WASHINGTON — Tens of thousands of people are expected to get outside in celebration of National Trails Day, according to the American Hiking Society. But this Saturday is about more than just spending time in nature, it’s about giving back to our environment.
"It's all about promoting volunteer stewardship, giving back to the trails and it's also about just highlighting the National Trails System and trying to advocate for more use of the trails," explains Lauren Jacobs, a Board Member for the American Hiking Society.
Jacobs has turned to trails her entire life.
"Any time I was stressed out about life I could come out and just enjoy the great outdoors," says Jacobs. "But if we don't take care of it, it's not going to continue to be that awesome outlet."
And she says, big or small, it’s just about getting out there. "Totally doesn't need to be an epic hike. In fact I spend most of my time hiking right here in D.C."
It doesn’t even have to be hiking at all!
Some other activities for National Trails Day include:
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Trail running
- Horseback riding
- Trail service projects and much more
To find an event close to home, simply check the National Trails database. There are currently hundreds of activities planned across the county. And if you don’t see one you like, you can create your own! And don’t forget to share your celebration, the American Hiking Society is encouraging enthusiasts to use the hashtag #NationalTrailsDay on social media. One lucky winner will even win some great hiking gear.
If you’re not able to get outside on Saturday, you can take the National Trails Day pledge on the American Hiking Society's website.
Jacobs says, "Simply sign up and say I promise that I'm going to leave the trails better off than I found them."
And don’t forget, on Saturday and everyday, it’s all about advocating for more use and better care of our beautiful trails.
"It really just highlights this idea that we can always be thinking about how to leave the trails better off than we found them and also how to support the hiking community," adds Jacobs.
There are currently 18 events happening in the DMV from the Shenandoah to the D.C. metro area.
For a full list and more information on how you can join, just click here.