Four Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors on National Trails Day®

May 25, 2017

On Saturday, June 3^rd, people across America are invited outside for a fun trail experience during American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day^®.

On National Trails Day, people are encouraged to hike, bike, paddle, pitch in on some trail maintenance, or do any of the other numerous fun activities that will have them sweating and smiling. From urban parks to remote wildlands and everywhere in between, National Trails Day is getting Americans off the couch and on the trail!

Whether a person is looking to get outside and enjoy a favorite activity or perhaps try something new, here are four ways to enjoy National Trails Day:

1. Discover an event that excites. Thousands of clubs, parks, and organizations will host community events in all 50 States. Young or old, inexperienced or expert, there’s a National Trails Day event for every person, and most events are free. The possibilities are nearly endless. Activities include: hikes, bike rides, trail runs and races, photography clinics, birding, geocaching, paddle trips, trail dedications, special exhibits, and children’s activities. Whatever a person likes to do outdoors, there is bound to be an event to fit their interests. The public is encouraged to find an event near them at bit.ly/ntd-events.

Adventures are meant to be shared. National Trails Day is a great opportunity to meet new people and share a fun experience on a local trail. Kick off the summer with a fun-filled trail adventure.

2. Explore a new Trail. For those who wish to get away from it all, take the pledge to hit the trail on National Trails Day at bit.ly/17NTDpledge and share a new trail experience with someone in your life. Even on a solo trail experience you can take part in the national festivities by sharing your trail adventure by tagging your photos and videos with #NationalTrailsDay.

3. Get dirty and give back to local trails. Nearly a quarter of all National Trails Day events focus on providing some TLC to trails that could use some sprucing up. With more than 200,000 miles of trails crisscrossing the nation, and with diminishing funds to maintain them, it’s important to volunteer and give back to local trails. The good news is trail maintenance is satisfying, and at the end of a work project it’s rewarding to see hard work pay off on a beautiful trail. Find a trail maintenance project near you at bit.ly/17NTDvolunteer.

National Trails Day stewardship projects provide much-needed maintenance to trails in every corner of the country. Last year more than 25,000 volunteers helped build and maintain nearly 1,200 miles of trail on National Trails Day. That’s something to really take pride in!

4. Capture the journey. Folks are encouraged to snap a few photos of their adventure and submit them to the 2017 National Trails Day Photo Contest at bit.ly/17NTDphoto. The grand prize winner will receive a premium gear package. Photos must be submitted by June 11^th.

Learn more about National Trails Day and find a local event at NationalTrailsDay.org

American Hiking’s National Trails Day® is made possible by the generous support of Corporate Sponsors – Columbia, Therm-A-Rest, Superfeet, REI, Popular Mechanics, Osprey Packs, Merrell, KIND Snacks, Save The Redwoods League, 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  or call (301) 565-6704.

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