FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2025
Great Trails State Day Celebration set for October 18
Every third Saturday in October is Great Trails State Day, a special day to celebrate North
Carolina’s world-class trail systems from the mountains to the coast, including urban and
community walking and bicycling paths, hiking and mountain biking trails, equestrian routes and
paddle trails on our rivers, lakes, estuaries, and sounds, connecting people of all abilities, ages
and backgrounds to North Carolina’s rich and diverse natural, cultural, and historic resources.
This year’s celebrations will take place on Saturday, October 18 across the state.
Great Trails State Day was originally celebrated as part of 2023 NC Year of the Trail, then
became officially designated through the 2024 Farm Act. However, last year’s celebrations were
muted due to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. This year’s celebration will help the
people of North Carolina and beyond to “Rediscover the Unforgettable” landscapes of our
beloved mountain region and support these communities, as well as experience trails
throughout the state.
Great Trails State Day is an opportunity to showcase and highlight trails by encouraging people
to explore them, either through an event, with a group of family or friends, or on their own during
one of the most beautiful months of the year. The day is also about recognizing the people and
organizations who make these trails possible.
Governor Stein signed a proclamation for Great Trails State Day, recognizing the important
benefits trails provide to communities through tourism, jobs, increased property values, and
improved health and quality of life for the people of North Carolina by making our communities
more attractive and vibrant places to live, work and establish businesses.
Trails are a significant part of North Carolina’s $16.2 billion outdoor recreation industry and
encourage healthy movement – walking, riding, and paddling—reducing chronic disease and
improving mental health, helping make North Carolina “The Great Trails State.”
This year also marks the announcement of $25 million in grants from the Great Trails State
Program established by the NC General Assembly in 2023 to support the planning, construction
and improvement of all types of trails. These grants will support 79 projects across the state.Open-source digital assets to promote Great Trails State Day:
• Great Trails State Day toolkit
• Great Trails State Day graphics
• Great Trails State Day video
• Great Trails State Day Family Activity Booklet
About The Great Trails State Coalition
Representing more than 130 nonprofit, local government, and industry partners, the Great Trails
State Coalition advocates for increased state investment in all types of trails statewide – hiking,
paddle, mountain bike, equestrian, and paved trails. The Coalition’s goal is for every North
Carolina county to enjoy the proven benefits of trails, including health, safety, economic vitality,
tourism, transportation, and environmental stewardship
Learn more at www.greatrailsnc.com