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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.
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!
2026 Volunteer Vacations 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
Millions of Trail Users at Risk: 93 Organizations Warn Forest Service Against Upending Longstanding Trail Access Rule
A far reaching coalition of 93 trail organizations, user groups, businesses, and government agencies representing the interests of millions of non-motorized, motorized, and mixed-use trail users across 32 states are calling on the Forest Service to maintain the five decade long practice that has provided guardrails for permitted trail uses on the 165,000 miles of trails across the National Forest System.
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Building Trails and Lasting Connections on San Juan Island
Located off the North West Edge of Washington State on San Juan Island, the Mount Grant Preserve is home to 250 acres of diverse forest,…
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American Hiking Society Names Jessica Reid Executive Director
The American Hiking Society Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Jessica Reid as Executive Director, effective September 14, 2026, concluding a national search launched earlier this year.
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Forest Service Hiking Trails Under Threat by Travel Management Rule and Roadless Rule Proposals
In a double whammy to hikers and trail users, the Forest Service is proposing a repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule and drastic revisions to the 2005 Travel Management Rule.
Taken together these proposals could upend over 50 years of precedent and access that hikers have relied on across National Forests.
Read MoreIn The News
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…