Be Part of Bike Travel Weekend AND National Trails Day

April 25, 2017 - Adventure Cycling's Eva Dunn-Froebig interviewed Wesley Trimble of the American Hiking Society for this post.

Adventure Cycling Association’s Bike Travel Weekend, June 2–4, overlaps with another event on the same day. The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day, June 3, connects people to trails.

Just like Bike Travel Weekend, people of all ages and abilities can participate in National Trails Day for free by registering an event. With thousands of National Trails Day events in all 50 states — including hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and trail maintenance — there’s bound to be an event near you.

And now with a new partnership between Adventure Cycling Association and the American Hiking Society, it’s easy to participate in both Bike Travel Weekend and National Trails Day. Wesley Trimble, Program Outreach and Communications Manager at the American Hiking Society, explains how in the interview below.

1. Tell me about National Trails Day^®. How long has the American Hiking Society been organizing it and how can you participate?

National Trails Day is the only nationally coordinated event designed to unite all muscle-powered trail activities with the goal of connecting more people to trails. Every trail beckons adventure and has a story to share with any person willing to discover it, and American Hiking Society believes these trail experiences can improve the lives of every American.

Each year, on the first Saturday of June, American Hiking Society and the trails community invite Americans of all ages and abilities to find their own adventure at one of the thousands of events hosted throughout the country. 

On June 3, we will celebrate the 25th annual National Trails Day. American Hiking Society and the trails community founded the event in 1993 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, which established the National Trails System and helped protect some of Americas most cherished trails and lands. Over the years, more trails have been added to the National Trails System, and in 2018 we are excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the act.

2. How can you participate in both Bike Travel Weekend and National Trails Day?

Any muscle-powered trail activity can be registered as a National Trails Day event. All the Bike Travel Weekend trips that take place on a trail are National Trails Day events and the public trips are featured on the National Trails Day search database. Beyond bike trips, events include trail maintenance, hikes, trail runs and races, birding, wildlife photography, geocaching, paddle trips, trail dedications, and children’s activities.

If you plan to hit the trails on Bike Travel Weekend and National Trails Day make sure you use #FindYourTrail and #NationalTrailsDay on social media to contribute to the nationwide adventure. By signing the pledge to get out on National Trails Day, you will be entered to win a gear package and National Trails Day swag.

3. If you could participate in any one National Trails Day event which one would you pick?

Each day, dozens of National Trails Day events are registered, and I read each description, and this year there are some great events happening across the country. It’s hard to pick just one, but if I was in the Southern California area I’d attend the event at San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. American Hiking Society, Popular Mechanics, Go RVing, REI, and the Forest Service are teaming up for a purpose-powered challenge. In the morning, volunteers will maintain some beautiful trails, a tasty lunch will be provided, and the hosts will have some demos, activities, and product giveaways after lunch. The best part is, it’s all free.

Photo 1 courtesy of Steven Powell | Photo 2 by Bre Ximenes | Photo 3 by Kat Crawford | Image 4 courtesy of the American Hiking Society | Photo 5 by Christopher Smith.

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