The Friends of the Lake 5K Road Race and Walk will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Lake Junaluska. Those who register by Aug. 20 will enjoy discounted registration and are guaranteed to receive a “Love the Lake” T-shirt, which runners are encouraged to wear during the event.

Now in its 19th year, the event supports the Lake Junaluska Walking Trail, one of the most popular privately-owned recreation areas in Western North Carolina.

The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. through September. Walks start at alternating locations: Macon County Public Library, Big Bear Park and Salali Lane.

Walks are about two and a half hours. The public is welcome. All walks are weather dependent. Additional information, including directions to each location and a bird club checklist  can be found at  littletennessee.org/franklin-bird-club. 

With a deceptively simple slogan of “Run Walk Crawl,” the annual Assault on BlackRock trail race in Sylva is more than meets the eye. In truth, the slogan should read “Arduous Rough Grueling.” You can also add the words “glorious” and “gratitude” to all of the above, seeing as when one completes the course, a deep sense of self and of fellowship soon emerges. 

Jackson County Recreation is hosting a guided nature journaling walk, during which participants will deepen observation and recording skills while meandering along the greenway.

The walk will take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. It is open to everyone 13 and older who can comfortably walk two miles. Meeting place is the Locust Creek Greenway entrance in Cullowhee. 

The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the Greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. through September. Walks start at alternating locations: Macon County Public Library, Big Bear Park and Salali Lane. 

The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the Greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. through September. Walks start at alternating locations: Macon County Public Library, Big Bear Park and Salali Lane. 

It started as a ripple softly lapping against my back as I pulled into the driveway of our quiet mountain cove. The roar of the interstates and swarms of fellow travelers behind me after the 1,300-mile sojourn to Lake Erie and back. I made it. Breathe. 

As part of the Great Backyard Bird Count initiative, a global community science project that helps researchers understand how birds are doing before they undertake their great spring migration, Mainspring Conservation Trust is hosting its own event. 

The Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department announced a Jan. 17 hike on the Panthertown Loop trail.

Trail is about 4.5 miles, features a 1,000-foot elevation gain and is appropriate for beginners and moderate hikers alike. 

“First the huffin’, then the stuffin’.” 

That’s the motto for the Waynesville-Sunrise Rotary Club’s fourth annual 5K turkey trot, held 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center.