PUT PLAY IN YOUR FAMILY'S DAY by enjoying the best that America has to offer. Find inspiration and healthy recreation in the
NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM, which includes 391
park sites, and the NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM, which spans more than 60,000 miles across all 50
states. National Parks received more than 275 million
visitors last year. This year, visit a National Park with
your family, and experience America's most important
vacation. The experience will last a life time.
Your National Parks are living examples
of the best this nation has to offer-
our magnificent
natural landscapes and our varied yet interrelated
heritage. Parks can provide recreational experiences,
opportunities to learn and grow, and places of
quiet refuge.
National Park Week will be celebrated April
18-26 at hundreds of parks throughout the country.
Find the full list of events at www.nps.gov/
npweek. Junior Ranger Day will be held on April 25,
and special commemorative pins and certificates will
be given to all participants. This year, take a moment,
an hour, a day to visit a National Park near you.
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Traveling a National Trail brings you into direct
contact with adventure, history, heritage, community
and nature, and trails provide countless opportunities
for healthful recreation and exercise. On National
Scenic, Historic and Recreation Trails you can
experience the great diversity of landscapes and ecosystems that comprise the American landscape.
Historic Trails bring alive the rich tapestry of cultures
and peoples that made our nation, including the many
stories of pioneer travel, exploration and struggles for
civil and religious freedom that shaped our history
(Native American, Hawaiian, Inuit, Hispanic, Anglo,
African-American and Asian).
National Trails Day ® (NTD) is celebrated
June 6 and features events all across the country.
American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness
program, NTD, inspires the public and trail enthusiasts
nationwide to seek out their favorite trails to discover
and celebrate while participating in educational
exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations,
instructional workshops and trail work projects. Find
an event near you at www.americanhiking.org/
NTD.aspx.
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TWO VERY SPECIAL NATIONAL TRAILS TO EXPLORE:
The Selma to Montgomery National
Historic Trail
On March 21, 1965, 3,000 marchers left Brown Chapel
A.M.E. Church in Selma, Alabama, to begin a 54-mile
journey to the state capitol in Montgomery to demand
voting rights for African Americans. By the time they
reached their destination four days later, their numbers
had swelled to 25,000. Men, women and children
of diverse races and backgrounds joined forces to
bring about profound change in our nation's political landscape. Thanks to their efforts, the Voting Rights Act
of 1965 was signed into law later that year.
The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
works with partners to preserve historic, cultural
and natural resources along this historic route and
interprets and commemorates the voting rights
movement's struggles and triumphs.
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Walk in the footprints of history and learn about
those Americans who endured and prevailed in
the cause of freedom. Visit www.nps.gov/semo to
learn more about events and activities that you can
participate in with your family.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is America's premier hiking
destination. Traversing 14 states along the eastern
seaboard, it's practically in your backyard-within a
day's drive for over of half of the U.S. population.
Offering outstanding scenery, glimpses at Appalachian
culture and communities, and unique bonding
experiences, family hikes on the A.T. are sure to
provide one-of-a-kind, lasting memories. Get
started with a short walk to experience the magic
of the trail that has captured the imagination of
hikers worldwide. For many, even a short stroll on
the famous Appalachian Trail has inspired a lifetime of
passion for hiking. For more information visit
www.appalachiantrail.org. ▼
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