Protect Trails All Year Long with a Monthly Gift!

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Protecting the Places You Love to Hike

Advocate for Hiking Access + 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.

American Hiking NextGen Trail Leaders stand in front of the US Capitol.
American Hiking NextGen Trail Leaders on Capitol Hill.
Will Myers
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!

2026 Volunteer Vacations Registration is Open

Work hard, get dirty, dig deep...and feel immensely rewarded.

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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.

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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.

With the support of our donors, 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
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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.

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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.

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.

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

Share Your Tale from the Trail

How has hiking transformed your life or the life of someone you know? Share your stories, videos, and photos with American Hiking to be featured on our blog and social media.

Latest Stories and Updates

American Hiking Society Comment Opposing Recission of the Forest Service Roadless Rule

On behalf of American Hiking Society and the 63-million-strong hiking community, we urge the USDA Forest Service to reject the repeal of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule).

Raise a Pint for Trails You Love: Celebrate 50 Years of American Hiking Society at Reuben’s Brews

Join American Hiking Society on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Reuben’s Brews Ballard Taproom in Seattle for a free 50th birthday celebration and fundraiser. Reuben’s donates $1 to AHS for every pint sold.

Millions of Trail Users at Risk: 93 Organizations Warn Forest Service Against Upending Longstanding Trail Access Rule

A far reaching coalition of 93 trail organizations, user groups, businesses, and government agencies representing the interests of millions of non-motorized, motorized, and mixed-use trail users across 32 states are calling on the Forest Service to maintain the five decade long practice that has provided guardrails for permitted trail uses on the 165,000 miles of trails across the National Forest System.

Building Trails and Lasting Connections on San Juan Island

Located off the North West Edge of Washington State on San Juan Island, the Mount Grant Preserve is home to 250 acres of diverse forest,…

In The News

Send Cranky, Tired Feet Packing With the Best Hiking Socks

July 10, 2025

It only takes one outdoor jaunt in crappy footwear to know that the best hiking socks are worth the investment.…

Recover Brands – Be the Impact Podcast

June 30, 2025

In this episode, we are joined by Heather Klein Olson, the Executive Director of American Hiking Society (AHS), who has shared those…

For a Better Workout, Walk With Hiking Poles

June 7, 2025

Put simply, poles can help you walk easier, faster and farther. 

Getting Out for National Trails Day® 2025

June 6, 2025

Maggie Peikon of the American Hiking Society joins the Accuweather Network to explain how National Trails Day® got started as an…

To mark National Trails Day, you can try out a Hypershell X – the outdoor exoskeleton for everyone

June 5, 2025

Do more in the outdoors and celebrate the US trails network.

11 Camping Trash Cans Outdoor Experts Love

April 10, 2025

The weather is beautiful—it’s time to get outside. You’ve got your hiking boots, windbreaker, and even a neat new firepit, but do you…

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