Themed Hikes for 2024
*NEW* MST Segment 6 Thru-Hike
If you are looking to 'section hike' the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, here is your chance to complete most of section 6!
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*Note that the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed at the western terminus of this segment at Devils Garden Overlook, leaving out approximately 12 miles. The best logistical access point is inside Stone Mountain State Park where the hike begins on Thursday morning (Stone Mountain Country Store)*
Starting on Thursday: Stone Mountain Country Store to Wells Knob for overnight camping
(9.3 miles, Moderate/Difficult)
Friday: trek to Elkin and enjoy evening festivities in downtown (camp at Crater Park)
(13.5 miles, Moderate/Difficult)
Saturday: Elkin to Burch Station Hike OR Paddle the Yadkin
(7 miles - on either trail or river, Moderate)
Sunday: rest the legs and paddle the Yadkin River to Pilot Mountain
(22 miles on river from Burch Station access point to Pilot Mtn State Park)
There is some road walk both days. Some shuttles and meals are available. If you are interested in all or part of our hike/paddle, please email your interest in or questions to: info@elkinvalleytrails.org
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Waterfalls Discovery
Visit 4 of the 7 major waterfalls along the MST (some over 30 feet high). Includes Widows Creek Falls, Stone Mountain Falls, Middle Falls and Lower Falls.
Total hike approximately 5 miles, 4 hours. Easy/moderate. Saturday 9AM - 12noon
Meet @ Widows Creek Falls parking area in Stone Mountain State Park.
Forest BAthing & Healing
In Elkin, Learn and experience the Japanese custom of Shinrin-Yoku along the forest bathing trail. In Jonesville, take some time to meditate along the forested banks of the Yadkin River.
Total hike approximately 2 miles, 2 hours. Easy.
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Friday 9 - 11AM: Meet at Jonesville Greenway Trailhead: Plaza St., Jonesville
Friday 9 - 11AM: Meet at Grassy Creek Vineyard tasting room: 235 Chatham Cottage Ln., Elkin
Sunday 10AM - 12 Pm: Meet at Grassy Creek Vineyard tasting room
Waterfalls & Watercolors
Enjoy one of the area's best vistas at the base of Carter Falls along with the chance to replicate it with your very own artistic skill. Bring your pack, and paint supplies (colors, brushes, etc.) will be provided for the experience.
Total hike about 1 mile, easy/moderate (temporary moderate/strenuous for Falls access)
Friday 1PM - 4PM.
Meet at the Carter Falls Trailhead
Moonshine stills
Visit some of the stills of Stone Mountain and learn about the cat and mouse game between revenuers and the moonshiners in this region.
Much of this hike is off trail. 2 miles, 2 hours. Moderate/Difficult.
Saturday 9AM - 11AM AND Sunday 10AM - 12noon
Meet in the parking area at Garden Creek Church in Stone Mountain State Park.
Yoga on the Mountain
Join in on a group yoga outing on the face of Wolf Rock in Stone Mountain State Park for a sunset(ish) hike.
Approximately 2 miles, 2 hours Easy.
Friday 5PM - 7PM. AND Saturday 7AM - 9AM
Meet at Lower Stone Mountain Trailhead Parking Lot .
Naturalist Hikes
Bring your binoculars, field guides, and phones! Explore some of the area's best birding, wildflower and wildlife hotspots with the help of local naturalist experts.
Distance Varies, 2 hours Easy.
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Friday 8:00 - 10:00 AM: Meet at Jonesville Greenway Trailhead: 116 Plaza St., Jonesville
Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Meet at Isaac's Trailhead: 400 E. Carter Mill Rd., Elkin
Saturday 9:00 - 11:00 AM: Meet at Yadkin River Access @ Chatham Park: 599 E. Main St., Elkin
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Lightening Bug Night Walk
Learn about bioluminescence and other nocturnal characteristics of our Yadkin River ecosystem in this first-of-its-kind hike.
1.5 miles, 1-1.5 hours Easy.
Friday 9:00 - 10:00 PM
Meet at Jonesville Greenway Trailhead: 116 Plaza St., Jonesville
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Dog Walk n' Hike
Exactly as it sounds! Take a stroll with your companion (leashed please), meet others, and enjoy the scenic and historical Elkin & Alleghany Rail Trail along the Big Elkin Creek.
1.5 - 2 miles, 1 hour Easy.
Friday 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Meet at Elkin & Alleghany Rail Trailhead: Elkin Recreation Center parking lot