AUGUST PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Programs at Harris Lake County Park

Kids Discover Nature:

In the Small, Small Pond

Thursday, Aug. 14; 10-11 a.m.

For ages 2-5 with accompanying adult

Register Here

Have you ever wondered what kinds of animals live under the surface of a pond? If so, join us as we dive deeper into the aquatic world of insects and amphibians! Together we will read In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming, then peek into buckets of pond water to see what critters are living in our pond. Who are they and what do they turn into?

Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

Nature Lab: Geocaching

Wednesday, Aug. 20; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Cost: $12.00/child

For ages 7-12

Register Here

Does your child like technology and treasure hunts? Then they’ll enjoy this drop-off program for ages 7-12! Geocaching is a treasure hunt where participants use GPS coordinates to track down hidden "caches." We will learn how to use traditional GPS units, practice finding caches, and then find real geocaches hidden in the park. We’ll also make a fun geocaching trade item! Space is limited, so register early! Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a full water bottle and a snack.

Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

Citizen Science Thursday:

Harris Lake ecoEXPLORERS

Thursday, Aug. 21; 2-3:30 p.m.

For ages 7 and up

Register Here

Interested in becoming a citizen scientist and improving your nature identification skills with park staff? We’ve got the opportunity for you! Harris Lake County Park is an ecoEXPLORE HotSpot which means it’s a place where you can make observations of plants and animals and share them with scientists! 

Our focus for today’s program will be on insects! Come learn about the many insect species you can find in the park and help us search for beetles, butterflies, dragonflies, and more! If you are new to ecoEXPLORE, please create a profile at https://www.ecoexplore.net/signup prior to the program. Meet at the Cypress Shelter and bring your device for taking photos and capturing data. For ages 7 and up, must be registered with an adult. Space is limited! 

Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

Programs at the

American Tobacco Trail

Journey into the Past:

History Hike on the ATT

Friday, Aug. 15; 6-7:30 p.m.

For ages 8 and up

Register Here

Join us for a leisurely 1.5-mile round trip stroll along the American Tobacco Trail as we delve deeper into local history and how the ATT became a Rails-to-Trails project. Together, we will walk (with brief stops along the way) to a historic tobacco barn still standing beside the trail! Wear closed toe shoes, bring a full water bottle, and don't forget your curiosity! For ages 8 and up. All participants (children and adults) must be registered.

Meet at the White Oak parking area at the picnic tables

(1305 White Oak Church Rd.).

Super Scavengers at the ATT

Sunday, Aug. 17; 2-3 p.m.

For all ages

Register Here

Scavengers are part of nature's clean up crew and provide a valuable service to the environment. Learn about different types of scavengers, such as vultures, snapping turtles and yellow jackets, to name a few, then test your scavenging skills with a fun game.

Meet at the New Hill parking area at the lower picnic table

(1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd.).

Beginning on Monday, Aug. 11:

Harris Lake County Park will close at 8:30 p.m.

The New Hill parking area on the American Tobacco Trail (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd.) will close at 8 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS



Harris Lake County Park:

Sprocket Fuel XC Mountain Bike Race

Saturday, Aug. 9

8 a.m - 2 p.m.

(Rain date of Aug. 16)

The mountain bike trails will be closed to the public during this event.

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XC Meets

Thales Academy:

Aug. 14 and Aug. 28 from

3:30-6 p.m.

Southern Wake Academy:

Aug. 20 from 3:30-6 p.m.

Parking in the Day Use area will be extremely limited during these meets.

2025 LONGLEAF CELEBRATION COMING IN SEPTEMBER!

Our 2025 monthlong Longleaf Celebration will take place in September!

You won't want to miss the Longleaf Ramble event on Sat., Sept. 20 from

10 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring games, crafts, live animals, and educational exhibits from our organizational partners!

The Longleaf Celebration event page will be available soon! Here, you will be able to view all of our upcoming Longleaf-related programs and happenings, as well as some fun activities you can do from home.

GNOTES FROM GNORMAN: NO SWIMMING ALLOWED!

Gnorman hopes everyone is enjoying their summer and staying safe and hydrated while visiting the park!

Speaking of safety, Gnorman wants to remind everyone that swimming and wading is not allowed at Harris Lake County Park. If you plan to enter the water from the park, make sure it is in a non-motorized watercraft of some kind (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, etc.). If you are looking for public places to swim, you are welcome to call our park office at (919) 387-4342. Our staff would be happy to give you suggestions!