Special to The SUN
Trail user groups and outdoor enthusiasts in Pagosa Springs are joining forces on June 7 to celebrate American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day. This is the 22nd annual celebration of America’s magnificent trail system of 200,000-plus miles and its countless supporters and volunteers.
More than 2,000 nationwide events will take place, including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more.
National Trails Day (NTD) encourages all Americans to connect with local outdoor clubs, businesses, community groups, parks and recreation departments and federal land management agencies to experience, appreciate and share the natural places we cherish.
“Twenty years ago, American Hiking built National Trails Day around the idea that for one day each year, we should come together outdoors and give back to our favorite trails. Since then, people from all walks of life have been coming out in increasing numbers on NTD to celebrate our trails and the great outdoors,” said Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society president.
In Pagosa Springs, the PATC (Pagosa Trails Council), made up of user groups representing mountain biking, trail running, hiking, ATVs, horsemen and the Forest Service, have come together and planned two events to celebrate NTD.
There will be a trail maintenance work group in the Turkey Springs area clearing trees and paths and improving the condition of existing trails. There will also be a trail run presented by GECKO in the Turkey Springs area, with 5k, 10k, half and full marathon distances. Volunteers are needed for both events and interested individuals or groups are encouraged to contact Bev Warburton at 731-0343 or bevbwarburton@gmail.com regarding the trail work day or Kirsten Le Roux at 398-0613 or kirsten@joingecko.org for assisting with or participating in the GECKO trail run event.
Let’s have all Pagosans out on the trails on June 7 and make National Trails Day a true celebration of the incredible natural beauty of our region.
