Missouri State Parks will sponsor family-friendly activities throughout the state in celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6. Guided hikes and nature programs are among the fun special events taking place in state parks and historic sites. The day also encourages visitors to head out for a trail adventure hiking, riding, paddling or bicycling 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 has an outstanding system of trails that provide opportunities for Missourians of all ages and skill levels to have an outdoor adventure," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. "Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is not only a fun way to spend your time, it’s also a great way to stay healthy and reduce stress."
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 100MissouriMiles.com.
For more information on National Trails Day, visit americanhiking.org/national-trails-day. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites or to find events planned on June 6, go to mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.