🥾 Hiking

Hiking is walking on trails for its own sake, from an afternoon loop to a thru hike lasting months. The decisions that matter are the same at every scale: distance, ascent, water, weather and what is on your feet.

🚀 Start Here

• Hiking Equipment List
• Hiking Terms and Slang
• Where Hiking Is Most Popular
• Top Hiking Brands
• Common Hiking Injuries

⏳ Hiking History

• 18th Century: Romantic movement in Europe kindles an interest in nature’s beauty, laying the groundwork for recreational hiking.
• 19th Century: Establishment of mountaineering clubs like the Alpine Club and Swiss Alpine Club; emergence of hiking culture in the United States driven by transcendentalist movement.
• Early 20th Century: National parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite founded; infrastructure like marked trails and shelters emerges, including the conception and completion of the Appalachian Trail.
• 1930s to 1940s: “Hütten” or mountain refuges gain popularity, aiding multi-day treks; Civilian Conservation Corps develops trails and campsites during the Great Depression and World War II.
• 1960s to 1970s: Rise of environmental awareness boosts hiking popularity; national scenic trails like the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail established.
• 1980s to 1990s: Significant improvements in hiking gear; concept of “Leave No Trace” principles developed, evolving responsible outdoor ethics.
• 2000s to Present: Dramatic impact of digital technology and social media on the hiking community; development of “thru-hiking” major trails and challenges like the “Seven Summits”.