New National Event: Encouraging Americans to Hike 40 in 2016

First it was REI encouraging the public to #optoutside. Now, the American Hiking Society is challenging Americans to make2016 the year they spend more time getting active in the great outdoors. In celebration of American Hiking Society’s 40^th anniversary, people of all ages are committing to Hike 40 miles, 40 trails, or 40 unique hikes between New Year’s Day and American Hiking Society’s birthday on October 13^th.

The Hike 40 challenge encourages everyone to get outside, to improve their health, and to experience new adventures on trails with their friends and family in the new year.

“Hike 40 is designed to replace the often ambiguous resolutions of ‘getting fit’ and ‘losing weight’ with a tangible and quantifiable goal for 2016,” explains Gregory Miller, President of American Hiking Society.  “From a pragmatic approach, participants of any ability can meet their goal by hiking just over four miles a month. Whether you hike the trails in your local parks or head out to explore the remote backcountry, each participant can find their own unique hiking adventure.”

Beyond getting to spend more time outdoors, there is an additional feel good component to American Hiking’s Hike 40 challenge.  Participants pledge to Hike 40 and raise funds for American Hiking Society to help preserve and protect hiking trails.  Each participant can log their hikes or miles while raising funds for their preferred category: trail advocacy, trail outreach or trail stewardship.

For the last four decades, American Hiking Society has focused on stewardship, advocacy, and education as a multifaceted approach to protect the unique hiking adventures that millions of Americans enjoy. American Hiking Society mobilizes thousands of trail volunteers each year to improve trails across America. By working with Congress and federal agencies, American Hiking Society helps to shape public policy and legislation affecting hiking. Committed to increasing the public participation in and enjoyment of hiking, American Hiking Society coordinates thousands of annual events and provides resources to encourage individuals to get out on the trail.

Participants of the Hike 40 challenge share in the legacy of American Hiking Society’s first 40 years and help to lay the groundwork for the next 40 years of hiking and outdoor adventure.

Anyone who wants take part in this inclusive challenge should submit their Hike 40 pledge at AmericanHiking.org/join-donate/hike-40 and join the ranks of those committed to discovering their own adventures during 2016.

About American Hiking Society: Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit http://www.americanhiking.org/ or call 800-972-8608.