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.
Clint McKoy
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 expand access to public lands.
Each year American Hiking brings together rising stars in the outdoor community from all walks of life and across the country. Through American Hiking, NextGen Trail Leaders are the voice of young hikers and speak out to elected officials and the public on the need to protect public lands for all to enjoy and to expand and preserve trail access. Over the course of the year, NextGen Trail Leaders share their passions to advocate for public lands and trails and inspire other young hikers to get out and experience what the trails have to offer.
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!
Check out what we accomplished in 2019!
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.
Latest Stories and Updates
Donor Feature: Walt and Jane Daniels
A Match Made in Heaven: Walt and Jane Daniels In 1968 when Jane took a job as reference librarian at the Thomas J. Watson Research…
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Testimony of Kate Van Waes, Executive Director, American Hiking Society, before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee FY22
Testimony of Kate Van Waes, Executive Director, American Hiking Society in support of trails and programs impacting the hiking community.
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Hike The Hill 2021 – Strengthening A New Trail Muscle
By Justin Tucker I’ve come to feel pretty sure of myself whenever I head out on trail. At this point in my life and in…
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Hike the Hill 2021 – Showing Up Is The Hardest Part
By Jeremy Su I have normally been someone who refrains from making things political, if I felt like it wasn’t necessary. At times, I found…
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