The American Hiking Society said 2009 was a record breaking year for its 17th annual National Trails Day (NTD) with a 47% increase in the number of events registered from 2008 to 2009.

The effort, according to the organization, was helped by a call from President Obama to participate in the nation's recovery and renewal by serving its communities. On Saturday, June 6, more than 150,000 volunteers and trail enthusiasts in all 50 states and Puerto Rico showed their commitment to community service by maintaining 1,711 miles of trail. A total of 35,590 volunteers contributed 177,950 hours of volunteer labor, worth an estimated $3.6 million at 643 trail work projects. Hikers, bikers, paddlers, trail runners, walkers, horseback riders, birders, and all other trail enthusiasts came out in full force to show their support, despite reports around the country of cold and wet weather.

“American Hiking Society's NTD is an open invitation to all Americans to get outside and celebrate our nation's trails,” notes Gregory Miller, President of American Hiking Society. “NTD has inspired thousands of people to take part in trail maintenance projects, hikes, bike and horseback rides, paddle trips and other activities.”

Additional Highlights from NTD 2009:

  • An increase of 519 events from last year
  • 1,631 NTD events registered with American Hiking Society
  • Participants hiked or walked 3,515 miles and bikers rode 2,069 miles
  • To coincide with NTD 2009, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the designation of 22 new National Recreation Trails in 13 states
  • NTD reached more than 150 million people through extensive media coverage
  • 63% increase in the average number of NTD events this decade
  • the average number of events from 2000 to 2004 was 760 events, while the average from 2005 to 2009 was 1,240 events

National Trails Day is made possible by the support of its Lead Sponsor, Nature Valley, and Sponsoring Partners, Backpacker magazine, Fetzer Vineyards and Merrell. NTD Supporters include YMCA of the USA, REI and American Park Network. Federal Partners of NTD are Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.