Dora and Diego at Tweetsie Railroad!
Tweetsie Railroad is having their annual Dora and Diego! from June 21st til June 23rd. You can meet Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego from 11am until 3pm throughout the weekend at Tweetsie railroad, great fun for the kids.
Nation’s Inn is located 35 miles from Tweetsie Railroad. Enjoy a nice quiet night’s stay and then go and enjoy the experience at Tweetsie Railroad.
NC Mountain Arts Adventure
June 14th through June 16th, 10am til 5pm daily.
Artists and craftspeople living in Alleghany County will gather to offer an adventurous art journey. Twelve studios and galleries will host the celebration of creativity. Get to know the artists and craftspeople, watch them at work, and shop in their unique studio and gallery settings. Check the website for a list of participating artisans. Drop by the Visitors’ Center for a brochure with directions to each studio. Flyers are located in the foyer which is always open. 336-372-1776. Visit their website: NC Mountain Arts Adventure
Nation’s Inn is located a scenic 45 min drive from the event.
Elk Knob State Park June Events
Sat, June 8, 2013
Trail Work Day
Warmer weather has finally returned along with the Volunteer Trail Work Days at Elk Knob State Park. Every Saturday beginning April 27 and running through the middle of November (except June 22 and September 14), staff and volunteers will meet at the Summit Trailhead at 9 am and work until approximately 3:30 pm, weather permitting. Tools are provided but volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and bring work gloves, lunch and water. Most of the time will be spent building our new one mile loop trail, the Beech Tree Trail, although we may include some repair work on the Summit Trail. If you would like to be involved in a fulfilling project that will fill you with a well-deserved sense of pride, then join us on Saturdays at Elk Knob State Park. For more information please call 828-297-7261.
Starts at: 9 am Meet at: Summit Trail Trailhead
Sun, June 9, 2013
Salamanders
Join a Park Ranger on Sunday, June 9 at 2 pm to learn about salamanders and how they are great indicators of the state of the environment. Through a PowerPoint program you will learn about the native salamanders found at Elk Knob State Park. Afterwards we will see if we can find any out in the park. Meet at the Elk Knob State Park Office.
Starts at: 2 pm Meet at: Park Office
Sat, June 15, 2013
Trail Work Day
Warmer weather has finally returned along with the Volunteer Trail Work Days at Elk Knob State Park. Every Saturday beginning April 27 and running through the middle of November (except June 22 and September 14), staff and volunteers will meet at the Summit Trailhead at 9 am and work until approximately 3:30 pm, weather permitting. Tools are provided but volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and bring work gloves, lunch and water. Most of the time will be spent building our new one mile loop trail, the Beech Tree Trail, although we may include some repair work on the Summit Trail. If you would like to be involved in a fulfilling project that will fill you with a well-deserved sense of pride, then join us on Saturdays at Elk Knob State Park. For more information please call 828-297-7261.
Starts at: 9 am Meet at: Summit Trail Trailhead
Sun, June 16, 2013
Wildflower Hike
This is the Year of the Wildflower in North Carolina State Parks. See all the beautiful flowers for yourself on a guided ranger hike at Elk Knob State Park on Sunday, June 16 at 2 pm. Hiking attire to include boots is recommended. The hike is weather dependent. Please call the park office if the weather is questionable at 828-297-7261. Meet at the Elk Knob Summit Trailhead.
Starts at: 2 pm Meet at: Summit Trailhead
Sat, June 22, 2013
Great American Backyard Campout
Novice campers are invited to join the Rangers at Elk Knob State Park for an enjoyable night of camping on Saturday, June 22 beginning no earlier than 3 pm. This is the fifth year that Elk Knob has participated in the campout which introduces families to the joy of camping without the expense of buying equipment. It is a great event for two main reasons: it allows participants a night of supervised camping at Elk Knob State Park, and we provide the tents, dinner, s’mores and interesting programs to fill the night with entertainment. (A huge thank you to Mast General Store for their donation for the food!!) Participants should bring their own snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, breakfast for Sunday morning, and their own sleeping bags or blankets. The campout is free but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by June 20. You may register by calling 828-297-7261. Space is limited to the first 7 families. Adults must accompany children. Children must be 6 years and older.
Some of the activities on tap this year are an equipment program and backpacker food taste test presented and provided by Footsloggers, a wildflower hike, a bird hike and bluebird nest box monitoring on Sunday morning, a shelter building presentation, Leave No Trace presentation by Mast General Store, an owl talk with live owls presented by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation followed by an owl prowl listening for owls and other night sounds and astronomy. Activities begin at 4 pm so arrive early enough to get set up and be ready to enjoy the activities. Activities are subject to change.
Don’t miss a great opportunity to try camping without the expense involved. It may be the start of a new hobby for the family.
Starts at: 3 pm Meet at: Field by Park Gate
Sat, June 29, 2013
Trail Work Day
Warmer weather has finally returned along with the Volunteer Trail Work Days at Elk Knob State Park. Every Saturday beginning April 27 and running through the middle of November (except June 22 and September 14), staff and volunteers will meet at the Summit Trailhead at 9 am and work until approximately 3:30 pm, weather permitting. Tools are provided but volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and bring work gloves, lunch and water. Most of the time will be spent building our new one mile loop trail, the Beech Tree Trail, although we may include some repair work on the Summit Trail. If you would like to be involved in a fulfilling project that will fill you with a well-deserved sense of pride, then join us on Saturdays at Elk Knob State Park. For more information please call 828-297-7261.
Starts at: 9 am Meet at: Summit Trail Trailhead
Sun, June 30, 2013
Elk Knob Nature Hike
Join a ranger as he explores the natural realm of Elk Knob State Park on Sunday, June 30 at 2 pm. Participants will hike as they learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Hiking attire to include boots is recommended. The hike is weather dependent. Please call the park office if the weather is questionable at 828-297-7261. Please meet at the Summit Trailhead.
Starts at: 2 pm Meet at: Summit Trailhead
New River State Park June Events
June 1, 2013
River Ramble
Come prepared to get wet! Take a look at the amazing underwater world of the New River. Find out what animals live in the New and how the insects we find show us the New River is a healthy river. Wear sturdy closed toe water shoes. Bring some sun screen and a towel. Program is open to the public and free of charge. Call park office for more information 336-982-2587
Starts at: 12:00 pm Meet at: Wagoner Access Contact Station
June 1, 2013
Spring Wildflowers
Please join a ranger for a 1 mile hike on a shaded nature trail at Wagoner Access. We will view and identify spring wildflowers. Feel free to bring a camera. Wear good walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. Program is free and open to the public. For more information please contact the park office at 336.982.2587.
Starts at: 11:00 am Meet at: Wagoner Access Contact Station
June 2, 2013
Hide and Seek Track Trail Adventure
Join a Park Ranger for this adventurous hike for kids as we try to find all the things in nature that hide along our trail. This is designed for kids and is part of the Kids in Parks “TRACK Trail” program. Kids can go online and register their hike to win prizes at www.kidsinparks.com. Meet the park ranger at the US Hwy 221 Access for this program. (810)
Starts at: 3:00 pm Meet at: Hwy 221 Visitor Center
June 8, 2013
Animals of the New River
Join a park ranger at New River State Parks 221 Access Visitor Center for a look at some of the frequent animal visitors of the parks riparian zone. Call the park office for directions to the park, or more information about this or any of our progams. 336-982-2587
Starts at: 2:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Visitor Center
June 9, 2013
Guided Canoe Trip
Meet at the Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m. Trip starts at 1:30 p.m Come and canoe the New River with a park ranger. Learn the history of the river and basic canoe instruction while you enjoy a leisurely trip down the New. Wear clothing and shoes suitable for being in the water. Water temperature is cooler than the air. Space is limited and reservations are required. There is a small fee per person to cover the cost of shuttle service. Call 336 982-2587 to reserve your space.
Starts at: 1:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center.
June 15, 2013
Track Trail Hike at New River State Park
Join a park ranger on this fun hike designed for kids. This is part of a “Kids in Parks” program where participants can go online after the hike to receive awards. Make sure to wear appropriate clothes and shoes for the weather. The hike should last about 1 hour. To find out about other “Track Trails” all around North Carolina, go to www.kidsinparks.comProgram is free and open to the public. Call park office at 336-982-2587 for more information.
Starts at: 2:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center
June 16, 2013
Make Your Own Hiking Stick
Everyone needs a good hiking stick. Come join a park ranger in search of the best hiking stick in the woods! We’ll hike around the Hickory Trail in search of the best sticks we can find. Then we will form each into our own personal hiking stick. Each participant will be able to make and take home their own New River Hiking Stick. Space is limited so call the park office to get your child’s name added to the program. Meet the park ranger at the US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center for this program. Call the park office for more information or directions….336-982-2587.
Starts at: 3:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Area Visitor Center
June 22, 2013
Aquatic Sampling
Join a park ranger at New River State Park?s US Hwy 221 Access, for a hands on search for aquatic insects in the New River. Participants must wear shoes, and come prepared to get wet. Bring some sun screen and a towel.call park office for more information 336-982-2587
Starts at: 1:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy Access Primitive Campground Parking Area
June 23, 2013
Dangerous Plants and Animals
Before you venture out this summer, join a ranger to learn about things outside that aren’t so friendly. We’ll learn about things such as poison ivy, ticks, snakes and more. Meet at the visitor center at 3:00 pm program is open to the public and free of charge. Call park office for more information about this program or any others we offer 336-982-2587.
Starts at: 3:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center
June 23, 2013
Guided Canoe Trip
Meet at the US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m. Come and canoe the New River with a park ranger. Learn the history of the river and basic canoe instruction while you enjoy a leisurely trip down the New. Wear clothing and shoes suitable for being in the water. Water temperature is cooler than the air. Space is limited and reservations are required. There is a small fee per person to cover the cost of shuttle service. Call 336 982-2587 to reserve your space.
Starts at: 1:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center
June 29, 2013
Balloon Animals
Come see Ranger Joe as he makes balloon animals and sings songs about some of our most familiar woodland creatures! This program is for small children and sure to be fun. Meet the park ranger at the US 221 Access Visitor Center for this program.
Starts at: 2:00 pm Meet at: US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center
June 30, 2013
Riverview Trail Hike
This beautiful trail hike has some wonderful features to see and a great view of the river. Meet at the intersection of Hwy 16 and Hwy 58 in Mouth of Wilson, VA. Wear good hiking shoes and bring along your camera to capture photos of this beautiful part of New River State Park.
Starts at: 10:00 am Meet at: Alleghany Access
Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area June Programs
June 1st
National Trails Day Nature Hike
June 1st is National Trails Day, so hike the ridgeline of Mount Jefferson!. Join a ranger and explore the natural history and folklore of this island in the sky. Appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Meet at the picnic shelter. Event begins at 2pm meet at the Picnic Shelter.
June 2nd
Fairy Houses
Come up on the mountain and use your imagination and natural materials to build woodland creature houses. Each person or family will build a small house for an imaginary creature. Event starts at 2pm, meet at the picnic area.
June 7th
Night Hike to Luther Rock
Meet the park ranger for a one mile hike along the ridgeline out to Luther Rock. Bring a small flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Parts of this hike are considered strenuous and hiking at night can be physically challenging. This program is designed for adults with good basic hiking skills. Children over 7 are welcome but must be closely supervised. If have questions call 336-246-9653. Event starts at 8 pm meet at the Park Office.
June 8th
Underground Railroad Hike
Traverse the history of Mount Jefferson as you hike back in time to the days of the Underground Railroad. Discuss folklore, stories, history, and legends that have been passed down through the generations. This hike will follow the mountain ridgelines. Event starts at 2pm meet at the picnic area.
June 9th
Mount Jefferson Nature Hike
Hike the ridgeline of Mount Jefferson and explore the natural world of wildflowers and wildlife on the Summit & Rhododendron Trails. Natural history and folklore will be discussed. Appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Meet at the picnic shelter, even begins at 2pm.
June 15th
Painting the Mountain
The views on Mt. Jefferson are legendary and always changing with the seasons. Come up for an hour of creativity, and try your hand at painting. A free canvas to take home will be provided for each participant. Tempera paints and brushes will also be provided free as long as supplies last. No experience needed. Event is for adults and children. Event is at 10:35am.
June 16th
Painting the Mountain
The views on Mt. Jefferson are legendary and always changing with the seasons. Come up for an hour of creativity, and try your hand at painting. A free canvas to take home will be provided for each participant. Tempera paints and brushes will also be provided free as long as supplies last. No experience needed. Event is for adults and children. Event is at 2pm.
June 22nd
Geology Hike
Let’s seek a treasure of knowledge. Several types of geological formations will be seen on this mountain hike. Metamorphic formations and intrusive quartz are located on the trail. We will also dig into the connections that exist between the soil and plants. Join us this spring season Geo hike. Wear appropriate shoes or boots. Event starts at 2pm, meet at the Picnic Shelter
June 23rd
Mount Jefferson Nature Hike
Hike the ridgeline of Mount Jefferson and explore the natural world of wildflowers and wildlife on the Summit & Rhododendron Trails. Natural history and folklore will be discussed. Appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Meet at the picnic shelter, even begins at 2pm.
Todd CommUnity Dance
Friday June 14th starting at 7:30pm is the Todd Community Dance. Callers John Turner, Julie Gurganus, along with guest callers, calling circles, squares, contras!! Music by the Laurel Creek String Band and Friends. Call 336.877.5401 (Helen) or 828.262.1953 (Cecil) for more information/directions.
Nation’s Inn is located 20 min from the event.
Strings N’ Things: Old-Time Mountain Music
Come help the celebrate the opening of its new exhibit, “Strings N’ Things: Old Time Mountain Music,” on Saturday, June 8th, from 12.00-3.00 pm. Come experience the rich heritage of Appalachian music with live performances, rare artifacts, and more!
Nations Inn is located conveniently 40 min from the museum in quiet West Jefferson. Come stay with us and enjoy the music and the mountains.
Nature Photography Weekend at Grandfather Mountain
May 31st through June 2nd Grandfather Mountain is holding its annual Nature Photography Weekend. The event is nearly full so you need to check with them.
We are conveniently located 45 min from the State Park, in the quiet town of West Jefferson, come stay with us then head down to enjoy the mountain.
Animal Birthday Party at Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of all the animals in the park with games, contests, crafts and surprises. Included with park admission on June 12th, 2013.
Nation’s Inn is located 45 minutes from Grandfather Mountain State Park, come stay a quiet night with us then explore the mountain while celebrating the animals birthdays.
Day Out with Thomas
Tweetsie Railroad is having their annual Day Out with Thomas from May 31st until June 9th. The Day Out with Thomas is a 25 minute train ride aboard a full size Thomas the Tank Engine. Meeting Sir Thomas Hatt including storytelling, live music and build with mega blocks.
Nation’s Inn is located 35 miles from Tweetsie Railroad. Enjoy a nice quiet night’s stay and then go and enjoy the experience at Tweetsie Railroad.
