Learn more fun facts on the National Trails Day Video Page.
- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- ActivitiesEnvironmentSummer
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- First Saturday of June
- Holiday emoji:
- 🏞️
National Trails Day calls outdoor enthusiasts to explore and preserve America’s vast network of trails every first Saturday in June. This year, on June 6, take the opportunity to hike, bike, or paddle a local trail. Join a volunteer event, discover a new path, and share your love for the outdoors.
Want to sponsor National Trails Day? Learn how
Expected National Trails Day Deals
While National Trails Day isn’t typically a major retail sales event, it’s a prime opportunity for outdoor brands and organizations to support trail conservation. Look for special donation drives from companies like REI, who often partner with local trail groups for cleanup events and fundraising. Brands such as The North Face and Patagonia may offer limited-edition gear where a portion of proceeds benefits trail maintenance. Many local outdoor retailers, including independent gear shops, will host in-store events, offer discounts on hiking essentials, or organize group hikes with a suggested donation to a trail conservancy. Nonprofits like the American Hiking Society and the National Park Foundation will be actively seeking volunteers and donations to fund their vital work. We will update this page with confirmed live events and donation opportunities as June 6 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Trails Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalTrailsDay. Share stunning photos of your favorite trails or a video of your volunteer efforts.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalTrailsDay. Promote local trail events and invite your community to join.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalTrailsDay. Share news about trail conservation efforts and advocate for outdoor access.
National Trails Day Hero
Benton MacKaye
History of National Trails Day
The history of National Trails Day stretches back almost 50 years. Back then, there were no government-mandated trails for walking and other leisure activities. This changed when President Lyndon B. Johnson made a law, which established trails that people could use for recreation (and tourism too). This system saw much change over the years, with local authorities and organizations adding to the network of trails. With each new organization dedicated to hiking and outdoor activities, more and more incentives to expand the existing trails became available to people.
Until now, private entities have been expanding on the governmental law, but soon, a presidential task force concluded that more was needed to be done to expand the trails and safeguard the environment. This report tasked federal authorities with providing funds to local authorities and officials to help them develop and maintain pathways in their regions. The American Hiking Society, which by then was a big name in the world of hiking, decided it needed to devise a scheme to further incentivize people to take up volunteering and activities to maintain and enjoy the country’s hiking trails, and thus, they launched National Trails Day, which has been running ever since.
National Trails Day timeline
President Lyndon B. Johnson establishes an official network of trails across America that can be used for recreation and tourism.
An official hiking organization is created, which begins hosting meetings and thinking up new initiatives to increase interest in hiking.
President Ronald Reagan signs an executive order, the Presidential Commission on Outdoor Recreation Resources Review, to conduct a thorough review of America's outdoor recreation services.
The Presidential Commission on Outdoor Recreation Resources Review, now called the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors, calls for more outdoor commitment from the government for protection and funding.
A cooperative venture is undertaken between the National Park Service and American Trails to look at trail-based issues and to provide recommendations that satisfy America's need for trails.
The American Hiking Society comes up with a program to highlight the importance of trails and dubs it 'National Trails Day.'
The American Hiking Society launches the first National Trails Day, with hundreds of organizations participating — this day has been celebrated ever since.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Trails Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Trails Day by organizing or sponsoring a community trail cleanup, providing refreshments for volunteers, or offering discounts on outdoor gear. Coffee shops near trailheads can promote special ‘hiker’s specials,’ while eco-tourism companies can highlight guided tours of local trails. Fitness studios might host outdoor yoga or workout sessions on a scenic path, encouraging both physical activity and appreciation for the natural environment. Partnering with local conservancies for donation drives or awareness campaigns also demonstrates a commitment to community and conservation.
National Trails Day FAQs
When is National Trails Day?
National Trails Day 2026 falls on Saturday, June 6. This annual event is observed on the first Saturday of June, encouraging people nationwide to get outside and celebrate America’s trails.
How many miles of trails are there in the U.S.?
The United States boasts an extensive network of trails, with estimates suggesting over 60,000 miles of designated trails, including national scenic, historic, and recreation trails. This vast system offers diverse opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
What is the purpose of National Trails Day?
The primary purpose of National Trails Day is to promote the importance of trails for recreation, conservation, and health. It encourages people to discover their local trails, participate in volunteer work, and advocate for trail preservation.
Who organizes National Trails Day?
National Trails Day is organized by the American Hiking Society, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the hiking experience. They coordinate events and promote trail advocacy nationwide.
How To Celebrate National Trails Day
Participate in special events
Throughout the U.S., the American Hiking Society branches and various private organizations host multiple events and activities to celebrate hiking and promote awareness about the trails you can use. So grab a friend (two- or four-legged) and set out on a little hike around your local trail.
Do more than hike
Hiking trails are for more than simply hiking. These trails offer plenty of recreational opportunities for those who don’t like hiking. They also offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and activities like canoeing or paddle trips, and, of course, most trails can be used for biking as well.
Show appreciation to volunteers
These pristine trails and pathways have been maintained by a group of volunteers. So let’s take a moment to appreciate their efforts. You can even celebrate these efforts by sharing your appreciation on social media. You would not only be honoring these volunteers but you would also be building interest in hiking too! Another way to show your appreciation would be to become a volunteer yourself. Check out the Appalachian Trail Conservatory or other organizations just like it that are responsible for maintaining hiking trails and find out if there is anything you can do to help.
Fun Facts About National Trails Day
The 20th-anniversary rush!
A whopping 157,000 people participated in the 20th Annual National Trails Day events on June 2, 2012, held across the U.S.
There are so many trails!
America boasts around 200,000 miles of trails all over the country.
There’s one standout trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail — commonly called the Appalachian Trail or A.T. — receives about two million visits each year.
Buying a house? Look for a trail
According to the American Hiking Society, in 2008, prospective home buyers looked for trial availability while buying houses.
People still love to hike
The National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) trends in 2012 showed participation rates have increased in the first decade of the 21st century.
Why We Love National Trails Day
We get to explore nature
National Trails Day is a great big celebration of the outdoors. In a time when all most of us usually see is a giant corporate jungle, hiking is a wonderful and refreshing pastime for us. We get to visit places where nature still reigns supreme, which is a brilliant way to spend our time.
Hiking (and outdoorsy activities) are healthy
Going on a quick (or long) hike instantly gets your blood pumping. Even if you are not into hiking as an activity, outdoor aficionados can enjoy many more activities in areas with hiking trails, each of which have their own health benefits. Plus, being in nature is a giant stress buster and good for the soul. If this isn’t enough to convince you, spending time outdoors and in nature is a known aid for non-clinical depression and a great way to restore mental- and physical faculties.
It is a great bonding activity
These trails are truly for everyone. It offers young children a place to safely run around outside, a breath of fresh air for anyone who needs it, and a chance for the elderly to admire some wildflowers... There is no competition here, no apps or distractions. It’s just you, your loved ones, and, on some trails, your pets too. Happy bonding!
Social Media Tips for National Trails Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands