Our Opinion: On Trails Day, join the challenge to get active

Saturday is National Trails Day.
Saturday is National Trails Day.

Invitations to get moving are being extended by Missouri's governor, the state's parks division and hikers nationwide.

The common goal is to encourage Missourians to accrue the health benefit of physical activity while enjoying the state's scenic outdoors.

Saturday is the American Hiking Society's National Trails Day, promoted in our state by Missouri State Parks.

The state's parks system, according to Bill Bryan, division director, "includes more than 1,000 miles of trails that allow Missourians to have fun, stay active and enjoy nature. An adventure on a trail provides guests of all skill levels an opportunity to experience and learn about Missouri's great outdoors."

Missouri was honored in 2013 as the "Best Trails State" in the country by American Trails, a national, nonprofit group.

To celebrate the distinction, Gov. Jay Nixon began the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge to encourage residents to run, walk, bike, paddle, swim or roll and to record their achievements on a website, 100missourimiles.com.

In its first year, Missourians logged more than 1.1 million miles.

As of Thursday, the site listed 4,972,228 miles recorded by 26,700 Missourians.

Although the challenge is not a competition, per se, we noted the governor's 105 miles are eclipsed by the 110 miles posted by first lady Georganne Nixon.

Comments and photographs from other challenge participants also are posted on the site, which serves as a bulletin board for Missourians to share their experiences.

Whether you're attracted by the physical activity, magnificent scenery or abundant wildlife, Saturday's observance of National Trails Day is an excellent opportunity to join the governor's challenge and get moving.