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National Trails Day

The  outdoors are calling out to us, telling us this is the perfect time for  a hike — it is National Trails Day after all, which is celebrated only  on the first Saturday in June of each year, falling on June 6 this year.  Organized by the American Hiking Society, this event aims to bring  together all trail enthusiasts, young and old, while honoring those who  help maintain and preserve hiking trails for everyone to enjoy.

History of National Trails Day

The  history of National Trails Day stretches back almost 50 years. Back  then, there were no government-mandated trails for walking and other  leisure activities. This changed when President Lyndon B. Johnson made a  law, which established trails that people could use for recreation (and  tourism too). This system saw much change over the years, with local  authorities and organizations adding to the network of trails. With each  new organization dedicated to hiking and outdoor activities, more and  more incentives to expand the existing trails became available to  people.

Until now, private entities have been expanding on the  governmental law, but soon, a presidential task force concluded that  more was needed to be done to expand the trails and safeguard the  environment. This report tasked federal authorities with providing funds  to local authorities and officials to help them develop and maintain  pathways in their regions. The American Hiking Society, which by then  was a big name in the world of hiking, decided it needed to devise a  scheme to further incentivize people to take up volunteering and  activities to maintain and enjoy the country’s hiking trails, and thus,  they launched National Trails Day, which has been running ever since.

National Trails Day timeline

October 2, 1968 Trails Act Becomes a Law

President  Lyndon B. Johnson establishes an official network of trails across  America that can be used for recreation and tourism.

October 13, 1976 The American Hiking Society is Born

An  official hiking organization is created, which begins hosting meetings  and thinking up new initiatives to increase interest in hiking.

January 28, 1985 A Review of Outdoor Recreation Services

President  Ronald Reagan signs an executive order, the Presidential Commission on  Outdoor Recreation Resources Review, to conduct a thorough review of  America's outdoor recreation services.

January 28, 1987 A Call for More Commitment

The  Presidential Commission on Outdoor Recreation Resources Review, now  called the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors, calls for more  outdoor commitment from the government for protection and funding.

1988 National Trails Agenda Project

A  cooperative venture is undertaken between the National Park Service and  American Trails to look at trail-based issues and to provide  recommendations that satisfy America's need for trails.

1991 An Idea Takes Root

The American Hiking Society comes up with a program to highlight the importance of trails and dubs it 'National Trails Day.'

1993 First National Trails Day Comes into Being!

The  American Hiking Society launches the first National Trails Day, with  hundreds of organizations participating — this day has been celebrated  ever since.

How To Celebrate National Trails Day

Participate in special events

Do more than hike

Show appreciation to volunteers

Throughout  the U.S., the American Hiking Society branches and various private  organizations host multiple events and activities to celebrate hiking  and promote awareness about the trails you can use. So grab a friend  (two- or four-legged) and set out on a little hike around your local  trail.

Hiking  trails are for more than simply hiking. These trails offer plenty of  recreational opportunities for those who don’t like hiking. They also  offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and activities like  canoeing or paddle trips, and, of course, most trails can be used for  biking as well.

These  pristine trails and pathways have been maintained by a group of  volunteers. So let’s take a moment to appreciate their efforts. You can  even celebrate these efforts by sharing your appreciation on social  media. You would not only be honoring these volunteers but you would  also be building interest in hiking too! Another way to show your  appreciation would be to become a volunteer yourself. Check out the  Appalachian Trail Conservatory or other organizations just like it that  are responsible for maintaining hiking trails and find out if there is  anything you can do to help.

Fun Facts About National Trails Day

The 20th-anniversary rush!

There are so many trails!

There’s one standout trail

Buying a house? Look for a trail

People still love to hike

A whopping 157,000 people participated in the 20th Annual National Trails Day events on June 2, 2012, held across the U.S.

America boasts around 200,000 miles of trails all over the country.

The  Appalachian National Scenic Trail — commonly called the Appalachian  Trail or A.T. — receives about two million visits each year.

According to the American Hiking Society, in 2008, prospective home buyers looked for trial availability while buying houses.

The  National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) trends in 2012  showed participation rates have increased in the first decade of the  21st century.

Why We Love National Trails Day

We get to explore nature

Hiking (and outdoorsy activities) are healthy

It is a great bonding activity

National  Trails Day is a great big celebration of the outdoors. In a time when  all most of us usually see is a giant corporate jungle, hiking is a  wonderful and refreshing pastime for us. We get to visit places where  nature still reigns supreme, which is a brilliant way to spend our time.

Going  on a quick (or long) hike instantly gets your blood pumping. Even if  you are not into hiking as an activity, outdoor aficionados can enjoy  many more activities in areas with hiking trails, each of which have  their own health benefits. Plus, being in nature is a giant stress  buster and good for the soul. If this isn’t enough to convince you,  spending time outdoors and in nature is a known aid for non-clinical  depression and a great way to restore mental- and physical faculties.

These  trails are truly for everyone. It offers young children a place to  safely run around outside, a breath of fresh air for anyone who needs  it, and a chance for the elderly to admire some wildflowers... There is  no competition here, no apps or distractions. It’s just you, your loved  ones, and, on some trails, your pets too. Happy bonding!

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