Free guided hike series makes it easy to get out on the trail in Raleigh, beyond

A free series of guided hikes across the Triangle and the state will start up in the next week, part of an effort to get more people moving and exploring North Carolina's beautiful outdoors.

Posted 7:12 p.m. Aug 28, 2017 — Updated 10:14 a.m. Aug 29, 2017

A free series of guided hikes across the Triangle and the state will start up in the next week, part of an effort to get more people moving and exploring North Carolina's beautiful outdoors.

Hike NC is a collaboration between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and N.C. State Parks. The more than 60 free, guided hikes will make it easy for families and individuals to get on the trail. So far, more than 2,000 people have taken advantage of the program, according to a press release. The hikes are designed for all ages, fitness and experience levels and are led by a trained guide or park ranger.

Fall hikes begin this weekend and run through December. Here's where you'll find some early fall hikes in the Triangle:

10 a.m., Sept. 2, Lake Johnson Park in Raleigh. The 1.64 mile hike is "moderate" and will take about 90 minutes.

6 p.m., Sept. 6, Umstead State Park, Reedy Creek Bike 'n' Bridle Trail, Cary. The five-mile hike is considered "easy to moderate" and will take about two hours.

8:30 a.m., Sept. 9, Ledge Spring Forest, Stem (which is about 45 minutes from Raleigh). Participants will cover various trails here for a total distance of about 2.5 miles. This one is rated easy to moderate and will take about three hours.

5:30 p.m., Sept. 12, Dix Park, Raleigh. The 3.5-mile hike will include a walking tour of the property and information about its history and current use. The moderate hike should take about two hours.

The Hike NC website has more information and pre-registration details about each of these hikes and others coming up in the Triangle and beyond.

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