Each year, the first Saturday in June marks National Trails Day, an annual event hosted by the American Hiking Society to celebrate trails. In recent years, INHF has partnered with like-minded organizations to host events that bring people together to get outdoors, explore and restore Iowa trails. While this year's event will be different, the sentiment remains the same.
This year, we're encouraging supporters across the state to get outdoors and help keep Iowa's trail corridors beautiful by picking up trash along a trail in their area. Bring along a garbage bag, gloves and a plan for how you'll haul away what you collect in the event that a trash receptacle isn't available onsite. Trailheads, parking lots, waterways, roadway corridors and crossings all tend to be areas where trash accumulates.
Not sure where to go? Below is a list of a few popular trails across the state to get you started. You can also visit IowaByTrail.com
- CEDAR VALLEY NATURE TRAIL
52 mi.
Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan and Linn counties
- CHICHAQUA VALLEY TRAIL
26.13 mi.
Jasper & Polk County
- GREAT WESTERN TRAIL
16.5 mi.
Polk & Warren County
- HERITAGE TRAIL
29.4 mi.
Dubuque County
- HIGH TRESTLE TRAIL
27.1 mi.
Boone, Dallas, Polk and Story counties
- IOWA GREAT LAKES TRAIL
14.3 mi.
Dickinson County
- TROUT RUN TRAIL
11 mi.
Winneshiek County
- WABASH TRACE NATURE TRAIL
63 mi.
Fremont, Mills, Page and Pottawattamie counties
Inspire others to lend a hand by snapping a pic of yourself and using the #NationalTrailsDay hashtag.
Together, we can make a difference on the land, even when we're apart.
Please practice appropriate social distancing. Learn more about how to get outdoors safely during COVID-19.