Celebrate National Trails Day 2025: A Tribute to America’s Trails and the People Who Protect Them
- Bretton Lakes
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
National Trails Day 2025
Every mile of trail we hike, run, bike, or ride represents more than just a path through the wilderness, it’s a living, breathing connection to America’s vast system of public lands. That’s what National Trails Day is all about.
This year, National Trails Day 2025 falls on Saturday, June 7, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most impactful events yet. Hosted annually by the American Hiking Society, it’s more than a celebration—it’s a national day of action, restoration, and connection to the land. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or just getting started, this day invites everyone to give back to the trails that give us so much.
What Is National Trails Day?
National Trails Day® is the only nationally coordinated event that brings together outdoor enthusiasts, volunteers, land managers, and conservation organizations in a shared effort to celebrate and care for America’s trail systems.
From the Appalachian Trail to urban greenways and local nature preserves, thousands of public and private trails across all 50 states benefit from one simple idea: showing up.
Started in 1993 by the American Hiking Society, this event has grown to include:
Trail cleanups and maintenance efforts
Guided hikes and outdoor educational events
Community celebrations
Conservation advocacy and policy outreach
The purpose is twofold:
To promote access to trails for all.
To mobilize action toward preserving and improving our shared trail systems.
Why National Trails Day Matters More Than Ever
As outdoor recreation continues to surge in popularity, trails across the country are facing unprecedented pressure. Increased foot traffic, climate impacts, and limited federal and state funding have strained trail systems from coast to coast.
According to the American Hiking Society, over 200,000 miles of trails crisscross public lands in the U.S.—but many are in dire need of maintenance, wayfinding updates, erosion control, or invasive species removal.
Meanwhile, funding for the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service continues to lag behind the growing demand for recreational access. Volunteer events like National Trails Day help fill the gap—both with labor and with visibility.
Where to Participate in National Trails Day 2025
There are hundreds of events scheduled across the U.S., many of which are free and open to all ages. Here are a few notable highlights for 2025:
Appalachian Trail Volunteer Day (Virginia to Maine)
One of the largest coordinated efforts on National Trails Day, volunteers gather along the AT to conduct trash cleanups, re-blaze trail markers, and improve campsites.
Ice Age Trail Hikes and Cleanup (Wisconsin)
The Ice Age Trail Alliance is hosting multiple hikes and service events—great for Midwesterners wanting to support a National Scenic Trail right in their backyard.
Pisgah National Forest Trail Crew (North Carolina)
Join local nonprofits and rangers to clear blowdowns and perform erosion control on popular trails like Graveyard Fields and Looking Glass Rock.
Columbia River Gorge Restoration (Oregon/Washington)
After recent fire damage and heavy storms, several popular trails in the Gorge need love. This year’s focus is on replanting and bridge repair.
Urban Trail Work in Cleveland Metroparks (Ohio)
In an effort to include urban outdoor spaces, Cleveland Metroparks is leading a National Trails Day event focused on connecting underserved communities to accessible green spaces.
To find an event near you, visit the American Hiking Society’s event locator and search by zip code.
Can’t Join in Person? 5 Ways to Support the Cause Remotely
If you can’t make it to an official event, there are still plenty of ways to contribute to the mission of National Trails Day:
Take a Solo Trail Cleanup Walk
Bring gloves and a trash bag on your favorite local trail and leave it cleaner than you found it.
Make a Donation to a Local Trail Organization
Groups like the Pacific Crest Trail Association, Florida Trail Association, or your local Friends of the Forest chapter depend on small donations.
Write to Your Representatives
Support public lands funding and trail maintenance by writing to your state and federal legislators. The Great American Outdoors Act was passed thanks in part to advocacy like this.
Share the #NationalTrailsDay Hashtag
Raise awareness by sharing photos of your favorite hikes or trail volunteer efforts and tagging local organizations.
Commit to Trail Stewardship Year-Round
Even if it’s not June 7, you can still act in the spirit of National Trails Day throughout the year—adopt a trail section, host a cleanup, or teach others about Leave No Trace.
How Trails Shape Outdoor Culture in the U.S.
America’s trail systems are more than recreational outlets—they’re symbols of freedom, connection, and wildness. Trails:
Link remote landscapes to nearby communities
Boost local economies through tourism
Offer low-cost outdoor access for families and youth
Connect us to Indigenous land and history
From the Continental Divide Trail to the North Country Trail, public land access often starts with a trailhead. In fact, a recent survey by the Outdoor Industry Association found that walking and hiking are the #1 gateway to outdoor recreation in the U.S.—beating out fishing, camping, and even biking.
How You Can Help Trails Beyond National Trails Day
Volunteer with Trail Organizations
Many trails have “Friends of…” groups that meet monthly to do maintenance, reroute trails, or build bridges and kiosks.
Support Funding for Public Lands
Programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Recreation Trails Program provide essential dollars for access and upkeep. Pay attention to legislation and budget proposals.
Educate Others on Leave No Trace
Most trail damage is unintentional. Use your platform—big or small—to promote responsible recreation.
Final Thoughts: A Shared Path Forward
If you’ve ever found peace in a pine forest, chased waterfalls on a summer hike, or watched the stars from a wilderness overlook, then you already understand the value of trails. They’re where we meet nature—and ourselves—on equal ground.
This National Trails Day, join the movement to protect and preserve that experience for future generations. Because trails don’t just happen. They’re built, maintained, and defended—often by volunteers like you.
Want to Help More?
Subscribe to Nomanslife for future posts on public land issues, outdoor adventure, and local guides. And check out our Public Lands Guide for maps, tips, and trail inspiration.
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