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What's National Trails Day® All About?

Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a first-time participant, National Trails Day® offers a chance to explore the outdoors, give back to your community, and promote sustainable trail use.

 

National Trails Day® (NTD) is celebrated every year on the first Saturday in June. The day is dedicated to promoting the benefits of hiking and the importance of trails, encouraging people to engage in outdoor activities, and advocating for trail service. It is an annual event hosted by the American Hiking Society, celebrating all trails on public lands

NTD celebrates the over 200,000 miles of trails in the U.S., from short local paths to iconic long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail. It unites hikers, cyclists, paddlers, equestrians, trail clubs, nonprofits, and public land agencies in a nationwide effort to protect and enjoy outdoor spaces.

How can I participate in National Trails Day?

 

To participate in NTD, you can engage in various activities that promote trail stewardship and community involvement. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Attend local events. Participate in public events organized by the American Hiking Society or local trail organizations. These events often include trail cleanups, group rides, hikes, and more.
• Find an event. Find a National Trails Day® event near you to join a nationwide trail service and advocacy movement
• Take the pledge. Commit to leaving the trails and the outdoor community better than you found them.
• Organize your own event. Hosting an NTD event is a great way for the outdoor community to give back to the natural spaces they love. Registration is usually open until the day of the event, but signing up early is encouraged to give participants plenty of time to plan.
• Volunteer for trail maintenance. Offer your time to help maintain trails by volunteering for trail service days. This can include tasks like clearing leaves, removing invasive plants, and planting trees.
• Educate others. Share your knowledge of trails and trail etiquette with others, especially in educational settings such as schools or community centers.
• Support trail organizations. Donate to local trail nonprofits or advocate for policies that support trail access and maintenance.
• Participate in trail challenges. Join challenges like the American Discovery Trail Challenge, where you can hike, bike, or run a stretch of the trail.
• Celebrate trails. Share your experience and impact on social media by tagging #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking.

Help with planning an event

Your event can be as simple as organizing a trail clean-up or leading a hike, ride, or paddle on your favorite trail. Tailor your event to your needs. Check out these resources for helpful tips on planning your event.

• American Trails Webinar: Giving Back to the Trail and Building Community During National Trails Day®. Discover how your organization and trail(s) can take advantage of National Trails Day®.
• AmericanTrails Webinar: Engage More People, Build New Partnerships, and Raise Awareness of Your Trail by Leveraging National Trails Day®. In this webinar, we'll explore creative ways to build community and connect with people in your area who share your love of being outside during National Trails Day® on June 3, 2023.
• American Trails Webinar: Increasing Community Engagement on Local Trails During National Trails Day®. This webinar gives creative ways to build community and connect with people in your area who share your love of being outside during National Trails Day® on June 4, 2022.
• American Hiking Society Event Host Guide. This guide will provide you with the following resources and knowledge you need to plan and promote a successful event for National Trails Day®.
• Promote NTD. Everything you need to promote and publicize National Trails Day®
• National Trails Day Report (2025). The 2025 National Trails Day (NTD) Report, marking the 33rd annual celebration, provides a detailed account of the scale, diversity, and impact of trail-related events across the United States.

 

What does it mean to be a trail steward?

Being a trail steward means enjoying, sharing, preserving, and respecting the trails and outdoor spaces we all enjoy. While responsibly recreating on trails is essential, being a trail steward involves more than that — it's about ensuring they remain welcoming, accessible, and well-maintained for everyone now and in the future.

Trail stewards:

• Appreciate the outdoors and enjoy them responsibly: Admire the trails' beauty while respecting their natural and cultural significance.
• Leave trails better than they found them: Participate in clean-ups, volunteer for trail maintenance projects, and,, when you head to the trails, ensure you pack out all of your waste.
• Promote community: Ensure the outdoors and trails are welcoming to all, and work to foster a sense of belonging and connection.
• Advocate for trails: Use your voice to speak out for public lands, trail funding, and trail preservation. These efforts help ensure these spaces are preserved and accessible for future generations.
• Share the space: Be considerate of all trail users — whether hikers, bikers, equestrians, etc., and wildlife, too, of course!

Being a trail steward is a way to give back to the trails we love to explore, ensuring they remain a source of joy, connection, and adventure for everyone.

History of National Trails Day

NTD was initiated by the American Hiking Society in 1993 to promote the use of trails for various outdoor activities and to encourage maintenance and advocacy for trails. The day was established to raise awareness about the importance of trails in outdoor recreation, conservation, and community engagement. It has since grown into a nationwide celebration with thousands of events and activities organized across the country. The day serves as a reminder of the role of trails in our lives, highlighting their benefits to individuals, communities, and the environment. 

The roots of NTD can be traced back to the National Trails System Act, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 2, 1968. This act established a network of national recreation, scenic, and historic trails across the United States, laying the groundwork for future trail advocacy and development.

Following the establishment of the National Trails System, various initiatives were launched to promote trail use and maintenance. In 1976, the American Hiking Society became an official organization, further advocating for the hiking community and the preservation of trails.

Over the years, NTD has grown significantly, with thousands of events hosted across the country. These events not only celebrate the beauty of trails but also involve community efforts to maintain and improve them, fostering a sense of stewardship among participants. 

Posted April 10, 2026