“Trails do not just appear for our enjoyment; it takes many hours of planning, labor and negotiating to develop them." So says the American Hiking Society.

How true. How very true!

"National Trails Day… brings awareness to trails and thanks many people and partners for their support and hard work, including volunteers, land agencies and outdoor businesses.”

National Trails Day 2008 is here: Saturday, June 7th. And there’s a lot going on in Maine again this year to mark the day – 30 events at last count. Hikes, bird walks, paddles, trail work, cleanups, biking, dedications and festivals are scheduled, all in the spirit of celebrating the trails we use and enjoy for recreation, exercise and escape.

I can hardly believe that this will be the 16th year running for the big nationwide event to celebrate trails. There certainly have been many trail miles walked, water bars cleaned, bog bridges built, blazes painted, signs erected, and fun and laughter had in those many years, that’s for sure.

Find about what’s going on for National Trails Day here, then get packed for a full day of fun outdoors! See you out there on the trail, for sure!

Where will you be on National Trails Day?
Carey Kish photo

Outside on the trail helping out of course!
Carey Kish photo

Image courtesy American Hiking Society

WHAT: Get outdoors and onto our trails for the 16th annual National Trails Day!

WHEN: Saturday, June 7th. Important note: National Trails Day is officially only one day. That's bull. I hereby declare that every day is National Trails Day!

WHERE: There are 30 events happening all over Maine. Check out the list, pick one, and GO have some good fun! Our trails NEED you!

WHY: Duh. That's easy. There are several thousand miles of recreation trails in Maine. How do you think they got there. And how do you think they stay open? You got it... Nice people just like you who volunteer their time and energy to help out.

HOW: Pack a day pack with clothes, lunch and water. Be sure to pack gloves and bug dope too. Then go on and get down and dirty in the dirt with a happy group of other like-minded trail crazies.

BONUS: Join up with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC), the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), your local land trust, park, trails group. They ALL need your help, on National Trails Day and throughout the year. Do it!

Trail work is good fun...
Carey Kish photo

... just ask this smiley, happy (and thirsty!) trail crew!
Carey Kish photo