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!
2024 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
Discover Volunteer Vacations: Accessible Adventures for Everyone
In 2024, AHS is providing over 40 Volunteer Vacation options, from day hikes to multi-day backpacking adventures, each tailored to accommodate participants of different skill levels.
Read MoreA Force For Good
Athletic Brewing’s IMPACT Brew series goes beyond crafting incredible NA Brews and extends to crafting a positive impact on marginalized communities.
Read MoreMeet American Hiking Society’s 2024 NextGen Trail Leaders
We are so excited to announce the 2024 class of NextGen Trail Leaders, bringing together rising stars in the outdoor community from across the country. Through…
Read MoreTrails Community Advocacy Secures Consistent Funding in Challenging Environment
Trails community expresses appreciation for level trail line item funding in difficult FY24 funding climate, calls for increased funding for Federal Land Management Agencies in FY25
Read More