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American Hiking Society
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National Trails Day 2013

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

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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 three weeks, on June 1st, the American Hiking Society will celebrate its 21th 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 many other trail related events.

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

* The 17th Annual Appalachian Trail Work Day in the Smokies

* Your Park, Your Trails at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

* Black Mountain Hike with the TTA Plateau Chapter

* Trail Construction on the Mountains to Sea Trail (Eno River section) with Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail

* South Mountains State Park Hike, Bike & Ride

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






Jeff
Hiking Trails in the Smokies
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American Hiking Society Offers Budget Friendly Volunteer Adventures

Thursday, March 22, 2012

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Spring is right around the corner and if the warmer weather has you yearning for an outdoor adventure, consider a Volunteer Vacation with American Hiking Society. Whether you need a kick-start to organize your next outing, are interested in traveling to a new destination, or are eager to meet others who share your passion for the outdoors, American Hiking Society offers over 50 trail-building vacations across the country allowing you to give back to the places and trails you love!

With a wide range of projects and a variety of accommodations for volunteers, American Hiking’s Volunteer Vacations program offers something for everyone. If you are new to trail work and don’t have a tent, consider the Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest trip, which offers indoor lodge accommodations in the picturesque Pacific Northwest in July. If you want to experience a rugged, backcountry adventure and sleep under the stars, consider the Sawtooth National Forest trips in Idaho in August. If you are pining for a tropical beach vacation, but still want to give back in the sun, consider the Hawaii Nature Center trip in August or the St. John, Virgin Islands trips in November and December.

The American Hiking Society offers projects in the Cherokee National Forest, Big South Fork, as well as one-week of trail maintainence in early October in the Great Smoky Mountains in conjunction with the Trails Forever Program.

Your crew will consist of 6-15 volunteers and you will have the guidance and supervision of an experienced crew leader. Food, park entrance fees, campsite or cabin use, tools and a one-year membership with American Hiking Society are all included in your registration fee of $275, making American Hiking’s Volunteer Vacations an inexpensive way to adventure travel, while doing something good for the trails and your spirit.

To learn more about American Hiking Society and view the 2012 Volunteer Vacation’s trip schedule, visit www.AmericanHiking.org or call (800) 972-8608.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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American Hiking Society Celebrates 20th National Trails Day

Saturday, February 11, 2012

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Mark this date down on your calendar: the American Hiking Society will be celebrating its 20th National Trails Day (NTD) event on June 2, 2012. The event will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country to celebrate America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. Over 2,000 nationwide events will take place including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!

To mark two decades of celebrating and maintaining America’s trails, the 2012 NTD event theme is America’s Largest TRAILgating Party. Move your party off the pavement to where the scenery is greener and the air is fresher. Experience, appreciate, and share the natural places we cherish by connecting with local outdoor clubs, businesses, community groups, and parks and recreation departments as well as federal land managing agencies.

"Twenty years ago, AHS built National Trails Day around the idea that for one day each year we should come together outdoors and give back to our favorite trails,” says Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society president. “Since then, people from all walks of life have been coming out in increasing numbers on NTD to celebrate our trails and the great outdoors.”

To find out more about NTD 2012, or if your community organization would like to learn how to host an event, please contact John Michels, Trail Programs Manager, at jmichels@AmericanHiking.org or (800) 972-8608 x 208 or visit the American Hiking Society website.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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American Hiking Society Announces 2012 National Trails Fund

Thursday, October 27, 2011

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The American Hiking Society announced yesterday that they will begin accepting applications for the 2012 National Trails Fund on November 1, 2011. AHS is a non-profit that is dedicated to promoting and protecting foot trails and the hiking experience and provides support to grassroots trail organizations around the country.

Since its inception in 1998, the National Trails Fund has granted over a half a million dollars to trail projects across the United States. Community preservation efforts include land acquisition, constituency building campaigns and a variety of trail work projects. With more than 200,000 miles of trails in the United States, the National Trails Fund is the only national private grants program that helps trail-maintaining organizations build and improve hiking trails and galvanize volunteers to ensure long-term trail sustainability. Awards typically range from $500 to $5,000 per project.

Projects that will be considered include:

* Those with hikers as the primary constituency, though multiple human-powered trail projects are eligible

* Projects which secure trail lands, including acquisition of trails and trail corridors and the costs associated with acquiring conservation easements

* Those that result in visible and substantial ease of access, improved hiker safety and/or avoidance of environmental damage

* Ventures which promote constituency building surrounding specific trail projects, including volunteer recruitment and support

All applications must be submitted to American Hiking Society by midnight on December 15, 2011. Grants will be announced and awarded in spring of 2012. View grant guidelines and requirements at www.AmericanHiking.org.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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American Hiking Society Announces 2011 National Trails Fund Recipients

Monday, July 25, 2011

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The American Hiking Society enjoyed another great year of awarding funds to selected trail projects across the country through its 2011 National Trails Fund. Thanks to the generous support of their Charter Sponsors, L.L. Bean and Cascade Designs (Therm-a-Rest and MSR), the National Trails Fund (NTF) awarded $27,000. This was a landmark year because NTF eclipsed the half million dollar mark with total awards of $514,500 since its inception in 1998.

“Our goal of providing access to trails for all Americans is more urgent and timely than ever,” stated Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society’s President. “Reaching the half million dollar milestone of awarded trail grants would not have been possible without the unwavering support from L.L. Bean and Cascade Designs.”

American Hiking Society received 114 applications from 38 states seeking funding from the NTF in 2011, of these, eight outstanding projects were chosen.

The following organizations have been awarded grants ranging between $500 and $5,000 to support their trail project:

• Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, CO
• Friends of Deer Creek, CA
• Great Eastern Trail Association, VA
• Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy, PA
• Mohican Trails Club, OH
• North Fork Watershed Project, WV
• San Bernardino National Forest Association, CA
• Victor Hiking Trails, NY

The funds allow recipients to create, expand and renovate hiking trails throughout their areas. This year three recipients submitted plans to construct foot bridges along their trails. Foot bridges are important to protect environmentally sensitive areas and natural habitats and they also allow hikers to access unique areas. Other projects include installation of directional signage and plaques, which, enables hikers to feel safe, as well as preserving sensitive natural spaces by keeping hikers on the trail.

American Hiking Society awarded a youth specific grant to the San Bernardino National Forest Association. With these funds, the National Children’s Forest will manage a youth volunteer trail crew to maintain a 5.25 mile trail.

Applications will be accepted beginning in early November 2011 for the 2012 NTF grants so organizations can continue their great work of protecting our nation’s trails.

About American Hiking Society:

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America's hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. Since its inception in 1998, the National Trails Fund has granted over a half a million dollars to trail projects across the United States. Community preservation efforts include land acquisition, constituency building campaigns and a variety of trail work projects. With more than 200,000 miles of trails in the United States, the National Trails Fund is the only national private grants program that helps trail-maintaining organizations build and improve hiking trails and galvanize volunteers to ensure long-term trail sustainability.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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American Hiking Society announces National Trails Day 2011

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

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On June 4, 2011, American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country for the 19th annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. Two thousand events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!

The theme for National Trails Day 2011, Made With All Natural Ingredients, encourages all Americans to get outside, connect with local outdoor clubs, businesses, community groups, and parks and recreation departments as well as federal land managing agencies to experience, appreciate and celebrate the natural places where we can find a spread of scenery, a plateful of peace, and a heap of happiness and health. "Dedicated volunteers, outdoor enthusiasts, trail lovers, and those new to the outdoors are truly the key ingredients to National Trails Day. Naturally, it’s a time to give back to trails and pay it forward by introducing someone new to the outdoors,” said Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society president.

Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired thousands of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well being, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors. Plan now to host or attend an event in your area. If you want to get happy, healthy, active, fit, and have some fun, National Trails Day is your recipe to success.

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit www.AmericanHiking.org.

If your community organization would like to host an event or to find out more about NTD 2011, contact Heather Sable, Trail Programs Manager, at hsable@AmericanHiking.org or (800) 972-8608 x 208 or visit the website.





Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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American Hiking Society Makes Volunteering Easy and Fun for Travelers

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

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Voluntourism, dedicating your vacation time to volunteer for a worthy cause, is a growing trend because it gives travelers fun and exciting opportunities to give back to the great outdoors. Planning your own outdoor service adventure, however, can be time-intensive and expensive, so why not let an organization with over 30 years of experience help you out? The American Hiking Society does the trip planning for you, making it easier than ever to take part in budget-friendly Volunteer Vacations, aimed to improve America’s natural landscapes and hiking trails.

In 2011, American Hiking is offering more than 70 volunteer opportunities across the country to build and preserve hiking trails in sought after destinations like Yosemite National Park, Chugach National Forest, Virgin Islands National Park, and Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.

Your crew will consist of 6-15 volunteers and you will have the guidance and supervision of an experienced crew leader. Food, park entrance fees, campsite or cabin use, tools and a one-year membership with American Hiking Society are all included in your registration fee of $275, making American Hiking’s Volunteer Vacations an inexpensive way to travel the country, while doing something good for the land and your spirit.

Many trips are rated easy-moderate and offer indoor accommodations, while others offer the challenge and opportunity to hike into some of our country’s treasured public lands and sleep under the stars. While American Hiking does advise that all volunteers be in good physical condition, most trips are designed for volunteers who are novices to trail building and no special skills are required. All trips offer down-time for hiking, local attractions, and campfire camaraderie.

Voluntourism is based on finding the balance between a relaxing vacation and achieving a sense of purpose. American Hiking provides affordable volunteer trips that take the stress out of vacation planning while offering you one of the most fulfilling ways to explore and improve our nation’s recreational trails.

As of today in the Southern Appalachian region, opportunities are available during the 2011 season in the Big South Fork, on the Benton MacKaye Trail in the Cherokee National Forest, on the Rhododendron Trail in Virginia's Grayson Highlands State Park, and on the Appalachian Trail in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, among others.

To learn more about the American Hiking Society and view the 2011 Volunteer Vacation’s trip schedule, visit www.AmericanHiking.org or call (301) 565-6704.

Volunteer Vacations are made possible by the generous support of the American Hiking Society sponsors - REI, Fetzer, Mountain Hardwear, Vasque, Klean Kanteen, and Backpacker's Pantry, as well as their Federal Public Land Partners - Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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National Trails Day

Sunday, May 16, 2010

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American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program, National Trails Day, will take place on June 5th this year.

One of the goals of National Trails Day is to inspire the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects.

There will be many events all across the country. The Smoky Mountain Hiking Club will utilize the day as a trail repair and construction event. They will meet in Gatlinburg at 7:30 a.m. that morning.

The Carolina Mountain Club will host a couple of hikes, including the Lakeshore Loop near Fontana Lake in the southern Smoky Mountains.

Chimney Rock State Park will be offering free guided hikes on the hour from 11am to 3pm with park education staff and rangers who will discuss the plants and wildlife at the park.

The Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club and will host a hike to Grassy Ridge Bald on Roan Mountain.

These are just a couple of examples. You can get more details on each of these, and see the complete list of events across the country, by clicking here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
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National Trails Day 2010 announced

Sunday, February 14, 2010

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The American Hiking Society has recently announced the date for National Trails Day 2010.

On June 5th, 2010, the American Hiking Society and outdoor enthusiasts across the country will celebrate the 18th annual National Trails Day, a celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 1500 events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, bird watching, running and trail celebrations.

The theme for this years' National Trails Day, Find Your Happy Place, encourages all Americans to get outside, connect with local hiking clubs, outdoor retailers, local parks and recreation departments or federal land managing agencies to experience, appreciate and celebrate the outdoor places that make us happy.

National Trails Day is a celebration of trails that evolved from the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, sponsored by President Ronald Reagan. The 1987 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 American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day in 1993.

For more information and to host an event, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
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National Trails Day 2009

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

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National Trails Day is observed in the Smokies every year with a day of planned work projects that are performed by volunteers. This year’s event will be held on June 6, 2009.

All volunteers are invited to register for this fun and important workday on the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies. This event is jointly coordinated by Friends of the Smokies and the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club.

Yes, there is a $15 registration fee to participate, but you’ll receive coffee, juice & donuts in the morning, a picnic at the end of the day, as well as a commemorative t-shirt, and a chance to win some great door prizes.

Work on the trail is from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; however, you will need to be there by 7:30 in order for projects to be properly organized. The picnic will begin at 5:30 PM.

National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society.

For more information and to receive an application, please call Holly Burcham at 800-845-5665 or request via e-mail at fotshb@bellsouth.net.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Smoky Mountain Day Hikers Store Quality gear and apparel from some of the best outdoor brands.


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Vote to save a trail

Friday, October 3, 2008

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Nature Valley and the American Hiking Society have recently announced 20 nonprofit organizations from around the country that were named as finalists for Save the Trails funding. Save the Trails, in cooperation with the American Hiking Society National Trails Fund, will award $5,000 to each of the top 10 finalists, based on online votes, to restore and revitalize hiking trails in their communities. Voting is open to the public now through Oct. 31, 2008.

Nature Valley launched the Save the Trails grant program in June 2008 and contributed $50,000 to double the size of American Hiking Society's National Trails Fund. Save the Trails funding recipients will be announced in April 2009 and all funds are to be used toward trail restoration during the summer of that same year.

The 20 trails that made the finals are as follows:

-- Wildwood Trail Day of Stewardship (Portland, Ore.)
-- Mt. Whitney Trail (Bishop, Calif.)
-- Camp Robinson Crusoe Trail (Sturbridge, Mass)
-- Lo'I Loop Trail (Honolulu)
-- Eastern Gateway Trail (Louisville, Ky.)
-- Cloudland Connector Trail (Lookout Mountain, Ga.)
-- Bolich Hiking Trail Project (Pottsville, Pa.)
-- St. Francis Park Nature Trail (Cuba, N.M.)
-- North Country National Scenic Trail (Ohio)
-- Nemadji River Trail Construction (Wisconsin)
-- Peak to Prosperity Passage, Palmetto Trail (Columbia, S.C.)
-- South Maui Corridor (Hawaii)
-- Park to Forest Trail Corridor (Ramona, Calif.)
-- Alberta Falls to Haiyaha Connector Trail (Estes Park, Colo.)
-- Fires Creek Trail System (Asheville, N.C.)
-- Line Creek Nature Area Trail Signage (Peachtree City, Ga.)
-- South Colony Trail (Telluride, Colo.)
-- Sespe & Red Reef Trails (Ojai, Calif.)
-- D&H Canal Corridor Trail (Westtown, N.Y.)
-- Fernandez Ranch Trail Project (Redwood City, Calif.)

Please click here to vote.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.
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