Outdoor Programs for Seniors

alt=""Senior Outdoor Adventure Recreation (SOAR) engages adults 55+ in outdoor activities to promote the health benefits of being active in nature. Burlington Recreation and Parks provide experienced guides and a diverse program offering. For more outdoor programs available to the general public, visit www.BurlingtonNC.gov/Outdoors.

All participants must become SOAR Members to participate in hikes and activities. 

To become a SOAR Member, register through our online portal. Your membership is complete when you have completed the online member registration AND have turned in the medical clearance form that requires a doctor's signature. 

SOAR hikes are available for online registration for SOAR Members. SOAR Members may also call the Kernodle Senior Center (336) 222-5135 or the Recreation & Parks Office at (336) 222-5030 (press 0) to sign up or email the SOAR coordinator once registration has opened. Space is limited on all hikes and pre-registration is required. 

For specific questions about SOAR Membership, forms, or the hikes contact Melissa Hoose, Outdoor Program Coordinator, at (336) 484-1394 or send an email. 

Upcoming Events

REGISTRATION FOR HIKES BELOW OPENS MONDAY, MAY 2nd at 8:00 am.Register Now Button Opens in new window

Registration is required for all hikes! 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR HIKES.
Members may call the Kernodle Senior Center at (336) 222-5135 (ask to speak with Melissa or Brittany) or call the Recreation & Parks Office at (336) 222-5030 then press 0 for assistance.
(You must be a SOAR Member to register and participate in SOAR hikes.)

**NEW**
On select hikes we will be offering 2 separate pace groups:
This is still experimental for our group and feedback about this is welcomed. 

  • Stroll Pace is a more relaxed pace (>30min/mile) where we have time to observe and enjoy nature and the company of the group. 
  • Hike Pace is a quicker pace (<30min/mile) where the emphasis leans towards a fitness walk in nature with like-minded folks. 

Sunset Paddles on the Lakes

Every other Tuesday evening through August
Location and time vary – check the website for schedule and to register.
2-hour guided paddle under the setting sun. The guide will provide basic instruction as needed and lead the group on the lake. Fee: $21/with kayak rental or $8/BYO kayak. 
**Registration and payment only accepted online OR in-person at the Recreation & Parks Office or Senior Center.

Meet-Up Paddles @ Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina

Every other Tuesday morning through August
Times vary - check the website for schedule and to register.
Don’t paddle alone - come meet other paddlers and enjoy some time on the water. Your guide will lead the group on the lake and help folks in/out of boats as needed. Fee: $17.50/with kayak rental or $6.50/BYO kayak. 
**Registration and payment are only accepted online OR in-person at the Recreation & Parks Office or Senior Center.

Intro to Disc Golf @ Pleasant Grove Community Center

Wednesday,  May 11 at 9:00 am 
Pleasant Grove Community Center - 3958 N NC HWY 49, Burlington. Special guest Jason Witherspoon with Alamance County Parks will instruct this intro to disc golf class on the beginner-friendly, 9-hole course. Disc provided.

Clean-sweep @ City Park

Thursday, May 19 at 9:00 am
Homebuilders Shelter parking lot - 1435 Overbrook Rd. Burlington. Celebrate Alamance Creek week with a clean-sweep in City Park. Give back by helping pick up litter around the creek and within City Park. Trash bags, litter grabbers and work gloves provided. 

Hike @ Guilford County Farm

HIKE PACE - Wednesday, May 25 at 9:00 am 
STROLL PACE - Thursday, May 26 at 9:00 am 
Guilford County Farm Kiosk #2 - 3220 Amick Rd. Elon. Hike 2 miles on this unique trail that passes a farm pond, along field edges, through the woods and along a creek. NO RESTROOM. 

Cookout & Hike @ Guilford Mackintosh

Tuesday, May 31 at 11:30 am 
Picnic Shelter at Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina - 1345 NC HWY 61, Whitsett. Enjoy a lakeside cookout. Meet at the lakeside picnic shelter. Bring a side, salad or dessert to share. Hot dogs, fixings, drinks & paper products provided. Optional 1-mile hike after the cookout. Fee: $5 
**Registration and payment are only accepted online OR in-person at the Recreation & Parks Office or Senior Center. 

Hike @ Eno River Confluence Natural Area

HIKE PACE - Tuesday, June 14 at 9:00 am 
STROLL PACE - Wednesday, June 15 at 9:00 am 
ERCNA - 4214 Highland Farm Rd. Hillsborough. Hike a little more than 2 miles in this unique 200-acre nature preserve where the East & West Forks of the Eno River merge. NO RESTROOM. 

Hike @ Longmeadow Trailhead on the Haw River Trail

HIKE PACE - Wednesday, June 22 at 8:30 am 
STROLL PACE - Wednesday, June 22 at 10:00 am 
Longmeadow Trailhead - 1120 Valley Dr. Graham. Hike 2.5-3 miles on this out-and-back trail along the Haw River. NO RESTROOMS. 

Hike @ Swepsonville River Park - Haw River Trail

Wednesday, June 6/29 at 9:00 am 
Meet at Swepsonville River Park UPPER ACCESS - 2472 Boywood Rd. Swepsonville. Hike 2 miles on this out-and-back section of the Haw River Trail with excellent views of the river. 
**Due to some unforeseen schedule changes AFTER the publication of the newsletter, this will be the only hike offered at Swepsonville River Park. All paces are welcome. There will be NO STROLL PACE walk at this location on 6/30 as published in the newsletter.

Sturdy, closed-toed walking shoes and water are required for all hikes. 
Trekking poles are highly recommended.

Registration is required for all hikes! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR HIKES. Or call the Kernodle Senior Center at (336) 222-5135 (ask to speak with Melissa or Brittany) call the Recreation & Parks Office at (336) 222-5030 then press 0 for assistance.
(You must be a SOAR Member to register and participate in SOAR hikes.)

Interested in additional hiking and outdoor adventures, visit www.BurlingtonNC.gov/Outdoors for more information and to register.