Late autumn is one of the best times to hike. The crowds have thinned, the air is crisp, and in many places the last of the fall color still hangs on. National Take a Hike Day, on November 17, encourages everyone to lace up their shoes and spend some time on a trail. You don't need to climb a mountain: a walk through a city park, a nature preserve or a rail trail counts. The point is simply to get outdoors, move your body and enjoy the natural world before winter settles in.
History of National Take a Hike Day
Walking for pleasure in nature is a relatively modern idea. For most of history, people walked long distances out of necessity. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Romantic writers and poets in Europe began to celebrate walking in the countryside as a source of inspiration and well-being, and the idea spread to the United States.
American hiking culture grew in the late 1800s and early 1900s with the creation of national parks and hiking clubs. The Appalachian Trail, proposed in 1921 and completed in 1937, became a landmark long-distance footpath. It now stretches roughly 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. Later, the National Trails System Act of 1968 created a framework for national scenic and historic trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail.
Today, millions of Americans hike every year, from casual day hikers to thru-hikers who walk entire trails over several months. National Take a Hike Day's origin isn't clearly documented, but it fits a growing movement encouraging people to spend more time outdoors for their physical and mental health.
Why National Take a Hike Day Matters
Hiking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. It strengthens the heart, legs and core, and walking on uneven ground improves balance. Studies have also linked time in nature with lower stress and better mood.
It's also a social activity that works for almost every age. Families, friends and coworkers can hike together, and many trails are free to use. In November, a hike is a welcome break from busy holiday preparations.
How to Celebrate National Take a Hike Day
- Find a local trail: use a park website or trail app to find an easy loop near you.
- Dress in layers: wear moisture-wicking clothing, a warm layer and a waterproof jacket.
- Check the daylight: sunset is early in November, so start early and carry a headlamp.
- Wear bright colors: in areas where hunting season is open, blaze orange helps you stay visible.
- Leave no trace: pack out everything you bring and stay on marked paths.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, organize a lunchtime walk or a weekend group hike, and invite colleagues of all fitness levels by choosing a short, flat route. Walking meetings are another easy way to get outside during the workday. Schools can take a nature walk around the grounds, collecting leaves for a science lesson on why trees change color, or map a short route as a geography activity. At home, families can explore a new park, bring a simple scavenger hunt list (a red leaf, a pinecone, a bird call), and pack a thermos of hot cocoa for the end. Dog owners can make it a longer walk with their pets, keeping them leashed where required.
Fun Facts About National Take a Hike Day
- The Appalachian Trail is roughly 2,200 miles long and was completed in 1937.
- The National Trails System Act was signed in 1968.
- Hiking burns more calories than walking on flat ground because of hills and uneven terrain.
National Take a Hike Day FAQs
When is National Take a Hike Day?
It is observed on November 17 each year.
What should I bring on a short hike?
Water, snacks, a phone, layers, a map or trail app, a small first-aid kit and a headlamp for late-autumn afternoons.
Is hiking good exercise?
Yes. It builds cardiovascular fitness and leg strength, and uneven terrain improves balance.
Do I need special boots?
For easy trails, comfortable sneakers with good grip are fine. Hiking boots help on rocky, wet or steep ground.