NATIONAL TAKE A HIKE DAY
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.
Some of those trails are hundreds of years old. For example, the oldest continuously used trail in the United States is Crawford Path in 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 #NationalTakeAHikeDay
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
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.
Hike FAQ
Q. Do I need special shoes to go hiking?
A. If you’re going to take hiking seriously, you’ll want to consider your footwear. It is important to consider several things when choosing a hiking boot:
- Terrain – Will you be sticking to well-groomed trails or are you planning to take the road less traveled? If you choose the latter, consider the rocks and tree roots you will come in contact with and the ankles they will roll.
- Water-resistance – Whether or not you plan to hike across streams or creeks, you’ll likely encounter a wet path or a rainstorm or two.
- Fit – Can you say blisters? Make sure the boot is comfortable. Test them out by walking a few laps around the store. If they rub anywhere or slip around, try another size.
- Weather – Do you plan to hike in the winter months? You might consider different boots for the weather conditions. Summer boots won’t afford the protection winter boots will and winter boots will cause your feet to sweat.
Q. Are there other hiking days on the calendar?
A. Yes! National Hike With A Geek Day is on June 20th.