The Friends of Johnston County Parks and local partners invite residents and visitors alike to lace up their boots and hit the trail for the 2026 JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge, running from October 1 through December 31, 2026. With crisp autumn air, colorful foliage, and scenic views, it’s the perfect season to get outside and explore Johnston County’s natural beauty.
The Challenge is simple: complete a hike on any of the designated trails across Johnston County and submit your hike through the official Google Form for a chance to win door prizes. Each trail counts as one entry—and the more hikes you complete, the more chances you have to win! Participation is free, and no registration is required.
“Last year’s Fall Hiking Challenge was a great success, with people around the county hiking more than 250 miles on Johnston County trails. 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,” said Jessica Rich, Chairman of the Board for the Friends of Johnston County Parks.
2026 JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge trails include:
● Cole Plantation Loop, Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site – 1.5 miles
● Buffalo Creek Greenway, Smithfield – 2.94 miles
● Sam's Branch Greenway, Clayton – 1.25 miles
● Habitat-Diversity Trail, Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center – 2 miles
● Bootleggers Loop, Williamson Nature Preserve – 1 mile
● Flower Hill Trail, Flower Hill Nature Preserve – 1 mile
● Clayton Riverwalk on the Neuse, Clayton – 4 miles
● Talking Tree Trail, Clemmons Educational State Forest – 0.6 miles
● Talking Rocks Trail, Clemmons Educational State Forest – 0.8 miles
Join the Friends for the Fall Hiking Challenge kick-off event at Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton on Saturday, October 10 from 11:30 am-1:30 pm. The event starts with a ranger-led hike along the Talking Tree Trail. Participants should meet at the picnic shelter at 11:30 am, before setting out together on the 0.6-mile, well-maintained trail of packed dirt and gravel suitable for a range of skill levels. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Following the guided hike, participants will gather for a brief update about trails in Johnston County, including current plans and progress involving local parks and trails and ways the public can get involved. Those who want to continue exploring can also hike the Talking Rocks Trail, an additional 0.8-mile trail at Clemmons Educational State Forest.
The Fall Hiking Challenge features nine hikes at locations across Johnston County, with routes ranging from 0.6 miles to 4 miles. Participation is free, and no registration is required. Participants can complete as many of the designated hikes as they would like between October 1 and December 31. Challenge partners include Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, Clayton Parks and Recreation, Clemmons Educational State Forest, Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, Triangle Land Conservancy, and Smithfield Parks and Recreation.
After completing a hike, participants can submit an online form to receive an entry for a chance to win a prize. Each completed hike provides another entry, giving participants even more reason to keep exploring throughout the fall. Participants should submit a completed hike form after each hike they complete for a chance to win. Multiple entries for the same trail will not be counted, but completing all the trails gives you the best shot at winning! So grab your friends, bring the family, and step into adventure this fall with the JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge.
“Each year, we’re looking for ways to grow existing events and create new opportunities for people to experience the outdoors in Johnston County,” stated Rich. “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.”
For more information on the Friends group, visit friendsofjohnstoncountyparks.com.
