Give the smallest hiker the official job of noticing where the path turns. A ten-minute loop can fill an entire passport when somebody spots a crooked bridge, a loud bird and a puddle shaped like a boot.
What is National Trails Day?
National Trails Day falls on the first Saturday in June. It celebrates trails and the people who care for them, bringing outdoor enjoyment together with practical stewardship.
How a trail-care movement became a day
American Hiking Society developed the idea in 1991 after national recommendations called for better trail access and stronger stewardship. The first National Trails Day took place on June 5, 1993, under David Lillard’s direction. Walking a route and helping look after it both belong to the celebration. American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day timeline.
A simple way to enjoy the day
Choose a route that suits your group and give everyone one thing to notice. Join an organized trail-care event if available, or leave the path tidy and record your discoveries in the family trail passport below.
Holiday dates for planning
| Observance | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Trails Day | Saturday, June 6, 2026 | Saturday, June 5, 2027 | Saturday, June 3, 2028 | Saturday, June 2, 2029 | Saturday, June 1, 2030 |
National Trails Day date reference
Pick a route together
Look up a nearby path and choose a turnaround point your whole group can reach comfortably. Fold the passport and slip it in a pocket with a pencil. Ask one person to record the trail name and another to choose an observation stop. A paved neighborhood path works beautifully.
Make a map another hiker could use
Start at the dot and draw the route as you walk or wheel. Cut out the landmark symbols at home and glue them to the map afterward. Include a bend or intersection. Hand the map to a partner and ask where they would stop for a rest.
Leave the path a little better
The day celebrates caring for shared trails. Stay on the marked route, pack out your snack wrappers and leave plants where they grow. Pick one small action from the challenge card. Stamp the passport with a thumbprint or a tiny pencil sketch at the end.
Get the free printable set
My First Trail Passport includes three US Letter pages. Pocket trail passport. Draw our route. Trail-care challenge.