Parks across the country will be rolling out the red carpet for attendees during June.
Roan Mountain State Park is joining in the festivities of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 3, by offering their annual Diamond Dash 5K run.
A staple within the park’s busy array of activities, Park Ranger Meg Guy said the race is always a great time and that the park is hoping to see high numbers once again this year.
Interested participants can register prior to the day-of by visiting www.Reg2Run.com prior to Saturday, May 20. Members of the public that take advantage of the advanced registration can sign up for either $20 (which includes a T-shirt) or just $8 without a T-shirt. After May 20 and up until the day-of, individuals can register for $15, which does not include a T-shirt. Guy added that shirts could be available during the day of the race for $10 but there are no guarantees about sizes and amount of shirts.
Day-of registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the race is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. from the Roan Mountain State Park campground. At the conclusion of the race, awards will be provided to the top finishers.
Events across the country will be taking part in National Trails Day, an event sponsored by the American Hiking Society.
Founded in 1976, the organization has continued to promote and protect foot trails, surrounding areas and the “hiking experience” to assist with state parks. American Hiking Society organizes and coordinates National Trails Day and Volunteer Vacations — nationally-recognized programs that assist in keeping trails open, safe and enjoyable for patrons.
According to the American Hiking Society website, the organization “champions conservation issues, builds public and private partnerships, supports volunteer stewardship and provides critical resources to help plan, fund and develop trails. We also provide resources to the public about how and where to hike and are committed to increasing the participation and enjoyment of hiking by everyone.”
Visit nationaltrailsday.americanhiking.org online to learn more about the day and how to get involved with the organization.
But in Roan Mountain, park staff is gearing up for a busy stretch of months with various programs and events coming down the pipeline, including the summer concert series, ranger programs and the annual Rhododendron Festival, sponsored by the Roan Mountain Citizens Club but held in the park.
To learn more about the annual Diamond Dash 5K, upcoming events or other information, visit the park’s website at tnstateparks.com/parks/about/roan-mountain, Roan Mountain State Park Facebook page online or call (423) 772-0190.