Organization · Trails
American Hiking Society
The American Hiking Society has been connecting Americans to trails since 1976, and their programs give families a real way to give back to the paths they love. From National Trails Day to volunteer vacations, there is genuine work here for kids and parents alike.
This page from Outside, the family adventure app, profiles the American Hiking Society (AHS), a national nonprofit founded in 1976 and dedicated to protecting and expanding America's trail network. It covers the organization's flagship events including National Trails Day, its volunteer vacation program, membership options, and how families with children can participate in trail stewardship. The page explains which programs suit different ages and experience levels, and offers practical guidance for parents looking to get involved.
| Founded | 1976 |
|---|---|
| Key event | National Trails Day, first Saturday in June |
| Membership | Individual and household tiers available |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
| Best age for kids | All ages for National Trails Day; 18-plus for most Volunteer Vacations |
What the American Hiking Society does
The American Hiking Society is a national nonprofit that has worked since 1976 to build, maintain, and protect the trails that families walk, run, and explore across all fifty states. The organization lobbies for trail funding at the federal level, partners with land managers and local trail clubs, and runs hands-on programs that put volunteers directly on the ground with tools in hand.
Their work covers everything from primitive backcountry paths to paved urban greenways. If your family has ever stepped onto a well-cleared trail with a solid bridge over a muddy creek, there is a reasonable chance that volunteer labor organized partly through AHS made it happen.
National Trails Day
Every year on the first Saturday of June, the American Hiking Society coordinates National Trails Day, one of the largest trail advocacy and volunteer events in the country. Thousands of events take place simultaneously at parks, forests, and greenways nationwide. Local groups host hikes, trail maintenance sessions, and community gatherings, all connected under the same umbrella.
For families, National Trails Day is a low-barrier entry point. Many events are specifically designed to welcome kids, and a morning of clearing brush or spreading gravel alongside rangers and neighbors is the kind of work children remember. You can search the AHS event finder by zip code or state to locate the closest activity. Most events are free to attend and require no prior experience.
Volunteer vacations
AHS runs a program called Volunteer Vacations, which places small crews of volunteers on multi-day trail projects in partnership with the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and other land managers. Crews camp near their work sites and spend several days doing real construction and restoration: building waterbars, reinforcing tread, clearing drainage.
Most Volunteer Vacation trips require participants to be at least 18, which makes them a better fit for parents traveling without young children or for older teenagers joining as adults. However, checking the current trip listings directly on the AHS website is worthwhile, since age requirements and family-friendly designations can vary by project. The trips typically ask participants to cover their own travel to the trailhead; food and camping gear are often provided or shared.
Membership and how families join
Membership in the American Hiking Society is open to anyone and runs on an annual basis. Individual and household membership tiers are available, and joining supports the organization's advocacy and trail maintenance work year-round.
Members receive access to resources including trail guides, discounts at some outdoor gear retailers, and updates on federal trail policy. For families who hike regularly and want to support trails beyond just showing up on National Trails Day, membership is a straightforward way to do it. The AHS website lists current pricing and member benefits, which have shifted over time as programs evolve.
Who this fits best
The American Hiking Society is a strong match for families who already hike and want to do something more than consume the trail. If your kids are old enough to hold a tool and follow simple directions, National Trails Day events give them a genuine sense of stewardship over public land.
Families who prefer structured, organized experiences over self-guided adventures will find the AHS event model comfortable. There is always a project leader, a clear task, and a defined workday. It is also a solid fit for families who want to model civic participation and land ethics for their children in a concrete, outdoor setting rather than an abstract one.
How to get started
The simplest first step is the National Trails Day event finder on the AHS website. Search your location, pick an event that lists itself as family-friendly or open to all ages, and show up with water, work gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Most events provide tools and safety orientation on site.
For families ready to go further, the AHS website lists Volunteer Vacation openings with dates, locations, and age requirements. Signing up for the AHS email list keeps National Trails Day announcements and trail news in your inbox without much effort. The organization also maintains a network of connections to local trail clubs and hiking coalitions, which can be a gateway to year-round volunteer opportunities closer to home.
After your next trail cleanup or hike, write down one thing you noticed about the trail that someone else must have worked hard to build or fix, and what you think it would take to do that job.
Frequently asked questions
Can kids participate in American Hiking Society volunteer events?
Yes, for National Trails Day. Many local events on the first Saturday of June welcome families with children of all ages. Volunteer Vacation trips, which are multi-day backcountry work projects, typically require participants to be at least 18, though requirements vary by project.
Is National Trails Day free?
Most National Trails Day events are free to attend. You can find events by searching the AHS website's event finder using your zip code or state. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. Tools and instruction are usually provided on site.
What does an American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation actually involve?
Volunteer Vacations are several-day trips where small crews work alongside land managers on real trail construction and restoration projects in national parks, forests, and other public lands. Work might include building drainage features, repairing tread, or clearing overgrowth. Participants generally cover their own travel to the trailhead.
How do I find American Hiking Society events near me?
The AHS website hosts an event finder that lets you search National Trails Day activities by location. For Volunteer Vacations, the site lists upcoming trips with dates, regions, and requirements. Signing up for the AHS email list is also an easy way to stay informed about events throughout the year.