Year of the Trail
Overview
On August 18, 2022, the NC Legislature declared 2023 North Carolina Year of the Trail, highlighting an opportunity to showcase, promote, and celebrate our state’s extensive trail systems. Wake Forest is proud to join communities across North Carolina in celebrating this statewide campaign that invites every North Carolinian to get outside onto the trails, greenways, and blueways that stretch across the state.
Wake Forest's first greenway was constructed in 2003. Today, there are 15.5 miles of greenways in the Wake Forest system, with more greenways being built every year. That's truly something to celebrate!
Wake Forest Year of the Trail Activities
Story Walk in the Park April 1st E. Carroll Joyner Park
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department and Page 158 Books are partnering to offer a free program throughout April that encourages families to read while enjoying the greenways at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.
StoryWalk in the Park is an innovative and interactive way for readers of all ages to enjoy a story and the outdoors at the same time. It’s also an effective way for young readers to practice active reading skills.
Throughout April, pages from the children’s picture book, “Sometimes It’s Hard to Be Nice,” by Maggie C. Rudd, will be displayed on posts along the Joyner Park trails. As you stroll along the path, you will be directed to the next page in the story.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
The following sponsors have generously contributed to this year’s StoryWalk in the Park: Page 158 Books, Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics, Bartlett Tree Experts, McPherson Family Eye Care, and Ting Internet.
May Month of Fitness - 50-Mile Walking Challenge
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is expanding its May Month of Fitness to include the annual 50-Mile Walking Challenge.
Residents (ages 11 and older) who accept the walking challenge commit to walk at least 50 miles in May and use a tracking card to record their progress. Walking locations may include neighborhoods, schools, churches, parks, and greenways - just to name a few.
There is no cost to participate, and online registration is open through Thursday, April 27, (search “Walking Challenge).
Tracking cards will be emailed to all registered participants and available for pickup at Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road.
Beginning Monday, April 3, registered participants can pick up their 2023 50-Mile Walking Challenge T-shirt at Joyner Park Community Center while supplies last.
Everyone ages 11 and over who registers, completes at least 50 miles, and returns their completed tracking cards to JPCC by Friday, June 2, will be entered into the May Month of Fitness prize drawing sponsored by Orthopedic Physical Therapy Associates and Thomas Walters Allstate.
National Trails Day (5k/3k)
The Recreation Advisory Board will host a family-friendly 5K/3K walk/run as part of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 3, at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Check-in on the day of the event starts at 7 a.m., and the races begin at 8 a.m. Online registration is available.
The National Trails Day 5K/3K is a timed walk/run for children and adults. A loop of the paved trails throughout Joyner Park will comprise the 3.1-mile course for the 5K and 1.8 mile course for the 3K. Strollers are welcome but will be placed at the back of the pack to allow runners a clear start.
The entry fee for the 5K is $25 before March 31; $30 from April 1-May 14; $35 from May 15-June 1; and $40 the day before and day of the race. The entry fee for the 3K is $20 before March 31; $25 April 1-May 14; $30 May 15-June 1; and $35 the day before and day of the race. Please note: Registrations will be accepted on the day of the event. Everyone who registers before May 15 will receive a race T-shirt.
Funds raised through entry fees will be used to support the maintenance of current greenways and the development of new greenways throughout Wake Forest.
Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, along with the top male and female finishers in several age categories. For more information and to view the course maps, visit http://bit.ly/WFNationalTrailsDay or contact Special Events Coordinator, Suja Jacob at 919-435-9548.
Kids in Parks Track Trails at E. Carroll Joyner Park
Looking for a fun way to encourage your children to exercise and learn about the environment at the same time? If you answered yes, then check out our Kids in Parks TRACK Trails program at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.
Kids in Parks offers an expanding network of family-friendly outdoor adventures called "TRACK Trails." Each TRACK Trail features self-guided brochures and signs that turn your visit into a fun and exciting outdoors experience. Best of all, you can earn PRIZES for tracking your adventures!