OCTOBER PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Programs are free of charge but

require pre-registration through our

online system.

Programs at Harris Lake County Park

Super Spiders

Wednesday, Oct. 5; 6 - 7 p.m.

For all ages

Register Here

Spiders are not so scary when you get to know them! They have important jobs in nature. We will read a super spider story, observe some spiders up close, and look for spiders around the park. 

Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

Kids Discover Nature: The Snail's Spell

Thursday, Oct. 6; 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For ages 2-5 with accompanying adult

Register Here

Join us for a fun-filled program of creativity and imagination! Together, we will read the sweet tale of The Snail’s Spell by Joanne Ryder, and picture what it would be like to be a tiny snail living in a garden. Then, we will learn more about the fascinating world of snails and pretend what life is like for the smallest creatures in the garden. 

Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

Harris Spook-tacular:

Spooky Soiree Mini Event

Saturday, Oct. 8; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For all ages

Register here for the time slot that best suits your schedule.

We can't wait to see your costumes! 

Meet at the Longleaf Shelter.

Virtual Wild Wednesday -

Spiders: Weavers and Hunters

Wednesday, Oct. 19; 3 - 3:30 p.m.

For all ages

Register Here

Spiders are some of the most misunderstood creatures. We will investigate the life cycle, biology, and benefits of this fascinating and important group of animals. Virtually meet some live spiders collected from around the park. A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants in advance of the program.

Fall Bird Hike

Saturday, Oct. 22; 9 - 11 a.m.

For ages 8 and up

Register Here

Join local bird expert Larry Zoller as we explore the different habitats of Harris Lake County Park to look and listen for our resident birds as well as fall migrants that have stopped to rest and refuel here during their long journey. Bring a water bottle and your own binoculars and field guide if you have them.

Meet at the platform in the Educational Garden. 

Pumpkin Carving Wagon Ride

Sunday, Oct. 23; 1:30 - 3 p.m.

For all ages

Register Here

*This program is full. Please join the wait list.

Celebrate the season with a wagon ride along the back roads of our park to search for a hidden pumpkin, then return to the Loblolly Shelter to carve a Halloween masterpiece with your family. Each family will be limited to one pumpkin. (You may bring additional pumpkins of your own to carve.)  

Meet at the wagon at the playground.

Programs at the

American Tobacco Trail

Halloween Hike at the ATT

Friday, Oct. 28; 6 - 7 p.m.

For all ages

Register Here

Wear your Halloween costume and have fun exploring the trail at sunset! We’ll search for wildlife and learn how nature responds this time of year as the days get shorter and the air gets cooler. Wear closed toe shoes and bring a water bottle. 

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

(1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd.

SAVE THE DATE!

Family Disc Golf at Harris Lake County Park with Capital Area League (CADL)

Saturday, Nov. 5

Choose your session:

Register Here for 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Register Here for 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For ages 5 and up

Advance online registration is required.

This special instructional program is for players of all levels! Disc golf professionals from Capital Area Disc League will provide interactive lessons for beginners (and those who just want to sharpen their skills!). Try out what you have learned on a short practice course! Bring your own discs or borrow ours. 

Meet at the Cypress Shelter side of the large open playfield in our Day Use area.

UPCOMING TIME CHANGES

Fall is here, and with that come rapid closing time changes as the days become shorter!



Beginning tomorrow, Monday, Sept. 26

Harris Lake County Park will close at 7:30 p.m. Please make your way off the trails and disc golf course 15 minutes prior to park close.

The New Hill parking area on the American Tobacco Trail will lock at 7 p.m. The restrooms at New Hill and White Oak automatically lock 15 minutes prior to park close.

________

Beginning on Monday, October 17:

Harris Lake County Park will close at 7 p.m. 

The New Hill parking area on the American Tobacco Trail will lock at 6:30 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS

American Tobacco Trail:

Myles of Great Hopes 6K

Saturday, Oct. 1

7 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Based out of the White Oak parking area and usage of the trail between White Oak and Wimberly

ATT 10-Miler

Saturday, Oct. 22

7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Based out of the White Oak Church Parking area and usage of entire Wake County trail section

Harris Lake County Park:

DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT

Sunday, Oct. 9

8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The Buckhorn Disc Golf Course will be closed to the public so that we can host this tournament.

DYNAMIC DOGS

Saturday, Oct. 22 & 29

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dynamic Dogs will be using our overflow parking field on these dates.

___________

CROSS COUNTRY MEETS

Expect limited parking in our Day Use area during meet times, usually around 3-6 p.m.

Harris Lake County Park:

Thales Academy:

Thursday, Oct. 6 & Oct. 13

American Tobacco Trail:

Peak Charter

Monday, Oct. 17 & Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the White Oak parking area

OCTOBER IS I HEART PARKS MONTH

Please tell us why you love Wake County parks! Share your thoughts and experience with us by filling out a short survey at this link all month long!

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

NEW! Adventure Backpacks at Harris Lake County Park 

Parents and teachers, would you like to enhance your visit to the park? Our four new Adventure Backpacks contain self-guided educational activities complete with instructions, equipment, guides, and take-home activities for further enrichment. Adventure Backpacks are located in a bin at the Park Office building (first right after you enter). Stop by anytime during park hours to sign one out and begin your adventure! 

Choose from the following offerings:

• Birds of Wonder Explore the wonderful world of birds! Go birdwatching with binoculars, learn how to keep birds safe, practice your worm-hunting skills, and more!
• Bug Out! Be an insect investigator! Go on a big hunt to safely catch insects, discover how to create insect habitat in your own backyard, play an insect movement game(can you fly like a dragonfly?), and make a fun craft and insect-themed snack with take-home activities!
• Exploration Learn how to be a nature detective as you explore the park! Participate in a special challenge to decipher clues as you visit different areas of the park, make your own scat, and more!
• Journey to the Past Embark on a journey to the homesite of a family who lived on this land before it became a park. Play games of this bygone era, go on a scavenger hunt, try your hand at our "history mystery", and use props to play make believe at the Womble family Wash House!

GROUP PROGRAMS AT HARRIS LAKE COUNTY PARK

We offer both in-person and virtual field trip programs free of charge for schools and other organized groups.

On our Group Programs page, you can explore our on-site program offerings and learn how to schedule your visit.

We have recently added two new program offerings to the list: Ecosystems, designed specifically for 5th grade, and Wheels Through Time Wagon Tour for all ages!

To learn more about planning your virtual experience, visit our Virtual Group Programs page. 

New to our virtual lineup just in time for fall: Spiders: Weavers and Hunters!

You may also contact us at joanne.stclair@wakegov.com or

919-387-4344.