There’s something magical about being outdoors. Fresh air, birds singing, moving along a trail or even just around the block – there’s nothing quite like it. Presented by the Friends of Chapel Hill Parks, Recreation and Greenways, National Trails Day®, celebrated by the American Hiking Association, is the perfect opportunity to get out there with the people you love, give back to the trails that bring us together, and make sure no one is left out.

Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation, in collaboration Chapel Hill Public Housing and the Friends of Chapel Hill Parks, Recreation and Greenways, has planned a unique interactive trail experience to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4 at Umstead Park from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. The event will highlight a recently .3 mile refurbished natural surface trail which is in Town-owned open space, and adjacent to the planned Trinity Court housing development.

This vital trail development project connects pedestrians from the planned Trinity Court community to Umstead Park, the Northside Neighborhood and Downtown Chapel Hill via the Tanyard Branch Trail, as well as East Franklin Street and the Chapel Hill Community Center on S. Estes Drive via the Bolin Creek Trail.

“Trails, parks, and open space located in close proximity to residential options offer many benefits,” said Phil Fleischmann, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We’ve developed a National Trails Day program which highlights many of these benefits as well as opportunities in which volunteers may get involved in supporting local trails like this one.” Faith Brodie, Director of Public Housing, says “I am excited about this opportunity to expose the wonder and beauty of this area to others less familiar. Through the help of the Scouts, Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation, and the Community Housing Partners the appeal of this property has increased a 1000-fold.”

Faith will share more about the new Trinity Court development and what’s coming as part of the Community Housing Partners (CHP) leadership on the project. Steve Price, from the Friends of Chapel Hill Parks, Recreation and Greenways will also be on hand to share about recent trail improvements, new wayfinding signage, as well as opportunities for getting involved with similar projects.

Following the ceremony, our very own Adventure Jones from the Parks and Recreation adventure team will lead a short interactive hike and talk about the new trail features as well as many new adventure programs coming this summer and fall. Chapel Hill’s Municipal Arborist Adam Smith will also be on hand to share information and to answer questions that you may have about trees in the area. 

In Chapel Hill we enjoy a network interconnected trails and greenways that span more than 17 miles, offering wonderful experiences of the natural environment that also serve to connect neighborhoods, recreational centers and key commercial areas.

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, parks and open spaces are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in a community, ensuring the health of families and youth, and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and region.

Our parks, trails, and outdoor recreation amenities provide spaces for everyone to enjoy time outdoors, while exercising, or spending quality time with friends and family.

For more information about National Trails Day and Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation, or to find a trail near you, see www.chapelhillparks.org 

The Friends of Chapel Hill Parks, Recreation and Greenways, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the Town of Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation department and improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in our community.

Visit the Friends new website to learn more about the impact we make, how to join us on projects like this, and receive your complimentary annual membership with any donation.