The people of Austin are annoyingly fit. Running, cycling, ridiculous outdoor exercises with giant tires. Me? I prefer getting lost somewhere that looks like this:

                               Gus Fruh Pool at Barton Creek

There’s nothing like leaving the world behind to go exploring, and Austin has plenty of amazing trails all over the city for a quick getaway. It’s the best way to clear your mind, get some exercise and find inspiration in the natural surroundings of Austin.

                                    Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Saturday, June 1 is the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day: a day to volunteer and celebrate how spectacular our local trails are. Metropolitan areas all over the country have different events to celebrate. The Austin Parks Foundation has plenty of volunteer opportunities (read: excuses to go hang out at the trail all day), and volunteers will be able to attend the workday after-party at Zilker Park, with free food, drinks, Barton Springs swimming, parking, and swag! Volunteers will receive t-shirts, water bottles, have a chance to win raffles prizes, and can take home memories from a photo booth. You’ll also get to hang out with people who share the same love of hiking and trails.

                         Like these handsome explorers.

So go on and sign up, or at least spend some time enjoying a trail. It beats playing with giant tires any day.

                                         Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park.

Photos courtesy of the Austin Parks Foundation.