National Take A Hike Day

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2023 DateNovember 17, 2023
2024 DateNovember 17, 2024

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National Take A Hike Day

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National Take A Hike Day encourages Americans to get out of their homes, explore the great outdoors, and embrace the beauty of nature. This day serves as a reminder of the numerous benefits that hiking provides to both physical and mental health. Hiking allows individuals to connect with nature, relieve stress, and improve overall well-being.

While the exact origin of National Take A Hike Day is not clear, hiking has been enjoyed by people for centuries. The concept of organized hiking clubs emerged in the early 20th century, promoting hiking as a recreational activity. Today, hiking trails crisscross the entire country, offering a range of terrains and breathtaking vistas. From challenging mountain hikes to tranquil forest paths, the options are diverse and cater to hikers of all skill levels.

On National Take A Hike Day, it is encouraged to venture out into nature, explore hiking trails, and embrace the tranquility only found in the great outdoors. There are countless benefits to hiking, including improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and endurance, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, hiking provides an opportunity to disconnect from technology and connect with loved ones or simply enjoy the peaceful solitude. National Take A Hike Day occurs annually on November 17th.

National Take A Hike Day facts

  • Hiking is projected to see the greatest increase in participation by 2060 according to the American Hiking Society.
  • The longest trail in the National Trails System is the North Country trail, stretching 4,600 mile over 7 states.
  • A popular hiking trail in the U.S is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It is estimated to be about 2,200 miles long extending from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. It receives 2 million visits annually according to the American Hiking Society.
  • There are approximately 60,000 trails in the United States in local parks, state parks, national parks, and other public lands.

Top things to do for National Take A Hike Day

  • Plan your next hike. Hiking Resources has all you need.
  • Volunteer to help clean up and maintain trails at Get Involved.
  • Watch a movie or documentary about hiking. Here are our suggestions:
    A Walk in the Woods (2015)
    Mile, Mile and a Half (2013)
    Tacks (2013)
  • Use this day as an opportunity to discover a new hiking trail in your area. Research and pick a trail that you haven't hiked before, and challenge yourself to explore uncharted territory.
  • Take this day as an opportunity to give back to the environment and help maintain the trails you love. Join a local trail maintenance or clean-up event to contribute towards preserving hiking routes for others to enjoy.

References and related sites

www.webmd.com: Benefits of Hiking
www.backpacker.com: Hiking Facts
semi-rad.com: Why Hiking is Popular

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