GO HIKE. The outdoors and Allegheny National Forest (ANF) are calling out to tell everyone today is the perfect opportunity for a peaceful hike along one of the area’s MANY trails. National Trails Day aside, (although a debt of gratitude and honor is owed to those who help to maintain and preserve area hiking trails for everyone’s enjoyment) summer is almost here, the forest is green, luscious and inviting along almost 200 miles of hiking trail options, just in the ANF alone.

According to NationalToday.com; The history of National Trails Day stretches back almost 50 years, when there were no government-mandated trails for hiking or walking. This changed in 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson made a law, which established trails that people could use for recreation — and tourism too.

For those who may not enjoy hiking, area hiking trails offer more opportunities than simply hiking. These trails offer loads of recreational possibilities with excellent opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, bicycling (in some instances), camping, wildlife viewing, picnicking and more.

If you don’t know where to start: according to AllTrails.com, the best rated trails in the ANF include Minister Creek Trail, Rimrock Loop Trail and overlook, Tracey Ridge Trail System and Morrison Trail — just to name a few.

For more information about all of the trails in the ANF visit the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau website at VisitANF.com.

To get started by exploring more local trails in Bradford visit the Tuna Valley Trail Association website at tunavalleytrail.com; in Smethport visit the Potato Creek Trail Association at smethportpa.org; and in Kane/Mount Jewett visit the MJ2KB Trail Club at www.mj2kbtrail.club.