National Walking Week 2023

In January 2020, the Board of Directors of the AVA: America’s Walking Club, declared the first seven days of April to be “National Walking Week” which would include the traditional “National Walking Day” sponsored by the American Heart Association from 2007 to 2019.

#NationalWalkingWeek

Participating Clubs

# of events

Participating States

FIND AN EVENT IN YOUR AREA!

If your club is hosting an event for National Walking Week please click on the button below to fill out the form so we can post the event information on the page.

Logos and Pictures

Click image to enlarge.

First Coast Forgers

Sacramento Walking Sticks Logo

CA – Capitol, the Wayne Holloway Memorial

California

Elk Grove, CA – April 1st

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – Y1423

POC: Paul Robb – @

The Sticks host morning group walks on Tues/Thurs morning and a Wed night group walk, too. Everyone, including the family dog, is welcome to join in. This Elk Grove walk is on recreational trails–one loop on parkways in the pleasant community of Camden Passage and the second loop is a walk through charming neighborhoods, both old and new, passing under a railroad trestle.

Registration Time: 6:15 pm Walk Start Time: 6:30 pm

Sacramento, CA – April 2nd

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – Sierra Oaks Vista Y0905

POC: Beverly Bales – @

The Sticks offer weekly group walks on Tues/Thurs morning as well as on Wed night. Everyone, including the family dog, is welcome to join in. This week will give you an opportunity to see tucked away neighborhoods and trails that you’ve never seen/walked before. This Sierra Oaks Vista walk takes you thru ecclectic and affluent neighborhoods that are rarely seen from the busy streets that surround them. It’s a fan favorite!

Registration Time: 9:15 am Walk Start Time: 9:30 am

San Francisco, CA – April 2nd

San Francisco Bay Bandits – YRE 3164

POC: Mary Bond – @

See parts of Golden Gate Park you’ve never seen before.

Registration Time: 10:00 am Walk Start Time: 10:15 am

Sacramento, CA – April 2nd

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – Ashton Park Y1049

POC: Beverly Bales – @

The Sacramento Walking Sticks offer a wide variety of group walks on Tues/Thurs mornings as well as on Wed nights. Everyone can join in, dogs are always welcome. This walk will take you on shady residential streets and trails along the American River.

Registration Time: 6:15 pm Walk Start Time: 6:30 pm

Sacramento, CA – April 3rd

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – Midtown to East Sac Y1873

POC: Barbara Nuss – @

Join the Sacramento Walking Sticks on their group walks every Tues/Thurs morning and Wed night. Everyone’s welcome to come, including the family dog. This walk takes you through the shady streets of East Sacramento to the rose gardens of McKinley Park. Then walk into Midtown Sacramento by Sutter’s Fort, established just before the California Gold Rush. Unique galleries and shops line streets with many gastronmic delights which Sacramento is famous for.

Registration Time: 9:15 am Walk Start Time: 9:30 am

Davis, CA – April 3rd

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – University Y0404

POC: Amul Purohit – @

The Sacramento Walking Sticks invite you to join us on our weekly group walks; Tues/Thurs mornings as well as every Wed night. Everyone, including the family dog, is welcome to join in the fun. This Davis walk is on city streets and bike paths through UC Davis and the University Arboretum. Spring is the optimal time to walk through the Arboretum with its wide varieties of flowers.

Registration Time: 6:15 pm Walk Start Time: 6:30 pm

Sacramento, CA – April 4th

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – Capitol, Wayne Holloway Memorial Walk Y0003

POC: Heidi Foster – @

This will be a group walk that is mostly on sidewalks through historic downtown Sacramento. It goes by the State Capitol building, passes Sutter’s Fort, the old Governor’s Mansion and through historic “Old Sac” with its many shops and museums. Everyone is welcome to join in, dogs are not allowed in the State Capitol.

Registration Time: 10:00 am Walk Start Time: 10:15 am

Sacramento, CA – April 4th

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – The Fab 40’s Y0583

POC: Gail Samcoff – @

Join in our group walks every Tues/Thurs morning and Wed night. Everyone’s welcome to walk with us, including the family dog. The Fab 40’s is made of residential streets and parks of East Sacramento. Countless movies have used these streets, including Ladybird. You’ll walk by the house Ronald Reagan once lived in when he was the California Governor.

Registration Time: 6:15 pm Walk Start Time: 6:30 pm

Sacramento, CA – April 5th

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – Curtis Park Y0968

POC: Barbara Nuss – @

This is an Early Risers walk; we meet up and walk together on a 3 mile walk and then have breakfast at a nearby restaurant. We’ll be walking by the incredible Tile House that you have to see to believe! Everyone’s welcome to join in–breakfast is at Cafe Dantorels. Walks begins @ Vic’s Ice Cream, 3199 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento 95818.

Registration Time: 7:30 am Walk Start Time: 7:45 am

Elk Grove, CA – April 5th

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – Elk Grove Regional Park Y1775

POC: Paul Robb – @

The Sticks invite you to join in our group walks on Tues/Thurs morning as well as Wed nights. Everyone’s welcome, including the family dog. This route passes through lovely neighborhoods on its way to the Elk Grove Regional Park. Once at the Park, you’ll have a grand tour. Enjoy a bite after the walk with us.

Registration Time: 6:15 pm Walk Start Time: 6:30 pm

Sacramento, CA – April 6th

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – Arden Park Y0558

POC: Myrna Jackson – @

This group walk is called a Friendship Walk and everyone is welcome to join in; dogs, neighboring clubs, new walkers and returning ones. This route will include affluent and shady residential areas of Arden Park and Arden Oaks.

Registration Time: 9:15 am Walk Start Time: 9:30 am

West Sacramento, CA – April 7th

Sacramento Walking Sticks Club – Clarksburg Branch Line Trail Y1515

POC: Susan Martimo – @

The Sticks host group walks all over the Sacramento region on Tues/Thurs mornings and Wed nights. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, including the family dog. This walk offers three 5k loops–each taking you on a unique walk. You get to decide which loop(s) you want to do. Lots of choices for lunch after.

Registration Time: 9:15 am Walk Start Time: 9:30 am

Alameda, CA – April 7th

San Francisco Bay Bandits – YRE 0620 or YRE 0619

POC: Pat Thomas – @

Explore this lovely little town across the bay from San Francisco.

Registration Time: 10:00 am Walk Start Time: 10:15 am

Delaware

Dover, DE – April 2nd

First State Webfooters

POC: Margie MacLeish – @

The Dover Mayor, Robin Christiansen, will be presenting a proclamation to the First State Webfooter walkers to commemorate National Walking Week.

Couch to 5K Community Service Walk sponsored by First State Webfooters

Registration Time: 5:45 pm Walk Start Time: 6:00 pm

Dover, DE – April 5-7th

First State Webfooters

POC: Margie MacLeish – @

We are hosting the Atlantic Region Conference April 5-7. Three walks (one each day), two bike distances available all three days, and a swim event available all three days.

Atlantic Region Conference

Registration Time: 8-2 Friday&Saturday; 8-12 Sunday Walk Start Time: 8 am Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Florida

Jacksonville, FL – April 1st

First Coast Trail Forgers – Atlantic Beach Y1085

Start point: Homespun Kitchen 299 Atlantic Blvd Atlantic Beach FL 32232

POC: Tracey Ihle – @

Come walk with us during National Walking Week as we celebrate all that is Fun, Fitness and Friendship! We have events planned for Monday, Wednesday and Saturday! Join us for 2 of our club favorite YRE events through scenic Atlantic Beach and eclectic Riverside and end the week with a brand new Traveling Guided walk that includes the newly completed Shared Use Path over the Fuller Warren Bridge. Group walks will register at 7:30am to start walking at 8am. Look for our red shirts! Hope to see you there!

Registration Time: 7:30 am Walk Start Time: 8:00 am

Jacksonville, FL – April 3rd

First Coast Trail Forgers – Riverside Y0451

Start Point: Publix 2033 Riverside Ave Jacksonville FL

POC: Tracey Ihle – @

Registration Time: 7:30 am Walk Start Time: 8:00 am

New Smyrna Beach, FL – April 3rd

Happy Wanderers – Fun Walk – Venetian Bay

POC: John McClellan – @

Join the Happy Wanderers for a group walk of club members and Meet-Up participants for our 3rd annual #National Walking Week fun walk at Venetian Bay. This is a non-competitive walk with the group or at your own the pace – for fun or for fitness! The group will complete around 3 miles in roughly an hour. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the group walk starts around 6 p.m. Look for a group gathering and the large green club banner with Happy Wanderers logo! The walk is open to the public and newcomer’s are Welcome!! There is No Cost for this event.

Registration Time: 5:30 pm Walk Start Time: 6:00 pm

Jacksonville, FL – April 6th

First Coast Trail Forgers – Fuller Warren Bridge

Shared Use Path TRAV Start Point: Near MD Anderson Cancer Center – Parking lot under I95 just past 1325 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville FL

POC: Tracey Ihle – @

Registration Time: 7:30 am Walk Start Time: 8:00 am

St. Augustine, FL – April 7th

Happy Wanderers – Y1128

POC: John McClellan – @

Join the Happy Wanderers for these AVA-sanctioned 5 km (3.1 miles) or 10 km (6.2 miles) group walks in the historic Florida city of St. Augustine. Registration starts at 8:30 AM in the hotel lobby seating area. St. Augustine is over an hour’s drive from our area — Driving north on I-95 take Exit 311 onto SR207. Turn right (NE) onto SR207. Drive 5.7 miles to US Hwy 1. Turn left onto US Hwy 1. Drive 1.4 miles to traffic signal at West Castillo Dr. Turn right onto West Castillo. Drive 0.3 Miles to San Marco Ave. Turn left onto San Marco Ave. and drive 0.4 miles to Ocean Ave. Turn right onto Ocean Ave and drive 0.1 mile to the first entrance into parking lot at the Shrine. Turn right into parking lot and the Double Tree hotel is just across the street.

You may walk with the group or at your own pace. Maps and Directions are provided for the trails. Registration starts 30 minutes prior and the cost is $4.00 for participants 12yrs old or older. Children to be accompanied by an adult. Volksmarchers will receive IVV/AVA credit for this event.

The walks are rated 1C (some small hills & dirt trails.) The majority of the route is on city sidewalks and is generally suitable for wheelchairs/strollers.

Registration Time: 8:30 am Walk Start Time: 9:00 am

Indiana

South Bend, IN – April 1st

Hoosier Hikers – Group Walk of South Bend/Notre Dame Y0291

POC: Bob Buzolich – @

The Hoosier Hikers will celebrate the opening of the 2024 National Walking Week with a Group Walk at their South Bend/Notre Dame Year-Round Walking Event to introduce the community to the joys of walking through the most frequent activity associated with Volkssporting. Participation in this event requires registration, which does involve a $4 fee. Registration will be done on the porch of the Ivy Court Inn & Suites at 1404 Ivy Court in South Bend, Indiana. Registration will be from 9:30 am to 9:55 am, after which participants will need to go to the Start Point, which is not the same as the Registration Point. Directions to the Start Point will be provided to registered participants. At the Start Point participants may choose to walk 7 or 11 kilometers 9 (4-1/4 to 6-3/4 Miles).

Registration Time: 9:30 am (Eastern) to 9:55 am Walk Start Time:10 am (Eastern)

Plymouth, IN – April 3rd

Hoosier Hikers – Group Walk of Plymouth Y0980

POC: Bob Buzolich – @

The Hoosier Hikers will celebrate the 2024 National Walking Week with a Group Walk at their Plymouth Year-Round Walking Event to introduce the community to the joys of walking through the most frequent activity associated with Volkssporting. Participation in this event requires registration, which does involve a $4 fee. Registration will be done at the entrance of Christo’s Family Restaurant at 2227 North Michigan Street in Plymouth, Indiana. Registration will be from 2:30 pm to 2:55 pm. Upon completing registration participants may choose between walking 5 or 10 Kilometers (3 to 6 Miles).

Registration Time: 2:30 pm (Eastern) to 2:55 pm Walk Start Time: 3 pm (Eastern)

Winona Lake, IN – April 5th

Hoosier Hikers – Group Walk of Winona Lake Y0647

POC: Bob Buzolich – @

The Hoosier Hikers will celebrate the 2024 National Walking Week with a Group Walk at their Winona Lake Year-Round Walking Event to introduce the community to the joys of walking through the most frequent activity associated with Volkssporting. Participation in this event requires registration, which does involve a $4 fee. Registration will be done at the exterior entrance of the Winona Mercantile at 700 Park Avenue in Winona Lake, Indiana. Registration will be from 9:30 am to 9:55 am. Upon completing registration participants may choose between walking 5 or 10 Kilometers (3 to 6 Miles).

Registration Time: 9:30 am (Eastern) to 9:55 am Walk Start Time: 10:00 am (Eastern)

Valparaiso, IN – April 7th

Hoosier Hikers – Group Walk of Valparaiso Y1254

POC: Bob Buzolich – @

The Hoosier Hikers will close their celebration of the 2024 National Walking Week with a Group Walk at their Valparaiso Year-Round Walking Event to introduce the community to the joys of walking through the most frequent activity associated with Volkssporting. Participation in this event requires registration, which does involve a $4 fee. Registration will be done in the parking lot of the Fairfield Inn at 2101 East Morthland in Valparaiso, Indiana. Registration will be from 1:30 pm to 1:55 pm (Eastern). Upon completing registration participants may choose between walking 7 or 11 Kilometers (4-1/4 to 6-3/4 Miles). Please note that this event is in the Central Time Zone, though the cited times are for the Eastern Time Zone.

Registration Time: 1:30 pm (Eastern) to 1:55 pm Walk Start Time: 2 pm (Eastern)/ 1 pm (Central)

Iowa

Des Moines, IA – April 1st

Iowa’s Walking Club – McRae Park

POC: Susan Pinneke – @

Click here to view Iowa’s Walking Club Walking Week brochure.

Registration Time: 11:00 am Walk Start Time: 10:00 am

Des Moines, IA – April 2nd

Iowa’s Walking Club – Trestle to Trestle trailhead

POC: Susan Pinneke – @

Click here to view Iowa’s Walking Club Walking Week brochure.

Registration Time: 7:00 pm Walk Start Time: 7:00 pm

Des Moines, IA – April 3rd

Iowa’s Walking Club – Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens

POC: Susan Pinneke – @

Click here to view Iowa’s Walking Club Walking Week brochure.

Registration Time: 10:00 am Walk Start Time: 10:00 am

Des Moines, IA – April 4th

Iowa’s Walking Club – Grandview Park

POC: Susan Pinneke – @

Click here to view Iowa’s Walking Club Walking Week brochure.

Registration Time: 2:00 pm Walk Start Time: 2:00 pm

Des Moines, IA – April 5th

Iowa’s Walking Club – Raccoon River Park

POC: Susan Pinneke – @

Click here to view Iowa’s Walking Club Walking Week brochure.

Registration Time: 5:00 pm Walk Start Time: 5:00 pm

Des Moines, IA – April 6th

Iowa’s Walking Club – Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park

POC: Susan Pinneke – @

Click here to view Iowa’s Walking Club Walking Week brochure.

Registration Time: 10:30 am Walk Start Time: 10:30 am

Des Moines, IA – April 7th

Iowa’s Walking Club – Reiman Gardens

POC: Susan Pinneke – @

Click here to view Iowa’s Walking Club Walking Week brochure.

Registration Time: 4:00 pm Walk Start Time: 4:00 pm

Tennessee

Kodak, TN – April 1st

East Tennessee Wanderers – Seven Islands State Birding Park YRE 2445

POC: Guy Calkins – @

We are a very active local club with a diverse membership. We have a lot of fun walking and
fellowshipping together.

Registration Time: 8:45 am Walk Start Time: 9:00 am

Texas

Fredericksburg, TX – April 1st

Volkssportverein Friedrichsburg

POC: David Roberts – @

Registration at Kinderhalle next to the playground (the closest intersection is Austin and Crocket) with start 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration Time: 8:00 am Walk Start Time: 8:00 am – 2 pm

Boerne, TX – April 2nd

Randolph Roadrunners

POC: Ellen Ott – @

Registration at Comfort Inn, 35000 IH-10W, Boerne, TX 78006 with start 8 to 11 am.

Registration Time: 8:00 am Walk Start Time: 8:00 am

Irving, TX – April 2nd

StarTrekkers of Irving – College Walk – University of Dallas in Irving

POC: Gary Silkworth – @

Walk college campuses for Walk Week. Meet at University of Dallas in Irving – 1845 E Northgate Dr. Part of the Las Colinas walk

Registration Time: 9:15 am Walk Start Time: 9:30 am

Arlington, TX – April 3rd

Tarrant County Walkers – Walk Colleges – UT Arlington

POC: Susan Fine – @

College Campuses for Walking Week: UT Arlington. Meet at INCLUSION COFFEE, 101 E Abram St Suite 110. Free parking in the parking garage, on Center, across from the library.

Registration Time: 9:15 am Walk Start Time: 9:30 am

San Antonio, TX – April 3rd

Randolph Roadrunners – Friedrich Park YRE 0411

POC: Ellen Ott – @

Registration, stamp and directions at start 8 to 11 am.

Registration Time: 8:00 am Walk Start Time: 10:00 am

Dallas, TX – April 4th

Dallas Trekkers – College Campus: University of North Texas at Dallas

POC: Deborah Carter – @

Walk College Campuses: Univ of North Texas at Dallas – Singing Hills Rec Center, 6805 Patrol Way, Dallas (south Dallas).

Registration Time: 9:15 am Walk Start Time: 9:30 am

San Antonio, TX – April 4th

Randolph Roadrunners – Salado – 1604 YRE 2845

POC: Ellen Ott – @

Registration, stamp and directions at the start 8 to 11 a.m.

SAS shoe factory tour is at 2 p.m. – limited to the first 8 people only who reserve with Ellen.

Registration Time: 8:00 – 11:00 am Walk Start Time: 8:00 – 11:00 am

Fort Worth , TX – April 5th

Tarrant County Walkers – Walk 3 college campuses in downtown Fort Worth

POC: Brooke Hudson – @

Walk College Campus – downtown Fort Worth campuses of UTA, TX A&M, Tarrant County College.

Registration Time: 9:30 am Walk Start Time: 9:45 am

San Antonio, TX – April 5th

Randolph Roadrunners – Hardberger Park YRE 2884

POC: Ellen Ott – @

Registration, stamp and directions will be at park, start 8 to 11 a.m.

Registration Time: 8:00am Walk Start Time: 8:00 – 11:00am

San Antonio, TX – April 6th

San Antonio Pathfinders – Japanese Tea Garden

POC: Mike Schwencke – @

5k -The Japanese Tea Garden is a lovely historic park built in an old rock quarry. Waterfalls, water lilies, a new restaurant; the Tea Garden has much to offer. You will also walk in Brackenridge Park. The 10k walk adds Trinity University and the lovely Monte Vista neighborhood. NOTE: This event has rock stairs and uneven footing; walk carefully.

Registration Time: 8:30 am – 10:30 am Walk Start Time: 8:30 am

Tyler, TX – April 6th

East Texas Trekkers – Walk UT Tyler TRAD

POC: Helen Hull – @

Traditional event. Walk college campus for National Walking Week in Tyler, Texas: Revisit the UT Tyler campus (last visited in 2013) and view the new construction and expanded campus.

Registration Time: 9:00 am – 12 noon Walk Start Time: 9:00 am – 12 noon

Dallas, TX – April 7th

Dallas Trekkers – White Rock Lake Y0141

POC: Deborah Carter – @

White Rock Lake group walk. See beautiful views of downtown Dallas, the Arboretum, and the lake. 1151 N. Buckner Blvd. North or south on Buckner, turn left at the Professional Building and park between the Professional Building and the Medical Center. Walk around behind the Medical Center.

Registration Time: 7:45 am Walk Start Time: 8:00 am

Cedar Hill, TX – April 8th

Dallas Trekkers – Solar Eclipse Walk at Cedar Hill State Park. TRAD

POC: Helen Hull – @

Join us on Mon, Apr 8 for this ‘once in a life time Solar Eclipse’ at Cedar Hill State Park. Stay for hotdogs at 11:30 and the big event from 1:40-1:44. Enjoy the lake, hiking trails, explore Penn Farm, and look for wildlife and wildflowers. Park expecting huge crowd, recommend getting ‘day entry pass’ starting Mar 8 at www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information and select ‘day passes’. After paying entry fee $7 adult (free with state park pass) or showing ‘day pass’, continue straight toward the day-use, boat ramp, and swimming area. Turn left just past the boat ramp and continue on park road along the shore. Pass the swim area, then left of road to pavilion at the end. Look for Dallas Trekker club sign.

Registration Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 am Walk Start Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 am

San Antonio, TX – April 8th

Randolph Roadrunners – Total Eclipse Walk TRAD

POC: Ellen Ott – @

The RR’s will host a traditional walk event on the eclipse day, starting at the Marquis Trail Head. Eclipse glasses will be available for purchase at the walks as supplies last.

We have reserved a block of rooms for National Walking Week and the total eclipse for 1-8 April 2024.
The hotel is Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio near La Cantera Parkway. 15806 IH10 West San Antonio 78249

Cut off date for reservations is on or before 15 February 2024. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-325-0720; refer to group # 10066742.

- - - 1 April (Monday), 2 April (Tuesday) 3 April (Wednesday) 4 April (Thursday) the rate is $169 + tax per night for 2 queen beds.

• 5 and 6 April (Friday and Saturday) the rate is $199 + tax per night.
• 7 and 8 April (Sunday and Monday) the rate is $269 + tax for each night with a minimum of those two nights.

Full breakfast is included, complimentary evening drinks and snacks and free Wi-Fi

Social events are being planned for the week.

Event website: www.randolphroadrunners.info.

Registration Time: 7:30am – 10:00am Walk Start Time: 7:30am – 10:00am

Maryland

Poolesville, MD – April 3rd

Seneca Valley Sugarloafers – Wednesday Walk

POC: Anthony (Tony) Laing – @

Walk 5K on the Historic C&O Canal Towpath starting at Riley’s Lock with its views of nature and of the Potomac River.

Registration Time: 9:45 am Walk Start Time: 10:00 am

Massachusetts

Hopkinton, MA – April 6th

Walk ‘N Mass Volkssport Club – Walk and Soup Social TRAD

POC: Beate Hait – @

We kick off our walking season with the traditional Walk and Soup Social, where we combine fun, fitness, friendship and food. The route passes the starting line of the Boston Marathon.

Registration Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am for 10K; 10:15 am – 11:00 am for 5K Walk Start Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am for 10K; 10:15 am – 11:00 am for 5K

Nebraska

NE – April 1st

Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers – Deer Creek Neighborhood

POC: Sandy Spaulding – @

Seven days, seven different walks in five different towns. Enjoy a neighborhood walk followed by dinner at a local restaurant on Monday at 5 p.m., a morning tour of Boys Town on Tuesday starting at 10 a.m., and evening walk on Wednesday on the newly completed trail at La Vista Central Park at 5 :30 p.m., a community event to see the new murals on the First Avenue Trail in Council Bluffs starting at 11:30 a.m. at Cochran Park, an evening walk at American Heroes Park in Bellevue on Friday at 5:30, a walk around the lake at Chalco Hills on Saturday starting between 10 and noon. and a walk through Omaha’s newest parks downtown on Sunday at 2 p.m.