Submit items at least one week in advance of publication for the Outdoors Calendar, a weekly listing of hiking, mountain biking, paddling, running and other activities in Western North Carolina. Share your events at CITIZEN-TIMES.com/events or email News@CITIZEN-TIMES.com.
Conservation
Monarch Butterfly Day: Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville. Monarch Butterfly Day offers fun, educational opportunities for adults and youth to learn more about the monarchs declining population and ways to conserve their habitats. $12 per car parking fee. www.ncarboretum.org.
Cycling Races/Events
Asheville Gravel Grinder at Biltmore: Sept. 13, 8 a.m., Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville. 40 or 60 mile options. The first 6-8 miles is on paved surface where bikers will ride in front of Biltmore House and the gardens. Cyclists then switch to dirt/gravel paths on their way to the west side of the estate. http://idaph.net/events/du-the-asheville-du/gravel-grinder-bike-race-course-information/.
Blowing Rock Fall Classic: Sept. 26, 8 a.m., The Blowing Rock, 333 Wallingford St., Blowing Rock. 72-mile ride along some of the most scenic stretches of the mountains. $70. https://www.bikereg.com/blowing.
Cycle NC Mountains to Coast Ride: Sept. 26, downtown Waynesville. This particular ride is not classified as a race but a leisurely ride across the state making overnight stops. Waynesville will serve as base camp for initial kick-off and starting point. Participants arrive Sept. 26 and begin their journey Sept. 27 and travel 55 miles to Hendersonville, where they spend the night before continuing on to Shelby. The rides ends in Oak Island. http://cnc.ncsports.org/fallCNCRide/.
Tour de Franklin: Sept. 26, 9 a.m., downtown Franklin. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. $35 registration fee through Sept. 14, $45 after. www.active.com.
Hiking/Walking
Outward Hound Hikes: Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville. The Outward Hounds Hiking Club is a great way for the dogs in our care to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the adoption center and get the necessary exercise to help them stay physically and mentally fit. 9 a.m. every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Join us and hike with one of our dogs while enjoying the mountains. www.bwar.org.
Blue Ridge Parkway Hike of the Week “The Empty Graveyard”: Sept. 11, 10 a.m., Graveyard Fields parking overlook, Milepost 418.8, Blue Ridge Parkway. Join Parkway rangers for an easy to moderate, 2.5 mile round-trip hike at one of the most popular spots on the Parkway. Bring water, wear good walking shoes, and be prepared for chilly (and changeable) weather. 828-298-5330, ext. 304.
Max Patch: Sept. 12, 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m., meet in lobby of YMCA-Woodfin, 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Asheville. Easy 3.8 miles hike around Max Patch (a bald mountain) near Hot Springs. Elevation gain 500 feet. Bring lunch/snacks, water, hiking poles, boots, jacket and rain gear. One hour ride each way. Free, but $5 gas reimbursement if carpooling. Contact Blanca Miller at 828-658-0047 or Bmoi735@gmail.com.
Joyce Kilmer Loop: Sept. 16, 9 a.m., Waynesville Recreation Center, 550 Vance St., Waynesville. Depart from Waynesville Rec Center to travel to Robbinsville. Two mile trail leads to Joyce Kilmer Memorial and loops through giant trees. $7, $5 members. 828-456-2030 or www.townofwaynesville.org.
Blue Falls Nature Preserve in Tryon: Sept. 23, 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m., meet in lobby of YMCA-Woodfin, 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Asheville. 3.5 mile easy hike with two lakes and small waterfall. Bring lunch/snacks and water. Long pants recommended. Free but $5 gas reimbursement if carpooling. Contact Blanca Miller at 828-658-0047 or Bmoi735@gmail.com.
Family Hiking Day Celebration: Sept. 26, Fontana Village Resort in Graham County. Guided hikes, nature activities and crafts, educational presentations. Free. 828-498-2211.
Hunting/Fishing
Kids fishing tournament: Sept. 12, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Lake Julian, 406 Overlook Extension, Arden. $10. For age 15 and younger. Catch and release event. Prizes and free hot dog lunch. Registration day of event. 828-250-4266.
Women’s introduction to fly fishing: Oct. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pisgah Center For Wildlife Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest. Topics include appropriate equipment, knots, practice casting and more. Equipment and materials provided. Bring a lunch and non-slip shoes or waders if you have them. For ages 12 and older. Free but register at www.ncwildlife.org/Pisgah. Booked but wait list is available.
Introduction to fly fishing: Oct. 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pisgah Center For Wildlife Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest. Topics covered include casting techniques and more. Equipment and materials provided. Bring a lunch and non-slip shoes or waders if you have them. Ages 12 and older. Free but register at http://www.ncwildlife.org/pisgah.
On The Water: Catawba River: Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Pisgah Center For Wildlife Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest. Practice your fly fishing skills on the Catawba River. Learn about Delayed Harvest regulations, wading, reading the water, and more. Equipment and materials provided. Call 828-877-4423 for driving directions and meeting location. Ages 12 and older. Free but register at www.ncwildlife.org/pisgah.
Fly Fishing Skills: Casting for Beginners: Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Lake Imaging in Dupont State Forest, Brevard. Topics include casting theory, mechanics and practice techniques. Learn at your own pace the overhead cast, roll cast and the art of false casting. Advanced instruction available upon request. All equipment and materials provided. Bring a lunch. Ages 12 and older. Free but register at www.ncwildlife.org/pisgah.
Introduction to Tenkara: Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Pisgah Center For Wildlife Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest. Jason Sparks, of Appalachian Tenkara, introduces the newly popular form of traditional Japanese fly fishing. Topics covered include unique perspective on Japanese flies (Kebari). Bring your own lunch and afterwards there will be a hands-on learning session. Ages 14 and older. Free but register at www.ncwildlife.org/pisgah.
Multisports
Asheville Duathlon: Sept. 13, 8 a.m., Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville. The first 5K run on paved roads that will be a flat, out and back course starting at the winery, followed by a transition to mountain bikes for a ride onto packed dirt roads. Bike course is mountain bike recommended. Cyclocross may be OK but there is rock and gravel. http://idaph.net/events/du-the-asheville-du/du-asheville-du-maps/.
Asheville Du 4 Kids: Sept. 13, 8 a.m., Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville. In conjunction with the annual Du the Asheville Duathlon + 10K Trail Run + Gravel Grinder Bike Races for intermediate and advanced level youth athletes only. Individuals and teams are allowed to participate in this 5K flat paved run and 10 mile bike course. Register at http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx.
2015 Blue Ridge Ascent: Sept. 27, 9 a.m., Blue Ridge Mountain Club, off Highway 321 Business, Blowing Rock. Bike: 15K hill climb time trial, run: 3.7 miles, duathlon: 5.6 mile bike, 3.7 mile run. $34-$65. http://racesonline.com/events/blue-ridge-ascent/registration.
Tsali Adventure Triathlon: Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Tsali boat launch at Tsali Recreation Area, Tsali Road, Almond. Off-road adventure triathlon featuring three mile paddle, five mile run, and 12 mile bike stages. Individual $45, team $95. http://tsalitriathlon.com/.
Dig the Du Dirty Duathlon: Oct. 11, Sky Valley Farms, Sky Valley Road, Hendersonville. On undisturbed private land. 2.5 mile trail run before transitioning to 12 miles of chain-rattling off-road excitement on bikes. Finale is a 2.5 mile run, retracing your steps over the same trails. http://idaph.net.
Nature
Basic Beekeeping Beyond: Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism, 2 Westwood Place, Asheville. Local beekeeping expert and owner of Wild Mountain Bees, Jon Christie, presents workshop on basics of equipment, terminology, cost and set up for a backyard apiary. Feeding, swarming, and organic management of pest and disease issues will also be discussed. $45. http://organicgrowersschool.org/events/harvest-conference/pre-conference-workshops/.
Wild Mushroom Walks: Sept. 11 and 25, 11 a.m., Chimney Rock State Park. You’ll be amazed at the variety of fascinating fungi growing along the park’s trails. Guided hike as we identify and learn about a dozen or so of the most common mushrooms of more than 1,000 species that could be growing in WNC. Meet at Grady’s Animal Discovery Den. Important: collecting or removing plants from all N.C. State Parks is prohibited. Included with park admission. www.chimneyrockpark.com/events/event_detail.php?EVENT_ID=540.
Annual Flock to the Rock: Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Chimney Rock State Park. The region’s premier fall migration birding event. Features live Birds of Prey programs, birdwalks, workshops like bird photography and hummingbirds, plus family nature walks. Event coincides with annual hawk migration. www.chimneyrockpark.com/events/event_detail.php?EVENT_ID=394.
Bring Back the Monarchs program: Sept. 20, 2-5 p.m., Cradle of Forestry Historical Site, 11250 Pisgah Highway/U.S. 276, Pisgah Forest. Learn about monarch butterflies and how you can help them survive. 2 p.m.: Naturalist, educator and conservation activist Ina Warren presents multimedia program on monarch butterflies: their biology, migration, and conservation. 3:30 p.m.: Visit the Monarch Waystation as conservation specialist Joyce Pearsall explains her work developing this butterfly garden. Look for migrating monarchs in the lawn-to-meadow conversion areas. $5, free age 15 and younger. www.cradleofforestry.org.
National Public Lands Day: Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Cradle of Forestry Historical Site, 11250 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest. Guided walks, gardening for biodiversity and service projects celebrate our national forests, conservation and the outdoors. Admission is free. If you are a group leader interested in service, find out how your group can “lend a hand, care for the land” at the Cradle of Forestry by calling 828-877-3130. Visitwww.cradleofforestry.org.
Outdoors
Outdoor demo day: Sept. 20, 2-6 p.m., Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville. Hosted by Diamond Brand Outdoors, WNC’s oldest and local outdoor gear shop. Live bands, food trucks, outdoor gear from variety of vendors. Demo ENO Hammocks, tents, backpacks, outdoor footwear and more.
Elk viewing with Blue Ridge Naturalist Network: Sept. 21, 3 p.m., Cataloochee Valley in Haywood County. A Park Educator will tell us about the history of the area and the elk reintroduction. Subscribing members only but you may join at the event. Carpooling available. Email BRNnetwork2013@gmail.com.
Paddling
Old Cullowhee Canoe Slalom: Sept. 12, Tuckaseegee River. Family-friendly paddling competition on a calm section of the Tuckaseegee River near Western Carolina University’s campus in Cullowhee. $5 per person. Register in advance at the offices of WCU’s Base Camp Cullowhee, 828-227-3844, or phipps@wcu.edu.
Running Races
WNC Run/Walk for Autism: Sept. 12, 1:30 p.m., UNC-Asheville campus. Diamond Brand 5K race, part of Asheville Track Club Grand Prix Series; 5K noncompetitive run; recreational 1K run/walk. Also gives families a chance to celebrate autism awareness and acceptance with their community with the Fun Zone for children, music, and refreshments. Visit www.wncrunwalkforautism.com or call 800-442-2762 to register, join a team, form a team, sponsor, donate, or volunteer.
Asheville 10K Trail Race at Biltmore: Sept. 13, 8 a.m., Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville. Consists of mostly single track trails. http://idaph.net/events/du-the-asheville-du/10k-trail-run-course-information/.
Freedlander 5K: Sept. 19, 8 a.m., Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde. HCC celebrates 50th anniversary. Once 5K is completed, kids take center stage for Fun Run. After the races, join us for breakfast and awards ceremony. $30, Fun Run $15. www.haywood.edu/freedlander-5k.
Rock the Quarry Trail Challenge 5K Kids Fun Run: Sept. 19, 9:30 a.m., Grove Stone Sand Company, 842 Old U.S. 70, Black Mountain. Proceeds benefit Black Mountain Home for Children and Colburn Earth Science Museum. Register at www.active.com or http://www.hedrickind.com/our-company/rock-the-quarry/.
Southcliff Black Blue Classic: Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Southcliff Community, 10 Southcliff Parkway, Fairview. Runners who have raced at Southcliff before can expect much of the same as past years, with unique courses on private roads and trails, amazing views, post-race lunch from Laurey’s Catering and beer from Wicked Weed and the most generous awards in the area. http://gloryhoundevents.com/southcliff-black-blue-classic/.
Broad River Trail Run: Sept. 20, 3-5 p.m., Broad River Greenway, Boiling Springs (Cleveland County). Birthday party and trail race. Live music and fun for kids. Race begins at 4 p.m. http://racesonline.com/events/broad-river-trail-run.
Healthy Kids Running Series: Every Sunday Sept. 20-Oct. 18, 3:30-5 p.m., Glenn Marlow Elementary School, 1985 Butler Bridge Road, Mills River. For kids from pre-K to eighth grade. Kids compete each week for a chance to earn points. $35 for series or $10 per race. Register at http://www.healthykidsrunningseries.org/race_locations/asheville-nc/ or day of race.
Burkemonster five mile run: Oct. 3, 9 a.m.-noon, Mulls Grove Baptist Church, 5106 Burkemont Road, Morganton. Proceeds go to Gingerbread House for abused children and Burke Pregnancy Care Center. Walkers welcome. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Morganton/BURKEMONSTER or Facebook page Burkemonster. Online registration ends Sept. 26 and includes shirt. Race day registration is 7-8:30 a.m. Entry fee is $25 + $2.50 sign up fee.
Cherokee Harvest Half-Marathon 5K: Oct. 3, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Acquoni Events Center, 1501 Acquoni Road, Cherokee. Famous for its generous swag package, picturesque courses, local culture and post-race meal. Proceeds benefit Madison Hornbuckle Children’s Cancer Foundation.ent. http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx. Half-marathon $50, 5K $30 until Sept. 30, $35 after.
Race To The Taps #5: Oct. 3, 1 p.m., Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard. Featuring six-pack of four-mile, chip-timed road races starting and ending at several of WNC’s premier craft breweries. The new courses are appropriate for seasoned and casual runner/walker. Strollers and pets not allowed. http://racetothetaps.com.
Tails Trails 5K Adventure Run: Oct. 3, 9 a.m., Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle, Asheville. Open to adults, children and dogs of all ages. Dogs must remain on leashes at all times. $20 adults, $10 ages 4-12, plus two cans of dog food which will be donated to a local pet adoption agency. http://buncombecounty.org/parks.
Bethel Half-Marathon and 5K: Oct. 10, 8:30 a.m., Bethel Middle School, 630 Sonoma Road., Canton. Winds through Bethel community in Haywood County. Advance registration $25 for 5K and $40 for half-marathon; day of is $30 for 5K and $45 for half-marathon. www.active.com.
Eblen Charities annual The Walk Run or Roll: Oct. 10, 9 a.m., Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, 340 Victoria Road. 5K or 10K. Walk solo or bring a team. Kid Zone, prizes, music, shirts. $15, $5 age 6-12. Register at www.eblencharities.org.
Eagle Run 5K: Oct. 17, 7-11 a.m., begins at the bike track at Carrier Park, Amboy Road, Asheville. October is ADHD Awareness Month, so put on your running shoes and help bring awareness to ADHD. $30. Contact Andrea Wackerle at 828-456-3435 or andrea@soarnc.org.
Fall Into Flat Rock 5K run/walk: Oct. 17, 9 a.m., The Park at Flat Rock, 55 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock. $30, $10 for the walk. All proceeds benefit Park development. After the race, refreshments will be provided and awards given according to age group. T-shirts are free to registered runners only. www.active.com.
Thomas Wolfe 8K: Oct. 17, 10 a.m., Thomas Wolfe Memorial House, 52 N. Market St., Asheville. Winds through downtown, into historic Montford District, Reed Creek Greenway, and Riverside Cemetery before finishing back in front of Thomas Wolfe Memorial House. $25-$35. Packet pick up 4-6 p.m. Oct. 16 at Catawba Brewing or 8-10 a.m. Oct. 17 at race site. https://raceroster.com/events/2015/5047/thomas-wolfe-8k.
The Power of Pink 5K, Relay and Honor Walk: Oct. 24, 8 a.m.-noon, Haywood Regional Medical Fitness Center, 75 Leroy George Drive, Clyde. Haywood County’s premier breast cancer event returns, providing screening and follow up testing for underserved women. $30, $10 for dogs. http://gloryhoundevents.com/event/power-of-pink-5k/.
Trick or Trail 5 Mile Trail Race and 1 Mile Spooky Sprint: Oct. 30, 6 p.m., Guion Farm area in DuPont State Forest, Staton Road, Brevard. A unique nighttime racing format. Participants strap on headlamps and light up the night. The twists and turns of DuPont’s trail system will dare them to push forward, not knowing what bogies and specters might lurk around each corner. Headlamps are required and available for purchase online at time of registration. $17 five mile, $8 one mile. http://idaph.net.
Race To The Taps #6: Oct. 31, 11 a.m., Sierra Nevada, 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Fletcher. Featuring six-pack of four-mile, chip-timed road races starting and ending at several of WNC’s premier craft breweries. The courses are appropriate for the seasoned runner as well as casual runner/walker. Strollers and pets not allowed. $38 to Oct. 28, $40 on site. http://racetothetaps.com.
Conquer the Mountain Half-Marathon: Nov. 7, 10 a.m., Tassee Shelter Greenway, 877 Ulco Drive, Franklin. A portion of proceeds donated to Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center. Individual and two-person team registrations available. $30-$45 per person, depending on registration date and team status. Register at www.active.com. Race day registration at 9 a.m.
Bear Crawl 5K obstacle course: Nov. 21, 9 a.m., Jellystone Park, 1210 Deacon Drive, Marion. Bear crawl 3.5 mile obstacle course race along with cub crawl for ages 9-13 and tater trot for ages 4-8. Call 828-652-7208 to register. Camping available. If you volunteer, get 50 percent off your stay and free registration. $10-$55. www.jellystonemarion.com or active.com.
Veteran Jam 5K: Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Fletcher Recreational Park, 85 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher. Run the race against PTSD this Thanksgiving holiday. Come trot with our troops to show your support. $28 ($35 after Nov. 26), $20/$25 for youth. http://www.veteranjam.org. On-site registration available on race day. Shirts guaranteed to runners/walkers registered on or before Nov. 14.
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