National Trails Day falls every year on the first Saturday in June. Sponsored by the American Hiking Society, it helps promote awareness of the wide variety of services offered by trails and trail systems, and recognizes the incredible benefits federal, state and local trails provide for recreation and exposure to nature.
The American Hiking Society encourages regular trail use with its message, “The best way to celebrate is to get outside and hit the trails.”
Cindy Rieck, one of the co-sponsors of the trailhead interpretive panel at Veterans Walking Trail, chose that site to enjoy National Trails Day outside on the trail with her dog, Linus. They are daily walkers and regular users of the Veterans Walking Trail.
Nearly 2 miles long and located on DNR-owned land along Crow Wing County Road 16 in Jenkins Township, the Veterans Trail is a popular spot and was originally developed as a walking trail in 2002 through a DNR National Recreation Trails grant with support from Crow Wing County and local match donations from Dave and Mary Badger and several other area businesses, organizations, jurisdictions and individuals. Maintenance is supported by Sons of the American Legion Post 49.
Earlier this spring, four upgraded information panels were installed along the Wetlands Walk by volunteers Andrew and Kiah Rudlang. The panel information, courtesy of DNR, tells the stories of:
- Wildflowers and Wetland Grasses
- Trees of the Shrub Swamp
- Wildlife of the Shrub Swamp
- Succession
Even though National Trails Day itself is over for 2026, the real story is that every day the trails are there waiting for you to enjoy them. Other popular trails along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway route include Uppgaard Wildlife Management Trail, West Shore Drive paved trail, Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park Trail, Breezy Point Walking Trail and Pelican Woods Nature Trail.
There’s so much to enjoy along the 54 miles of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. Support what you enjoy!
