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. 

California

Santa Cruz, CA – April 2nd

South Bay Striders – Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz County YRE 0328

POC: John Glass – .img@.img

Every Wednesday afternoon or early evening we walk one of our routes in the general South Bay area (Union City to Carmel) including San Jose and neighboring towns. Check out www.SBStriders.org for the monthly schedule.

Registration Time: 10:30 am     Walk Start Time: 10:45 am

San Francisco, CA – April 4th

San Francisco Bay Bandits – Golden Gate Park YRE 3164

POC: Priscilla Fife –  .img@.img

Come explore our new YRE San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park! You can choose a 5, 10 or 13 K route.

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

Los Gatos, CA – April 5th

South Bay Striders – Trail and Town walk YRE 0074

POC: Holly Pelking – .img@.img

Los Gatos is a charming town between San Jose and the Santa Cruz mountains. It is a favorite among cyclists and hikers. Every Wednesday afternoon or evening we walk one of our local South Bay routes (between Union City and Carmel). Check our website, SBStriders.org, for the monthly schedule.

Registration Time: 3:45 pm     Walk Start Time: 4:00 pm

San Jose, CA – April 6th

South Bay Striders – Full moon walk –Los Alamitos Creek Trail YRE 2436

POC: Suzi Glass – .img@.img

This is a full moon walk. The April moon is named “Pink” for the pink flowers already blooming. Join us wearing something pink. Wednesday afternoon or evening we walk one of our local South Bay routes (between Union City and Carmel) Check our website, SBStriders.org, for the monthly schedule.

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

San Francisco, CA – April 7th

San Francisco Bay Bandits –San Francisco Presidio YRE 1564

POC: Priscilla Fife –  .img@.img

Come explore the Presidio of San Francisco.  Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Explore pathways through the old military post and the San Francisco National Cemetery or follow a trail to El Polin Spring and the earliest adobe dwelling ruins. 5, 10, 11 and 12 K routes available.

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

San Jose, CA – April 7th

South Bay Striders – Rose Garden walk YRE 2768

POC: Suzi Glass – .img@.img

The San Jose Rose Garden will be in full bloom. Come enjoy the beauty and aroma of hundreds of roses. Every Wednesday afternoon or evening we walk one of our local South Bay routes (between Union City and Carmel). Check our website, SBStriders.org, for the monthly schedule.

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

Delaware

Bear, DE – April 1st

First State Webfooters – C&D Canal West Bike and Walk TRAD

POC: Kathy Szczesiak – .img@.img

Traditional event going West from Summit Bridge Trailhead, you will complete the Michael N. Castle Trail, then enter Maryland and the Ben Cardin Recreational Trail to Chesapeake City, Maryland.  Special Programs:  Border Crossings, Walking the USA, IVV-Americas, Rails-to-Trails. Distance:  5k, 10k, 17k.

Registration Time: 8:00 am – 12 Noon       Walk Start Time: 8:00 am – 12 Noon

Dover, DE – April 4th

First State Webfooters – Capital – YMCA YRE 1756

POC: Karen Kaufman – .img@.img

Mayor of Dover will do proclamation before C25K walk. Location:  Dover Legislative Mall, Dover, Delaware. 

C25K (Couch to 5k Program) – Dover Legislative Mall, Dover, Delaware

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

Illinois

Frankfort, IL – April 2nd

Windy City Walkers – Frankfort YRE 0831

POC: Irena Paronis – .img@.img

The Frankfort walk takes you on Old Plank Road, a rails-to-trails quiet tree-lined trail, through the Frankfort historic downtown area and through a newer suburban neighborhood. Start is at the Red Trolley Barn, 11 S White Street. Both a 5k and 10k distance will be offered. On-site registration and stamp will be available. Through new-home subdivisions.

Registration Time: 10:45 am    Walk Start Time: 11:00 am

Oak Brook, IL – April 5th

Windy City Walkers – Fullersburg Woods YRE 0355

POC: Irena Paronis.img@.img

Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook is a part of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District. The trail through Fullersburg Woods follows Salt Creek through woods and prairie. In the 1930s, the Forest Preserve was the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. There is a wonderful CCC-built Visitor Center/Nature Center at the beginning of the trail, and a number of CCC-era stone and wood shelters scattered along the way. There are frequent sightings of delightful woodland creatures along the way, and a large variety of migrating and resident birds. The trail leads to Graue Mill and Museum – a working grist mill and a National Historic Landmark. The museum offers the exhibit “Graue Mill and the Road to Freedom” which uses photographs, documents, a computer interactive system and additional displays to illustrate the issue of slavery, the Underground Railroad and the importance of Graue Mill and DuPage County in assisting fugitive slaves to escape to freedom. The 10K trail also passes the Oak Brook Public Library, Butler National Golf Course, and Oak Brook Golf Course, using part of the Salt Creek Greenway Trail before
returning to Fullersburg Woods

Registration Time: 1:15 pm    Walk Start Time: 1:30 pm

Indiana

South Bend, IN – April 7th

Hoosier Hikers – Guided Walk 

POC: Bob Buzolich – .img@.img

Have a serene sojourn with the Hoosier Hikers on this historic university campus to become acquainted with the benefits of regular participation in walking and other Volkssporting activities. The Hoosier Hikers, the only club in North Central Indiana affiliated with the American Volkssport Association (AVA) will host a Guided Walk of 7 and 11 kilometers on Friday, April 7, at the club’s South Bend/ Notre Dame Year-Round Walk (MA23/Y291). Registration for this activity is required, and will be completed on-site at the Start Point, which will be in the Visitor Parking Lot behind (to the East of) Walsh Hall near the intersection of Holy Cross Drive and Eddy Street/Saint Andre Way at the University of Notre Dame. Because this is a recognized holiday weekend, there will be no parking fee on the day of the event.  

Registration Time: 9:00 am to 9:30 am (EDT)      Walk Start Time: 9:30 am

Iowa

Council Bluffs, IA – April 2nd

Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers – Group walk of Wabash Trace YRE 2815

POC: Sandy Spaulding – .img@.img

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

Kentucky

Maysville, KY – April 3rd

Mid-America Regional Director – Guided Walk

POC: Bob Buzolich .img@.img

The Mid-America Regional Director of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) will host a Guided Walk of 11 and 6 kilometers on Monday, April 3, in the historic City of Maysville, KY, to raise funds for the AVA and to acquaint local walkers with the benefits of regular participation in Volkssporting activities. Registration for this activity is required, and will be completed on-site at the Start Point, which will be the parking area of the Maysville River Park Marina. Residents of Mason, Lewis, Fleming, Robertson and Bracken Counties in Kentucky and who are not currently active Volkssporters will have registration fees waived, but must still register. Currently active Volkssporters may be conscripted to assist with the event.

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

Carrollton, KY – April 4th

Mid-America Regional Director – Guided Walk

POC: Bob Buzolich .img@.img

The Mid-America Regional Director of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) will host a Guided Walk of 10 and 5 kilometers on Tuesday, April 4, at the historic General Butler State Resort Park near Carrollton, KY, to raise funds for the AVA and to acquaint local walkers with the benefits of regular participation in Volkssporting activities. Registration for this activity is required, and will be completed on-site at the Start Point, which will be the parking area of the Butler-Turpin House. Currently active Volkssporters may be conscripted to assist with the event.

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

Massachusetts

Holliston, MA – April 1st

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

POC: Beate Hait – .img@.img

This walk followed by a soup social at Noon is the kick-off for our walking season in the Northeast. Our next day event is on April 29 in Roslindale, which features a route through the Arnold Arboretum. Check the club website for dates of group walks and day events throughout the year.  www.walknmass.org

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

Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI – April 1st

Washtenaw Wanderers – Downtown Ann Arbor YRE 0849

POC: Roxie Weaver.img@.img

Join the Washtenaw Wanderers as we kick off National Walking Week and the season for walking in Michigan. Leave the winter behind and join us in a beautiful spring walk that goes through parks, by the Huron River and into the great college town of the University of Michigan. AVA (America’s Walking Club) is all about fun, fitness and friendship. To celebrate National Walking week we will be stopping on our walk to have brunch at the Avalon Restaurant which is on both the 6K and 10K serving great food, beverages and pastries. You can either have breakfast, early lunch, or coffee and pastry. Or if you would rather just keeping walking you are welcome to keep on going. Come meet new friends and catch up with old friends that you haven’t seen since before winter set in. Registration for this walk is online on the AVA.org site under Michigan seasonals, it is the Ann Arbor walk or if you have trouble signing up, meet us at the start point and we will get you signed up. Join us for fun, fitness and friendship, we have all three in plentiful supply.

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

Nebraska

Omaha, NE – April 1st

Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers – Bockfest, Crescent Moon/Max & Joe’s TRAD

POC: Sandy Spaulding – .img@.img

A traditional volksmarch with a beer tent and live music. Pass historic homes and UNMC campus in the Blackstone District and visit the historic Gifford Park and Gold Coast Neighborhoods, passing St. Cecilia Cathedral, Joslyn Castle and Storz Mansion. You will also pass one of the best ice cream shops in Omaha. Dogs are welcome on the trail and in the food tent. New this year-you have a chance to win an authentic German Beer Mug! Join us for a week of unique walks including Heron Haven, a walking tour of the Orpheum Theater, and the OPPD Arboretum. Start National Walking Week with a traditional volksmarch with a beer tent and live music. Pass historic homes and UNMC campus in the Blackstone District and visit the historic Gifford Park and Gold Coast Neighborhoods, passing St. Cecilia Cathedral, Joslyn Castle and Storz Mansion. You will also pass one of the best ice cream shops in Omaha. Dogs are welcome on the trail and in the food tent. New this year-you have a chance to win an authentic German Beer Mug! After the walk, join us as Huber Haus German Bier Hall and Crescent Moon Alehouse along with Farnam House Brewing Company, welcome the return of spring with their traditional German inspired Bockfest! Authentic bock biers on tap, food from the Crescent Moon Grill and a Fire pit to get your bock bier poked. ($2 cover charge)

Registration Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm       Walk Start Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Omaha, NE – April 3rd

Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers – Oppd Arboretum

POC: Sandy Spaulding – .img@.img

Followed by social event at DJ’s Dugout.

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

Papillion, NE – April 4th

Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers – Group walk Walnut Creek

POC: Sandy Spaulding – .img@.img

Registration Time:       Walk Start Time: 

Gretna, NE – April 5th

Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers – Group walk Chalco Hills YRE 1446

POC: Sandy Spaulding – .img@.img

Registration Time:       Walk Start Time: 

Omaha, NE – April 6th

Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers – Group walk touring Orpheum Theater

POC: Sandy Spaulding – .img@.img

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

Omaha, NE – April 7th

Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers – Group walk Heron Haven

POC: Sandy Spaulding – .img@.img

Registration Time:      Walk Start Time: 

New York

Cold Spring, NY – April 2nd

Volkssport Club at West Point – Cold Spring YRE 1633

POC: Andrew Schmidt.img@.img

Group walk of our Cold Spring YRE . Very historic through the West Point Foundry .

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

Ohio

New Carlisle, OH – April 1st

Tecumseh Trailblazers – New Carlisle, Ohio Friendship – April Fools Walk TRAD

POC: Connie Bost – .img@.img

New Carlisle, Friendship – April Fools Walk Bring a friend and walk Historical New Carlisle, Ohio. No fooling – A Town of many names and lots of history too, including the 1st John Dillinger bank robbery!

Start Point: Smith Park, Smith Shelter House, 801 W. Jefferson St. New Carlisle, OH 45344.

This walk qualifies for the following AVA Special Programs: Airports – Celebrating American Flight, Centurion, Rails-to-Trails, Rockin’ Around the Clock, Town Halls/City Halls, Walking with American Veterans, Par for the Course, Walking the United States (Ohio), Walking the USA A-Z (N = New Carlisle), and IVV-Americas. Note: All Special Programs are on both loops, except for the Clock is on the North loop, and the Airport is on South loop.

Trail Description: This Trail is Rated 1A. The trail is suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons with caution. The two 5K loops both start at Smith Park Shelter House, and will be on city streets, sidewalks and the multipurpose path.  One 5K will take you to the Historic New Carlisle downtown area. The other 5K will go South, and be partially on the multipurpose path, known as “Tecumseh Trail”.

Registration Time: 9:00 am – 12 Noon       Walk Start Time: 9:00 am – 12 Noon (Finish by 3pm)

Pennsylvania

Phoenixville, PA – April 4th

Chester County Rovers – Phoenixville: Rising from the Ashes YRE 1839

POC: Jeanne Clancy – .img@.img

Stroll through Phoenixville, which has indeed risen from the ashes. See the results of the Phoenixville Renaissance, experience its neighborhoods, and walk the Schuylkill River Trail to Lock 60

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

Bristol, PA – April 6th

Liberty Bell Wanderers – A Bristol Stomp TGW

POC: Betty Green – .img@.img

A guided walk through Bristol, an historic river town that dates from 1681. We’ll see the Delaware riverfront and canal as well as the downtown area, parks, and the Harriman historical district.

Registration Time: 9:30 am     Walk Start Time: 10:00 am 

Texas

Castroville, TX – April 1st

San Antonio Pathfinders – Tour de Castroville TRAD

POC: Mike Schwencke – .img@.img

Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the Castroville Regional Park, 816 Alsace Street, Castroville. This walk is in conjunction with the 12th Tour de Castroville, an annual family event. Walk through “The Little Alsace of Texas” founded in 1844 by Henri Castro. Registration for the volkssport walk is separate from the Tour de Castroville. Come to the Pathfinder’s start/finish table under the tent. Finish by 2:00 pm. 

Registration Time: 8 – 11:30 am       Walk Start Time: 8:20 am

San Antonio, TX – April 2nd

San Antonio Pathfinders – Shearer Hills/Ridgeview YRE 3156

POC: Andy Thomas.img@.img

Shearer Hill/Ridgeview Walking Trail – Olmos Basin, 101 Jackson Keller Rd., Tx 78216

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

San Antonio, TX – April 4th

San Antonio Pathfinders – Medical Center Indie Walk YRE 0149

POC: Martin Callahan – .img@.img

San Antonio Medical Foundation Jogging Trail Parking Lot, off of Hamilton Wolf near Babcock Rd. intersection, San Antonio, Texas. (GPS 2889-2899 Babcock Rd)

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

Georgetown, TX – April 5th

Colorado River Walkers- Georgetown Cultural YRE 1037

POC: Deb Peak – .img@.img

Poppies are blooming!

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

San Antonio, TX – April 6th

Randolph Roadrunners – Crownridge Canyon N.A. YRE 1584

POC: Susan A. Medlin – .img@.img

7222 Luskey Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78256

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

San Antonio, TX – April 7th

Randolph Roadrunners – De Zavala Neighborhood YRE 1852

POC: Ellen Ott – .img@.img

5011 De Zavala, San Antonio, Tx 78249-2024

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

San Antonio, TX – April 7th

San Antonio Pathfinders – King William 1st Friday Walk YRE 3158

POC: Mike Schwencke – .img@.img

AVA Office – 1008 S. Alamo Street, San Antonio. 

Note: Parking is the area is an issue; come early to find street parking.

Registration Time: 5:00pm     Walk Start Time: 8:00pm 

Washington

Federal Way, WA – April 5th

The Over the Hill Gang Volkssport Club – The Ups and Downs of Federal Way YRE 2035

POC: Diane Wagner  – .img@.img

Federal Way is a growing city in King County yet has maintained trails through wooded areas and well kept residential areas.  You will walk on the West Campus Trail and BPA trail with well groomed residential areas along the route.

Registration Time: 9:30 am    Walk Start Time: 10:00 am