2020 National Trails Day Still A Go

In 2019, more than 41,000 people made history by cleaning up a trail or volunteering at a trail service project for National Trails Day®. Although a bit different this year with the CDC’s guidance on social distancing, Thousand Trails Campgrounds, a leader in outdoor destinations, recreation and family camping, will continue the celebration of National Trails Day.

Since 1969, Thousand Trails has welcomed generations of families at campgrounds across the country. Thousand Trails is one of the largest networks of RV resorts and campgrounds in North America, with over 80 locations in 22 states and British Columbia. As the 2020 #100DaysOfCamping campaign continues for Thousand Trails, and with thousands of miles of hiking trails in and around their campgrounds, it’s a perfect time to get outside, while following social distancing protocols and enjoy National Trails Day this Saturday, June 6th.

The great outdoors makes for a perfect, safe and affordable getaway to escape the current stresses of everyday life and enjoy the fresh feel of nature. American Hiking Society recognizes that foot trails and hiking are essential to connect people with nature, conserve open space, provide biological corridors for diverse plants and wildlife, and for the health of Americans and our natural environment.

Hikers can connect with nature at some great campground locations, including:

Out East and only a short drive from the city to upstate New York sits Lake George Escape, a 178-acre RV resort full of lush woods, meadows and direct access to the Schroon River, along with Prospect Mountain’s 100-mile views of the Adirondacks! One of the more popular hikes in the region, the goal is the summit at 2,030 feet, where hikers can experience those magnificent views but also see the remains of the Prospect Mountain Cable Incline Railway.

On the West Coast, just outside of Seattle lies the hidden gem of Leavenworth RV Campground, where guests can explore 300 acres of beautiful forests, meadows and 200 miles of trails before taking in and enjoying the culture of the local Bavarian town.

Take a hike through the waterfalls at Fall Hollow Falls in Tennessee which are the draw on this trail. The trailhead for this hike is just off the historic Natchez Trace Parkway where Natchez Trace RV Campground, a wooded campground located on the shores of the 3-mile long Dan Maddox Lake. The trail to the observation deck for the falls is less than a quarter mile.

Lake Kissimmee State Park in Florida allows you to enjoy live oak hammocks that provide the perfect cover as you explore the two loop trails in this Florida hiking destination. Tropical Palms RV Resort in Kissimmee as the perfect place to camp before hiking The Buster Island Trail which takes roughly 3 ½ hours to walk this 6.9-mile loop on an island that is surrounded by three lakes. The North Loop Trail is another option that includes Gobbler Ridge, a spur trail that leads to the edge of Lake Kissimmee.

During these times, the American Hiking Society is also organizing a digital campaign to inspire individuals to unite for the preservation of trails and access to public lands during this time of social-distancing. As conditions improve allowing access to more local trails, we encourage checking the operating status of the place you plan to visit. Trail access and facility access (visitor centers, bathrooms, parking lots, etc.) vary based on location and campground. Check with the local site you plan to visit to see what's open. ThousandTrails.com, the CDC, National Park Service, Forest Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service COVID-19 pages can provide helpful information and direct you to what is happening in your area.

We hope you’re inspired to safely get out and hike this weekend for National Trails Day 2020! For more information, visit https://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/