The 3 Pillars of the American Hiking Society

Our work is inspiring and challenging, and is built on three pillars: 

	Policy & Advocacy: American Hiking Society works with Congress and federal agencies to shape public policy and legislation affecting the hiking experience. Our efforts ensure funding for hiking trails, the preservation of natural areas and the protection of the hiking experience. American Hiking's Hike the Hill: Trails Advocacy Week brings trail leaders to Washington, D.C. each year to advocate for trail funding. Our Western Public Lands Initiative promotes and protects trails and natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Bureau of Land Management’s 26-million acre National Landscape Conservation System.
	Volunteerism and Stewardship: American Hiking Society organizes and coordinates Volunteer Vacations  and National Trails Day®  – nationally recognized programs that help keep our trails open, safe and enjoyable. The thousands of volunteers we mobilize and the increased awareness our programs provide have benefited tens of thousands of trail miles. Our National Trails Fund is the only national private grants program that helps trail-maintaining organizations across the United States build and improve hiking trails.
	Outreach and Education: American Hiking Society is committed to increasing Americans' participation in and enjoyment of hiking and conducts outreach through events, resource materials and partnerships with recreation and conservation organizations. Our outreach and support extends to trail groups and hiking clubs through our Alliance of Hiking Organizations. Our Southeast Trails Program, strengthens the region's hiking constituency to build and conserve foot trails and protect the hiking experience.

Program Facts

Download the following program fact sheets:

Volunteer Vacations  National Trails Day®  National Trails Fund  Southeast Trails Program  Western Public Land Initiative  Policy & Advocacy