#national scenic trails

[bibliophilicwitch]

Ice Age Trail - New Hope Segment, Wisconsin

[martyharrison]

Hiking the lakeshore

[odiggity]

Hiking the Bear Gulch Cave Trail

Pinnacles National Park - Paicines, CA

[vandaliatraveler]

The High Rocks Trail along the Highland Scenic Highway offers an easy, 3 mile out-and-back hike featuring one of the best views in the Central Appalachians. Perched on a sandstone outcropping at over 4,000 feet (1,219 m) above sea level, the overlook provides sweeping views toward Virginia to the east and the Greenbrier River Valley to the south. I imagine this would be an ideal spot to do some stargazing, as there is very little light obstruction from the valley below.

From top: views from the High Rocks overlook at the end of the trail; false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum), whose plume of white flowers gives way to a cluster of waxy, gold and red-speckled berries in late summer; two of the most impressive speckled wood lilies (Clintonia umbellulata) I've ever come across in my travels; American lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majuscula), a more robust and less densely-colonizing cousin of the more familiar European species, native to the Appalachian mountains from Southwestern Pennsylvania to North Carolina and Tennessee; the gorgeous mountain angelica (Angelica triquinata), also known as filmy angelica, an Appalachian endemic that produces the most impressive compound umbels of greenish-white flowers in late summer; and a gregarious woodland fungi, perhaps sulphur tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare)?

[thorsenmark]

I’m Off to Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: At the roadside pullout and parking location along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a view looking to the southwest while taking in a setting with the Place of a Thousand Drips.

[aisphotostuff]

South Downs Trail West Sussex.. by Adam Swaine Via Flickr: Pitts-Stop at The Cabin in West Sussex.. a café or Pitts-Stop right on the edge of a footpath or bridleway. And that’s why I was so excited to stumble into The Cabin at Berretts Farm.It’s on the side of the Downs Link (the disused railway line that is open to walkers, cyclists, and riders and runs from the North Downs to Shoreham) on the southern outskirts of Henfield.We're nestled in the middle of Henfield's glorious countryside, uniquely placed along the Downslink with breathtaking views over the southdowns.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Trails Day

The  outdoors are calling out to us, telling us this is the perfect time for  a hike — it is National Trails Day after all, which is celebrated only  on the first Saturday in June of each year, falling on June 4 this year.  Organized by the American Hiking Society, this event aims to bring  together all trail enthusiasts, young and old, while honoring those who  help maintain and preserve hiking trails for everyone to enjoy.

History of National Trails Day

The  history of National Trails Day stretches back almost 50 years. Back  then, there were no government-mandated trails for walking and other  leisure activities. This changed when President Lyndon B. Johnson made a  law, which established trails that people could use for recreation (and  tourism too). This system saw much change over the years, with local  authorities and organizations adding to the network of trails. With each  new organization dedicated to hiking and outdoor activities, more and  more incentives to expand the existing trails became available to  people.

Until now, private entities have been expanding on the  governmental law, but soon, a presidential task force concluded that  more was needed to be done to expand the trails and safeguard the  environment. This report tasked federal authorities with providing funds  to local authorities and officials to help them develop and maintain  pathways in their regions. The American Hiking Society, which by then  was a big name in the world of hiking, decided it needed to devise a  scheme to further incentivize people to take up volunteering and  activities to maintain and enjoy the country’s hiking trails, and thus,  they launched National Trails Day, which has been running ever since.

National Trails Day timeline

October 2, 1968 Trails Act Becomes a Law

President  Lyndon B. Johnson establishes an official network of trails across  America that can be used for recreation and tourism.

October 13, 1976 The American Hiking Society is Born

An  official hiking organization is created, which begins hosting meetings  and thinking up new initiatives to increase interest in hiking.

January 28, 1985 A Review of Outdoor Recreation Services

President  Ronald Reagan signs an executive order, the Presidential Commission on  Outdoor Recreation Resources Review, to conduct a thorough review of  America's outdoor recreation services.

January 28, 1987 A Call for More Commitment

The  Presidential Commission on Outdoor Recreation Resources Review, now  called the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors, calls for more  outdoor commitment from the government for protection and funding.

1988 National Trails Agenda Project

A  cooperative venture is undertaken between the National Park Service and  American Trails to look at trail-based issues and to provide  recommendations that satisfy America's need for trails.

1991 An Idea Takes Root

The American Hiking Society comes up with a program to highlight the importance of trails and dubs it 'National Trails Day.'

1993 First National Trails Day Comes into Being!

The  American Hiking Society launches the first National Trails Day, with  hundreds of organizations participating — this day has been celebrated  ever since.

How To Celebrate National Trails Day

Participate in special events

Do more than hike

Show appreciation to volunteers

Throughout  the U.S., the American Hiking Society branches and various private  organizations host multiple events and activities to celebrate hiking  and promote awareness about the trails you can use. So grab a friend  (two- or four-legged) and set out on a little hike around your local  trail.

Hiking  trails are for more than simply hiking. These trails offer plenty of  recreational opportunities for those who don’t like hiking. They also  offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and activities like  canoeing or paddle trips, and, of course, most trails can be used for  biking as well.

These  pristine trails and pathways have been maintained by a group of  volunteers. So let’s take a moment to appreciate their efforts. You can  even celebrate these efforts by sharing your appreciation on social  media. You would not only be honoring these volunteers but you would  also be building interest in hiking too! Another way to show your  appreciation would be to become a volunteer yourself. Check out the  Appalachian Trail Conservatory or other organizations just like it that  are responsible for maintaining hiking trails and find out if there is  anything you can do to help.

Fun Facts About National Trails Day

The 20th-anniversary rush!

There are so many trails!

There’s one standout trail

Buying a house? Look for a trail

People still love to hike

A whopping 157,000 people participated in the 20th Annual National Trails Day events on June 2, 2012, held across the U.S.

America boasts around 200,000 miles of trails all over the country.

The  Appalachian National Scenic Trail — commonly called the Appalachian  Trail or A.T. — receives about two million visits each year.

According to the American Hiking Society, in 2008, prospective home buyers looked for trial availability while buying houses.

The  National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) trends in 2012  showed participation rates have increased in the first decade of the  21st century.

Why We Love National Trails Day

We get to explore nature

Hiking (and outdoorsy activities) are healthy

It is a great bonding activity

National  Trails Day is a great big celebration of the outdoors. In a time when  all most of us usually see is a giant corporate jungle, hiking is a  wonderful and refreshing pastime for us. We get to visit places where  nature still reigns supreme, which is a brilliant way to spend our time.

Going  on a quick (or long) hike instantly gets your blood pumping. Even if  you are not into hiking as an activity, outdoor aficionados can enjoy  many more activities in areas with hiking trails, each of which have  their own health benefits. Plus, being in nature is a giant stress  buster and good for the soul. If this isn’t enough to convince you,  spending time outdoors and in nature is a known aid for non-clinical  depression and a great way to restore mental- and physical faculties.

These  trails are truly for everyone. It offers young children a place to  safely run around outside, a breath of fresh air for anyone who needs  it, and a chance for the elderly to admire some wildflowers... There is  no competition here, no apps or distractions. It’s just you, your loved  ones, and, on some trails, your pets too. Happy bonding!

Source

[wanderguidehub]

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit: The Ultimate Hiking Guide to Pinnacles National Park, California

Welcome to the magnificent Pinnacles National Park, the hidden gem of California! Discover the thrill of hiking through untouched wilderness, climbing steep terrains, and immersing yourself in mesmerizing landscapes that leave you breathless. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the information you need to make your hiking experience unforgettable. From trails that challenge seasoned…

[soovyclub]

10 Best Places to Walk in UK: National Parks & Nature Reserves Wandering about where to go walking in the UK? Here are some of the best places to go hiking in the United Kingdom to experience scenic views from the summits of National Parks and Nature reserves in England, Wales, and Scotland. https://www.soovy.club/blog/best-places-to-walk-in-uk-national-parks-nature-reserves

[betweenapitchandacast]

8 Spectacular Hiking Trails in the Mountains

#Mountain #hiking is like no other. It presents a rugged world full of unspoiled sights. But these spectacular hiking trail in the mountains are in a class of their own. See this list!

North America boasts stunning scenery from the west coast to the east coast. The views are truly breathtaking, including the rugged Rocky Mountains, the pristine Sierra Nevadas, and the timeless Appalachians, to name a few. Many people see mountain ranges as a place to escape and enjoy outdoor activities, while others view them as a thrilling adventure in nature’s playground. These untouched…

[katietrekks]

June 9, 2023

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail Day 14 Pigmans Ferry (mi 169.1) to Cumberland (mi 184.5) Maryland 16.46 miles 68 ft. Elevation Gain

My last day on trail was back to rain that didn't stop all day until I got into Cumberland. I went past more farms and a ton of Railroad bridges. The last 4 miles of the trail were winding through neighborhoods and despite the weather people were still getting out and spending time on the trail. The last mile of the trail was the hardest mile, I was wet, cold, tired, and my feet hurt with every step. When I got to the end I cried, I was so happy! I took some pictures underneath the C&O Canal sign in town near the visitor center and ran over to my hotel room for the night. 14 days, 186.5 miles, the C&O Canal Towpath is another trail done!

[bibliophilicwitch]

Ice Age Trail - Grandfather Falls Segment, Wisconsin

[campersgotogear]

10 North American Overlanding Destinations That Will Blow Your Mind

Overlanding is more than just a road trip. It is an immersive adventure. It takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of nature. With its diverse landscapes and endless open roads, North America is a paradise for overlanders. If you’re a seasoned explorer, this list of top 10 overlanding destinations will ignite your wanderlust. It will do the same if you’re a newbie eager to hit the…

[thorsenmark]

Itineraries in Exploring Great Basin National Park by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: While walking the Bristlecone Grove Trail and a view looking to the south and up a mountainside in Great Basin National Park.

[hikercarl]

Top 10 Best Hiking Trails in the USA You Must Explore

Discover America's most breathtaking hiking trails. From scenic national parks to challenging mountain treks, we've got the best hiking trails in the USA for every adventurer.

The United States is full of amazing natural beauty, perfect for hikers. From lush forests in the Pacific Northwest to the rugged Rocky Mountains, there are many great trails. This article will show you the top 10 hiking trails in the USA you must see. Whether you want beautiful views, a tough challenge, or a family-friendly hike, this guide has it all. Key Takeaways The USA offers a diverse…