Get Ready for National Trails Day®

National Trails Day®, a celebration of the elaborate and awesome American Trail System, occurs this year on June 4 this year. Staying with Thousand Trails or Encore that weekend? While there are plenty of National Trails Day® and Club Blazer events happening directly on TT and Encore campgrounds, there are also lots of other events happening in surrounding areas that are worth checking out. Be sure to visit nationaltrailsday.americanhiking.org for more information on National Trails Day® and associated events. Below, we’ve rounded up just a few excursions to take this year, all within reasonable distance from Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds.

Gettysburg Farm RV Campground

The Appalachian Trail Museum, located 25 miles from Gettysburg Farm RV Campground, will be having a dedication to the new children’s area from 11am – 4pm. Children can walk the route of the Appalachian Trail and learn about the it and the 14 state that the trail runs through. There will be food, music, and a whole bunch of other kid-friendly activities! Visit atmuseum.org for more information.

Mt. Desert Narrows RV Resort (Encore)

1 hour from Mt. Desert Narrows RV Resort, is Babson and Bear Island where the Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Regional Steward will be hosting a day of service and basic trail maintenance. This team is focused on widening trails on both Babson and Bear Islands and in return for your volunteer services, receive a free ride to explore this very popular sailing destination in coastal Maine. Volunteers will also receive a Maine Coast Heritage Trust membership which includes a newsletter, discounts on guided events, and discounted entrance to the annual lands conference. Be sure to RSVP to this event by visiting mcht.org or by contact Caleb Jackson at (207) 801 – 4047.

 

Rancho Oso RV Campground

Spend National Trails Day® along a cool, shady canyon in the Los Padres National Forest! The Los Padres Forest Association (LPFA) is working in conjunction with REI to do some maintenance on the North Franklin Trail. Meet at the Juncal Gate at 8:15, where you and a caravan of other volunteers will do some brushing, light tread work, and removal of any downed trees that may have fallen on the trail. A BBQ dinner will be served in celebration after the work is done. Remember to bring Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) like long pants and long sleeved shirts, glove, goggles or glasses, and sturdy boots, and the LPFA will provide helmets and tools you’ll need. You are encouraged to bring a lunch and water. For more information about this event, visit LPForest.org. Rancho Oso RV Campground is approximately a 2 hours drive from the Los Padres National Forest.

Soledad Canyon RV & Camping Resort (CA)

Bringing your little ones out for National Trails Day? Join in on a toddler led hike through the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve! Located just a 23 minute drive from Soledad Canyon RV & Camping Resort, the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve has approximately 3 miles of well-groomed trails. Since this is a toddler led hike, we’ll see where the little ones take us! Meet at the entrance to the trails near the parking lot at 9am and remember to bring snacks and lots of water.

 

Sturbridge RV Resort

The Bay State Trail Riders Association hosts a celebration of the 24th Anniversary of National Trails day with a horse ride down the beautiful trails at Hodges Village Dam. There is a $30 entry fee, with all proceeds going to trail projects undertaken by the Bay State Trail Riders Association (BSTRA). Join them to hike the trails, have lunch and participate in a raffle. Be sure to register at bstra.org. The Hodges Village Dam is located in Oxford, MA, which is about 16 – 17 miles east of the Sturbridge RV Resort. Check out the registration form available at bstra.org

Where will you be celebrating National Trails Day this year? Let us know in the comments!