Celebrate Trails Day

Hosted on the fourth Saturday of April, Celebrate Trails Day (formerly Opening Day for Trails) is an annual spring celebration of America’s trails. Started by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in 2013, the celebration encourages people all across the country to get outside and enjoy the nation’s exceptional trails and trail systems.

Share How You're Celebrating

Mark your calendars for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s annual spring celebration of the pathways we all love! This year, Celebrate Trails Day (formerly Opening Day for Trails) falls on Saturday, April 24. We'll be sharing fun ways for you to enjoy the amazing trails you love while being able to #RecreateResponsibly—so that everyone can celebrate trails, safely.

Share what you're doing on Celebrate Trails Day! By doing so, you'll help show that you value the trails in your community—plus, you'll have a chance to win an RTC T-shirt.

SHARE HOW YOU'RE CELEBRATING

Tips and Resources for Celebrating Trails Locally

Not sure where to start? Check out this list of fun suggestions to help you get you started!

2021 Sponsors and Supporters

Are you interested in supporting Celebrate Trails Day? Please get in touch with Jimmy O’Connor to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

TrailLink

Did you know that there are more than 40,000 miles of multiuse trails across the county? To find a trail close to you and to access operating information and more, you can use our free trail-guide website and app, TrailLink.

Share the Trail and #RecreateResponsibly

Before you head out for the trail, learn more about how you can help make trails safe and fun for everyone by practicing good trail etiquette and by recreating responsibly. Learn how by checking out the #ShareTheTrail tips and #RecreateResponsibly guidelines.

Related:

• Five Common Types of Trail Use Rules (Everyone Should Know)
• Las Reglas de Oro: Seis Cosas Que Debes Saber Para La Temporada de Senderos
• Good Trail Etiquette Has Never Been More Essential Than It Is Right Now.
• Resources for Safe Outdoor Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Leave No Trace | Red-Tail Land Conservancy
• Trail etiquette: Walking, Bicycling, and In-Line Skating | Friends of the Hank Aaron State Trail
• Before You Go: Outdoor Adventure Essentials | 815 Outside (video)

ENJOYING NATURE

• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Scavenger Hunt
• Pokémon GO for Rail-Trails 101: Tips for Trail Users and Managers
• How to Pull Off the Ultimate Trail Picnic
• Just for the Moms--Welcome to Stroller Rollers on the Rail-Trail
• Entryway to Birding Blog Series | Madison Audubon
• Ecological Park Restoration (A Retired Backyard Birders Production) | Shayndel Shofar (video)
• Monticello Ecological Park Restoration Part Two. (RBB) | Shayndel Shofar (video)
• Monticello Ecological Park Restoration Project Phase 3 Retired Backyard Birders. | Shayndel Shofar (video)
• Parks & Trails Tour
• How to Pull Off the Ultimate Trail Picnic

BIKING

• Brush Up on Biking Basics | The Circuit Trails
• Easy Preventative Maintenance for Rail-Trail-Riders | TrailLink
• How to Be Equipment-Ready for Your First Long-Distance Trail Ride
• Useful Biking Gear for Trails—Plus A Few MacGyver Tips!
• Seven Things That Can Go Wrong on a Bike—And How to Fix ‘Em!
• 15 Essentials Every Bicyclist Should Have
• Seven Hot Tips for Cold-Weather Biking
• How to Prepare for Your First Long-Distance Trail Ride
• How to Get Back on a Bike—Years Later (8 Simple Tips)
• How to Ride in the Rain
• Before You Go: Biking | 815 Outside (video)
• I just bought a new bicycle. Now what? | Century Cycles
• 8 Tip for COVID-19 Biking Etiquette | Courtesy Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

WALKING & RUNNING

• How to Train for a 5K or 10K Using Rail-Trails
• 11 Tips to Make Walking a Natural, Enjoyable Part of Your Day
• Step to it: Seven Ways to Spice Up Your Walks
• Trail Walking with Your Four-Legged Friend | TrailLink
• Breathe In, Breathe Out & Walk | Walk Arlington

VOLUNTEERING + COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Promoting Equity in Trail Use and Programming
• Trail Stewardship | Washington State Department of Natural Resources (video)

COLD-WEATHER TRAIL USE

• How to Adapt Trail Activities and Gear for Cold and Winter Conditions
• Winter “Share the Trail” Etiquette and Safety Tips
• Seven Hot Tips for Cold-Weather Biking
• Rail-Trail Tips for Cross-Country Skiing (A 101 Guide)
• The Magical World of Snowshoeing: A How-To Guide for Trails)

VIRTUAL

• 11 Things to Do at Home When You Can’t Visit Your Favorite Trail
• Six Ideas for Exploring and Celebrating Trails…Virtually at Home!
• 10 Movies with Great Walking Moments
• 10 Great Biking Moments in Movies
• Remote Recreation: Visit the Trails Virtually | The Circuit Trails

Searching for other ideas? Be inspired by these #TrailMoments.