Be one of 300,000 people hiking his weekend as part of National Trails Day.  

 

The annual event began in 1993 and includes hiking events from all 50 states, including this year's Troutville Trail Days in the Troutville Town Park on Friday and Saturday. The Troutville event, in its first year as part of National Trails Day, is packed with activities, music, food, games, and hiking instruction. Friday's festivities will conclude with a showing of the National Geographic move "Appalachian Trail," and Saturday's events will get rolling again at 9 a.m. with the Hiker's Hustle 5K. All of the Troutville Trail Days events are free.

 

National Trails Day, designated as the first Saturday in June each year, celebrates the 200,000-plus miles of trails in the United States. In 2011 there were 2,063 events including 330,000 participants nationwide, according to the American Hiking Society. Trails Day events include hiking, dog walking, biking, birding, wildlife photography, paddling, and more.

 

If you can't make Troutville Trail Days, celebrate at one of the many other events happening around Virginia or by heading out on a hike of your own. Hiking can help you experience nature while bettering your physical and mental health. Get your heart pumping and clear your mind while exploring the beauty of some of the best hikes in country, located right here in the Roanoke Region. Check out our list of the more than 50 hikes right in your backyard and lace up your hiking shoes. 

Beauty Beneath the Dirt - Official Trailer

What happens when people of three different backgrounds hit the Appalachian Trail? That is the concept behind "Beauty Beneath the Dirt," playing three times in three different area locations.

•     June 12 at The Shadow Box in Roanoke
•     June 14 at the Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg
•     June 15 at the Woods Hole Hostel in Pearisburg

The documentary follows 24-year-old lawyer, Katherine Imp; her 21-year-old fresh out of college brother,Brandon Imp; and best friend and self-proclaimed "city chick" Emily Ginger as they attempt an Appalachian Trail thru-hike, covering 2,178 miles from Georgia to Maine.

"Beauty Beneath the Dirt" highlights the highs and lows of trail life and provides an honest and touching account of how hiking can affect the body and mind.

After the film, join Brandon Imp for a question and answer session about the journey. He will have sessions after the Roanoke and Blacksburg screenings.

Tickets are $8 for each showing and you can order them in advance from The Shadow Box or through Brown Paper Tickets. Find out more about the Pearisburg screening, which includes dinner on Facebook. The film, which runs 65 minutes, is not rated and is not intended for children under age 13.

The "Beauty Beneath the Dirt" crew is also trying to raise $10,000 for a University Tour. You can find out more about the campaign and contribute via their Kickstarter.com page.