Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Daniel Globe
National Hiking Day—also widely known as National Take a Hike Day—is observed in the United States on November 17. It is a simple reminder to step outside, move your body, and enjoy a trail, park path, greenway, or even a tree-lined neighborhood walk. You do not need a difficult mountain route to take part.
Quick Answer
National Hiking Day, also called National Take a Hike Day, is observed every November 17. Celebrate by choosing a hike that matches your ability, checking weather and trail conditions, carrying the Ten Essentials, and following local permit rules. For 2026, verify seasonal closures before choosing a famous destination.
Key Takeaways
- National Hiking Day, commonly called National Take a Hike Day, is observed every November 17.
- Hiking can contribute to regular physical activity and may support mood, stress management, balance, endurance, and cardiovascular health.
- A safe hike starts with checking the route, weather, daylight, trail alerts, permits, and your own ability level.
- Carry the Ten Essentials and do not depend on cellular service as your only navigation or emergency plan.
- Famous hikes such as Half Dome, Angels Landing, Kalalau, and Grand Canyon rim-to-rim have permits, seasonal limits, or closures that must be checked before travel.
- Protect trails by staying on established routes, packing out trash, respecting wildlife, and following local land-management rules.
What Is National Hiking Day and When Is It?
National Hiking Day is observed on November 17 each year. The American Hiking Society uses the name National Take A Hike Day® and encourages people to celebrate with anything from a neighborhood walk to a more traditional trail hike.
The exact founding story is less certain than the date. Published accounts give conflicting explanations for who created the observance and when, while the American Hiking Society’s current public page does not state a founding year. For that reason, it is more accurate to describe National Hiking Day as an informal outdoor-recreation observance than to credit a specific person or year without stronger documentation.
Note: You may see both “National Hiking Day” and “National Take a Hike Day.” In the United States, both names are commonly associated with November 17.
The idea behind the day is straightforward: spend some time moving outdoors and appreciate the trails and public spaces that make hiking possible. A short local route counts just as much as a long mountain hike if it is the right choice for your ability and conditions.
The Benefits of Hiking for Physical and Mental Health
Hiking combines walking with changes in grade, terrain, and pace, so it can provide both aerobic activity and muscular work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and reduce the long-term risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It can also support bone health, balance, sleep, and healthy weight management.
For adults, current U.S. guidance calls for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activity on two days.
Hiking may also offer mental-health benefits because it combines movement with time outdoors. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nature-based outdoor activities found improvements in outcomes such as depressive mood, anxiety, and positive affect among adults participating in structured nature-based activities.
That does not make hiking a treatment for a medical or mental-health condition. It is better viewed as one healthy form of physical activity that may support overall well-being. The difficulty should always match the person’s health, mobility, conditioning, experience, and the environment.
Note: If you have a health condition or are considering a strenuous, high-altitude, or unusually long hike, choose an appropriate route and consider discussing the activity with your healthcare professional.
How to Prepare for a Hiking Trip
Good preparation starts before you reach the trailhead. Research the route, know how long it is likely to take, check elevation gain and terrain, and confirm that everyone in your group can safely complete it. Then review the official land manager’s latest alerts for weather, wildfire, snow, flooding, trail damage, road access, water availability, and permit requirements.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 15–30 minutes of planning for a simple local day hike; longer for remote, technical, or permit-controlled routes. |
| Difficulty | Varies from easy neighborhood or park walks to strenuous mountain hikes. |
| Tools Needed | Route information, navigation, weather forecast, appropriate footwear, and the Ten Essentials. |
| Cost | Often free for local trails, although parking, entrance, reservation, shuttle, or permit fees may apply. |
Check the Route, Weather, Daylight, and Permits
Start with the official website for the park, forest, state land, or trail system you plan to visit. Confirm distance, elevation gain, difficulty, opening hours, parking, water availability, and any current closures. Because National Hiking Day falls in mid-November, daylight is shorter and many mountain areas may already have freezing temperatures, snow, ice, or seasonal closures.
Check the forecast shortly before leaving, but also prepare for conditions to change. The National Park Service’s Hike Smart guidance recommends checking park alerts and having a backup plan when weather or trail conditions are not suitable.
Pack the Ten Essentials
The National Park Service recommends carrying the Ten Essentials. Adjust the amount and type of gear to the route, season, weather, group, and remoteness.
- Navigation: map, compass, GPS, or another navigation system you know how to use.
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and protective clothing as needed.
- Extra clothing: insulating layers and rain protection appropriate for the worst reasonable conditions.
- Illumination: a flashlight or headlamp with adequate battery power.
- First aid: a stocked kit plus personal medications.
- Fire: a legal and appropriate emergency fire-starting method where permitted.
- Repair tools: basic tools and supplies suited to your equipment.
- Food: enough for the outing plus extra in case of delay.
- Hydration: adequate water and, where appropriate, a safe water-treatment method.
- Emergency shelter: a lightweight tarp, bivy, emergency blanket, or similar protection appropriate to the trip.
Wear footwear suited to the trail surface and conditions. A comfortable hiking shoe or boot with adequate traction can help reduce slipping and foot discomfort. Trekking poles may also improve stability on steep, loose, snowy, or uneven ground.
Leave a Trip Plan and Set a Turnaround Time
Tell a trusted person where you are going, which route you expect to use, who is with you, and when you expect to return. For longer or remote hikes, set a firm turnaround time so the group does not keep pushing toward a destination after daylight, weather, fatigue, or pace makes continuing unsafe.
Warning: Do not rely on your phone as your only emergency or navigation tool. Cellular coverage may be weak or nonexistent, and searching for a signal can drain the battery. Carry backup navigation and download any useful maps before leaving coverage.
Pro Tip: On a November hike, put your headlamp where you can reach it without unpacking your entire bag. Short daylight and slower-than-expected trail conditions can turn a planned daytime hike into a walk back after sunset.
Popular Hiking Trails to Consider on National Hiking Day
National Hiking Day can be a fun reason to visit a famous trail, but November conditions matter. Some high-profile hikes require permits, while others may be impractical or unavailable by November 17. Always check the official land manager’s current alerts before traveling.
| Trail | Location | Difficulty | Distance / November 17 Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing | Zion National Park, Utah | Strenuous | 5.4 miles round trip with about 1,488 feet of elevation gain. A permit is required for the permitted Angels Landing section. |
| Half Dome | Yosemite National Park, California | Very strenuous | About 14–16.4 miles round trip, depending on route. The cables are normally down by November 17, so the summit is generally not an appropriate National Hiking Day objective. |
| Appalachian Trail | Georgia to Maine | Varies | 2,197.9 miles is the official 2026 total. Choose an appropriate day-hike section and check local weather and trail conditions. |
| Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim | Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona | Strenuous | About 21 miles via North Kaibab and South Kaibab. Traditional rim-to-rim hiking is scheduled to be unavailable on November 17, 2026 because of a North Kaibab Trail closure. |
| Kalalau Trail | Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, Hawaiʻi | Difficult | 22 miles round trip. Access reservations apply, and anyone proceeding beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley must have the required overnight camping permit. |
| Pacific Crest Trail | California, Oregon, and Washington | Varies | Approximately 2,650 miles overall. For National Hiking Day, choose a suitable day-hike segment and verify snow, fire, weather, and access conditions. |
The Appalachian Trail remains one of the country’s best-known long-distance footpaths, but you do not need to undertake a thru-hike to enjoy it. Many trailheads provide access to shorter day-hike sections. Its official length changes slightly from year to year as the route is relocated or measured more precisely.
Yosemite offers spectacular views of granite landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome, but the Half Dome summit route is highly seasonal. In November, a lower-elevation Yosemite Valley hike may be a more realistic choice. Check the park’s current day-hiking information before deciding on a route.
The Pacific Crest Trail crosses major mountain landscapes through California, Oregon, and Washington. Conditions differ dramatically from one section to another, especially in late fall, so a locally appropriate day-hike segment is more sensible than treating the entire trail as one November destination.
Warning: For National Hiking Day 2026, do not plan a traditional Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike for November 17. The National Park Service has announced a North Kaibab Trail closure beginning in October that prevents the traditional crossing. Consider an open South Rim route instead and check current park alerts before travel.
Safety Tips for Hiking in the Great Outdoors
Your route should match the least-experienced member of the group, not the strongest. Distance alone does not determine difficulty: elevation gain, altitude, heat, cold, snow, mud, water crossings, exposure, and trail surface can make a short hike demanding.
- Leave a trip plan. Tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back.
- Check current alerts. Review weather, trail closures, wildfire information, water availability, and road access before leaving.
- Carry the Ten Essentials. Even a day hike can be delayed by injury, weather, navigation mistakes, or darkness.
- Know your turnaround point. Do not let reaching a summit or landmark override worsening conditions or fading daylight.
- Stay hydrated and fueled. Carry enough water and food for the route, conditions, and possible delays.
- Use reliable navigation. Carry an appropriate map or offline navigation method and know how to use it.
- Respect wildlife. Never approach or feed wild animals, and learn the specific wildlife guidance for the area you are visiting.
Wildlife rules vary by destination. Bear spray, for example, may be recommended in some bear-country parks but prohibited in others. The National Park Service advises hikers to check the rules for the specific park rather than assuming one approach applies everywhere.
Warning: Turn back when conditions exceed your equipment, experience, or physical ability. A summit, waterfall, or viewpoint is optional; returning safely is not.
National Hiking Day Events and Activities
National Hiking Day events change from year to year. Parks, trail organizations, municipalities, conservation groups, and hiking clubs may offer guided walks, volunteer trail work, nature programs, or beginner-friendly outings around November 17. Check their current websites and calendars rather than assuming a previous year’s event will return.
In 2026, November 17 falls on a Tuesday, so a full-day mountain trip may not fit everyone’s schedule. The American Hiking Society specifically emphasizes that the observance can be simple. A short after-work walk, a local park loop, or a neighborhood greenway can all be practical ways to participate.
Other ideas include:
- Join a ranger-led or naturalist-led hike if one is offered locally.
- Invite a friend or family member on an easy trail suited to everyone in the group.
- Visit a local trail you have never explored before.
- Take children on a short nature walk with plenty of time for stops.
- Choose a paved or accessible nature path when that better suits the group.
- Volunteer for a trail-maintenance or cleanup project.
- Use the day to learn basic navigation, first aid, or Leave No Trace practices.
The Importance of Preserving and Protecting Hiking Trails
Trails concentrate foot traffic so people can enjoy natural areas while limiting damage to surrounding vegetation and soils. Leaving the established route—especially by cutting switchbacks—can trample plants, widen trails, and increase erosion.
The National Park Service’s Leave No Trace guidance recommends using established trails and durable surfaces, packing out trash and food scraps, respecting wildlife, and leaving natural and cultural objects where you find them.
Simple Ways to Reduce Your Impact
- Stay on the established trail where required and avoid shortcutting switchbacks.
- Pack out trash, food scraps, and pet waste.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Follow local rules for fires, camping, dogs, food storage, and human waste.
- Leave rocks, plants, flowers, artifacts, and other natural features in place.
- Use durable surfaces and designated campsites where applicable.
- Respect closures that protect damaged trails, wildlife habitat, or public safety.
Pro Tip: If a trail is muddy enough that you are tempted to walk around every puddle, check whether the land manager recommends another route. Repeatedly walking around wet sections can widen the trail and damage nearby vegetation.
How to Get Involved in National Hiking Day and Make a Difference
The easiest way to participate is simply to go outside and walk somewhere that fits your schedule and ability. You can also use the day to support the people and organizations that build, maintain, and protect trails.
- Join a local hiking club or community walking group.
- Volunteer for an organized cleanup or trail-maintenance project.
- Donate to a reputable trail or conservation organization.
- Introduce a beginner to a safe, manageable trail.
- Report trail damage or hazards to the appropriate land manager instead of trying to make unauthorized repairs.
- Share responsible hiking practices when posting your trip online.
If you’re planning to celebrate National Hiking Day with an overnight backpacking trip, this guide to the best ultralight tent for backpacking can help you think through shelter weight and pack space before heading out.
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Sources
- American Hiking Society — National Take A Hike Day — confirms the November 17 observance and emphasizes that hiking can be simple and accessible.
- CDC — Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Adults — supports the physical and mental health benefits associated with regular activity.
- PubMed — Nature-Based Outdoor Activities Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis — supports the discussion of mental well-being and nature-based activity.
- National Park Service — Hike Smart — supports trip planning, weather checks, emergency preparation, communication, and trail-alert guidance.
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy — 2026 Official Mileage — confirms the Appalachian Trail’s official 2026 length of 2,197.9 miles.
- Grand Canyon National Park — Critical Hiking Updates and Closures — supports the 2026 rim-to-rim closure warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Hiking Day?
National Hiking Day is an informal observance that encourages people to get outdoors and enjoy hiking, walking, trails, and nature. It is also widely called National Take a Hike Day.
When is National Hiking Day?
National Hiking Day is observed every year on November 17.
How did National Hiking Day start?
The November 17 observance is well established, but its exact founding history is not clearly documented by the American Hiking Society’s current National Take A Hike Day page. Because published secondary accounts conflict, it is safest not to attribute the day to a specific founder or year without stronger primary documentation.
How can I participate in National Hiking Day?
Choose an outdoor walk that matches your ability and available time. It can be a neighborhood path, local park, nature trail, or longer hike. Check conditions first, carry appropriate essentials, and follow the rules for the land you visit.
Are there organized events for National Hiking Day?
Some parks, hiking clubs, municipalities, and conservation groups organize guided hikes, educational programs, cleanups, or volunteer events around November 17. Events vary every year, so check current local calendars before making plans.
Do I need a permit to hike on National Hiking Day?
That depends on the destination. Many local trails require no hiking permit, while routes such as Angels Landing and Half Dome have specific permit systems. Kalalau also has access and camping requirements. Always check the official land manager’s rules before your trip.
What should I pack for a National Hiking Day hike?
For a typical day hike, start with the Ten Essentials: navigation, sun protection, extra clothing, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire-starting equipment where appropriate and legal, repair tools, extra food, water, and emergency shelter. Adjust your equipment to the route, weather, season, and remoteness.
