Americans love to take hikes. According to the 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, the number of people who took a walk in woods or on trails grew by nearly 890,000 between 2021 and 2022, making hiking the second most popular outdoor activity behind running.
But hiking trails also require maintenance and advocacy to protect them. And hiking isn’t as accessible as it could be to people with disabilities. These factors and others mean that hiking enthusiasts can find ways to improve the state of the activity they love. Here are some opportunities to put on your boots, hit the trails and contribute to a healthy hiking ecosystem.
Join a hiking group
One of the best ways to maintain trails and support the hiking world is to participate in it. Each state has a number of hiking groups that range from general interest hiking clubs to those for specific groups of people, such as hikers age 40+ or queer and nonbinary people of color who love to hike. Finding the group that’s right for you can be a great way to connect with others and help reduce loneliness and social isolation—not to mention maintaining trails by using them.
Can’t find the right hiking club for you? Consider starting one. The American Hiking Society has published a primer on starting your own group.
Care for the trails
Hiking trails need care and use to keep them in good shape. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has a number of volunteer opportunities to restore and maintain sections of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, which is the world’s longest hiking-only footpath. The American Hiking Society offers volunteer vacation opportunities where so-called “trail stewards” travel to improve trails around the country. You may also find opportunities to maintain trails through the National Forest Service or state or local hiking groups.
Make trails accessible
A growing movement aims to make the outdoors more accessible. Disabled Hikers is an organization that is working to improve trail access for people with disabilities and limited mobility so they can enjoy the great outdoors, too. Collaborate with organizations like Disabled Hikers and local trail associations to improve accessibility. Install handrails, construct ramps, and widen paths to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids. These modifications promote equal access to hiking trails, fostering a sense of inclusion and empowerment.
The organization also suggests connecting its leaders with community leaders in your area for speaking engagements and recommending the group for media interviews and podcast appearances. By helping Disabled Hikers spread the word, you can be an ally in promoting more inclusive trail access.
Exercise your advocacy
Organizations like the American Hiking Society also advocate to protect public lands and trails. The organization lobbies and works with federal, state, and local politicians, agencies, and organizations to encourage pro-conservation policies and legislation. They work on ensuring funding for trails, natural area preservation, and other issues that matter to hikers.
There are a number of ways to combine your love of hitting the trails with your desire to make a difference in your community. By volunteering your time to hiking-related causes, you’re also improving conditions for an activity you love.
Ready for more volunteer adventures? Find your next opportunity at www.createthegood.org.
