Celebrate Trails Day 2021: Big Celebration—Nationwide Impact

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.

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 Flask, Patagonia, the Clif Family Foundation, Mirrycle, Niantic, GreenLatinos 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!
An early rails to trails day celebration! #CelebrateTrails @railstotrails Great #wheelchair #accessible pic.twitter.com/D1abfF1bmB
— Lilly Longshore (@wheeltraveler) April 24, 2021
#CelebrateTrails Day! @railstotrails
— Lifecycle Delaware (@lifecycle_DE) April 24, 2021
✌️💚🚲#LifecycleDE #BicyclesForAll pic.twitter.com/BX9b2WdeM9
Happy #TrailsDay!
— GirlTrek (@GirlTrek) April 24, 2021
Walking is healing and there's over 40k miles of trail available in the US — to connect with nature, fill our lungs with fresh air, and let our spirit be eased with every step.
Check out @railstotrails to find info on trails near you. #celebratetrails pic.twitter.com/9ya4W6gkSv
The best #CelebrateTrails day ever! Honoring community heritage history with @DelRivWatershed Artist Sarah Kavage #Intertwined #art project & partners Cambodian Association of Greater PHL @OlneyCultureLab #TaconyCreekPark @PhilaParkandRec pic.twitter.com/zLosn78o5M
— TTF Watershed (@TTFWatershed) April 24, 2021
How are you celebrating trails today? Let us know using #CelebrateTrails #OnTheCircuit!
— The Circuit Trails (@circuittrails) April 24, 2021
Need inspiration? Learn how Montez gets outside to enjoy & make a difference for the Tacony Creek Trail, which is part of the Circuit Trails, as a @TTFWatershed volunteer. pic.twitter.com/6Yje5aizXJ
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.