This Saturday—June 5—people from sea to shining sea will celebrate American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®. Millions of people have found physical, mental, and emotional restoration on hometown trails during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tens of thousands will return the favor by caring for America’s magnificent trail system and ensuring more people in the U.S. can enjoy trails and natural areas. American Hiking Society invites everyone who enjoys spending time outside to join the nationwide festivities.
Anyone can celebrate National Trails Day® by attending a virtual or outdoor event taking place at hundreds of locations across the country and by taking the National Trails Day® Pledge to take action in 2021 to care for trails and advocate for equitable, safe access to quality green spaces.
“During the COVID-19 quarantines, many people discovered the mental and physical benefits of getting outside in their neighborhoods, to the point of a 200% increase in trail usage in some urban areas. As the millions-strong hiking community that American Hiking represents grows even bigger, so does its advocacy power, and we need that now more than ever. The trails and parks we all value are under-resourced, even as usage is going up. At the same time, 1 in 4 people don’t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space and many cannot easily get to recreation areas,” explains Kate Van Waes, Executive Director of American Hiking Society. “In honor of National Trails Day®, American Hiking is encouraging everyone to take the National Trails Day® Pledge to take action and care for trails and quality natural areas.”
To find a local event, take the pledge, or learn more people can visit NationalTrailsDay.org.
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is made possible by the generous support of Corporate Sponsors – Athletic Brewing Co., REI Co-Op, Popular Mechanics, and Ben’s Tick and Insect Repellent. Federal Partners include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, and U.S. Forest Service.
###
Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience.
