National Trails Day
National Trails Day is an annual celebration on first Saturday in June that honors the trails of America and encourages people to get out and explore the great outdoors. This event has a rich history that dates back to October 2, 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Trails System Act into law. This landmark legislation established national recreation, scenic, and historic trails, which the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and other federal agencies manage.
The idea for National Trails Day began in the late 1980s when a group of outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and volunteers came together to promote and protect our nation’s trails. They believed that trails were essential to our physical and mental health, economy, and cultural heritage. In 1993, the American Hiking Society officially launched National Trails Day, which is now celebrated annually on the first Saturday in June.
Each year, thousands of individuals, families, and organizations participate in National Trails Day events across the country. These events include hikes, bike rides, trail maintenance projects, educational programs, and more. National Trails Day is a great opportunity to discover new trails, meet new people, and give back to the trails that we all love.
See also: Canada Opens World’s Longest Hiking Trail That Stretches Coast to Coast.
So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, National Trails Day is the perfect time to get outside and explore the beauty of America’s trails.
How to Celebrate:
- Pledge to commit to leaving the trail and the outdoor community better than how you found them.
- Go on a hike, either walking or biking. Or go birdwatching or canoeing in recreational areas.
- Become a volunteer to help maintain the trails and pick up garbage along the trails.
- Donate to a trail fund.
Fun Facts:
- Before 1968, no government-mandated trails for walking or other leisure activities existed. President Lyndon B. Johnson made a law establishing an official network of trails across America that could be used for recreation or tourism.
- There are 11 National Scenic Trails within the National Trails System.
- There are around 200 000 miles of trails across the United States.
- Being in nature and hiking is a great way to restore mental and physical faculties.
- The Appalachian Trail is visited by over 2 million people each year.
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