Saturday, January 4, 11:00am Bark, Buds, and Twigs Jacob Fork Parking Area - Join a Park Ranger for a winter tree and plant identification hike. Learn about the plants around you and how they survive the winter. Meet at the Hemlock Trail trailhead in the Jacob Fork Parking Area.

Saturday, January 4, 2:00pm Hug A Tree Visitor Center - The National Association for Search & Rescue (NASAR) is committed to reducing the number of children who become lost each year by teaching children basic techniques to aid in their survival if they do become lost. Many people become disoriented and lose their way while hiking and camping in parks, forests, and wilderness areas. Join a park volunteer at the Visitor Center at 2:00pm to learn these basic survival skills.

Sunday, January 5, 2:00pm Fly Tying Basics Visitor Center - Learn to tie a wet fly from the natural hatch. This class will be offered to ages 10 and older. There is no cost for the class and all materials and tools will be provided. Saturday, January 11, 11:00am Evergreen Hike Jacob Fork Parking Area Join a Park Ranger for a walk along the Hemlock Nature Trail and learn about some of the plants that stay green all year long. Meet at the Jacob Fork Parking Area.

Saturday, January 11, 2:00pm Hug A Tree Visitor Center - The National Association for Search & Rescue (NASAR) is committed to reducing the number of children who become lost each year by teaching children basic techniques to aid in their survival if they do become lost. Many people become disoriented and lose their way while hiking and camping in parks, forests, and wilderness areas. Join a park volunteer at the Visitor Center at 2:00pm to learn these basic survival skills.

Sunday, January 12, 2:00pm Fly Fishing 101 Visitor Center - Get Hooked! Join a volunteer angler at the Visitor Center at 2:00pm for an introductory class on fly fishing. Please bring all personal equipment available. Classes may vary based on interest and skill level of the participants. NC Wildlife Resources Commission fishing regulations still apply.

Saturday, January 18, 11:00am The 10 Essentials Visitor Center - What items should you always carry with you when hiking? Meet a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center to learn about the "10 Essentials."

Saturday, January 18, 2:00pm What Does a Park Ranger Do? Visitor Center - Have you ever wanted to ask, "What does a Park Ranger do on a day-to-day basis?" Join a Park Ranger for a discussion for the many roles and responsibilities of an NC State Ranger. Try on some equipment ask all those questions you have always wanted to ask.

Sunday, January 19, 2:00- 3:00pm Skins and Skulls Visitor Center - Drop into the Visitor Center and join a Park Ranger and learn about some of the animals that call South Mountains State Park home. Get up close and personal with the skins and skulls of park inhabitants and learn about their adaptations that make them special.

Saturday, January 25, 11:00am Bears of South Mountains Visitor Center - Join a ranger and learn about the black bears of the South Mountains and across NC. Discussion will include data obtained by the NC Wildlife Resource Commission on the park's population of bears. Bear skin and skull will be on display.

Saturday, January 25, 2:00pm Intro to Backpacking Visitor Center - Want to go backpacking but you're unsure what all it entails? Need advice on camping set-ups? Come by the visitor center and learn all about the basics of backpacking!

Sunday, January 26, 2:00pm Fly Fishing 101 Visitor Center - Get Hooked! Join a volunteer angler at the Visitor Center at 2:00pm for an introductory class on fly fishing. Please bring all personal equipment available. Classes may vary based on interest and skill level of the participants. NC Wildlife Resources Commission fishing regulations still apply.

Contact the park office for more information 828-433-4772.