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 you must complete:

  • Membership Form
  • Waiver & Release of Liability, Permissions & Authorization Form 
  • Medical Clearance Form (signed by a physician)

Download the all the required forms OR use our online registration portal to activate your membership. Need help creating an account and logging into the online portal - get step-by-step instructions. 

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:

Register Now Button Opens in new windowRegistration is required for all hikes!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR HIKES.

Members may call the Recreation & Parks Office at (336) 222-5030 press 0 for assistance or call the Kernodle Senior Center at (336) 222-5135 (ask to speak with Brittany or Brandy) or email the SOAR coordinator once registration has opened. 
Space is limited on all hikes and pre-registration is required.
(You must be a SOAR Member to register and participate in SOAR hikes.)

Pace Groups
Usually, a separate hike for each pace group is offered. Learn about the pace groups:

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

SAX Island Park 

HIKE PACE Wed 5/10 at 10 am
STROLL PACE Thu 5/11 at 10 am
Saxapahaw Island Park - 5550 Church Rd, Graham, NC 27253. Hike the 1.3-mile loop once with the option to do it - or a portion of it - a second time! The trail is mostly flat and sandy. Carpool if possible – limited parking. OPTIONAL: Grab lunch or a coffee at the Mill after the hike. 
Optional transportation $5 – registration required, space limited. Van leaves Senior Center at 9:25 am.

NC Botanical Garden Tour 

ALL PACES Wed 5/17 at 10:30 am
Fee: $7 - must be paid at registration – no pay later option! Non-refundable. 
North Carolina Botanical Garden - 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. On this 1-hour tour, a Garden Guide will lead the group on an educational and leisurely stroll through the display gardens, sharing plants in bloom or of particular interest, the history & mission of the Botanical Garden, and why gardening with native plants is so important. Pack a lunch to eat after the tour. Fee is non-refundable. If the program is canceled by NC Botanical Garden or Burlington Rec & Parks, your fee will be returned.
Optional transportation $5 – registration required, space limited. Van leaves Senior Center at 9:30 am. 

Lake Michael Park

HIKE PACE Wed 5/24 at 10 am
STROLL PACE Thu 5/25 at 10 am
Lake Michael Park - 7300 Lebanon Rd. Mebane. 2.5-mile hike along the lakeshore and through the rolling wooded trails. 

Company Mill Preserve

HIKE PACE Wed 5/31 at 9 am
STROLL PACE Thu 6/1 at 9 am
Company Mill Preserve - 6344 Company Mill Road, Climax. 2.5-3-mile hike with rolling terrain, boardwalks, wetland, and mature forests. Carpool if possible – limited parking. NO RESTROOMS. OPTIONAL: late morning ice cream stop at Homeland Creamery on the way home. 
Optional transportation $5 – registration required, space limited. Van leaves Senior Center at 8:00 am. 

Lake Cammack 

HIKE PACE Mon 6/5 at 9 am
STROLL PACE Mon 6/5 at 10:30 am
Lake Cammack Park & Marina - 4790 Union Ridge Rd., Burlington. 2-mile hike on an out-and-back trail that follows the lake shore before rolling through the woods. Be on the lookout for blue heron and bald eagles! 

Swepsonville River Park 

HIKE PACE Wed 6/14 at 9 am
STROLL PACE Thu 6/15 at 9 am (not 10:30 am as listed in newsletter!)
Swepsonville River Park UPPER ACCESS - 2472 Boywood Rd. Swepsonville. 2-mile hike on the Haw River Trail. Mostly flat, natural surface trail. 

Guilford County Farm

HIKE PACE Wed 6/21 at 9 am 
STROLL PACE Thu 6/22 at 9 am 
Guilford County Farm Kiosk #2 - 3220 Amick Rd. Elon. 2-mile hike on rolling trail that passes a farm pond, along field edges, through the woods and along a creek. Carpool if possible – limited parking. NO RESTROOMS. 

Shallow Ford Natural Area

HIKE PACE Wed 6/28 at 9 am
STROLL PACE Thu 6/29 at 9 am
Shallow Ford Natural Area - 1955 Gerringer Mill Rd. Burlington. 2-3 mile hike through this 190-acre natural area. Trail rolls through a wildflower meadow, woodlands and meanders along creeks. 

Sunset Paddles 

Every other Tue evening, May - Aug
Guildford Mackintosh Park & Marina and Stoney Creek Marina
Fee: $21/with kayak rental or $8/bring  your own kayak 
(Must pay at time of registration - online or in-person. Registration not accepted by phone.)
Let your stress melt away as you enjoy a leisurely, 2-hour guided paddle on one of Burlington's beautiful lakes. Rent a kayak or bring your own. Paddlers will have guides who provide basic paddling instruction as needed, help folks in/out of boats and leads the group on the lake. For times, dates and registration click here. Registration opens 4 weeks prior to each paddle.

Morning Meet-Up Paddles

Every other Tue morning, May - Aug
Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina
Fee: $17.50/with kayak rental or $6.50/bring your own kayak
(Must pay at time of registration - online or in-person. Registration not accepted by phone.)
Don’t paddle alone! Come meet other paddlers and enjoy some time on the water during this 2-hour guided paddle. Bring your own kayak or rent one of ours. A guide will lead the group on the lake and help folks in/out of boats as needed. Fee includes guides, kayak rental, paddle, PFD. If providing a personal boat a PFD is still required while on the water. For times, dates and registration click here. Registration opens 6 weeks prior to each paddle.


What to Wear & What to Bring on a Hike

  • Layers/clothing appropriate for the weather.
  • Sturdy walking/athletic shoes or hiking boots. Absolutely no sandals or open-toed shoes for hikes.
  • Water bottle.
  • Trekking poles or walking stick highly recommended. 
  • Insect repellent, sunscreen/protection - optional
  • Small backpack to carry personal belongings - optional.

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