National Trails Day
National Trails Day is observed next on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 (198 days from today).
National Trails Day on the first Saturday in June recognizes all the benefits of federal, state and local trails in the development of recreation and exposure nature.
There is a bygone era that offers adventure no matter where you do it, and a bygone time is hiking. Every year, millions of people come to the great outdoors, new and old hiking trails in search of self and love of nature.
National Trail Day celebrates these brave souls and all the unexplored areas of the world where nature still reigns supreme. Hiking is good for your soul and health, and the great outdoors has been shown to aid in the treatment of nonclinical depression and improve overall morale.
History of National Trails Day
This celebration is organized by americanhiking.org with the aim of bringing together all the enthusiasts of the trail sport and raising their awareness to bring more.
Thousands of events are held across the country that attract new and old hikers and help organize people to care for the trails so they can be open for everyone to enjoy.
There are more than 200,000 miles of trails in the US alone, and it takes the combined efforts of enthusiasts everywhere to keep them active and clear for everyone to enjoy.
Stepping out into the wilderness is a great way to find new adventures, with beautiful natural discoveries made by people out there.
Whether you're hiking, biking, or horseback riding, National Trails Day is the perfect opportunity to hit the trails. Trails can range from less than a mile to the 2,200-mile trail, which is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, known to enthusiasts as A.T. 31 trail clubs work to maintain this trail, along with numerous partners and organizations including the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service.
The history of National Trail Day spans more than fifty years. Historically, there were no government-mandated trails. However, beginning in October 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Trails Act, which established a network of trails that people could use for tourism and recreation. Over the years, the system has evolved and local authorities have added new sections, promoting outdoor pursuits.
Almost a decade later, in 1976, the Hiking Association became an official organization and began holding board meetings. In the years that followed, there was a series of additional initiatives designed to expand the number of trails available to everyone, encouraging more of them to get out and explore them. By 1987, a Presidential task force concluded that more government commitment was still needed to expand the trail network to protect the environment. Federal authorities need to provide more funds so local officials can develop routes and protect their natural resources, the report states.
The problem of the trails quickly evolved into something of a political sting. By 1990, the Trails Program Project, which borrowed money from the President's Committee on Outdoor Activities, recommended that the country embark on a "trail for all projects." They concluded that there should be outdoor recreation options for everyone.
In 1991, the Hiking Association met to discuss how to improve the trail network and what they could do. They came up with the idea to develop a plan to encourage volunteers to participate in the trail maintenance network and highlight the trail issue in the public consciousness. Two years later, in 1993, the society launched the first National Trail Day, and it has been celebrated ever since. Thanks to the incredible enjoyment the trails bring to everyone, they are well worth celebrating. More than 157,000 people participated in the 20th anniversary of the trail.
How to celebrate National Trails Day
Of course, there are many ways to celebrate National Trails Day. The most interesting way is to get out of the trails and start hiking! With thousands of miles alone in the United States, people always have new places to see and new places to explore. If you're already an enthusiast who wants to help maintain the trails we have around the world, you can volunteer with one of the many organizations that help maintain them, such as the Appalachian Trail Conservatory.
Another fun way to celebrate this day is to do the same with your dog. There are now thousands of miles of trails in practically every locality, and most of them admit your furry friend. Spending the day on the trail with your dog can be a great way to both bond and exercise.
If hiking isn't your thing, you can hit the trails with a suitable dirt bike. Dogs love to run alongside pedal-powered owners, and it can provide them with great exercise.
Are you more of a social media fanatic? If so, you can highlight the benefits that hiking brings to society on your social media accounts. You can also stream your adventures live, keeping others interested in all the fun of being in nature.
Finally, you might want to join an impromptu trail maintenance party. This is where trail enthusiasts come together to maintain the trails. Remember, trails don't last forever. People like you must join teams of volunteers to help keep them in good condition for future use by enthusiasts.
So pack your bags and start going to more amazing places on National Trails Day, who knows what beauty you will discover? Everyone deserves some inner peace, and you can explore your life on the trails!
Observed
National Trails Day has been observed the first Saturday in June.Dates
Saturday, June 3rd, 2023
Saturday, June 1st, 2024
Saturday, June 7th, 2025
Saturday, June 6th, 2026
Saturday, June 5th, 2027
Founded by
American Hiking Society in 1993