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!
2025 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
Restoring Access to Nature, Just Miles from the City
Just beyond the city lights of Boston, a crew of American Hiking Society volunteers found themselves surrounded by quiet wetlands, lush forests, and the songs of migratory birds.
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Blazing the Boundaries of the Appalachian Trail
In the rolling hills of western Massachusetts, a team of American Hiking Society volunteers truly went off the beaten path to help protect one of…
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Preserving the Depths of Mammoth Cave National Park
American Hiking Society volunteers joined National Park Service staff at Mammoth Cave National Park to restore trails, protect fragile cave systems, and clean up the Green River. Through hands-on conservation and exploration, they helped preserve the world’s longest cave system and its surrounding landscapes for future generations.
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Join us in Seattle on November 4 for Gratituesday!
Board Member Jacob Camp hosts a Gratituesday event in Seattle to benefit American Hiking Society
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Send Cranky, Tired Feet Packing With the Best Hiking Socks
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
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
Put simply, poles can help you walk easier, faster and farther.
Getting Out for National Trails Day® 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
Do more in the outdoors and celebrate the US trails network.
11 Camping Trash Cans Outdoor Experts Love
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…