Hike, bike or horseback – however you do it, hit the trails on April 24.
The Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation joins the Rails To Trails Conservancy in marking National Trails Day, an annual celebration of America’s trails – the amazing network of public pathways, bikeways and byways linking neighborhoods, communities and the nation.
Did you know: Bainbridge Island now has more than 42 miles of public trails, winding through beautiful forests and meadows, bringing parks closer to our homes by walking and biking, and taking us deeper into nature.
The Sound To Olympics Trails “Winslow Connector” is among our newest and most popular trails. Fast becoming the island’s first-ever “linear park,” the STO Winslow Connector is also one link in the 3,700-mile national Great American Rail Trail that spans the continent from coast to coast, from the “other Washington” all the way to ours. More than 50 million Americans live within 50 miles of the Great American Rail Trail, which has been called “the most ambition biking initiative the nation has ever seen.” … and Bainbridge Island is part of the route. Learn more about the Great American Rail Trail, and look for news soon on the Sound To Olympics Trail’s next extension northward across the island.
To mark Celebrate Trails Day, Rails To Trails Conservancy has some great ideas for getting out on the path with your family and friends (observing Covid protocols, of course — keep the trail safe and inviting for everyone).
• Take a hike, and make it part of your daily routine
• Ride a bike, and make sure you’re properly equipped
• Enjoy nature along the way – maybe even pack a picnic
• Make a gift to trails through the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation. New and better trails are coming islandwide this summer – support the work!
If the weather’s crummy on April 24, no worries – we’re Pacific Northwesterners, and we fear no rain. But if you must stay at home, Rails To Trails has some ways you can still enjoy trails without stepping outside. Have fun!
Share your Trails Day adventure with us. Post your pictures tagged #trailsdaybainbridge and @biparksfoundation on Instagram. Most Likes will receive a limited edition Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation hat to wear with style on your next hike.