TUE 4/28/2026 11:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 4/11/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: C.T. Finney, "Finn"
Distance: 19 miles
Difficulty: R-81, Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 6161 ft.
Description: This is one of those Appalachian Trail sections that earns its reputation. Big views, long ridgelines, leg-burning climbs, quiet forest miles, and a well-deserved finish in a classic trail town. We'll be hiking this section NOBO. Over three days and two nights, we’ll hike from the open balds of Max Patch all the way into Hot Springs, moving at a steady but supportive pace and settling into the rhythm that makes backpacking so rewarding. And! I have planned this hike to end in Hot Springs just in time for the Town & Trail Festival. I encourage any of those who are interested to book an Air B&B for the final night and spend the evening with me enjoying the festival! This trip is ideal for beginner-to-intermediate backpackers who are ready to challenge themselves, build confidence with elevation, and experience what a true multi-day AT section feels like. Day 1: Max Patch to Walnut Mountain Shelter Approx. 6–9 miles We’ll start early at Max Patch to catch sunrise from one of the most iconic balds on the Appalachian Trail. From there, the trail winds past the summit and drops into forested sections filled with rhododendron tunnels and rolling terrain. Expect a descent followed by a steady climb as we make our way toward Walnut Mountain Shelter, a popular and scenic first-night stop. We’ll settle into camp, cook dinner, and ease into trail life. Day 2: Walnut Mountain Shelter to Deer Park Mountain Shelter Approx. 9 miles Day two is the heart of the trip and the most physically demanding. We’ll climb Bluff Mountain and later Deer Park Mountain, gaining and losing elevation throughout the day. Deer Park Mountain Shelter serves as a natural checkpoint. We’ll camp here for the night and continue on toward Hot Springs in the morning. This is a long but deeply satisfying day on trail. Day 3: Deer Park Mountain Shelter to Hot Springs Approx. 5 miles Our final morning is a shorter hike downhill into Hot Springs. The reward at the end is real: hot showers, town food, and the simple joy of stepping off trail and into civilization. Those interested can grab a meal with me at local favorites like Elmer’s or Smoky Mountain Diner, or relax at one of the nearby hostels before heading home. 19.4 miles, 6161ft elev. [R-81]
Required Gear: Backpack; Tent; Sleeping Pad; Sleeping Bag; Food (two-day supply)

Thursday Walk and Dinner (04/30/2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Walk
When: THU 4/30/2026 6:30 PM
Signup Deadline: 4/30/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Carol Parks
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: R-3, Easy
Description: Thursday Night Walkers will meet every Thursday evening in the parking lot in front of Chuck E Cheese at Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a moderate walk. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group 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 by 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

2026 Spring Fling (05/17/2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Club Event
When: SUN 5/17/2026 1:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 5/13/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Allison Schwartz/Virginia Dodd Pulaski
Description:

Annual Spring Fling May 17, 2026 • Sunday 1-4 pm Bur-Mil Park, Shelter #2 5834 Bur-Mil Club Rd. Greensboro, NC Join us at 1 pm for our annual spring fling with a delicious NC BBQ!

Bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share and a serving utensil for your dish. To make things easier, please use the sign up link below.

Link: http://tiny.cc/PotluckDishSignup

The club will provide pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches and sauces from Mac's Speed Shop.

To help us go greener together, please bring your own reusable water bottle—we'll have refill stations ready instead of single-use cups!

Bur-Mil Park regulations state no glass containers are allowed.

Feel free to bring a lawn chair and/or yard games. Please contact Allison Schwartz or Virginia Dodd Pulaski with questions.

Doughton Park (05/30/2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 5/30/2026 9:00 AM
Signup Deadline: 5/29/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Priscilla Trentham
Distance: 13 miles
Difficulty: R-37, Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 2400 ft.
Description: We will start our hike at Long Bottom Rd, climb up Flat Rock Ridge, and down Grassy Gap back to Long Bottom. There are a few stream crossings on the Grassy Gap section, with water levels varying from low to significant. Poles are recommended. This hike is not for beginners, experienced hikers only.
Required Gear: Poles