Maybe you’ve found a new love for outdoor adventure and the thrill of the hike this summer, while finding a way to pass the time and enjoy fresh mountain air. Step it up a notch and push yourself to go further with a local hiking challenge, asking participants to Conquer and “Reach the Peaks” of Hanging Rock State Park. In it’s eighth year the Reach The Peaks hiking challenge has been deemed as North Carolinas Premier, World Class Challenge. Living up to its name, participants are encouraged to summit five peaks the tallest of which boasts an elevation of 2,579 feet at Moore’s Knob.
Normally a single day challenge, in 2020 participants can choose one day of a three day weekend to embark and conquer this 10 mile challenge with friends or family. Check-in begins in Danbury at The Arts Place of Stokes where those registered will pick up their packets, t-shirts, and other complimentary swag. Take a short drive to Hanging Rock and find the start-finish line in the Lake Bath House parking lot. This can be a very strenuous hike, so take a training day or two, maybe an extended weekend prior to the challenge to experience the unique small downtown areas, shops and restaurants spread throughout the charming small towns of Stokes.
Give a wave and encourage others as you pass and notice number bibs, the challenge is at your own pace, but veterans participating in all eight years record their times arriving at the peaks, as a way of self-bragging rights. www.reachthepeaks.org
This fall enjoy a challenge perfect for the entire family at Armstrong Artisan Farm on Brook Cove Road in Walnut Cove, NC. The annual Corn Maze, Farm Fun Day, and Pumpkin Patch has become a perfect day trip or weekend addition to an overnight stay in Stokes County. The Armstrong family has been opening their farm to visitors for tours, which help to educate on the day to day operations of a working farm.
Farm Fun Day will be held on September 12th in the great outdoors offering plenty of space to spread out. The event will offer LIVE Music, wool spinning demos, petting zoo, corn pit, hayrides and more. Headlined by “One Fret Over” a bluegrass group consisting of young adult friends who met at youth bluegrass camp.
The real challenge is a new Corn Maze layout with a stream of water running thru it, enter the maze and work your way among twists and turns, searching for the exit. Two mazes for double the challenge, Open each Friday and Saturday from September to early November. Photo opportunities abound in the Sunflower Fields, don’t forget to pick out the perfect Pumpkin to take home and carve. Check back for a new Chicken Stew event in October.
The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. Experience hiking trails, waterfalls, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and more. Enjoy a leisurely float down the Dan River by canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or tube. www.hangingrock.com
