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 natural areas, and protection of the hiking experience.
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.
Alternative Breaks
Make Friends. Make Memories. Make a Difference.
Alternative Breaks are 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.
Protecting Trails: Current News and Issues
Why Kids Should Hike
“Our kids are out of shape, tuned out and stressed out, because they’re missing something essential to their health and development: connection to the natural world.” National Wildlife Federation The seasons are turning, and children are knee deep in academics…
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Keep Our Public Lands Free From Corporate Hands Statement of Principles
We oppose the opening of protected or previously protected federal public lands and waters to development. We strongly urge companies involved in mining or other extractive activities, and the banks that fund them, not to conduct or finance any new or expanded commercial activity on any public lands and waters that were formerly or are currently under legal or administrative protections, or that would impact these lands and waters, and to adopt a no-go policy clarifying this position.
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New Coalition to Protect Public Lands from Administration’s Giveaways to Industry
After 150 million acres lose protections, more than a dozen groups join forces to pressure companies that conduct or fund extraction to stay out of previously protected areas
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AHS Statement: The National Forest System: Restoring our Forest Infrastructure
AHS Statement for U.S. Forest Service Maintenance Backlog before the House Agriculture Committee, Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry
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