Rails to Trails Conservancy, the nation's largest trail, walking and biking advocacy organization, is calling on people across the country to get outside on trails this spring to celebrate the many ways that trails and connected trail networks bring joy and impact to people's lives. Central to the organization's call to action is Celebrate Trails Day, hosted on April 27, 2024, with hundreds of events nationwide that serve to inspire more people to make trails, walking and biking part of their everyday lives.

Here are five reasons to get outside on trails this spring, and on Celebrate Trails Day, says RTC:

1. It's one of the best seasons for outside adventures with milder weather across the country—perfect for time on the trail. People can find their perfect trail using RTC's free trail-finder app, TrailLink.
2. It's good for your body and good for the planet. Having walking and biking spaces close to where you live makes it more likely that you'll stay physically active, which is important for your body and mind. Plus, by swapping short car rides for walking and biking, burn calories instead of carbon!
3. It can be a safe way to get around without a car. Currently, people who walk and bike are increasingly likely to be seriously injured or killed in crashes with cars and trucks. Connected trail networks separate people from vehicles, making it a safer transportation option for more people.  
4. It's the right time to let elected officials know that trails matter to you. On Celebrate Trails Day and every day, the time on the trail is an act of advocacy sending a message that trails are important to people across the country. As Congress and local officials make decisions about ways to invest infrastructure resources, getting outside on the trail is an important way to build support.
5. There are more places to walk, bike and be active outside than ever! With more than 41,000 miles of multiuse trails—where you can walk, run, ride, skate and more—and over 150 trail networks emerging, there are safe places to walk, bike and be active outside in every single state and hundreds of communities across the country.  

To find creative ideas for getting outside, photo and video content for use with credit to RTC, reporters are encouraged to visit RTC's Celebrate Trails Day website and follow #CelebrateTrails on social media.