June 02, 2022
Media Advisory: SIU’s Touch of Nature is the place for National Trails Day, June 4
National Trails Day is Saturday, June 4, an awareness day established by the American Hiking Society in 1992 to encourage people to get outside and enjoy trails and nature. Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Educational Center is home to one of the premier multi-purpose trail systems in the Midwest. Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to feature the trail system or contact Brian Croft, assistant director of outdoor education and recreation, at bcroft@siu.edu or 618-453-3954 for more information.
The Touch of Nature Multiuse Trail System, the only university-affiliated multiuse trail system of its scope in the country and the first of its kind in the region, currently features 12 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. When completed, it will encompass about 30 miles of stacked loop trails, adult and children’s terrain parks, an event center space and other features. Officials estimate the trails, when completed, could draw 55,000 to 75,000 visitors annually. The trails also provide outdoor learning spaces for academic programs including recreation professions, forestry and wildlife biology.