The Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau is inviting residents and visitors alike to step outside, explore local pathways, and enjoy a full day of outdoor celebration during Celebrate Trails Day, held annually on the fourth Saturday of April.
The annual event, part of a nationwide initiative led by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers food, activities, and a chance to connect with the region’s vibrant trail community.
The day begins at 9:00 a.m. with the opening of the Visitor Center and the arrival of food trucks B‑Mobile Catering and Hello Lemon, serving up local favorites to fuel trail‑goers. Partner tables and activities will be available throughout the day, featuring organizations such as Happy Spokes, the Knox County Park District, Knox County Litter Prevention & Recycling, Ariel‑Foundation Park, the Brown Family Environmental Center, and Outdoor Pursuits. Each group will share resources, hands‑on activities, and information about how residents can get involved in outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
At 11:00 a.m., local historian Gloria Parsisson of the Heart of Ohio Trail will lead a Railroad History Walk, offering insights into Knox County’s rail heritage and its connection to today’s trail system. This interactive talk blends storytelling with exploration, making history come alive along the paths.
The celebration continues at 12:00 p.m. with the official launch and ribbon cutting for Happy Spokes, a new community partner dedicated to helping more people discover the joy of outdoor activity. Attendees can meet the team, learn about their mission, and see firsthand how they’re expanding access to biking and trail use.
At 1:00 p.m., trail enthusiasts can join Tom Bilcze, president of the Ohio to Erie Trail, for a Trail Talk titled Explore Ohio by Trail: Day Trips to Week‑Long Adventures. Bilcze will share his experiences traveling across Ohio’s trail network and inspire participants to plan their own journeys, whether close to home or across the state.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy giveaways, community connections, and free ice cream courtesy of Round Hill Dairy while supplies last. The event concludes at 4:00 p.m., wrapping up a full day of celebration, learning, and outdoor fun.
Celebrate Trails Day is free and open to the public, making it the perfect spring outing for families, cyclists, walkers, and anyone eager to embrace Knox County’s trail culture. For more information, visit visitknoxohio.org.
