By EMILY D. COOK / Community Columnist

National Trails Day takes place on the first Saturday of June each year.

This year it falls on June 4.

Alabama State Parks are home to hundreds of miles of trails – biking, hiking and horseback riding – that are used on an almost daily basis.

With close to 350 miles of trails of all varieties between the 19 state parks in Alabama, you are sure to find one that fits your skill level.

Starting in the southern portion of the state, take a visit to Gulf State Park and go for a relaxing stroll on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail that connects the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Ala., while traveling past freshwater marshes, live oak forests, longleaf pine sand ridges.

You may encounter an alligator, an otter, a fox or some butterflies depending on the time of the year you visit.

Travel to the north and take a stop at Wind Creek State Park along the shore of Lake Martin to experience their beautiful horseback riding trails, which travels through mixed hardwood and pine forests, offering opportunities of seeing different species of ferns and a variety of wildlife.

Continuing north, after enjoying a visit to Wind Creek, stop by Rickwood Caverns just north of Birmingham and go on a cave tour and then walk along the Fossil Mountain Hiking Trail, where you may be able to find fossils of leaves and seashells.

Lake Guntersville State Park is home to some awesome mountain biking trails.

They have over 20 miles of multi-use bike trails offering great opportunities for intermediate and advanced riders.

Currently, the Cutchenmine trail is the easiest ride with a slightly wider path and only moderate climbs.

This trail also offers beautiful scenery that more advanced riders can enjoy as well.  Traveling to the end and back is just over 5 miles. Hopefully, the 3.7 mile Gateway Loop will be finished in 2016 and at least 5 miles of trail between Short Creek and Town Creek is planned for a 2017 opening.

Trails of Alabama State Parks are diverse and offer something for every hiker or rider, so plan your trip today to one of Alabama’s State Parks.

Please remember that you keep Alabama State Parks open by visiting them. Thank you for your support.