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
How Time in Nature Boosts Our Mental Health
In a world where we are becoming increasingly screen-based and spend much of our lives inside, many people have drifted away from their connection to the natural world. Taking intentional actions to reconnect to the natural world can significantly improve our mental health.
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Peace After Loss — Heather’s Tale from the Trail
Grief is a deeply personal journey, but for many nature offers a place of solace and healing. Heather shares how time on the trails has helped her find peace after an immeasurable loss.
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Hiking to Healing Through The Highlands — Shan’s Tale from the Trail
Everyone’s trail to healing and discovery looks different, but every step matters. We’re grateful to Shan for sharing her story with us.
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The Trail Saved My Life — Alison’s Tale from the Trail
The trail quite literally saved my life.
I used to be a high level professional classical musician. At the height of my career, I developed a neurological movement disorder that made it impossible to perform. It was the most devastating loss of my life and left me without a sense of meaning of purpose.