Protecting the Places You Love to Hike

Advocate for Hiking Access + Improve Trails

We envision a world where everyone feels welcome in the American hiking community and has permanent access to meaningful hiking, including urban, frontcountry, and backcountry opportunities.

Advocate

American Hiking works with Congress, federal agencies, and partners on policy issues and legislation to ensure funding for trails, preservation of public lands, and protection of the hiking experience.

American Hiking NextGen Trail Leaders stand in front of the US Capitol.
American Hiking NextGen Trail Leaders on Capitol Hill.

NextGen Trail Leaders are rising stars in the outdoor community and the voice of young hikers who take part in a yearlong program of advocacy and stewardship to protect public lands.

Each year American Hiking brings together five early to early-mid career leaders in the outdoor community with a diversity of identities from across the country. American Hiking provides these Leaders with training, mentorship, networking, trail stewardship opportunities, and professional development and gear stipends.  Through this partnership, NextGen Trail Leaders build and refine their advocacy and outdoor leadership experience and skills, speaking out to elected officials, serving as ambassadors to the hiking community, building a nationwide stewardship movement, and championing conservation, equity, and inclusion.

Will Myers
American Hiking Society volunteer with hard hat and gloves laughs.
Volunteer Vacation crew in Coconino Natl. Forest.
Ryan Nelson

Volunteer

Trails don't maintain themselves. Individuals of any age and experience level can become trail stewards. Give back to the trails you love, meet new people, and enjoy the experience!

2024 Volunteer Vacation Registration is Open

Work hard, get dirty, dig deep...and feel immensely rewarded.

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Alternative Breaks

Make Friends. Make Memories. Make a Difference.

 Volunteer trail stewardship projects in America’s parks and forests designed specifically for college student groups and young professionals. Part volunteer work project, part kick-back outdoor vacation.

Alternative Breaks

Make Friends. Make Memories. Make a Difference.

 Volunteer trail stewardship projects in America’s parks and forests designed specifically for college student groups and young professionals. Part volunteer work project, part kick-back outdoor vacation.

With the support of our donors, sponsors, and partners, American Hiking has improved trail access for millions of Americans.

We've Mobilized
Trail Volunteers
We've Facilitated
Miles of Trail Maintenance & Construction
Volunteers Have Contributed
$ Million
in Volunteer Labor

Every day, numerous threats encroach upon the more than 200,000 miles of trails crisscrossing America. Join American Hiking Society and help protect your favorite trails today and for future generations.

Every day, numerous threats encroach upon the more than 200,000 miles of trails crisscrossing America. Join American Hiking Society and help protect your favorite trails today and for future generations.

Mick Haupt

Explore

Feel confident when you set out on your next trail adventure. Check out our free hiking resources like tips for hiking with families, gear checklists, finding the best trail for you, and more.

Two hikers take a break on top of a boulder field.
Alternative Break participants take a lunch break.

Share Your Tale from the Trail

How has hiking transformed your life or the life of someone you know? Share your stories, videos, and photos with American Hiking to be featured on our blog and social media.

Latest Stories and Updates

Appalachian Trail Centennial Act (H.R. 9159)- Letter of Support

Support for the committee’s consideration of and further enhancements to the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act (ATCA), H.R. 9159, which will support hikers, the National Trails System, and public lands.

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Hiking in the Summer: Managing Sunburn and UV Risk

Chief Medical Officer of GOES Health, Dr. Grant Lipman, shares what you can do to protect yourself from sunburn and heat-related illnesses.

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2024 National Trails Day® Grant Recipients Celebrate National Trails Day

AHS’s micro-grant recipients organized meaningful events for underrepresented communities to celebrate National Trails Day®.

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2024 NextGen Trail Leaders Celebrate National Trails Day®

AHS’s NextGen Trail Leaders hosted events in their communities to give back to local trails in celebration of National Trails Day®!

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