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
A Week of Impact: Rochester Institute of Technology’s 2024 Alternative Break
Since 2008, American Hiking Society has run the Alternative Break program, which allows students to engage in meaningful service projects to conserve and maintain our…
Read More
Reflecting on Wilderness Rescues in 2023
In 2023, wilderness rescues saw a significant uptick, shedding light on the importance of being prepared, both physically and financially, when embarking on outdoor adventures.
Read More
27th Hike the Hill Wraps-Up Advancement of Key Priorities
For 27 years, AHS has joined with Partnership for the National Trails System to bring trail organizations, advocates, and federal land management partners together during Hike the HillⓇ.
Read More
Hike These Trails to Catch the Solar Eclipse
Want to hit the trails so you can catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse on April 8th? We’ve rounded up seven options!
Read More