Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center will host a talk about red wolves there and allow the public to view a feeding at noon Saturday.The long holiday weekend makes time for a weekend getaway to a state park for camping or boating. But if travel isn't on your agenda, there are a variety of short outdoor adventures offered this weekend that can be done in a day.
Friday, May 26
* Night Hike: Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, Ga., 8-10 p.m., $10 per person plus $5 parking.
Learn facts about the geology and history of the park during a 2-mile hike. For ages 10 and older; minors must be accompanied by an adult. 706-913-7170.
* Star Party: DeSoto State Park, 7104 DeSoto Parkway, Fort Payne, Ala., 7:30 p.m. CST, free.
NASA educator John Weis leads discussion of constellations using telescopes to see night sky. 256-997-5025
* Tennessee Spring Star Party: Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, Tenn., Friday-Sunday, fee for lodging and food.
Cumberland Astronomical Society leads programs for professional and amateur astronomers; night sky viewing Friday and Saturday nights. 423-881-5708.
Saturday, May 27
* Sunset Stroll to Sunset Point: Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, Ga., 5-9 p.m., $5 parking.
Ranger-led stroll to overlook with views of Trenton, Lookout Valley and Sand Mountain. Meet at West Rim Access parking lot for 45-minute hike. 706-657-4050.
* Susan's Curves Hike: Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, 400 Garden Road, 1-2 p.m., free for members, $10 nonmember adults.
This slightly strenuous trail joins Nelson's Upslope after Shenstone Landskip clearing. Curving around the mountainside, it passes steep rock ravines to reach the intersection of South Ridge, Bradford Williams Loop trail and Lights Mill trail. Bring water and snacks. 423-821-1160.
* Red Wolf Feeding and Talk: Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, 400 Garden Road, noon, members free, regular admission of $10 adults, $7 ages 4-11 for nonmembers. 423-821-1160.
Monday, May 29
* Sitton's Gulch Hike: Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, Ga., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $15 per person plus $5 parking.
Moderately strenuous 5-mile hike starts at bottom of gulch, goes up 600 stairs then returns on a 3-mile hike downhill. 706-913-7170.
- Compiled by staff writer Susan Pierce