New Report on America’s Hiking Trails Cites 50 Years of Progress-but Urgent Work Remains

SILVER SPRING, MD-May, 2015 — The American Hiking Society celebrates 50 years of progress in the creation and expansion of America’s trails with its new report, Hiking Trails in America:  Pathways to Prosperity, to be presented at a news conference on June 4, 2015 in Washington, DC.  The report outlines the critical work that must be done to close significant gaps in the nation’s system of trails and to ensure access to America’s natural treasures for generations to come.

“This report highlights the evolution of our nation’s modern trails system and the tremendous benefits it offers to individuals and to the nation as a whole,” said Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society President.
The National Trails System encompasses nearly 236,000 miles on federal and state lands, a significant increase since President Lyndon Johnson’s famous 1965 speech outlining his vision for a nationwide network of recreation, scenic, and historic trails.

“We must approach the next 50 years with even more resolve and with renewed dedication to the work that began half a century ago,” said Miller. “Unfinished trails must be completed and new ones must be built. It is time to foster a new generation of trail stewards. It is time for Congress to provide the funding and resources needed to finish the job.”

Join the American Hiking Society as it outlines the path forward and issues a call to action on Thursday, June 4, at the Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle, Washington, DC, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Speakers include U.S. Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell, author Kara Richardson Whitely, and National Geographic 2012 Adventurer of the Year Jennifer Pharr Davis.

RSVP:  POlsen@AmericanHiking.org.

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, please visit americanhiking.org or call (301) 565-6704.

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