National Hiking Day

Love hiking? We’ve got a date for you! After long days indoors, many seek a simple way to relax. Fresh air, open trails, and the beauty of nature provide the perfect calm, no expensive gear required. All you need is time and a clear path. Every step outdoors brings energy and peace. If you’re ready to slow down and reconnect with nature, mark your calendar for National Hiking Day 2026!

Key Takeaways:

• National Hiking Day, also called Take a Hike Day, is celebrated on November 17 every year.
• It encourages everyone to step outside and enjoy the outdoors.
• This day was first established on November 17, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
• The USA has more than 60,000 miles of hiking trails for all skill levels.
• This holiday promotes environmental awareness and encourages care for trails and natural spaces.

What Is National Hiking Day?

National Hiking Day, also called Take a Hike Day, is all about stepping outside and enjoying the great outdoors. It’s your chance to get moving, soak up fresh air, and feel connected to nature. Best part? Hiking is free, fits any pace, and anyone can join!

Beyond the fun, hiking has real health perks. It strengthens your heart, improves circulation, and boosts mood by reducing stress. Many hikers head to a national park to enjoy safe, scenic trails while building healthy habits that last. A simple walk today can inspire a lifetime of wellness and peace of mind.

Interesting Facts About National Hiking Day

Here are a few interesting facts about National Hiking Day

• National Hiking Day also uses the name National Take a Hike Day.
• It was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson on November 17, 1965.
• The USA alone offers more than 60,000 miles of hiking trails.
• Hiking on National Hiking Day (or any day) can burn over 550 calories per hour.
• The idea behind the holiday is as much about enjoying nature as it is about promoting environmental awareness and encouraging care for trails and natural spaces.

When Is National Hiking Day?

National Hiking Day is on November 17. It occurs on the same date every year, and in 2026, it will be on a Tuesday. You can mark the date and make plans for celebrating National Hiking Day 2026 in advance.

Future National Hiking Day Dates

Brief History

National Hiking Day first took shape on November 17, 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson championed the idea of opening more public spaces for everyone. He emphasized how trails could reconnect people with the outdoors, inspiring nationwide plans for better public access.

In 1966, the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation released Trails for America, a report calling for a network of national scenic and historical trails. Over time, many groups contributed to shaping this vision. The system shifted between agencies before eventually finding its home under the National Park Service.

By 1976, the American Hiking Society expanded its support and encouraged people of all backgrounds to simply step outside and walk, echoing earlier trailblazers like Frederick Law Olmsted, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and John Muir. Their push for accessible natural spaces helped spark the national park movement itself. Today, countless trails exist thanks to local land trusts that preserve open spaces in communities across the country.

In the end, National Hiking Day grew from a presidential idea into a community-supported celebration of America’s outdoors. It now serves as a friendly reminder to get outside, enjoy the trails, and follow in the footsteps of generations of explorers and nature lovers.

How To Celebrate National Hiking Day?

You can take part in National Hiking Day 2026 in so many simple, enjoyable ways. Think of it as an easy invitation to step outside and breathe a little deeper.

So, let us guide you through a few clear steps so you can make the day feel refreshing, fun, and completely your own.

1. Go for a Hike

Pick a nearby trail and head out at a pace that feels good for you. Bring along a friend or family member, you’ll enjoy the fresh air even more together. But don’t forget water, snacks, and comfy shoes made for longer walks. And if you’re lucky enough to have a national park close by, it’s a perfect day to explore it.

2. Give Back to the Trails

Join a local trail-care group and help keep paths clean and safe. Bring a small bag and pick up litter as you walk. It really makes a big difference. You can also support a trail group with a donation to help protect and maintain the routes everyone enjoys.

3. Share and Connect

Invite someone who hasn’t hiked before and guide them at a relaxed pace. Snap a few photos and share them with #NationalHikingDay. You might inspire someone else to step outside and enjoy nature, too.

Conclusion

Hey, keep in mind that you don’t need a perfect moment to enjoy a peaceful trail. Just start with simple steps and make a little room for nature in your week. Each walk boosts your mood, your health, and your sense of calm. Trails bring people together and offer views that remind us there’s more to life than screens. Keep your shoes ready, notice the paths around you, and let your next walk be a small step toward a lighter, brighter day. Happy National Hiking Day!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the hardest hike in the USA?

There isn’t a single “hardest” hike because it really depends on your fitness level, experience, and timing. Still, several trails are famously challenging. Many hikers point to Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, the Kalalau Trail in Hawaii, Half Dome in Yosemite, and the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire. Each of these routes demands major effort, good preparation, and steady focus from start to finish.

2. What is the only US state without a national park?

While it’s often said that Delaware is the only state without a national park, the full picture is more detailed. In total, 20 states do not have a National Park. These include: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. However, many of these states do have other National Park Service units, such as national monuments, historical parks, and recreation areas. Delaware is frequently highlighted because its only NPS site is First State National Historical Park, not a designated national park.