Spring will herald the arrival of the much-anticipated ‘Celebrate Trails Day’ on April 27, a day dedicated to recognizing the significance of outdoor trails in fostering community engagement and well-being. Oak Hill is gearing up to honor its White Oak Rail Trail, underscoring the manifold benefits of outdoor pursuits such as communing with nature and engaging in physical activity, which are known to promote a sense of serenity.
Brandi Horton, Vice President of Communications for the Rails to Trails Conservancy, emphasized the profound connections and enriching experiences that trails offer to communities. She underscored the pivotal role of trails in bolstering local economies by driving patronage to nearby businesses.
The overarching goal of ‘Celebrate Trails Day’ is to spotlight the transformative influence of trails while advocating for increased support and resources for their development and maintenance. Horton accentuated the accessibility of multi-use trails and recommended leveraging RTC’s Traillink app for seamless trip planning. Furthermore, she expressed admiration for the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Iowa, citing it as a stellar example of the potential that trails hold nationwide.