National Trails Day: History, significance and all you need to know
1 min read 03 Jun 2023, 08:29 AM ISTNational Trails Day, organized by the American Hiking Society, is celebrated on June 3 to encourage people to explore the benefits of hiking trails. The event promotes outdoor recreation, physical activity, and a connection to nature while highlighting the importance of maintaining trails.
PremiumNational Trails Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of June. This year, it falls on June 3. The event is organized by the American Hiking Society in a bid to encourage people to get outside and explore the benefits of hiking trails.
History:
The history of National Trails Day can be traced back to 1968, when US President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Trails Act into law. The act established a network of trails that could be used for tourism and recreational purposes.
The American Hiking Society was founded in 1976, and soon after, it began taking initiatives to expand the number of trails available to people.
The first National Trails Day was celebrated in 1993 to highlight the issues associated with trails and to encourage the maintenance of the network. Since then, the event has grown in popularity. According to the American Hiking Society, nearly 157,000 people participated in more than 2,000 events for the 20th National Trails Day celebration in 2012.
Significance:
National Trails Day serves as a reminder of the many benefits offered by trails, while also promoting a sense of unity among people from different walks of life. The occasion allows for the opportunity of outdoor recreation in the form of hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more such activities.
In the age of social media and online gaming, National Trails Day has taken on a new meaning by highlighting the importance of getting outdoors and maintaining a connection with nature. It also promotes the importance of physical activity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Spending time in nature has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of many health problems and make people feel happier.
National Trails Day also encourages people to explore and enjoy the natural beauty around them, while highlighting the importance of trails in their lives.
Here are some ways to celebrate National Trails Day:
Go for a hike on a local trail.
Bike, horseback ride, or paddle on a trail.
Volunteer to help maintain a trail.
Learn more about the history of trails in your community.
Share your love of trails with friends and family.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, National Trails Day is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the benefits of hiking trails.
