June 1 is National Trails Day; Virginians encouraged to hike in state forests

Forestry officials invite residents out to Virginia’s state forests to celebrate National Trails Day June 1.

Many of the 22 state forests offer miles of trails for walking, hiking and bird watching. Trails allow for recreation and are a great way to get the public to increase their physical activity in an outdoor setting. Trail users can explore in solitude and find peace and tranquility. Or, join family or friends for an outdoor social activity.

Passive recreational opportunities, such as walking, hiking and canoeing, are provided free of charge. Horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and trapping all require a State Forest Use Permit when persons 16 years and older enjoy these activities on a state forest.

There is one state forest in Prince William County, the 444-acre Conway Robinson State Forest off US 29 south in Gainesville just before Heritage Hunt community. A complete list of state forests can be found on the Virginia Department of Forest website at http://www.dof.virginia.gov.

In 1987, the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors recommended Trails for All Americans, which suggested Americans should be able to walk out their front doors and within 15 minutes, be on trails that take them through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing any steps. The American Hiking Society launched National Trails Day in 1993.