Nine Trails Featured In 2026 Johnston County Hiking Challenge

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. – Friends of Johnston County Parks is inviting residents and visitors to get outside this fall with the return of the JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge.

The 2026 challenge runs from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 and features nine hikes at parks, greenways and nature preserves across Johnston County.

Participation is free, and no registration is required.

A kickoff event will be held Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton.

The event will begin with a ranger-led hike along the Talking Tree Trail. Participants should meet at the picnic shelter at 11:30 a.m.

The Talking Tree Trail is approximately 0.6 miles and consists of packed dirt and gravel. Organizers said the trail is suitable for a range of skill levels.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and dress for the weather.

Following the hike, organizers will provide an update on local trail projects, including current plans and progress involving parks and trails in Johnston County and ways the public can get involved.

Those who want to continue hiking can also take the 0.8-mile Talking Rocks Trail at Clemmons Educational State Forest.

“Last year’s Fall Hiking Challenge was a great success, with people around the county hiking more than 250 miles on Johnston County trails,” Friends of Johnston County Parks Board Chairman Jessica Rich said. “It’s a great way to not only get people outside during a wonderful time of year, but also promote the variety of trails on offer around the county. With the Hiking Challenge Kickoff at Clemmons, attendees will be able to mark off two hikes featured in the challenge, as well as learn more about future county projects and how they can get involved directly in supporting and promoting parks and trails in Johnston County.”

This year’s challenge includes the 1.5-mile Cole Plantation Loop at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, the 2.94-mile Buffalo Creek Greenway in Smithfield, the 1.25-mile Sam’s Branch Greenway in Clayton, the 2-mile Habitat-Diversity Trail at Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, the 1-mile Bootleggers Loop at Williamson Nature Preserve, the 1-mile Flower Hill Trail at Flower Hill Nature Preserve, the 4-mile Clayton Riverwalk on the Neuse, the 0.6-mile Talking Tree Trail and the 0.8-mile Talking Rocks Trail.

Participants can complete as many of the designated hikes as they choose during the three-month challenge.

After each hike, participants can submit an online form for an entry into a prize drawing. Each completed hike earns an additional entry.

“Each year, we’re looking for ways to grow existing events and create new opportunities for people to experience the outdoors in Johnston County,” Rich said. “Whether it’s through guided hikes, our annual countywide cleanup, or trail work days, we want to bring people together to enjoy these spaces, learn more about them and play a role in preserving them for the future.”

Friends of Johnston County Parks is a nonprofit organization that advocates for parks and recreational spaces across Johnston County.