The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: National Trails Day Events

In 1987 President Ronald Reagan authorized the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. The final report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors, and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining the American Hiking Society in launching the first National Trails Day in 1993.

In less than two weeks, on June 2nd, the American Hiking Society will celebrate its 20th National Trails Day. More than 2000 events across the nation will take place, including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!

Below are a few events in the Great Smoky Mountains region that might be of interest to hikers:

* 16th Annual Appalachian Trail Workday in the Smokies with the Friends of the Smokies. This year, work will be focused on sections of the AT between Icewater Springs Shelter and Silers Bald, and heading NE and SW from Low Gap.

* Firefly Hike in Elkmont with the Smoky Shadows Service Unit Girl Scouts.

* Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Maintenance Day near Roan Mountain.

* National/Tennessee Trails Day Celebration at Roan Mountain State Park.

* Hike Cumberland Mountain State Park with the Tennessee Trails Association Plateau Chapter.

For a full list of events in your area, please click here.