Everyone knows that June marks the end of school and the beginning of summer, but did you know that June is also Great Outdoors Month? Great Outdoors Month is a nationwide celebration encouraging the young and old to escape the indoors and head outside to enjoy the beautiful weather and all that the natural world has to offer. With events to please every kind of outdoorsperson, Great Outdoors Month offers a fun variety of activities to keep you enjoying the outdoors during the entire month of June. Read on to discover themed events happening in your state!
What: Bike Travel Weekend
When: May 31- June 2, 2019
Grab your wheels (and helmet) and hit the trails, pavement or bike path in celebration of Bike Travel Weekend, an event that encourages families to ditch the car and head out on a weekend adventure by bike. Whether you’re bike-packing (like backpacking, but on a bike) or just zipping across town for a fun afternoon, participating in Bike Travel Weekend ensures a peddle-powered adventure. There are over 1,000 Bike Travel Weekend events taking place in all 50 states and over 20 countries worldwide.
What: National Trails Day
When: June 1, 2019
National Trails Day is a day when ordinary citizens commit to giving back to the trails and public lands that they love. Participants are encouraged to join a trail work party or to strike out on their own to pick up litter or improve a trail. Make an online pledge on the American Hiking Society website and be a part of the larger effort to sustain our country’s amazing trail system.
In Your State: Texas
There are a variety of ways to celebrate National Trails Day in Texas. For a memorable morning, head to Wyler Aerial Tramway in Franklin Mountains State Park for Hike & Yoga at the Peak starting at 7am. Challenge yourself with a 1-mile hike up Ranger Peak for a yoga class at the top with Monica Lebaron. Reservations are required. South Llano River State Park is also hosting a ranger-led hike along the 4-mile West Canyon Loop trail, starting at 9am. tpwd.texas.gov/calendar
In Your State: Delaware
There are two fun ways to participate in National Trails Day in Delaware on Saturday, June 1. Head to Cape Henlopen State Park for an interactive hike and trail clean-up challenge. Volunteers will meet at the Beach Picnic Pavilion at 9:30am, and lunch will be provided. At Lums Pond State Park, volunteers will walk and pick up trash on the Swamp Forest Trail starting at 10am. destateparks.com/programs
In Your State: Georgia
Don’t miss this opportunity to give back to Georgia’s state parks for National Trails Day. On Saturday, June 1, Amicalola Falls State Park is offering a guided hike of the 1-mile Mt. Laurel Loop trail, starting at 10am. The same morning at 9am, Black Rock Mountain State Park is hosting a walk and trash clean-up event for the Tennessee Rock and James Edmonds hiking trails. explore.gastateparks.org/events
What: National Get Outdoors Day
When: June 8, 2019
Spend your day outside on National Get Outdoors Day, a nationwide event coordinated by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and the U.S. Forest Service, featuring a mix of practical information and fun, outdoor activities. Held on the second Saturday in June, Get Outdoors Day events are kid-friendly and highlight some of the fun things to do outdoors, like fishing and geocaching.
In Your State: Colorado
In honor of National Get Outdoors Day, Colorado is hosting its annual Get Outdoors Colorado Day at Garfield Lake Park in Denver on Saturday, June 8, starting at 10am. At this fun and free family-friendly event, kids can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, climbing, biking, boating, navigation, nature identification, live entertainment, food and more. getoutdoorscolorado.org
In Your State: Pennsylvania
Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day in your own backyard in Pennsylvania on Saturday, June 8. Do you prefer paddle boating or hiking? Head to Little Buffalo State Park for a National Get Outdoors Day Hike starting at 9am. Participants will meet at the pavilion area for a short hike along the Mill Race Trail to look for wildlife. Or, meet at Beltzville State Park for a National Get Outdoors Day Paddle on Wild Creek Cove. Kayak, canoe or paddle board the waters, starting at 9am. events.dcnr.pa.gov/calendar
What: National Marina Days
When: Begins June 8, 2019
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about sailing or boating, check out events planned around the country during National Marina Days, a nationwide event series dedicated to introducing the public to boating. During National Marina Days, which runs through Labor Day, marinas around the country collaborate to hold events for the public. Whether you want to hit the water or learn from land, events such as marina tours and boat demos will help you dip your toe into the joys of boating.
What: Outdoor Stewardship Week
When: June 10-14
Outdoor Stewardship Week is a social media campaign to inspire people to serve the outdoors. All you have to do to participate is hit a local trail and pick up garbage, pluck some trash from a nearby waterway, plant pollinating flowers in your yard or find any other way to serve the outdoors. Once you do your deed, head to Twitter on June 12 from 1-2pm EST for a Twitter Party using the hashtag #ServeOutdoors to share your experience. Or participate in the #ServeOutdoors photo contest by sharing your photo on social media while using the hashtag and mentioning @TheCorpsNetwork.
What: National Fishing and Boating Week
When: June 1-9, 2019
Cast your line without paying a dime. Many states across the U.S. offer free fishing days, and some states even offer free fishing weekends, during National Fishing and Boating Week taking place June 1- June 9. National Fishing and Boating Week is a national celebration of recreational fishing and boating. Free fishing dates vary, so click here to learn more about free fishing days near you.
In Your State: New Mexico
Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week in New Mexico. The Sugarite Fishing Derby is a fun-filled, nine-day fishing event taking place the first week of June at Sugarite Canyon State Park. Registered anglers will fish at Lake Maloya for tagged trout, for a chance at win cash prizes up to $1K. The children can also take part in the Kids’ Derby. emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD
In Your State: Kansas
National Fishing and Boating Week is the perfect time to explore and enjoy Kansas waters. Kansas is home to 24 reservoirs, 40 state fishing lakes and over 200 community lakes. Select your state park destination and choose your fishing or boating adventure in June. ksoutdoors.com
What: Great American Campout
When: June 22, 2019
Organized by the National Wildlife Federation, the Great American Campout is a summer-long celebration of camping that encourages people to connect with nature and wildlife. While the official Great American Campout day is June 22, campers are encouraged to sleep under the stars all summer long. Check out the Great American Campout website for camping tips and inspiration.
What: Create Your Own Way to Escape the Indoors
When: Anytime
Although there are hundreds of organized ways to celebrate Great Outdoors Month you don’t need to join a planned event to escape the indoors. Simply head outside to walk in the park, canoe around your local lake or pitch a tent in your own backyard. These activities will allow you to enjoy the physical and psychological benefits of spending time in nature. June may be Great Outdoors Month, but every day of the year is a great day to get outside. Find your adventure inspiration.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!