North Carolina Adventure Weekends makes it easy for campers, hikers, cyclists, paddlers, and climbers to plan weekend after weekend of memorable outdoor trips. It’s written for both novice and experienced adventurers who enjoy―or aspire to enjoy―a variety of outdoor pursuits but don’t have time to spend hours researching the best destinations or can’t get away for a long trip. Most outdoors enthusiasts enjoy a variety of activities, and this is the ideal resource for hikers who love to climb, paddlers who also pedal, and everyone who wants to get the most adventure out of a weekend. It’s also ideal for couples, families, or groups who love sharing a weekend getaway but want to do different things. Many guidebooks focus on one specific activity, such as hiking, paddling, or camping, and North Carolina Adventure Weekends eliminates the need for weekend warriors to spend hours thumbing through multiple guidebooks and websites, trying to find the best options for their multisport weekend trips. Furthermore, regional guidebooks might offer suggestions on different outdoor activities but not pinpoint the best options for adventurers who only have a weekend to explore. With North Carolina Adventure Weekends, readers have numerous action-packed weekend itineraries at their fingertips. They’ll know not only where to stay to be closest to the action, but also which adventures―hike routes, bike rides, paddle trips, climbing areas, etc.―are weekend-worthy. Each chapter highlights a focused geographic area and includes detailed directions, so readers can spend more time playing and less time driving from place to place. Adventurers will also learn where to stock up on supplies, what to do on a rainy day, and where to go to rehash the weekend’s adventures over an epic-worthy meal and a beer.

North Carolina possesses an astonishingly rich array of natural wonders. Building on this abundance, April C. Smith passionately seeks to open the world of nature to everyone. Her popular science guidebook features thirty sites across North Carolina that are perfect for exploration and hands-on learning about the Earth and the environment. A stellar group of naturalists and educators narrate each adventure, explaining key scientific concepts by showing you exactly where and how to look. This guidebook is for anyone—teens, kids, families, hikers, teachers, students, and tourists alike—who loves to be outside while learning. * All you need to plan trips and discover new attractions * Organized by the state's Mountain, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain regions * The 30 adventures spotlight wonderful places to hike, fascinating geological formations to find, animals and plants to observe, and hands-on learning activities * Explains clearly the scientific processes that made North Carolina the state it is today * Richly illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and maps; includes an indispensable science glossary

A textbook introduction to the geography, history, people, economy, educational system, and industries of the Tar Heel State.