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!
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
Support for Trails in Reconciliation Legislation To Address Equitable Access and Natural Climate Solutions
October 21, 2021 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Steny Hoyer Majority Leader U.S. House…
Read More
Donor Feature: Robert J. Weggel
By Robert (Bob) J. Weggel “Good trails are good,” shares American Hiking Society volunteer and supporter, Robert (Bob) Weggel. “Thank you, AHS, for the opportunity…
Read MoreSupport the Recreational Trails Program!
Right now Congress is debating what to prioritize in the future of our nation’s infrastructure. Trails are a critical component of infrastructure and the Recreational Trails Program needs your support to call on Congress to provide adequate funding to ensure trails are built and maintained for all to enjoy!
Read More
Support Klobuchar/Risch Amendment 2616 to Increase the Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
Letter to support a vote on and passage of Klobuchar-Risch Amendment 2616 to H.R. 3684, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, to increase the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by the same percentage increase that Transportation Alternatives (TA) will receive in the legislation.
Read More