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!
Check out what we accomplished in 2019!
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 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!
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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.
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Letter of Support for the Recreational Trails Program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework
Letter to support an amendment to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework to increase the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding following the release of any update fuel study on user generated taxes from recreational trail users.
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Comments to USDA Identifying Barriers in Programs and Services; Advancing Racial Justice and Equity and Support for Underserved Communities
American Hiking Society (AHS) and the 44 million strong hiking community submit comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on how the USDA, including Forest Service, can advance racial justice and equity for underserved communities as part of its implementation of Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.
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