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America’s Trails

Celebrate Trails Day 2021: Big Celebration—Nationwide Impact

By: Suzanne Matyas
May 12, 2021

Screenshot of Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails' groundbreaking of a community mural project along Roberts Pass and Prairie Grass Trail
Screenshot of Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails' groundbreaking of a community mural project along Roberts Pass and Prairie Grass Trail

On April 24, 2021, we invited people and partners across the country to join us outside for Celebrate Trails Day, our annual kickoff to the spring trail season—and they showed up. Thousands of people banded together to celebrate and show appreciation for these essential spaces by spending more than 139,000 minutes being physically active outside!

RELATED: As Nation Celebrates Trails, Experts Say Being Active Outside Is A Good Move for Well-Being

Even just one day on the trail revealed how impactful these places are for our physical and mental wellness. In fact, new and experienced trail users from across the nation—in 48 states and Washington, D.C.—told us that they walked, hiked, ran, biked, played, connected with loved ones, observed nature, exercised and enjoyed relaxing on their local trails. What’s more, 90% of participants shared that they spent more than 30 minutes active outside, exceeding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s physical activity guidelines, and 94% of respondents said that spending time on trails helps to reduce their stress levels. Awesome.

Survey results for Celebrate Trails Day represent 1,411 responses gathered via SurveyMonkey between April 25, 2021 and May 11, 2021. | Download PDF
Survey results for Celebrate Trails Day represent 1,411 responses gathered via SurveyMonkey between April 25, 2021 and May 11, 2021.

Adding to the good times and great feelings of this special day were the more than 170 partners who encouraged their communities to explore their nearby trails and even planned on-trail adventures. We were also thrilled to have such an incredible group of sponsors and supporters, including Hydro FlaskPatagonia, the Clif Family FoundationMirrycleNianticGreenLatinos and the CDC, who helped generate so much excitement for Celebrate Trails Day.

From trail ribbon-cuttings to solo excursions … group rides to healing walks … art exhibits to volunteering … and beyond, we are overjoyed that so many people and partners took part in this meaningful and impactful day of celebration. Here are just a few memories of the day that we wanted to share with you—enjoy!

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their love for America’s amazing trails, especially during a time when trails and the outdoors have been more important than ever for our health and happiness. And we hope that you continue to seek out and explore the nation’s 40,000 miles of multiuse trails every day!

To keep you feeling inspired, be sure to check out these fun ways to continue enjoying trails.

Suzanne Matyas | Photo courtesy Suzanne Matyas
Suzanne Matyas

Suzanne Matyas is RTC’s social media and engagement strategist. She is an inline skating and skiing enthusiast, and a mediocre runner, and loves corny jokes.

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Everyone deserves access to safe ways to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.