National Trails Day takes place on the first Saturday in June and recognizes all the incredible benefits federal, state and local trails provide for recreation and exposure to nature.
Getting families together for an opportunity to bond and build stronger outdoor skills is really important and National Trails Day focuses on that connection while educating park visitors about the wide variety of services the trail systems offer, Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker said.
Trails provide access to waterways for canoeing and paddle trips, unique opportunities for birdwatching and learning land navigation as well as using the trails for hiking and biking.
Events are held at all 41 Virginia State Parks in order to promote awareness and to encourage people to discover their local trails.
“Virginia State Parks offer a range of programs to educate and connect with the local community that showcase the state’s scenic trails,” Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park Manager David Gunnells said. “We are offering guests an opportunity to give back to the park and help clean up the trails with a Park Ranger on June 4. National Trails Day is a perfect way to combine enjoying the outdoors while cleaning up the trails you love.”
National Trails Day is 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.
