What we’re about
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 (2)
See all- Eno River Pump Station trail: Walk, Read, and ConnectPump Station Trail, Durham, NC
[ This is a reschedule of the March 16 event, which was canceled because of the forecast of severe weather on that day. ]
Join us for a Saturday afternoon walk along the Eno River, past the ruins of Durham's old water pump station. We'll follow the trail shown here, though we'll only go about 3.5 miles, not the whole 5 miles shown in AllTrails. We'll stop near the bend at Fish Dam Island, where there are good places to sit by the river to read, write, meditate, draw, birdwatch, talk, or simply rest and enjoy nature.
Here are a couple of blog posts about this trail from a local hiker, with lots of photos and some history, so you can get a sense what we'll see:
- Exploring the Old Durham Pump Station at Eno River State Park
- Hiking to Fish Dam Island at Eno River State Park
This trail can be muddy in spots and has tree roots and some rocky stream crossings, so wear hiking shoes with good grip.
We’ll still plan to walk if it’s drizzling or raining lightly. But if there’s heavy rain or other extreme weather in the forecast, we’ll reschedule and send a notice by the morning of the event to people who have registered.
Meet at 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 19, at the Pump Station trailhead: 3998 Rivermont Rd, Durham, NC 27712 https://maps.app.goo.gl/n4RyB5LuSML9DVSr8 Note that you'll have to drive on about half mile of gravel road to reach the trailhead. Parking is along the gravel road near the bridge over Nancy Rhodes Creek. There are several trail access points - we will meet at the one near the bridge - see the link above for the exact spot.
We'll get started a few minutes after 4:00 and aim to be back at the trailhead by around 6pm.
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.
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. 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.
- 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!
- Mountain Laurels at the Eno: Walk, Read, and ConnectEno River State Park: Cabe Lands , Durham, NC
Join us for a spring walk along the Eno River to look for mountain laurels (which should be blooming around this time), connect with others who love nature and reading, and sit by the Eno Quarry for a while to read, write, meditate, draw, birdwatch, talk, or simply rest and enjoy nature. The hike will be about 2.5 miles overall, and may be muddy in spots, so wear hiking shoes with good tread.
Meet at 4:00 pm on Sunday May 4, at the Cabelands Trail Parking of the Eno River State Park: 4950 Howe St, Durham, NC 27705 https://maps.app.goo.gl/etoxgcPDAFoevM7A9
We'll get started a few minutes after 4:00 and aim to be back at the trailhead by around 6pm.
We’ll still plan to walk if it’s drizzling or raining lightly. But if there’s heavy rain or other extreme weather in the forecast, we’ll reschedule and send a notice by the morning of the event to people who have registered.
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.
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. 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.
- 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!
