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Protecting the Places You Love to Hike

Advocate for Hiking Spaces + Improve Trails

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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.

Speak Up for Trails
American Hiking NextGen Trail Leaders stand in front of the US Capitol.
American Hiking NextGen Trail Leaders on Capitol Hill.
  Clint McKoy

Calling All Young Outdoor Enthusiasts and Public Lands Advocates

American Hiking Society invites applications for its fourth class of NextGen Trail Leaders. With the goal to welcome all into the hiking community and advance public lands advocacy, we’re seeking five individuals, aged 18-40, from across the country who are interested in gaining advocacy experience and be a voice of young hikers for advocacy and stewardship. 2021 will be an important year in outdoor advocacy, and AHS is looking to support new voices to lead the way!

 

Deadline to apply is February 12, 2021.

Apply Now

Advocacy News and Issues

Testimony of Kate Van Waes, Executive Director, American Hiking Society, before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee FY22
Hikers Make their Voice Heard with #VotePublicLands
Climate Impact on Hikers
Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act (H.R. 2435) Letter of Support
AHS Statement In Support of Great American Outdoors Act (House)
AHS Comments on Dept. of Interior Electric Motorized Bicycle Proposed Rules
Will Myers

Racism in the Outdoors Resources

American Hiking Society believes that the outdoors should be a place of healing and enjoyment for all. Our mission, 'empowering ALL to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience' will never be fulfilled until systemic racism is erased and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are safe and welcome outside.
We are educating ourselves and sharing some of the resources that we have found informative and that might help us all become more aware and prepared to be an effective ally in the outdoors.
Learn More
Trevor Brown
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!

Give Back

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.

Find a Trip
Watch Video
Scholarship

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.

Find a Trip
Watch Video
Scholarship

With the support of our members, 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

Check out what we accomplished in 2019!

2019 Impact Report

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.

Become a Member
Volunteer

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.

Become a Member
Volunteer
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.

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

Latest Stories and Updates

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.

Read More
Justin Tucker is geared up with a warm hat, jacket, and backpack for a wintery portrait with snow and bare trees in the background.

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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Jeremiah Su smiles for an outdoor portrait in a baseball cap with a forested hillside in the background

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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Tom Johnson on American Hiking board hike

American Hiking Remembers Tom Johnson, long-time board member and AT historian

American Hiking Society is remembering the life of long-time board member, Tom Johnson, who passed away on Saturday, December 5, while hiking in Shenandoah National…

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Read More on the AHS Blog

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