Thank a Trail on National Trails Day

With over 200,000 miles of hiking trails to choose from, Americans have plenty of reason to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4. Help maintain these amazing resources by participating in the 19th annual edition of this American Hiking Society-sponsored event. More than 2,000 restoration projects, educational activities, and hikes will take place throughout the country to mark the occasion.

Here in the Bay Area, opportunities abound to get your hands dirty in honor of your favorite hiking trail. Some highlights:

In San Francisco, help put the final touches on the city’s newest hiking path: the half-mile Lost Historic Trail on Mount Sutro. Join the Sutro Stewards for a morning of trail and habitat restoration projects, followed by a celebration to mark the reopening of Interior Grenbelt Park, the twelve-acre area that encompasses the trail. Live music, food and beverage stands, and a raffle promise to make this a spirited afternoon. Read more>

Across the Bay Bridge, join REI Concord and California State Parks for a day of trail restoration at Mount Diablo State Park in Rock City. Resurface trails, remove nonnative plants, and prune overgrown trees to keep this beloved area recreation-ready. And feel free to bring the whole family- there will be special kids’ activities on site. Read more>

In Marin, help improve the Gertrude Ord Trail on Mount Tam with the Marin Municipal Water District. You’ll rebuild a bridge and stairs, update drainage, and maintain vegetation. Afterward, enjoy a free BBQ lunch at the Log Cabin by Phoenix Lake. Basket-maker Charles Kennard (a frequent Bay Nature photo contributor!) will be on hand to talk about his ancient craft. Read More>

And if you’re in the South Bay, head to Wunderlich Park in Woodside, where you’ll work with staff from REI and the San Mateo County Parks Foundation to restore trails at this former ranch. Abundant oak trees, open meadows, and a redwood forest will make for a breathtaking morning. Ages 14 and older are invited to participate. Read more>

For more National Trails Day events (and other stuff too!), check out our calendar.