Inside the Owl: Pellet Dissection
Join a park naturalist for a hands-on program full of owl facts, calls, and science! Learn about the owls that live in Gorges State Park, hear their calls, and get an up-close look at what they eat through a real owl pellet dissection.
Inside the Owl: Pellet Dissection
Join a park naturalist for a hands-on program full of owl facts, calls, and science! Learn about the owls that live in Gorges State Park, hear their calls, and get an up-close look at what they eat through a real owl pellet dissection.
Gorgeous Paintings
Join a park naturalist at Raymond Fisher Pond for a relaxing outdoor painting session surrounded by the beauty of Gorges State Park! Use watercolors or acrylics to paint a peaceful scene, a plant or animal you spotted on the trail, or simply let your imagination guide you.
Gorgeous Paintings
Join a park naturalist at Raymond Fisher Pond for a relaxing outdoor painting session surrounded by the beauty of Gorges State Park! Use watercolors or acrylics to paint a peaceful scene, a plant or animal you spotted on the trail, or simply let your imagination guide you.
Birds, Beaks & Backyard Feeders
Join a park naturalist to learn about the birds that call Gorges State Park home, from bright red cardinals to busy woodpeckers! Then, create your own pinecone bird feeder to take home and help support your backyard birds.
Birds, Beaks & Backyard Feeders
Join a park naturalist to learn about the birds that call Gorges State Park home, from bright red cardinals to busy woodpeckers! Then, create your own pinecone bird feeder to take home and help support your backyard birds.
Mysteries of the Moth
Join a park naturalist to explore the secret world of moths—those fuzzy, fantastic pollinators of the night! Learn about local species, their fascinating life cycles, and how to spot them. And maybe see some while you’re here!
Sun Printing
Join a park naturalist for a creative outdoor art project inspired by nature! Take a short walk to collect fallen leaves, ferns, and other natural items, then use the power of the sun to make a beautiful, one-of-a-kind print on your own bandana to take home.
Sun Printing
Join a park naturalist for a creative outdoor art project inspired by nature! Take a short walk to collect fallen leaves, ferns, and other natural items, then use the power of the sun to make a beautiful, one-of-a-kind print on your own bandana to take home.
North Carolina's Natural Icons
Join a park naturalist to discover the official state symbols of North Carolina, many of which you can find right here in Gorges State Park! This fun program brings state pride to life through hands-on activities, nature walks, and a symbol scavenger hunt.
North Carolina's Natural Icons
Join a park naturalist to discover the official state symbols of North Carolina, many of which you can find right here in Gorges State Park! This fun program brings state pride to life through hands-on activities, nature walks, and a symbol scavenger hunt.
Fact, Fangs & Fiction
Think you know snakes? Join a park naturalist to uncover the truth behind common myths, meet a real live corn snake, and learn how to identify the snakes that call Gorges State Park home.
Fact, Fangs & Fiction
Think you know snakes? Join a park naturalist to uncover the truth behind common myths, meet a real live corn snake, and learn how to identify the snakes that call Gorges State Park home.
Bobcat Basics (Afternoon)
Discover where these wild cats live, what they eat, and how they survive in the forests of Gorges State Park. See a real taxidermy bobcat, examine tracks, and learn how to spot signs of these predators in the wild.
Bobcat Basics (Morning)
Discover where these wild cats live, what they eat, and how they survive in the forests of Gorges State Park. See a real taxidermy bobcat, examine tracks, and learn how to spot signs of these predators in the wild.
Salamander Secrets (Afternoon)
Gorges is a haven for salamanders. Learn about these amazing creatures, their habitats, and how you can protect them. Then, make your own mini terrarium to take home!
Salamander Secrets (Morning)
Gorges is a haven for salamanders. Learn about these amazing creatures, their habitats, and how you can protect them. Then, make your own mini terrarium to take home!
The Bear Facts
Come join Ranger Hill to learn about the Black Bears at Gorges State Park and what role they play in the park’s ecosystem.
Black Bears of the Blue Ridge (Afternoon)
Join a naturalist for a program all about black bears. Discover what these animals eat, where they live, and how to stay safe around them. Touch real bear fur, examine tracks and scat, and learn how humans and bears can share the wilderness responsibly.
Black Bears of the Blue Ridge (Morning)
Join a naturalist for a program all about black bears. Discover what these animals eat, where they live, and how to stay safe around them. Touch real bear fur, examine tracks and scat, and learn how humans and bears can share the wilderness responsibly.
10 Hiking Essentials (Afternoon)
Join a naturalist for an interactive, hands-on program all about the 10 essentials every hiker should carry. Learn how to pack smart, stay safe, and enjoy your adventures with confidence - no matter where the trail leads!
10 Hiking Essentials (Morning)
Join a naturalist for an interactive, hands-on program all about the 10 essentials every hiker should carry. Learn how to pack smart, stay safe, and enjoy your adventures with confidence - no matter where the trail leads!
Flag Day Nature Art (Afternoon)
Join a Park Naturalist for a fun and educational program where we identify some of the world's most recognizable flags. We will take a guided hike to collect natural items and recreate your favorite flag using nature's palette!
Flag Day Nature Art (Morning)
Join a Park Naturalist for a fun and educational program where we identify some of the world's most recognizable flags. We will take a guided hike to collect natural items and recreate your favorite flag using nature's palette!
Leave No Trace (Afternoon)
Join a Park Naturalist to learn the 7 principles of "Leave No Trace". In this program, we will learn how to hike, camp, and recreate outdoors properly.
Leave No Trace (Morning)
Join a Park Naturalist to learn the 7 principles of "Leave No Trace". In this program, we will learn how to hike, camp, and recreate outdoors properly.
“Why Knot?”
Knowing a few knots can make life so much easier. Join a Ranger at White Pines Picnic Area to learn the difference between a knot and a hitch, and when one might be more useful than the other. Learn how to tie one of each and put your skills to the test by building your very own shelter.
Leave it to Beavers
Description: Join a ranger to learn about the intrepid beaver. We will discuss its history, characteristics, and learn why it's such an important animal in the state. Meet at the Visitor Center Classroom.
Start Location: Visitor Center Classroom
Length: 30 minutes
Bearwallow Falls Evening Hike
Description: Join a ranger on a half-mile round trip hike of Bearwallow Falls. Come learn how geography helps form the 20 waterfalls found nestled in the park. Bring water, wear comfortable footwear, and dress for the weather. Meet at Bearwallow Picnic Area.
Start Location: Bearwallow Picnic Area
Length: 45 minutes
Fall is Approachingǃ
Description: Fall is a great time to learn about the changing of seasons and the science of leaves. Come join Ranger Hill for a guided hike at the White Pines picnic area to see the early signs of Fall.
Start Location: White Pines Picnic Area
Length: 30 minutes
Track Casting
Description: Make your very own cast mold of animal tracks to take home! Choose from a wide variety of our park creatures’ footprints including raccoons, bobcats, opossums, and more. We will also be learning about how to identify animal tracks. Plan to come back to the Visitor Center to pick up your tracks later in the day.
Start Location: Visitor Center Classroom
Length: 30 minutes
Sunset Storytime
Description: Bring your kiddos and join our naturalist for a nature storybook reading outside at sunset. We will meet at the outdoor amphitheater (go around to the back porch and down the ramp).
Start Location: Outdoor Amphitheater
Length: 30 minutes
Snakes of Gorges Presentation
Description: What snakes do we have here in North Carolina? Come learn to identify Gorges snakes and some facts about them! You will also get the chance to meet a special guest: Al the garter snake.
Start Location: Visitor’s Center Classroom
Length: 30 minutes
Leave No Trace Trailhead Table
Description: Come stop by to see naturalist Reagan at the Rainbow Falls trailhead to learn the 7 principles of Leave No Trace in order to recreate at Gorges, and everywhere, in the most responsible way possible.
Start Location: Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Length: 3 hours