This year, on June 2rd, more than a million hikers, bikers, equestrians, and others will take part in thousands of events nationwide in celebration of America's trails. These events include new trail dedications, workshops, educational exhibits, equestrian and mountain bike rides, rollerblading, trail maintenance, and hikes on America's favorite trails. All events, however, are planned and carried out at the local level by conservation and recreation organizations, trail clubs, and land managing agencies . Originally established in 1993, NTD has grown to approximately 3,000 events across the country. The objectives of National Trails Day not only include promoting public awareness of and appreciation for America's trails, but also encouraging cooperative efforts among different trail users, including hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, walkers, runners and anyone else who enjoys being on the trail.
Trails come in so many shapes, sizes, and cut across so many jurisdictional boundaries.
The Millennium Trails initiative recognizes, promotes, and stimulates the trails and greenways movement as we enter the new millennium. In recent years, NTD has started to make inroads into our national and state park systems , with more and more activities and programs associated with the event taking place each year. Many of these activities highlight America's national scenic and historic trails, some of which are thousands of miles in length. These trails serve as reminders of our rich national heritage before the advent of railroads and the highway system, at a time when people traveled overland on foot, on horseback, or by wagon. Some examples include the Mormon Pioneer Trail , the Ice Age National Scenic Trail , and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail , where plans are underway to commemorate the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.