National Trails Day® 2007: Rediscover Your Community by Trail

By Ivan Levin

Trails provide an escape from the often fast-paced, complex, and stressful world we all live in. For some, moving at a slow, relaxed pace while taking in the scenery is the ideal outdoor experience, while others enjoy the excitement of taking nature full on and pushing themselves to the limit. However you choose to escape and enjoy trails, the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® (NTD) is sure to be an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

NTD, held the first Saturday of every June, is America’s largest celebration of trails and the outdoors. With more than 1,200 events hosted by trail and community groups, public agencies, and businesses from coast to coast, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Trail enthusiasts nationwide seek out their favorite trails to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops, and trail work projects. NTD also provides an opportunity to thank the volunteers, land managing agencies, and outdoor-minded businesses for their support in developing and maintaining trails.

Whether you choose to find an NTD event close to home or travel to the other side of the country, NTD will lead you to a host of trails in areas of awesome natural beauty. The combined pleasures of outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, the sun on your back, and a path stretching away from you are what makes NTD so popular.

On June 2, 2007, American Hiking will celebrate the 15th Anniversary of National Trails Day. The anniversary celebration of NTD embodies the values, principles, and strength of this important outdoor program. The anniversary also represents years of hard work, dedication, and countless volunteer hours contributed by corporate sponsors, government agencies, non-profit groups, and community organizations across America.

Since the creation of NTD in 1993, the program has continued to inspire thousands of people, trail clubs, businesses, and government agencies worldwide. Events have taken place in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

NTD has become a commonplace and permanent fixture on the calendars of thousands of supporters and continues to encourage everyone to get outside, get active, and experience the myriad opportunities for outdoor recreation that trails afford. American Hiking hopes that attending a National Trails Day event will expose people to the wonders of their community trails and the variety of ways they can be enjoyed.

Visit www.AmericanHiking.org for full event descriptions, contact information, last-minute changes, and to find other events in your area.

Ivan Levin is the Trail Programs Manager for the American Hiking Society, a recreation-based conservation organization located in Silver Spring , MD. For more information, visit AmericanHiking.org or contact Ivan at 301-565-6704, ext. 208 or email ILevin@AmericanHiking.org.