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.
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.
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!
2023 Volunteer Vacation Registration is Open
Work hard, get dirty, dig deep...and feel immensely rewarded.
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
American Hiking Society Thanks its 2023 Volunteer Vacation Crew Leaders
American Hiking Society extends its heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional crew leaders who have demonstrated unwavering commitment and skill in guiding our 2023 Volunteer Vacation teams.
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The (RE) Series: (Re)constructing How We Talk About The Outdoors 
In Part One of the (RE) Series, I shared my grandmother’s love for nature which she passed on to me. To us, the outdoors represents…
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How Athletic Brewing’s Impact Goes Beyond Brewing Happiness & Inclusivity
Athletic Brewing is focused on being a force for good, which includes the measures they take to have a positive impact on the environment. Whether…
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The (RE) Series: (Re)tracing My Roots
AHS NextGen Trail Leader, Thurman Hogan III, takes us along on a metaphorical hike as he shares his story, his experiences, and his connection to the outdoors.
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