National Take a Hike Day on November 17th encourages us to get out there and hit the trails. With over 60,000 miles of trails in the National Trail System across the 50 states, there is no lack of opportunity to take a hike.  

#NationalTakeAHikeDay

Some of those trails are hundreds of years old. For example, the oldest continuously used trail in the United States is Crawford Pathin New Hampshire. The beginnings of the mountain path were cleared to the summit of Mt. Washington in 1819. Other trails allow us to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark or explore even more ancient history like Effigy Mounds National Monument.

Besides experiencing majestic views and the great outdoors, we also exercise our bodies. Hiking not only gets our hearts pumping and our muscles moving, but being outdoors is good for our minds. Many of us spend too much time indoors behind a desk. Hiking can burn between 400-550 calories per hour. What better way to get a head start on all those 'other' holiday temptations and observe Take a Hike Day?

Events around the country celebrate Take a Hike Day. Local, state and National Parks support hiking events encouraging us to enjoy a hike. Be sure to wear good shoes, take a snack and bring a buddy, but get out there and enjoy the fresh air, scenery and get a little exercise to boot!

HOW TO OBSERVE TAKE A HIKE DAY

Invite a friend and take a nice hike. Check out the resources below to find trails near you. When you go, use #NationalTakeAHikeDay to post on social media.

• Americantrails.org
• National Parks Posters
• AmericanHiking.org
• Florida National Scenic Trail (US Forest Service)
• The Florida Trail (FL Trail Association)

You can also check out 12 Family Friendly Hikes for more ways to celebrate the day!

NATIONAL TAKE A HIKE DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar® continues to research the origins of this adventurous holiday.