A Digital Guidebook for Science Adventures 

Have you ever had an unexpected day off with nothing planned or a weekend with nothing going on? At first, a day to chill doesn’t seem like a bad thing. 

But if you prefer to chill for just part of the day and then get out to enjoy an adventure, and possibly learn a little something along the way, the North Carolina Science Trail is for you. 

The trail features more than 60 science-focused sites open to the public, including state parks, aquariums, gardens, nature centers and science museums as well as the North Carolina Zoo. More sites will be added over time. 

“Making science education and exploration accessible and part of daily life is essential to our state’s ability to thrive long into the future,” said Reid Wilson, secretary of the NC Department of Natural and Culture Resources (NCDNCR). “Families that want to explore North Carolina nature and experience awe-inspiring science will have that information at their fingertips with the NC Science Trail website.” 

Other Themed Trails Paved the Way  

The trail is fashioned after other successful cultural and food-based trails like the Blue Ridge Heritage Trail, the NC Civil Rights Trail and the NC Oyster Trail. The science trail will offer programs, special events, “citizen science” opportunities and science travel itineraries for children and adults. 

The project was funded by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the NC Science Network and the In Situ Explorers.  

Trail Goals 

The groups behind the NC Science Trail have spelled out five goals for the project: 

1. Connect residents and visitors to hands-on science experiences.
2. Build awareness of the scientific process.
3. Broaden access to scientific exploration in all 100 counties in NC.
4. Cultivate appreciation for the role science plays in our everyday lives.
5. Encourage care for the natural world.

“I am thrilled to be part of bringing the NC Science Trail to life because I knew there was a real need for a digital resource to connect families and adults to accessible everyday science adventures,” said April Smith, Ph.D., executive director of In Situ Explorers and project manager of the NC Science Trail. “Now we can make that happen and continue to grow the trail.” 

Visit ncsciencetrail.org to see site locations and sign up for a monthly newsletter about happenings on the trail. 

PBS North Carolina and Sci NC appreciate the support of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.