Mark your calendars, outdoor enthusiasts! Thanks to the recent passage of the 2024 Farm Bill by the NC General Assembly, every third Saturday in October will now be known as North Carolina’s Great Trails State Day. This exciting new day of celebration received unanimous support from both the NC House and Senate and was signed into law by the Governor.
This year, Great Trails State Day will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
North Carolina boasts a diverse array of muscle-powered trails—perfect for walking, cycling, running, paddling, climbing, and horseback riding. This day encourages everyone to step outside and get moving on these scenic routes.
Last year, the inaugural Great Trails State Day was a huge success, featuring approximately 75 activities across the state, including trail maintenance, guided hikes and paddles, scavenger hunts, and more.
This September, the Great Trails State Coalition is gearing up to host the Great Trails State Conference.
How To Get Involved:
Local trail organizers and recreation departments will be posting their trail events and Great Trails activities on their calendar of events in the coming months, so stay alert.
Why Trails—and a Day Devoted to Them—Are Important:
- Healthy Recreation: Trails offer free access to healthy outdoor activities and provide safe transportation alternatives.
- Quality of Life: Trails enhance the quality of life in communities of all sizes. Proximity to trails is desirable for residents, visitors, and businesses alike; it boosts property values and stimulates economic growth.
- Economic Impact: Trails are the backbone of North Carolina’s outdoor recreation economy, which reached $14.6 billion in 2022, up from $11.8 billion in 2021.
- Tourism Magnet: As the fifth most visited state, North Carolina attracts numerous visitors to its diverse natural landscapes and extensive trail system, stretching from the mountains to the sea.
- Increased Usage: North Carolina State Parks reported a 4% increase in visitation in 2023, highlighting the growing popularity of outdoor activities.
About The Great Trails State Coalition
Representing 104 nonprofit, local government, and industry partners, the Great Trails State Coalition advocates for increased investment in muscle-powered trails across North Carolina.
The Coalition organized the 2023 NC Year of the Trail campaign, which became the largest celebration of outdoor recreation and trails in American history. In the same year, they secured funding for the $25 million Great Trails State Program. This program provides competitive grants to local governments and nonprofits for trail projects throughout the state.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore and enjoy North Carolina’s great outdoors. Get ready to hit the trails on October 19, 2024!
