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National Trail Mix Day

Fuel your next adventure with a delicious homemade trail mix! Celebrate National Trail Mix Day with the perfect blend of nuts, seeds, and treats.

Monday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 31

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSnacks

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to get your snack on with National Trail Mix Day on August 31st! Trail mix has been around for centuries, providing a delicious and nutritious combination of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and other tasty treats. Originally used by American Indians and explorers as an energy-boosting snack during long journeys in the wilderness, trail mix is now enjoyed all over the world as a healthy way to satisfy hunger pangs.

TIMELINE

National Trail Mix Day Timeline

Native American Origins

American Indians created a version of trail mix, known as Pemmican, consisting of dried meat, animal fat, and berries.

Adirondack Trail Mix

Horace Kephart, a writer and outdoorsman, shared a recipe of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate in his 1906 camping guidebook.

"Gorp" Emerges

Trail mix gains popularity amongst hikers and scouts, often referred to as "Gorp" (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts).

Trail Mix Commercialization

The first commercially packaged trail mix is introduced by Harmony Foods.

Trail Mix in Space

Trail mix becomes a popular snack for astronauts on space missions due to its nutrient-rich, non-perishable nature.

National Trail Mix Day Declared

National Trail Mix Day is officially recognized and is celebrated every year on August 31st.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Trail Mix Day

Make your own trail mix

Gather your favorite ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits, cereal, and chocolate chips and create your very own trail mix. Get creative with the combinations!

Go for a hike

Pack up a bag of your homemade trail mix and hit the trails. Enjoy the fresh air and scenery while snacking on your favorite snacks.

BAKE

Bake trail mix cookies

Put your trail mix to use in the kitchen by baking cookies with it. Add some to your favorite cookie recipe or find one specifically designed for trail mix.

HAVE

Have a trail mix tasting party

Invite friends over for a fun afternoon of tasting different types of trail mix. Ask them to bring their favorite recipes or store bought mixes.

Go camping

Head out into nature with friends or family and pack plenty of trail mix for the journey. Enjoy roasting marshmallows around the campfire while snacking on your favorite snacks.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Trail Mix Day

Trail Mix is delicious

Let's face it: trail mix tastes great! You get a delicious mix of sweet and salty flavors that tantalize your taste buds. Plus, you may even find yourself craving it more than other snacks out there - it's so good that one handful often isn't enough!

Trail mix is a healthy snack

It's packed with beneficial nutrients like proteins, fiber and vitamins that will keep you energized throughout the day. Most mixes contain a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits and chocolate for an added boost of sweetness. Plus, it's relatively low in calories and can be customized to suit your specific dietary needs!

Trail mix is an easy snack to take with you

Whether you're going for a hike or just tackling errands around town, trail mix is an easy snack to bring along. It's lightweight and doesn't require any special preparation or ingredients. Just grab a handful and go - no mess, and no fuss!