Largest Nationwide Trails Celebration to Take Place on June 2, 2018

May 31, 2018

Silver Spring, MD – American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® aims to collectively improve 2,802 miles of trail– the distance across the US–in a single day in honor of the 50^th Anniversary of the National Trails System. Beyond recreational and educational opportunities, National Trails Day^® participants are encouraged to leave a trail better than they found it.

On Saturday, June 2, 2018 individuals in every state will hit the trail in celebration of National Trails Day^®. National Trails Day^® kicks off summer with more than a thousand events and a wide variety of muscle-powered trail activities across the country. It is a great opportunity for people to try something new, explore wild spaces, leave a trail better than they found it, or get outside in their neck of the woods—or city.

For 25 years, National Trails Day^® has united the trails community on the first Saturday of June with the goal of connecting more people to trails and public lands. This year marks the 50^th Anniversary of the National Trails System. The 1968 National Trails System Act gave America a gift – the creation and protection of many of Americans’ favorite places to get outside. American Hiking Society and event hosts from coast to coast invite individuals to discover the gift of the National Trails System on National Trails Day^®.

Hikers, cyclists, equestrians, paddlers, and others who enjoy spending time outside can join the nationwide effort by pledging to improve a trail on National Trails Day^®. It’s easy to get involved by simply picking up trash or by joining an organized trail work project.

Anyone can join the national celebration by taking the pledge to improve a trail and find an event at NationalTrailsDay.org.

National Trails Day^® photos, graphics, and b-roll video are available for editorial use: bit.ly/2018NTDpromo

American Hiking’s National Trails Day^® is made possible by the generous support of Corporate Sponsors – Merrell, Eddie Bauer, Columbia, REI, Popular Mechanics, Save The Redwoods League, Nature Valley, Osprey Packs, Wiivv and Federal Partners – National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, and U.S. Forest Service.

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience.  To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit www.AmericanHiking.org

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