The American Tobacco Trail staff offers a variety of public educational programs for all ages year-round. Visit our calendar of events and sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date!
Family Programs
Creatures of the Night
Friday, February 20
Time: 5:30–7 p.m.
For all ages
Cost: $5 per family or $3 per individual
Learn about the animals that come out after the sun goes down. We will hike along the trail to look and listen for coyotes, owls, and more. Discover the adaptations necessary for these creatures to survive and thrive in the dark. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex, NC 27502.
Salamander Search
Saturday, March 28
Time: 1:30–3 p.m.
For all ages
Cost: $5 per family or $3 per individual
Are you aware of the important role salamanders play in our communities? They may be living in your neighborhood! Join us as we learn about these elusive amphibians, then head out to search the temporary wetlands along the trail for eggs, larvae and adults. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex, NC 27502.
Star Party
Friday, April 24
Time: 7–10 p.m.
For all ages
Cost: FREE!
The American Tobacco Trail and Lake Crabtree County Park are co-hosting a 2015 Statewide Star Party – Our Solar System on the trail and at the White Oak Parking Area. Observe a variety of celestial objects, both inside and outside out solar system. We will have telescopes, binoculars and fun activities. Just bring your curiosity! Meet at the White Oak Parking Area, 1305 White Oak Church Road, Apex, NC 27523.
Trail Treks Monthly Series
Cost: $5 per family or $3 per individual
For all ages
Busy Beavers
Thursday, February 26
Time: 3–4 p.m.
Our family of beavers at New Hill is quite active, shaping the landscape to suit their needs. Learn about the unique adaptations of these wonderful mammals through our popular "Build a Beaver" program and hike to look for evidence of them along the Trail. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex, NC 27502.
Amazing Amphibians
Thursday, March 26
Time: 3–4 p.m.
Frogs, toads, salamanders and caecilians: these are the amazing amphibians! Many of our native amphibians are quite active in the winter, but early spring is a wonderful time to see and hear them. Learn about the water dependent life cycle of all amphibians and hike along the Trail to search for them. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex, NC 27502.
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 13–16
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.
The programs listed below 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!
Bird Walks
Sunday, February 15
Time: 9–11 a.m.
For all ages
Join us for a walk along the American Tobacco Trail from White Oak toward Wimberly as we identify and count the birds. Stay with us as long as you like. Registration is requested. Meet at the White Oak Parking Area picnic tables, 1305 White Oak Church Road, Apex, NC 27523.
Monday, February 16
Time: 3–5 p.m.
For all ages
We will walk toward the Beaver Creek Bridge to observe and count the variety of birds that live in this area. Registration is requested. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area picnic table, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex, NC 27502.
Wake County staff are also offering GBBC programs at Harris Lake County Park!
For more information and to check availability for American Tobacco Trail programs, contact the Harris Lake County Park office at 919-387-4342 or email us at harris.lake@wakegov.com.
To register, complete and sign the 
PROS Program Registration Form and return it with payment by mail to American Tobacco Trail, 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill, NC 27562 or bring it by the Harris Lake County Park office.
Please Note: Payment and a completed, signed registration form must be received to confirm your spot in our programs. Registration must be received at least two days prior to the program date. If the minimum number of registered participants is not met, the program will be cancelled. All payments must be made using cash, check or money order (made out to "Wake County Parks") – park staff do not currently have the ability to take credit cards.