Every year, The American Hiking Society celebrates National Trails Day by helping to organize thousands of events around the country such as trail maintenance, hiking, biking, and trail running. This year, on Saturday, June 5, we mark the 18th annual National Trails Day. There are several events here in Utah that outdoor lovers can take part in all over the state. Below is a list of events you can participate in.
Wasatch Mountain State Park: At Wasatch Mountain State Park near Midway, volunteers are asked to help build a trail extension at the Pine Creek Campground. A new .5 mile trail will be built that will access the Pine Creek Nature Trail. The event goes from 9am to 3pm where people will clear away vegetation and cut out the new natural surface path.
Providence, Utah: In Providence, volunteers are needed to help with trail work on a 1-mile stretch of trail in Providence Canyon. This event takes place from 8am to 1pm and is being hosted by the Utah Conservation Corps.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail: The Bonneville Shoreline Trail Committee is once again tackling a section of the BST in Salt Lake City on National Trails Day. This year the Steiner Centennial section of the trail needs major work. From 8am to 1pm, volunteers will grade and deburm the trail, and install erosion barriers and trim back vegetation. Pre-registration is required for this event, and you can sign up at www.bonnevilleshorelinetrail.org
Hidden Valley Park: In Sandy, REI will host a trail maintenance event in Hidden Valley Park. A 1/2 mile section of trail will be repaired and and constructed from 8am to 1pm. This event also requires pre-registration at www.rei.com/sandy.
National Trails Day is also more than just volunteering for trail work. The day is also meant to encourage people to get out a hike on a local trail and several agencies have events planned for June 5th. There is a hike at Deadhorse State Park with a ranger, and a celebration of river trails in Weber County.
At all the trail maintenance events, organizers encourage participants to wear long pants and sturdy boots, and bring work gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, food and water. Volunteers should be 16 years and older and be in good physical health.
For more information about these and other events in Utah on National Trails Day, or for links to sign up, visit the American Hiking Society website.