National Trails Day, on the first Saturday in June, recognizes the incredible benefits federal, state and local trails provide to its users. The day encourages people to discover their local trials, become active concerning trail issues, and share their excitement for the outdoors. On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the American Hiking Society will host the 33rd annual National Trails Day, a nationwide celebration of trails and outdoor stewardship. From coast to coast, individuals and organizations will unite to enjoy, maintain, and advocate for the trails that connect us to nature and each other. It serves as a nationwide event to honor and care for the trails that connect us to nature and our communities.
What Is National Trails Day?
National Trails Day is the largest single-day trail celebration in the U.S., bringing together hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts to ensure our trails remain accessible for all and to foster a sense of community and stewardship. While hiking may be the first activity to come to mind, trails offer so much more! Trails provide access to waterways for canoeing and paddle trips; biking trails for those who want to get outside and ride; birders find excellent opportunities for birdwatching, and those seeking to test their abilities to observe and study geolocation enjoy geocaching.In 2024, over 42,000 participants engaged in nearly 700 events nationwide, contributing to the maintenance of 455 miles of trails. Participants engage in activities such as trail cleanups, maintenance projects, guided hikes, and outdoor education events. It’s a day to give back to the trails we love and promote the health and well-being benefits of spending time outdoors. It’s also an opportunity to thank the many volunteers, land agencies, trail developers, park employees, and rangers for their help in developing and maintaining the trails.
How to Participate
Whether you’re interested in a guided hike, a trail cleanup, or a community celebration, there’s an event for you. The American Hiking Society provides a platform to find local events or register your own. Hosting an event can be as simple as organizing a trail clean-up or leading a hike, ride, or paddle on your favorite trail. You can even turn your hike into a HIKE for Mental Health. Click here to learn how.
Commit to leaving the trails and the outdoor community better than you found them by taking the National Trails Day pledge. By doing so, you’ll join a nationwide movement to build an inclusive trails community engaged in advocacy and trail service.
After participating, share your experience on social media by tagging #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking. This helps inspire others to get involved and showcases the collective impact of the day’s activities.
Resources for Event Hosts
The American Hiking Society provides a comprehensive Event Host Guide to assist in planning and promoting National Trails Day events. This includes tips on organizing activities, engaging the community, and utilizing promotional materials to ensure a successful event.
Why It Matters
National Trails Day is an opportunity for everyone, from families to seasoned adventurers, to come together, have fun outdoors, and make a lasting impact on our trails and public lands. By participating, you’re helping to ensure that these natural spaces remain accessible, well-maintained, and welcoming for all. And if you turn your hike into a HIKE for Mental Health you will be supporting scientific mental health research and preservation of wilderness trails. Learn more about our donations here.
Also, if you have followed this blog, you know the mental health benefits of getting outdoors. Many of our blog posts have focused on these benefits, from positive mood, to increased attention, and even changes in our brain. Need a refresher? Click here.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, National Trails Day offers an opportunity to connect with nature, contribute to the preservation of outdoor spaces, and join a community dedicated to making a positive impact on mental health! So get out there and HIKE!