The public is invited to celebrate National Trails Day with Missouri State Parks on Saturday, June 4, at many family-friendly activities across the state. Events such as interpretive hikes and a variety of other nature programs will be taking place throughout the state. The day also encourages visitors to head out for their own trail adventure in a state park or historic site.
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is the country’s largest celebration of trails. It is a nationwide event designed to promote and celebrate the importance of trails in the United States.
"Missouri State Parks includes more than 1,000 miles of trails that allow Missourians to have fun, stay active and enjoy nature" said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, "An adventure on a trail provides guests of all skill levels an opportunity to experience and learn about Missouri’s great outdoors."
In 2013, Missouri was named the best trails state in the nation by American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of the nation’s hiking, biking and riding trails. In April, Gov. Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon launched the third year of the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. The challenge encourages Missourians to complete "100 Missouri Miles" of physical activity by walking, running, biking, rolling, paddling or hiking throughout Missouri, including in Missouri’s state parks. To sign up for the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge and begin logging miles, or to continue an existing account, visit http://100MissouriMiles.com.