SPONSOR

HIKE • WALK • RUN • RIDE • PADDLE

Be Part of one of the Biggest
Statewide Campaigns in North Carolina History
YEAR OF THE TRAIL 2023
On August 18th, 2021, the NC Legislature declared 2023 North Carolina Year of the Trail, creating an opportunity to promote and celebrate our state’s extensive trail systems. This statewide campaign will reach all communities with the message of how and where to experience the trails that showcase North Carolina’s beautiful landscapes.
Through marketing and events, this statewide campaign will increase awareness about trails, boost use by locals and tourists, reach underserved communities, recognize trail volunteers, and promote responsible and safe use of trails.
Join other leading corporations and be a part of one of the largest statewide campaigns in North Carolina history and connect your organization to our state’s growing outdoor recreation market.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Year of the Trail will reach across all North Carolina. Messages will meet people many times throughout the entire year of 2023. Align your organization with this valuable content on why, how, and where to get out on North Carolina’s trails.
This is a once in a generation event. Where does your organization fit into Year of the Trail?
We are ready to meet with you to design a package that meets your organization’s needs and we are open to creative customization!
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SPONSOR | $85,000
Sponsor a series of billboard advertisements for Year of the Trail, to be placed in major media markets across NC. Featuring prominent placement of your logo and Year of the Trail Website, these billboards will reach millions of eyes throughout 2023.

RADIO SPONSOR | Up to $75,000
Sponsor NC Year of the Trail messaging to be broadcast across all 100 counties in the state. Pair your brand with Year of the Trail messaging, trail information, and events broadcast on 75+ stations consistently across all 100 counties in the state with Curtis Media Group. Creative collaboration for messaging is welcome!
PUBLIC RADIO UNDERWRITING | $25,000
Showcase your business to hundreds of thousands of listeners at multiple public radio stations across NC over the Year of 2023. Increase your goodwill by association with both the exciting Year of the Trail and trusted NPR sources.

Explainer Video Series | $10,000-15,000 per video
What You Get
- Put your logo on a series of up to 10 videos that focus on pressing and pertinent issues related to trails, advocacy, funding, ethics, and inclusion. Ask us for a list of example topics!
- Sponsorship also includes verbal acknowledgement in videos, tags on all social media posts, and links to Sponsor website on YouTube and the Year of the Trail website.
- The series will include long and short form videos to be shared by official Year of the Trail social media and 20+ Great Trails State Coalition partners.
Human Interest Video Series | $10,000-15,000 per video
What You Get
- Put your logo on a series of up to 10 videos that highlight stories of diverse trail users, break down barriers, and showcase the way communities in NC use trails to change lives for the better.
- Sponsorship also includes verbal acknowledgement in videos, tags on all social media posts, and links to Sponsor website on YouTube and the Year of the Trail website.
- The series will include long and short form videos to be shared by official Year of the Trail social media and 20+ Great Trails State Coalition partners.
Influencer Spotlight Video Series | $10,000-$15,000 per video
What You Get
- Put your logo on a series of up to 6 videos featuring a significant person that loves trails in NC. The video ties into trail advocacy, ending with a request for NC legislators to invest in trails.
- Sponsorship also includes verbal acknowledgement in videos, tags on all social media posts, and links to Sponsor website on YouTube and the Year of the Trail website.
- The series will include long and short form videos to be shared by official Year of the Trail social media and 20+ Great Trails State Coalition partners.
GENERAL SPONSOR | $ Sponsor's Choice
For Sponsors who don’t fit the categories above we can offer a list of potential recognition based on the sponsorship level you offer. Recognition options include:
- Access to a Year of the Trail Media Packet to promote yourself as a Year of the Trail Sponsor
- Your logo or name placed on Year of the Trail Website
- Shout Outs and Tags in Year of the Trail Social Media
- Recognition as a sponsor in the Year of the Trail Monthly Newsletter
- Written and shareable organization story on the Year of the Trail Website
- Employee Engagement Opportunity
Our Fundraising Goal:
$1,200,000
Ready to commit your support?
Have more questions?
Contact
Palmer McIntyre at
PMCINTYRE@PIEDMONTLAND.ORG
Ready to commit your support?
Have more questions?
Contact
Palmer McIntyre at
PMCINTYRE@PIEDMONTLAND.ORG
Looking for a local sponsorship opportunity? Contact your local trail group.
Key Aspects of Year of the Trail
Public Engagement
The goal of the GTSC is to encourage every North Carolinian to get outside on a trail in 2023. This campaign for trails will reach a wide range of communities across NC with a specific focus on engaging people of color. We aim to host at least one trail event in each of NC’s 100 counties, including group outings, trail maintenance training days, and many other creative ideas suggested by partners across the state.
MEDIA ATTENTION
Throughout 2023, we will be highlighting NC trails and their benefits through broadcasts, print and digital media, billboards, and other advertising venues. Featured content will share stories of trails across the state and encourage the public to experience trails — both close to home and in different areas of NC.
Educational ENGAGEMENT
In both 2022 and 2023, GTSC will present at conferences across the state to prepare communities to host events for Year of the Trail. These presentations will encourage communities to harness the many benefits of trails in NC, including economic boosts, community cohesion, health improvements, and environmental benefits.
Legislative Connections
Throughout 2023, GTSC will be inviting members of the NC Legislature to events taking place along trails in their district. By connecting with stakeholders and constituents on the trail, legislators can directly experience the benefits trails provide to their district and the importance of investing in the NC trail system.
Sponsors Already On Board











