Published June 2, 2008 04:22PM
If you consider yourself a true-blue hiker, mark your calendar for this Saturday: June 7 is National Trails Day, an official celebration of both the millions of miles of hiking track and the workers and volunteers who maintain them so that we all enjoy an easier path into the wilderness. Sponsored by the American Hiking Society (AHS), the holiday is designed to bring awareness to one of our greatest national resources and help ensure their upkeep for future generations.
AHS is joining with local hiking, backpacking, conservation, and forestry groups to sponsor celebratory programs in all 50 states and Canada. Participants will have the opportunity to join trail cleanup crews, experience guided hikes, build trails, and even compete in 5K trail races. The American Hiking Society conveniently has links to activities happening in your area on their interactive map located right here.
So this Saturday, can the yard work and get to a trailhead near you. Make sure and take a little time to learn more about our trail system, give back to preserve it, or, at the very least, take a hike. We know we’d rather be hiking than mowing the lawn. How about you?
— Ted Alvarez
National Trails Day 2008 (American Hiking Society)