Triangle Reading and Nature Walk Meetup Group

4.9•211 ratings

Durham, NC, US

1,344 members · Public group

What we’re about

Thanks to all who contributed to the fundraiser to help us cover Meetup's organizer fees! We met the goal in just 3 days! https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-the-triangle-reading-nature-walk-meetup-group For those who intended to contribute and didn't get to it in time 😄 please contribute next year when the fee renewal comes up again. Hope to see you all at a hike soon!

This Reading and Nature Walk Meetup takes walks in a group and then stops someplace scenic along the way to read in nature (or journal, meditate, make art, etc.). Everyone reads what they want, no preparation required. Then we walk back. Along the way participants can talk about what they're reading, or anything else. Anyone who likes nature and reading, and who will listen as much as they talk to others, is welcome!

This group is a great way to meet and get to know people who both enjoy walking in nature and reading and talking about books and ideas. Groups are usually small, and there are a good number of "regulars" so it's easy to get to know people.

Hikes are typically on weekends, late afternoon or early evening, though sometimes we'll do morning ones too. Lately our locations have mostly been on the western side of the Triangle (closer to Durham/Chapel Hill/Hillsborough) though we're open to doing more on the Raleigh/Cary side too - send your suggestions!

Events usually have relatively small limits on participation (15-30 people), partly because of limited parking at the hike locations, and partly to keep the groups small enough to foster conversation and not feel like an army marching through the woods! Because of this, there will often be waitlists after the registration limit is reached. If you do sign up for an event and later find out that you can no longer participate, please change your RSVP so your spot will become available for someone on the waitlist. And if you're on the waitlist, keep an eye out for late cancellations that might open a spot for you.

Participation in any of the events organized by this group are at your own risk. These hikes are on public and well-used trails, but there may be dangers like tripping over tree roots, snake or insect bites, poison ivy, or other unpredictable risks. By joining this event you agree not to hold the organizers responsible for any injuries, and that you understand that you participate at your own risk.

These hikes are for humans only. We know some participants would like to bring their dog along, and that you consider your dog to be well behaved, but we'd like to keep a focus on the comfort and safety of all the people on these walks, so please leave pets at home. Thanks!

Upcoming events

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Umstead Park: Graylyn, Sycamore, and Lower Lake loop
Sun, Jan 25 · 3:00 PM EST
Sycamore Parking, Graylyn Trail, Raleigh, NC, US
Join us for a Sunday afternoon walk in the woods in Umstead Park, for conversation and reading by a lake along the way.

We'll take a modified version of the Sycamore and Graylyn trail, for a total of about 3 miles, along a forest road and through the woods by a creek. The trail may be muddy, and there are some steep parts and rock scrambles, so wear shoes with good tread. We'll stop near the Lower Lake dam to read or rest by the water before completing the loop.

Meet at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 25, at the Sycamore Parking at Umstead Park. The specific location of the parking lot we'll meet at is shown here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DDfEeBbNsAwdtDqUA Note that the last mile or so is a gravel road.

We'll get started a few minutes after 3:00pm and aim to be back at the parking lot by 5:00pm.

We hope to see some of the "regulars" there, and to meet new folks! This group is a great way to meet people who both enjoy walking in nature and reading and talking about books and ideas. It's a fun group, with friendly people.

A couple of other notes:
- If you sign up and later realize you can no longer come, please change your RSVP to indicate that, so it will open up your space for someone on the waitlist, and so we know not to wait for you at the trailhead.
- If you're on the waitlist, check Meetup the day of the event, because often people drop out late and spaces open up at the last minute.
- We’ll still plan to walk if it’s drizzling or raining lightly. But if there’s heavy rain or extreme heat or cold in the forecast, we’ll reschedule and send a notice by the morning of the event to people who have registered.
- Participation in this hike and any of the events organized by this group are at your own risk. These hikes are on public and well-used trails, but there may be dangers like tripping over tree roots, snake or insect bites, poison ivy, or other unpredictable risks. By joining this event you agree not to hold the organizers responsible for any injuries, and that you understand that you participate at your own risk.
See you soon!
29 attendees