American Hiking Society Announces Grant Recipients for 2026 National Trails Day® Micro-Grant Program

This grant is designed to expand access for all communities to celebrate National Trails Day® on June 6, 2026.

Silver Spring, MD — American Hiking Society is proud to announce its 2026 National Trails Day® micro-grant program recipients. The grant is designed to expand access for all  communities to participate in meaningful events in celebration of American Hiking Society’s 34th annual National Trails Day® on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Due to a large number of impressive applications, we have expanded the micro-grant to award four communities, affinity groups, or events that foster belonging, respect and individual potential, a micro-grant of $1,500 each. This funding is intended to support an in-person event that aligns with the spirit of National Trails Day®. 

Held annually on the first Saturday in June, National Trails Day® is a nationwide celebration focused on trail service, advocacy, and bringing local communities together in the outdoors. The event inspires people of all ages and abilities to get outside and take action to enjoy and preserve the trails and public lands they love.

We’re proud to support these events and amplify their efforts to create lasting impact.

The 2026 National Trails Day® Micro-Grant Recipients:

Town of Lisbon, Maine

This National Trails Day event is dedicated to serving neurodivergent individuals and their families, with a focus on those often underrepresented in outdoor recreation. This includes individuals with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and anxiety-related conditions that typically render traditional outdoor events overwhelming or inaccessible. These communities often lack adaptive outdoor experiences tailored to sensory needs.

The event will feature a sensory-friendly hiking experience with predictable structure, reduced stimuli, and supportive accommodations. This approach aims to foster a sense of belonging, connection to nature, and community support for individuals frequently excluded from such experiences. Funds will support sensory exploration stations along the trail, featuring natural materials like moss, stones, and bark, as well as guided activities such as nature scavenger hunts and imaginative features for gentle, self-paced engagement. 

Brown People Camping

Brown People Camping is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with an event that champions inclusivity in the great outdoors on National Trails Day®. This gathering, designed for beginners and those underrepresented in traditional outdoor spaces, welcomes people of intersectional identities, including women and LGBTQIA+ participants. The event will include native history and land acknowledgments, custom promotional stickers for National Trails Day®, and activities that encourage community-building and conservation, such as bringing a first-time hiker or engaging in trail stewardship. Participants will enjoy a ranger-led talk on local ecosystems and responsible recreation. 

Destination Hike, LLC.

Destination Hike is hosting a special event on National Trails Day®, designed to empower up to 30 African American women aged 30-50 to reclaim outdoor spaces and build a supportive community. This initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by Black women in mid-life, a group historically underrepresented in trail recreation. Through a focus on sisterhood, wellness, and environmental stewardship, participants will engage in a curated hiking experience, followed by a catered luncheon. The event aims to remove financial and logistical barriers by covering entry fees, food, and supplies, making local hiking more accessible.

Aligned with National Trails Day's® spirit, the hike will include a stewardship activity, where participants will help collect trail litter, underscoring a commitment to conservation. While prioritizing a safe space for Black women, the event is inclusive and welcomes all allies committed to diversifying our trails.

Native Women Run Albuquerque

Native Women Run (NWR), Albuquerque’s pioneering run club dedicated to empowering Native women through running, will host a special event in celebration of National Trails Day. Founded in September 2024, NWR organizes four events monthly, blending runs and hikes to connect participants with their heritage and the land.

The National Trails Day® Event will feature a fun walk/hike combined with a trail cleanup, emphasizing the importance of "running the land" and environmental stewardship. This initiative reflects the club’s commitment to honoring their heritage and responsibilities toward nature. Funds will be used for trail clean-up supplies, food/drink for participants, educational materials, and prizes. Grant funding will support these initiatives, furthering NWR's mission to empower Native women and enhance their connection to the outdoors.

To learn more about National Trails Day® and the micro-grant program, please visit NationalTrailsDay.org.