Take a Hike June 4 at a W.Va. State Park or Forest 

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – National Trails Day® is Saturday, June 4, and anyone who hikes or walks is invited to visit a West Virginia state park or forest and be part of the American Hiking Society’s annual celebration.  The society organizes and promotes hiking as a healthy outdoor activity and a way to celebrate the many benefits that trails provide the public when used.

“In our state parks and forests, we encourage hiking and walking,” said Kelly Smith, naturalist at Cacapon Resort State Park.  The hike at Cacapon on June 4 is a 10-mile trek. Smith advises hikers to wear good hiking boots or shoes and to bring water. “We hike across a short cross-section in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle and essentially walk across the state over the ridge of Cacapon Mountain.”  Other state parks and forest will conduct interpretative hikes or hikes for the joy of hiking. “Cacapon and Pipestem probably have the longest planned and led treks,” said Smith. 

Hikers don’t have to participate in an organized hike to be part of National Trails Day. “Individuals may hike any park or forest and any hiking trail,” explained Smith. “We’ll have log cards available at the front desk and park office for those wanting to do their own thing.”  In the past, individuals have walked a one-half mile and some up to 20. “It depends upon health, weather conditions, and other factors. We’re just glad to see folks out enjoying our trails,” said Smith.

West Virginia state parks post special hikes on the park website, www.wvstateparks.com, “Hike and Walks.”  For National Trails Day, a log card is posted online that can be printed on a home computer. Log cards will also be available at all state park and forest offices on June 4 and a few days prior for pickup. Completed cards can be forwarded by the individual.

‘If you take a hike or walk on National Trails Day at a state park or state forest, participants will receive a hiking patch and a certificate after the mileage log is received,” Smith said. “It’s a special day, so we try to reward folks who come to state parks and forests and for being part of an outdoor activity being promoted across the United States.”

Miles hiked or walked are recorded by the individual and forward to the central office.  Reports are on the honor system. Patches and certificates are generally mailed in late July or early August to allow for all participating hikers to get their log cards submitted.

There is no charge to participate in a National Trails Day hike or to hike on trails maintained by West Virginia’s state parks and forests on National Trails Day or any day that people come to West Virginia’s state parks to enjoy the outdoors.

For information about National Trails Day® and the American Hiking Society and other trail day activities, visit www.americanhiking.org.

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