When it comes to embracing the great outdoors, Connecticut is number one.

The state is home to the largest National Trails Day (NTD) celebration in the nation. Some 259 events are scheduled, spread over a total of 560 miles of trails, for this: Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2.

“We may be the third smallest state in the nation, but we’re big on enthusiasm for trails, outdoor recreation, and land conservation. That enthusiasm spans from people of all ages and backgrounds, from young children to state legislators,” says Connecticut Forest & Park Association Trails Day Coordinator Jennifer Benner, adding that 90 percent of the state’s towns—152—are participating in NTD this year.

With the high participation rate comes a slew of activities and events over NTD’s two days. There will be opportunities for hikers, bikers, and runners; horseback riders, bird watchers, and letterboxers; kayakers; and just about everyone else. Knowledgeable volunteers guide all of the programs.

What’s more, 2013 is also the 100th anniversary of Connecticut’s state park system. To celebrate, parking fees will be waived at state parks including Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Hammonasset Beach in Madison, and Sleeping Giant in Hamden.

So, where to start? Living’s got a round-up of local events for you. Mark your calendar and get moving! But remember—this is just a sampling. Visit www.ctwoodlands.org to view the full calendar of activities and for pre-registration and other requirements.

Branford

On Saturday, June 1 from 9:30 to 11 a.m., take a 2 ½-mile hike on Beacon Hill, the southernmost part of the Metacomet Ridge. Highlights include panoramic views of Long Island Sound, New Haven, and the river estuary.

Clinton

Peters Memorial Woods is the setting for a two-mile walk on Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at the parking lot on Valley Road; rain or shine. Contact Michael Houde with questions at mhoude01@aol.com.

Deep River/Essex

Sunday, June 2’s hike from 2 to 5 p.m. will take participants through the Canfield-Meadow Woods Natural Preserve, spanning Deep River and Essex. This is a 5 ½-mile hike on hilly terrain that is sometimes steep. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a snack. Meet at the trail entrance on Route 154. Sponsored by Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission. Pre-registration appreciated; call Bob Foltz at 860-388-8834.

Durham

Tulip poplars, vernal pools, wild turkeys, and woodpeckers are just a few of the sights in store for hikers on the Field Forest Trail System. Join the group on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to noon for a leisurely, three-mile hike. Meet at the kiosk on Bear Rock Road. For more information, contact Howie Field at 860-345-7458 or howardfield@comcast.net.

East Haddam

This town’s filled with outdoor opportunities this weekend, including two hikes on Saturday, June 1 and two on Sunday, June 2. On Saturday, hike the Burnham Brook Preserve from 9 a.m. to noon (call David Gumbart at 203-568-6290 for more information) and Chapman Pond Preserve from 1 to 5 p.m. (call Lucy Meigs at 860-395-7771. On Sunday, hike Sheepskin Hollow Preserve from 9:30 to 1130 a.m. (call Chad Peterson at 860-705-4019) and explore Gillette Castle State Park with a letterboxing and paddle expedition from 1 to 4 p.m. (visit melissaziobron.blogspot.com).

East Haven/Branford

Ride a vintage trolley and take in the site of the proposed Shoreline Greenway Trail to the Farm River. Start at the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven at 10 a.m. for a trolley ride, then enjoy a two-mile walk. Pre-registration is recommended; contact Judith Miller at 203-481-3870 or j.miller@snet.net.

Essex

You’ll need a picnic, a blanket, and a chair for this event on Sunday, June 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. Cross Lots Preserve stewards will lead participants to the perfect spot from which to enjoy a 5 p.m. concert by the Essex Corinthian Jazz Band. Meet at Cross Lots Preserve. Sponsored by Essex Land Trust. For more information, contact Peggy Tuttle at 860-767-7916 or peggytuttle@gmail.com.

Guilford/Madison/North Branford

Braemore Preserve and Timberlands are both featured destinations this weekend. Those looking for a fitness challenge will find it on Saturday, June 1 in a 9 ½-mile run—covering three towns—through Braemore Preserve, scheduled for 7 to 9 a.m. (contact Riley Flanagan-Brown at rileyflanaganbrown@sbcglobal.net). Those looking to take it a bit easier can enjoy a 4 ½-mile loop through the Preserve from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Or, save your energy for Timberlands on Sunday, June 2. Check out a five-mile, family-friendly loop between 1 and 4 p.m. (contact Janet Ainsworth at 203-530-7826 or janetkainsworth@gmail.com).

Hamden

Too many activities to list! Visit www.ctwoodlands.org for all the details.

Killingworth/Westbrook/Deep River/Haddam/Chester

Yes, Cockaponsett State Forest/Quinimary Trail encompasses all of these towns, and on Saturday, June 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., volunteers are needed to help with trail maintenance. Get all the details you’ll need by contacting Melissa Evarts at 203-915-3622 or melissa.evarts@globepequot.com.

In Killingworth, enjoy a full Saturday morning (9:30 to 11 a.m.) on the Winkel Pond Trail. Call Debby Butler at 203-451-3440 for details.

Lyme/Old Lyme

Too many activities to list! Visit www.ctwoodlands.org for all the details.

Madison

Learn something and do some good in Madison: Join the educational walk at Hammonasset Beach State Park from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Saturday. Learn about the area’s natural history from ranger Russ Miller and Marcy Klattenberg. Pre-registration is required; call Miller at 203-245-8743. On Sunday, help maintain the trails at the Rockland Preserve between 9 a.m. and noon. Pre-register (required) by emailing Jason Engelhardt at jason.engelhardt@gmail.com.

New Haven

Too many activities to list! Visit www.ctwoodlands.org for all the details.

North Branford

Get in some quality letterboxing at North Farms Park on Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. New letterboxes will be planted for the event. This is an easy, 1½-mile walk. Pre-registration is appreciated; email David Sargent at doo@prodigy.net.

North Haven

North Haven has a treasure in Peter’s Rock Park and the Red Summit Trail; enjoy it on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as Master Gardener Walter Brockett gives a presentation titled “Trees—How They Grow: It’s More Complicated Than You Think,” followed by a two-mile hike to the summit.

Old Saybrook

Visit the two largest Atlantic white cedar trees in Connecticut and learn more about the natural history of the area on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon during an educational walk through the Great Cedars Conservation Area. Email Judy Preston at jpreston65@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Westbrook

How about a little horseback-riding? Equestrians and their horses are invited to help maintain trails at Cockaponset by trimming from horseback on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn about one of Connecticut’s last maritime forests from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Stuart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Or, enjoy hikes on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon on Horse Hill Woods Trails and from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Chapman Mill Pond Trails.