Payment and registration form must be received to confirm your spot in our programs. Please note that all payments must be made using cash, check or money order (made out to "Wake County Parks") – park staff do not have the ability to take credit cards.
To register, complete and sign the registration form and return it with payment by mail or bring by the park office.  For more information and to check availability about the following programs, contact the park office at 919-387-2117 or email harris.lake@wakegov.com.
  
 

Our staff also offers public programs at Harris Lake County Park!  Check out the Harris Lake Public Program page for more details.

 
 

Family Programs

Unless otherwise noted, these programs are open to all ages and meet at either the White Oak Parking Lot or New Hill Parking Lot. Check the program description for location!
Please register at least 2 days in advance! Fee: $5/family or $3/individual
 
Winter Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, December 15, 2–3:30 p.m.
Meet at the New Hill Parking Area (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex)
Winter is a great time to get outside and enjoy the natural world. Hone your observation skills as you search for signs of wildlife and other winter wonders.
 
Trail Treks: Evergreens
Thursday, December 19, 2–3 p.m.
Meet at the New Hill Parking Area (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex)
Even after all the leaves have fallen, there is still color in the forest. Let's take a look at our local evergreens and compare the shades of green!
 
Starry Nights
Friday, January 10, January 31, and February 7, 6–8 p.m.
Meet at the White Oak Parking Area (1305 White Oak Church Road, Apex)
Join American Tobacco Trail staff for a night under the stars! We'll explore our local night sky and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Please bring blankets or chairs and a flashlight. Register for one, two or all three dates – let us know when you register how many dates would work for you in case weather cancels one of the programs.
 
O is for Opossum
Monday, January 20, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Meet at the New Hill Parking Area (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex)
There is much more than meets the eye when it comes to our State Marsupial. You'll learn what makes them unique, practice playing 'possum, and get to see and touch a real opossum mount.
 
Trail Treks: Groundhogs
Thursday, January 30, 2–3 p.m.
Meet at the New Hill Parking Area (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex)
Let's explore the world of groundhogs! These small furry creatures, sometimes known as whistle pigs, have been used to predict the coming of spring for years. We'll talk about this tradition and discover more about these interesting animals.
 

Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)

Friday, February 14–Monday, February 17
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual, four-day event that encourages bird watchers of all ages and skill levels to count birds and report their results online to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The data collected gives useful information to scientists, which enables them to better evaluate fluctuations in bird populations. Visit www.birdsource.org/gbbc for more information!
 
We encourage you to participate by joining us for our counts and other programs and events on the Trail or at Harris Lake County Park. All programs are FREE and open to all ages to help you learn more about birds! Whether you're an avid birder or a beginner who wants to learn more about local birds, the GBBC is for you! Registration is requested for these programs:
 
Early Morning Bird Walk
Saturday, February 15, 8–10 a.m.
Meet at the New Hill Parking Area (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex)
Join us for as long as you like as we identify and count the birds along the American Tobacco Trail. Use our binoculars or bring your own.
 
Check out more programming for the Great Backyard Bird Count at our neighboring site Harris Lake County Park!
 
 

More Family Programs...

 
ATT History Hike
Saturday, February 22, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Meet at the White Oak Parking Area (1305 White Oak Church Road, Apex)
The American Tobacco Trail has a rich and fascinating history that spans almost 200 years! Go back in time to learn about how the Trail went from rural farmland to railroad to trail with this fun hike. Please bring a water bottle and good walking shoes.
Trail Treks: Hibernation
Thursday, February 27, 2–3 p.m.
Meet at the New Hill Parking Area (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex)
Not all animals stay awake during the winter. We'll learn about which animals hibernate and practice their special hibernation techniques with a fun game!
 
Trail Treks: Salamanders
Thursday, March 20, 2–3 p.m.
Meet at the New Hill Parking Area (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex)
It's the Year of the Salamander! Celebrate these awesome critters with a story and a fun hike to look for eggs and larvae.
 
Salamander Search
Sunday, March 23, 1:30–3 p.m.
Meet at the New Hill Parking Area (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex)
Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) has designated 2014 as the "Year of the Salamander."  Join Wake County Parks as we honor this cold weather-loving amphibian. We'll learn about these important animals and then head out to search the temporary wetlands along the trail for eggs and larvae.