“Pender County is a trail county,” said Tammy Proctor, director of tourism. “We are crisscrossed by major trails such as the Mountains to Sea Trail, the East Coast Greenway, the NC Birding Trail, the NC Oyster Trail, and many more. This year, we’re celebrating the Year of the Trail.”
In a year-long celebration, the various organizations and local municipalities are hosting hikes that are one mile or less for families throughout Pender County.
“The first hike is the Hot Chocolate Hike on Jan. 31 at the Abbey Nature Preserve,” said Zach White, Pender County Parks and Recreation Supervisor.”
The Pender County Health Department will lead a hike in Burgaw on Feb. 16, beginning at 11 a.m. at Pender Adult Services. This health department lead hike is in celebration of the Year of the Trail and Heart Healthy Month. March 11 will feature the Top-Secret Operation Bumblebee Hike in Topsail Beach with the Historical Society of Topsail Island. April 29 will be a Pirate Treasure Hike in Soundside Park in cooperation with a pirate troupe and the Town of Surf City. May will be a family fun hike into Holly Shelter Game Land with noted naturalist Andy Wood. In June, take a hike on the Blueberry Trail in Burgaw during Blueberry Week.
“We are booking the remainder of the hikes right now,” said Proctor. “It’s going to be a fun activity for families because, for every hike a family makes, we will enter their name into a drawing for a grand prize gift basket. The more hikes that family members take, the more chances to win.”
For more information or to register, call Pender County Tourism at 910-259-1278.
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