The TRACK Trail program launched by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation lures youth out into nature / Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

There are, not far from the pavement, glorious creeks to splash in and ponds and lakes to fish, forests to explore, and grassy meadows to chase butterflies across. These are kid friendly aspects of the natural world that come without batteries, don’t need a Wi-Fi signal, and are guaranteed to bring the kid out in all of us.

Since 2012 the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has been working to coax kids out into the national parks and nature in general. The focal point of this effort has been the Foundation’s Kids in Parks TRACK Trail program. This effort has created an ever-growing network of hiking, biking, paddling and disc golf trails outfitted with free activity guides for children and families.

Each TRACK Trail has a series of self-guided brochures designed to turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled, discovery- packed adventure. The guides encourage children to truly engage with the outdoors by identifying trees and birds, viewing the forest from the perspective of animals, and searching for natural features, among other fun activities.

You and your kids can explore these trails at several locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including:

• Peaks of Otter Recreation Area (milepost 86)

• Blue Ridge Music Center (milepost 213, near Galax, Virginia)

• Julian Price Memorial Park Picnic Area (milepost 297) + a paddling “trail” at Price Lake • The Orchard at Altapass (milepost 328.3)

• Mount Mitchell (milepost 355)

• The Visitor Center in Asheville, North Carolina (milepost 384)

• North Carolina Arboretum (just off the Parkway at milepost 393) • Cherokee Oconaluftee River Trail (at terminus of the Parkway)

Other TRACK Trails can be found in California, Maryland, North and South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. In all, there are 27 TRACK Trails in the National Park System. Each trail features a brochure of activities to engage kids as they explore the woods. Kids also can register to earn prizes. For information, visit www.kidsinparks.com.