National Take A Hike Day - National Hiking Day - 17 November

Table Of Contents

Intro
Why Hiking Is Good For You
History Of National Take A Hike Day
How to Observe National Take A Hike Day – National Hiking Day
Did You Know
In Summary: Why Hiking is Important
Sources

Intro

National Take A Hike Day or National Hiking Day encourages people to get outdoors, appreciate nature, and experience the physical and mental benefits of hiking. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore local trails or plan a more ambitious adventure.

There’s nothing like getting out in the great outdoors. Grab some hiking boots, a sack lunch, a backpack, and some water, and hit the trail! Once you start, you’ll wonder why you don’t do this more often. Do your bit to encourage others: blog about your hike on social media. Add hashtags like #NationalTrailsDay and #TakeAHike to inspire others to go out in the great outdoors.

National Take a Hike Day also known as National Hiking Day is celebrated in the United States and a few other countries on November 17. Wherever you happen to be, go for a hike and celebrate National Take a Hike Day – National Hiking Day.

The Eonia Linksfield Ridge Hike >

Why Hiking Is Good For You

Helps Lose Weight
Good for Mental Health
Good For the Heart
Helps Build Leg Muscles
Helps Control Diabetes
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Hiking is a Great Social
Boosts your Bone Density
Boosts your Mood.
Opens your World to New Experiences.

Doctors Explain How Hiking Actually Changes Our Brains >

History Of National Take A Hike Day

Hiking, while a major part of our culture today, wasn’t always the ubiquitous weekend warrior activity it is today. Prior to Walden, Thoreau and John Muir there were Romantic and Transcendentalism movements, art and cultural shifts to the natural order and time spent being outside. This was probably a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, train schedules, 90 hour work weeks and other.

The idea of taking a hike turned romantic and peaceful.

Since the 1800s with the United States leading the western world, hiking has steadily built into the hobby that it is today. Technological innovations allowed us to push ourselves further and accomplish more in the fields of mountaineering and hiking.

Moreover, the popularity of rock climbing helped propel hiking deeper into the cultural vernacular as most climbing areas require a small hike to reach. Hiking is, in many ways, a gateway to other, stronger versions of outdoorsmanship. Skiing, rock climbing and canyoneering are all just things to do along trail in many parts of the world.

On National Take a Hike Day, the American Hiking Society can recommend a variety of vacation options. Many trails require regular maintenance, debris cleared or small buildings constructed. At the end of the day, everybody shares stories around the campfire.
American Hiking Society

Photos – Hiking at Picos de Europa Spain – Carlos Segnini >

How to Observe National Take A Hike Day – National Hiking Day

Go for a Hike

Decide on where to hike. Even if responsibilities don’t allow you to take a trip in the near future, make a plan to go when you do get the time. In the United States, the National Trail System covers all 50 states. You can take a short hike or you can go on a hike for a few days. It’s up to you.

Take a Volunteer Vacation

In a volunteer vacation you give something back. On National Take a Hike Day, the American Hiking Society can recommend a variety of vacation options. Many trails require regular maintenance, debris cleared, or small buildings constructed. At the end of the day, everybody shares stories around the campfire.

Share your Experiences on Social Media

Blog about your hike on social media. Blogging about something beneficial and important like hiking may get you some attention and make you feel terrific. Take pics and post (on your return, of course) about your hiking experience. Share on all the social media platforms including Instagram and Facebook. Add hashtags like #NationalTrailsDay and #TakeAHike to inspire others to go out in the great outdoors.

Visiting Iguazu Falls | Carlos Segnini >

Did You Know

Prospective homebuyers seek out nearby hiking trails.

Prospective homebuyers seek out nearby hiking trails over security systems, golf courses, and neighborhood parks.

It Leads to skiing

Hiking inspires both skiing and snowshoeing as new sports.

It enhances your taste buds

Hiking reportedly enhances your taste buds by 35 percent on the trail — boosting the flavors of energy bars and freeze-dried foods.

Lorne’s Camino Sarria to Santiago – Nov 2025 >

In Summary: Why Hiking is Important

It’s Fantastic Exercise

Gyms are great but to get a better workout, hit the trail. The changes in elevation from flat, to slight incline, to steeper incline, to downhill — all help you use muscles that you may not flex everyday. Plus, on a leisurely hike, you don’t feel pressured to keep up with the Joneses in the gym.

Virgin Active Bedfordview – The Best Gym in the World >

Hiking Makes you Happy

Endorphins and serotonin make people happy — and you get plenty of them when you’re hiking. These hormones help fight off anxiety, prevent loneliness and depression, and improve your mood. Plus, if you bring a friend along, you’re sure to have a good time.

Hiking is for every age

Whether it’s hiking the Appalachian Trail or simply walking a well-worn path, nearly every person of every age can go hiking. Plus, since you get to choose the location, the path, and often the terrain, you get to decide how much you want to push yourself.