Governor Stein Proclaims Great Trails State Day

Great Trails State Day

2025

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina’s diverse and beautiful natural landscapes, from the mountains to the coast, are critical to our quality of life, health, and economic well-being; and

Whereas, trail networks span across our state, including urban and community walking and bicycling paths, hiking and mountain biking trails, equine trails, and paddle trails on our rivers, lakes, estuaries, and sounds, providing opportunity for people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds to access our rich and diverse natural, cultural, and historic resources; and

Whereas, trails are a significant part of North Carolina’s $16.2 billion outdoor recreation industry; trails support our robust tourism industry, create jobs, increase property values, and improve the overall health and quality of life for the people of our state by making our communities more attractive and vibrant places to live, work, and establish businesses; and

Whereas, access to trails encourages movement, reducing chronic disease and improving mental health, and trails offer safe routes linking neighborhoods with schools, parks, and downtown areas; and

Whereas, North Carolina is known as “The Great Trails State” because of its vast network of state trails and local and regional trails; and

Whereas, the North Carolina General Assembly created the $25 million Great Trails State Program to support the planning, construction, and improvement of all types of trails, with grant awards announced this year for 79 projects across the state; and

Whereas, the North Carolina General Assembly designated the third Saturday of each October as Great Trails State Day to celebrate trails; and

Whereas, for western counties recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, Great Trails State Day will help state residents and visitors “Rediscover the Unforgettable” landscapes of our mountains and support these communities;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 18, 2025, as “Great Trails State Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all citizens.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-third day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.