A Guide to Celebrate Trails Day: Ideas for Getting Out on Trails
Did you know there are multiuse trails (trails with shared uses like walking and biking) and trail networks—which link trails into larger interconnected systems—in every state, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico?
Over the decades, more and more places have added trails to the footprint of their communities. In 1986, when Rails to Trails Conservancy first opened its doors, there were less than 1,000 miles of open rail-trails in America. Forty years later, nearly 26,000 miles of rail-trails are on the ground, which contribute to the more than 42,500 miles of multiuse trails nationwide that are helping to form the county’s 150-plus trail networks!
But these trails weren’t built overnight. People like you, by choosing to get out on trails where they already existed and speaking out for trails when they didn’t, have helped bring trails to more communities in America. Whether motivated by health goals, a better commute or something else, all those decisions to walk, run, ride, get outside and go by trail really add up and make a difference. And we think that’s something to lift up and celebrate.
Celebrating Time Well Spent on Trails
That’s why, every year on the fourth Saturday of April, we invite everyone to be part of Celebrate Trails Day. Since 2013, we’ve teamed up with our partners and supporters to organize events and encourage people to plan their own outings on trails across the country for this annual springtime celebration—creating a special moment to spotlight America’s trails and generate visibility for the joy and value they deliver.
This year, with RTC’s 40th anniversary, America’s 250th, major decisions underway affecting future trail development in the next federal transportation bill, and other milestones, we believe 2026 is an important time to get out and go big for trails. We hope you will help make this year’s Celebrate Trails Day the biggest and best yet by joining us and people nationwide outside on Saturday, April 25!
To inspire you to be part of the celebration, we’re giving everyone an opportunity to win great giveaways for planning to participate and put together this guide to help you get ready for the big day.
Celebrate Trails for a Chance to Win
Let us know that you’re planning to participate so we can send you updates about all the ways you can be part of Celebrate Trails Day—including opportunities to get great giveaways!
Celebrate at an Event
Every year for Celebrate Trails Day, our partners organize events and activities that bring people together to experience trails around the country. We’ve created an interactive map to help connect you with these events and the hosts that make them possible. Using the map, you can find trail cleanups, group rides, hikes, fun runs, family-friendly festivals and other opportunities to show up for and celebrate the nation’s trails.
(The map is updated regularly with new event information, so be sure to keep checking back!)
Celebrate the Day Your Way
Whether it’s a party of one or 1,001, these celebrations—big and small—are collectively demonstrating that people nationwide care about and appreciate their local trails. If you’re not able to attend an event or would simply prefer to design your own day, we have plenty of resources and ideas to help you plan your own outing on Celebrate Trails Day. Check out our quick-start tips—and consider inviting a friend or family member to join you!
- Find a trail to visit near you. For ideas, you can view our lists of top 10 trails by state, Trail of the Month series and TrailLink’s thousands of mapped trails. With TrailLink as your guide, you can search for trails and filter by length, surface type, activity and more! Download the free TrailLink app or visit TrailLink.com
- Brush up on trail-etiquette best practices. Before you head out, check out our tips to get answers to questions like When should bicyclists yield to other trail users? Can I bring my dog? to help you have a safe and fun time when sharing the trail.
- Get tuned up. If it’s been a while since you went on a spin or you want to train up a bit before tackling that 5K or long-distance hike on Celebrate Trails Day, or you’re using a new piece of equipment like a bike trailer to ride with you kids or a recumbent, getting your gear ready and practicing ahead of time can help you feel more confident and excited for your special day on the trail.
- Know before you go. Late April offers mercurial weather conditions. For a more comfortable trip on Celebrate Trails Day, prepare by scoping out your local weather in advance and take a look at our helpful how-to tips for hot, rainy and cold conditions.
- Try something new or stick with a familiar favorite. A multiuse trail means you have multiple options! Whether you want to walk, bike, run, cross-country ski or snowshoe, we’ve got guides to help you get moving. You can also browse our resources section for information about birding, picnicking along trails, geocaching, commuting, taking accessible trail adventures, viewing wildlife and plant life, or enjoying other activities.
- Enjoy the day—and share! On April 25, we’ll be amplifying how people like you are choosing to celebrate, helping to showcase all the smiles, joy and positive impact produced by America’s trails. Join in by capturing your moments on the trail, then sharing your photos and videos with us on social media by tagging @RailsToTrails and using #CelebrateTrails!
No matter how you choose to participate in Celebrate Trails Day, we hope you’ll join us outside on April 25 and continue to spend time on trails all year long!
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Everyone deserves access to safe ways to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.
