Hike, Paddle and Explore at National Trails Day Bash

Celebrate National Trails Day at the South Fork Trail, part of the Carolina Thread Trail.

On June 4 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., as part of National Trails Day and Land Trust Day, the Carolina Thread Trail is holding a free National Trails Day celebration at its South Fork Trail and Blueway in McAdenville.

The South Fork Trail, part of the Carolina Thread Trail, is a two-mile, natural-surface trail surrounded by 93 acres of land preserved by the Catawba Lands Conservancy. The trail also features a kayak and canoe launch onto the South Fork Catawba River.

Two guided hikes are planned at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Register online prior to the event for the hikes). Canoe and kayak rental company Floating Goat is offering free kayak rentals at the event, or take your own kayak or canoe for a spring day float. Other kid-friendly activities include a mural painting on a bridge crossing, geocaching, and lawn games like cornhole, ladder golf and lawn bowling, plus other environmental activities.

Enjoy a grilled cheese from the Papi Queso food truck and a craft brew from one of the local breweries on site while listening to live music by the Thompson Brothers Bluegrass Band. Trips for Kids is also accepting adult and child bicycle donations to support its community program.

Look for the Charlotte Parent Fit Family Challenge table to learn how being active could win your family a trip to Universal Orlando Resort!