Join the Outdoor NC Movement

Outdoor NC and Leave No Trace invite you to become a steward of North Carolina’s unique outdoor spaces by joining the Outdoor NC movement. Together we can protect the places we love for generations to come.

I will:

  • Respect North Carolina’s outdoor spaces, the wildlife that calls the state home, and my fellow visitors by practicing the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles. 
  • Learn and respect the cultural norms of the places I visit. 
  • Plan my trip wisely, avoid times of peak visitation, and arrive prepared for the adventure ahead.
  • Play it safe when it comes to waterfalls, rip currents and other forces of nature beyond my control.
  • Stick to established trails and avoid damaging (or impacting) untouched natural areas.
  • Pack out my trash, clean up after my pet, and pitch in to remove trash when I see it outdoors.  
  • Avoid intruding on the habitats and areas where bears, wild horses, salamanders and other wildlife live.
  • Leave my adventure with pictures instead of collecting keepsakes from nature.
  • Treat everyone I encounter with patience and empathy, knowing there are some who may not be familiar with the principles of responsible outdoor stewardship. 

Are you in?

We’re excited to welcome everyone to our mission to preserve North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces. In the coming months we will be announcing new ways to reward fellow outdoor lovers who join the movement. In the meantime, tune in to our social media channels and enewsletter for more inspiration, tips for responsible recreation, and stories of stewardship from across the state.

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Inspire others to be good stewards of North Carolina’s shared outdoor spaces by tagging us with #outdoornc. You’ll even have a chance to be featured on our channels!

Sign up for our enewsletter

In each issue of Evergreen, expect to find useful tips on how to explore North Carolina, from the High Country to the coast, while learning how you can reduce your impact and create memories that last a lifetime. We’ll share unique destinations, educational resources for enjoying outdoor adventures, conversations with guides from across the state about try-worthy activities (outdoor cooking, anyone?), and all the environmental stewardship info you’ll need to maximize your adventure while minimizing your impact on these precious ecosystems.

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