Over the past several months, we’ve been working hard to prepare new, improved trail guides. We’re still putting the final touches on the guides, but for a limited time, we’re providing these draft versions of Segments 8 (Rivers, Railroads & Lakes: Hanging Rock State Park to Greensboro’s Bryan Park) and 12 (Agricultural Heartland: Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center to Suggs Mill Pond Game Land) for free download.

We chose these two because they have changed dramatically since the most recent guides were published. The changes include the waterfall walk in Cascades Preserve (Segment 8 just outside Oak Ridge) and the new history trail at Bentonville Battlefield in Segment 12. Both of these trails are featured in Great Day Hikes on North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Segment 8

Download Segment 8 Guide

Segment 12

Download Segment 12 Guide

Some of the features of these guides include:

  • A new, electronic-only format, which means quicker and easier updates when the trail route changes. (No more 28 pages of Updates!)
  • A simpler design that’s easier to read on mobile devices.
  • Easier navigation between document sections.
  • New features to make the guides more useful for casual and day hikers.

As we make the transition to the new guides in early 2021, the current segment guides will no longer be available for PDF download; however, we will continue to sell the printed regional guides while supplies last. The new guides will be available for free as a member benefit to Friends members who give $50 or more on an annual basis, and for a reasonable price to non-members. (Members will also have unlimited access to any updated guides for the year.)

We’re really excited about the new trail guides, and we hope you will be too! Stay tuned for more details and, meanwhile, enjoy the two sample segments.