More Americans are heading outside, with 181.1 million people spending time in nature in 2024. National Hiking Day on Nov. 17 celebrates that growing interest, inviting everyone from experienced hikers to casual walkers to hit the trails. Many see it as a chance to pause, breathe fresh air and enjoy the kind of peace that's hard to find indoors.
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With November's cooler weather and open trails, the observance offers the perfect excuse to spend time in nature. Local groups and park services are using the day to unite people through shared hikes, volunteer efforts and simple appreciation for the landscapes that define life outdoors.
More Americans hit the trails
National Hiking Day arrives with a simple mission: get more Americans on trails. The annual observance welcomes people of all fitness levels to explore pathways through nature while emphasizing the need to protect and maintain public lands. This year's celebration finds the country already enjoying outdoor recreation at levels never seen before.
Nearly 60% of Americans aged 6 and older now visit parks, forests and wilderness areas. The surge signals a fundamental change in how families spend their leisure time, with a record 66% of households with children taking part in nature-based activities. Young people are driving this movement, often pulling their parents away from screens and into nature. What emerges is a pattern where kids lead and adults follow, reversing decades of the opposite dynamic.
November is ideal outdoors
November delivers ideal conditions for exploring the outdoors. The month bridges fall and winter, bringing crisp air without the harsh chill that keeps most travelers indoors. Across much of the country, cooler temperatures make hiking, cycling and camping more comfortable than during the summer heat.
Late fall is also one of the most scenic times to venture out. In southern and western states, seasonal foliage paints the trails in deep reds and golds, while lower humidity creates clearer skies for photos and panoramic views. Travelers often find added perks in discounted rates for park lodges and guided tours, as November comes right before the holiday rush and offers a quiet stretch of the calendar that rewards those ready to explore.
Join the celebration
The occasion provides an opportunity for everyone to participate in the country's growing appreciation for the outdoors. Many national and state parks organize guided walks, cleanup drives and volunteer events that welcome visitors of all experience levels. Information about park schedules and activities is available through official park sites.
For those who want to give back, conservation groups such as the American Hiking Society and Leave No Trace rely on donations and volunteers to keep trails open and protected. Others choose to celebrate closer to home by arranging short group hikes with friends or family, turning the day into a shared outdoor activity that encourages more people to get moving.
Participants can also use the occasion to explore new terrain or post their experiences online with event tags that spread awareness. Whether it's a walk along a coastal trail, a climb through the desert or a stroll in a local park, National Hiking Day invites everyone to enjoy nature and play a part in preserving it.
Exploring the outdoors matters
Exploring the outdoors offers benefits that go well beyond exercise. Hiking builds endurance, strengthens muscles and improves balance, but it also supports mental well-being. Time spent in nature lowers stress and clears the mind, helping people reset away from daily distractions. Simply being outside sharpens the senses and creates a deeper connection with the surroundings.
Outdoor experiences also strengthen communities. Shared hikes and group activities encourage teamwork, conversation and a sense of shared achievement. Time on the trails builds awareness of local ecosystems and inspires people to care for the landscapes that make recreation possible.
The impact extends to local economies and education as well. Nature-based recreation drives tourism, sustains small businesses and funds park programs that keep these areas open. Exploring different terrains also brings hands-on learning about geography, wildlife and conservation, turning each hike into a lesson in both nature and connection.
America's natural beauty
America's national parks offer options for every level of outdoor enthusiast. In the Great Smoky Mountains straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, family-friendly trails such as Laurel Falls and Kuwohi, formerly Clingmans Dome, invite visitors to explore wide paths and sweeping forest views. Acadia National Park in Maine delivers a similar balance of beauty and ease with the Ocean Path Trail, where gentle coastal walks lead to striking ocean scenery.
On the West Coast, Redwood National and State Parks in California provide peaceful routes through towering forests, including the well-loved Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia pairs short connector trails like Stony Man with Skyline Drive, offering panoramic views across the Blue Ridge Mountains that appeal to casual hikers and road trippers alike.
Those seeking more demanding adventures can find them in the country's mountain and desert regions. At Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, the Cascade Canyon area rewards intermediate hikers with glacial lakes and rugged alpine terrain. In Utah's Zion National Park, steep climbs on routes such as Angel's Landing and Observation Point provide thrilling views for travelers ready for a challenge.
The invitation stands
As more Americans head outdoors, the meaning of recreation is changing. The trail has become a symbol of renewal, where exercise meets reflection and community spirit meets conservation. What begins as a simple walk can deepen into lasting appreciation for public lands and a shared responsibility to protect them. That shift from participation to stewardship is what keeps the country's natural landscapes ready for its next national moment.
Zuzana Paar, a co-founder of Food Drink Life, is a seasoned traveler and writer who has explored 62 countries and lived in St. Lucia, Dubai, Vienna, Doha and Slovakia. Her work has been featured on Fox News, New York Daily News, MSN and more; she has also appeared live on Chicago's WGN Bob Sirott Radio Show. When she's not discovering new destinations, she shares travel tips and insider insights to help others experience the world in a unique and unforgettable way.
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