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The second annual Polly Ann Trail Walk will be begin at 8 a.m. June 7 to celebrate National Trails Day. That 15-year-old event, planned each year for the first Saturday of June, was started by the American Hiking Association to encourage use and stewardship of trails.

Last year, all 50 states observed the day, said Lapeer County Parks Director Ken Elwert. This June, over 1,000 events are planned across the country.

Local participants may walk either the minimum two miles, or the more experienced may chose to hike eight miles. As parks director, Elwert has had the opportunity to walk the entire trail many times.

"The majority of the people do two miles," said Elwert, of the previous year. "We had a few that went four or eight miles."

The event begins at General Squier Park, about two miles south of the village of Dryden. The two-mile walk ends in Dryden with the opportunity to visit local shops and restaurants. A shuttle will be available from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. for transportation back to the start.

"For those who wish to hike the entire eight miles, the trail goes four miles into the woods, and four miles back, so they will end up back at the park were they began," Elwert said.

The trail walk is made possible by the Lapeer County Parks and the Friends of the Polly Ann Trail. Registration is $20 per person, or $15 each for a family of three or more. Included are light morning refreshments, a free water park day pass, and an event T-shirt, with advance registration.

Event proceeds will go towards establishment of a trail head on the Polly Ann Trail, with the primary target being a seven-acre parcel immediately adjacent to General Squier Park.

Registration forms may be obtained by calling Lapeer County Parks at (810) 667-0304 or visiting the Polly Ann Trail Friends Web site at www.pollyanntrailfriends.org.