National Hiking Day is today: Go take a hike!
Your local land trust likely has hiking opportunities, just waiting for you to come explore.
National Hiking Day — first called National Take a Hike Day — was established on November 17, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The following year, the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (later absorbed by the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service, which itself was then absorbed into the National Park Service…who knew?!) released a report in 1966 entitled Trails for America, recommending a network of national scenic and national history trails — dozens of which we have today, in addition to thousands of more recreation trails.
America’s National Trails System now boasts as many as 88,000 trails, but did you know, it’s quite likely that your local land trust has hiking opportunities just waiting for you to come and do a little bird-watching or leaf-peeping? So, go to our Find a Land Trust tool, find the land trust nearest you and explore the possibilities!
Below, we share some examples of hiking opportunities hosted by land trusts in different metropolitan areas across the country. No matter where you live, however, there’s likely a land trust near you with hiking options — Alliance member land trusts work in 93% of U.S. counties, after all!
Chicago
Meadowbrook: Meadowbrook exhibits meandering streams, rich woodlands, diverse wildlife and prairie within the Valparaiso Moraine.
Lydick Bog: Lydick Bog features a rare bog habitat, diverse plant life, wetlands, woodlands and thriving wildlife.
Seidner Dune & Swale: Seidner Dune & Swale showcases globally rare topography, a stunning savanna landscape and restored river beauty.
Bur Oak Woods: Bur Oak Woods is a sanctuary for birds and amphibians within the majestic canopy of a mature oak forest.
Illinois Prairie Path: The Illinois Prairie Path, championed by Openlands in 1964, is the nation's first rails-to-trails conversation and became an international model for recreation development.
Grand Illinois Trail: Embark on an epic journey along the Grand Illinois Trail, spanning nearly 500 miles from the shores of Lake Michigan to the majestic Mississippi River and back. This awe-inspiring loop promises an immersive experience, revealing the bountiful natural wonders and thriving communities that define the Prairie State.
Cleveland
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
Blue Heron Preserve: From a sand and gravel mine, this property has been restored to its natural state. The preserve features looped walking trails, scenic overlooks, catch-and-release fishing and more.
Brighton Park: From landfill to landmark, this urban greenspace connects the surrounding community with nature.
Oberlin Preserve: This stunning preserve features a variety of native habitats such as old-field, tall grass prairie, woodland, wet sedge meadow and vernal pools perfect for nature watching.
Ashcroft Woods Conservation Area: Ashcroft Woods permanently protects over 1,000 acres of swamp and upland forests, as well as wetland habitats.
Explore other Western Reserve Land Conservancy hiking opportunities.
Houston
Williams Prairie: The Williams Prairie in Brookshire, Texas, features a mowed trail winding through native prairie and depressional wetlands, along with scattered live oaks, loblolly pines, and clusters of cedar and yaupon holly.
Hebert Reservoir: A short, shaded, out-and-back trail at the Hebert Reservoir in Waller, Texas, takes you along the eastern edge of the 75-acre reservoir. Here, you will find resident wading birds such as common gallinules, great egrets and little blue herons.
Ann Hamilton Trail: Ann Hamilton Trail has an accessible crushed granite surface. Located on the Indiangrass Preserve in Waller, Texas, the Ann Hamilton Trail is a 1.5-mile trail surrounded by wetlands, native grasses and wildflowers perfect for snapping pictures of grassland birds, going for a quick jog or simply taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Indiangrass Preserve: The south trail that winds through a restored prairie and provides visitors with unrivaled views of blooming wildflowers, native wildlife, and wetland habitat.
San Francisco Bay Area
Rush Ranch: Rush Ranch is owned and operated by Solano Land Trust. At Rush Ranch you can learn about California Native people who once lived here, study the wild marsh, families can create memories and visitors enjoy quiet walks on more than six total miles of trails with expansive views of the marsh. Rush Ranch is the site of the Suisun Marsh, the largest tidal marsh on the West Coast.
Explore other Solano Land Trust hiking opportunities.
Seattle
Sylvan Loop at Marilyn and Fred Ellis Preserve: At less than 2 miles long, this loop trail offers an easy but highly rewarding stroll.
Guided Hikes at Graham Preserve: Learn the story of the Graham Preserve while meandering through a coastal forest.
Top of the World on Mount Grant: On a clear day, you can see five volcanic peaks from the summit of Mount Grant Preserve.
Birdseye View at Turtlehead Preserve: See eye-to-eye with soaring raptors from the “head” of spectacular Turtleback Mountain.
