5 Activities to Enjoy on National Trails Day
On June 4th, 2016, thousands of activities will take place in parks in all 50 states for American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day. Kick-start a summer filled with adventure by participating in an event near you. It’s simple to find a perfect event for your outdoor adventure tastes by visiting NationalTrailsDay.AmericanHiking.org/ntd-events. Explore the interactive map or search for a specific activity type in your area. The following activities are all great ways to get outside and explore America’s magnificent landscapes:
Hike
No matter your ability level there’s a hiking activity for you. Whether you are interested in hiking to the top of a mountain or simply wanting to take a leisurely stroll in a park, there’s an event suited for you. For a wonderful introductory hike check out the National Trails Day event at George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, MO. You can learn about the local trails, hiking safety, nutrition, and of course experience the park on a one-mile or four-mile hike.
Bike
Air up those bike tires and tour around scenic and historic sites. Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park and Outdoor Chattanooga will observe National Trails Day on June 11 with a Trail Immersion Day on Lookout Mountain. Activities will include hiking, rock climbing, and you guested it—mountain biking.
Paddle
Trails aren’t restricted to land. America boasts a wonderful system of water trails and National Trails Day is a great opportunity to explore your first water trail. Join the staff of Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River for an unique experience on the Delaware River. This event is a great way to get out on the river, whether you have been paddling all your life, or are a beginner. For this particular activity you will need your own boat and equipment.
Photo Credit: Ella Belling
Run
Lace up your trail runners and participate in a leisurely fun run or boost your adrenaline with an epic trail race. Take the whole family out to the 6k or 8k fun run on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail near Lodi, WI. Take in the beauty along the trail and then delight in free chair massages, fantastic prizes, and homemade treats. Proceeds will be used for corridor protection, trail building & maintenance.
photo credit: Evelyn Eades
Volunteer
Give back to the trails and places you love. Join the thousands of individuals who will converge at trailheads all across the country to maintain existing trails, build new trails, and clean up the landscape along the trail. Hike along the iconic Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon and help collect trash along the trail corridor with a fun group of hikers. Celebrate the National Parks Centennial with some birthday cake after the clean-up activity.
These activities are just a few ways to enjoy National Trails Day. Find the perfect pre-planned adventure in your area by searching the event database. No matter which event you choose to participate in, remember to take lots of photos and submit them to the 2016 National Trails Day Photo Contest.