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National Take a Hike Day

Take a break and explore the outdoors! National Take a Hike Day is the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy nature - so go ahead and hit the trails!

Tuesday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATENovember 17

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSports

SUBCATEGORYOutdoor Adventure

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Take A Hike Day on November 17! This day was created to encourage people to get out of their comfort zones and explore the great outdoors. Taking a hike is an excellent way to enjoy some fresh air, connect with nature, and build healthy habits for physical fitness. It's also a great opportunity for friends and family members to bond in the beauty of nature while having fun together.

TIMELINE

National Take a Hike Day Timeline

Yosemite Becomes a Park

Yosemite, one of the USA's most beloved hiking destinations, is granted park status, paving the way for public enjoyment of natural spaces.

National Parks Service Established

The National Parks Service is established to protect and promote parks and monuments in the U.S., which often become popular hiking spots.

Completion of the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine, is completed. It becomes a popular hiking trail for nature lovers and endurance hikers alike.

Grand Canyon National Park Opens

The Grand Canyon National Park opens, offering some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world.

National Take a Hike Day Inception

The American Hiking Society inaugurates National Take a Hike Day to promote and celebrate the benefits of hiking.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Take a Hike Day

Go on a nature walk

Take the day to explore a nearby nature trail. Pack a picnic lunch and take your time, walking slowly and enjoying the views along the way.

ORGANIZE

Organize a group hike

Rally your friends and organize a group hike. Pick an interesting spot in the area and head out together to explore and enjoy some time outdoors.

START

Start geocaching

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt game. Download the app, enter your location, and start searching for hidden treasures in your local area!

VISIT

Visit a state park

Head out to one of your local state parks and take advantage of all that it has to offer: hiking trails, lakes, rivers, and more.

Go on a night hike

If you're feeling adventurous, try going on a night hike. Bring a flashlight and explore the wonders of the night sky while you walk along the trail.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Take a Hike Day

It strengthens relationships

Spending quality time outside with friends and family is one of the best parts about hiking. Whether it's focusing on conversation while walking along a beautiful trail or making a game out of orienteering, it's a great way to bond and strengthen relationships!

It's a good form of exercise

Hiking is a great way to get your heart rate up and burn off some calories. Plus, it can be done almost anywhere - from a local nature park to the mountains of Colorado. No matter where you go, the scenery and natural beauty will make for an enjoyable workout!

It gets you outdoors

Taking a hike allows us to reconnect with nature and explore the beauty that surrounds us. It can also provide us with much needed downtime away from our hectic everyday lives and give us time to appreciate the little things we often take for granted, like a stunning sunset or the sound of birds chirping in the trees.