Need an excuse this November to take the path less ordinary—one that winds past rondels paved with Kentucky limestone or follows the curve of the Floyds Fork stream? National Hiking Day on November 17 is your invitation to step outside and celebrate the trails that make every hike (or walk!) an adventure.

History of National Hiking Day

National Hiking Day—also known as Take a Hike Day—is observed annually on November 17 by hike organizations to encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of a good trek in their local park or natural area. This celebration of trails and outdoor recreation is widely believed to have originated in 1976 with the American Hiking Society.

Others trace its roots back further to 1965, when President Lyndon Johnson called for the creation of a nationwide system of trails to promote public health and well-being. The following year, the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation released “Trails for America,” a report exploring the feasibility of that vision. In 1968, the National Trails System Act was signed into law, paving the way for a network that today spans more than 100,000 miles of trails across the U.S*.

*Source: Lisa Ronald and Leigh Schmidt, “#FindYourWay on Rivers and Trails,” National Recreation and Park Association, 2018

Hiking vs. walking: What’s the difference?

Both hiking and walking are great ways to enjoy the outdoors, but the main differences come down to terrain and preparation.

Hikes usually take place on natural-surface trails, which can be uneven or occasionally muddy, offering a chance to experience nature more closely. For these adventures, wear sturdy, waterproof shoes with good traction, dress in layers, and pack essentials like water, snacks, and a small first-aid kit.

Walking, on the other hand, typically happens on paved or even surfaces and requires little more than comfortable shoes and a bottle of water.

Wherever your park adventure takes you—whether along a dirt or gravel path, a paved route like the Louisville Loop, or a mix of both—plan your route in advance, share your plans with someone, and make sure your phone is fully charged.

What kind of trails are best for hiking?

You don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to celebrate National Hiking Day! The 1.69-mile Black Willow Trail in Beckley Creek Park is considered relatively easy. This crushed-gravel, hike-only trail offers a peaceful journey through meadows and along wooded areas with a variety of trees and the soothing sounds of nature.

At the southern end of The Parklands, in Broad Run Park, the Riparian Rample Trail is just over a mile long. Explore this dirt path at your own pace, notice small details along the way, and pause to take in Floyds Fork.      

If you venture onto a natural- or soft-surface trail in fall or winter and are seeking a more rugged experience with exposed roots and stones, be mindful of weather and trail conditions—both for your safety and to help preserve the pathways.

While the park’s natural-surface trails wind through wooded areas and sometimes cross creeks, paved routes still offer beautiful scenery. You can also enjoy challenges along the way. In some sections of the Louisville Loop, for example, you’ll find bridges, hills, and switchbacks.

The Louisville Loop spans the full length of The Parklands, from north to south. Graded for ADA accessibility, this 19-mile paved and nonmotorized trail welcomes everyone to hike, walk, run, saunter—or even skip. The wide, multi-recreational path also provides plenty of space for people to bike, skate, or roll alongside those on foot.

A celebration with lots of upsides

An outing in honor of National Hiking Day can easily inspire you to take another hike—and then another. Considering all the potential benefits, it’s clear this is an activity worth celebrating.

Regular hikes through woods, meadows, or other natural areas offer a range of physical and mental benefits, including improved cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, better balance, and enhanced mental well-being.*

There’s also the joy of discovering nature’s small wonders—a frost flower, a curiously shaped tree branch, or something you’ve never noticed before. Experiences like these make time outdoors especially rewarding and restorative.

*Source: Austin, Daryl, “Why Hiking Is Uniquely Beneficial for Your Body and Your Brain,” National Geographic, 2024.

Ways to participate at The Parklands

Getting an invitation to celebrate a special event can bring up questions like, “What should I bring?” or “What should I wear?” Here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of the occasion:

• Explore a new trail or revisit an old favorite (theparklands.org/trails)
• Plan your route and tailor your hike to your experience and comfort level
• Dress in weather- and trail-appropriate clothing
• Bring a friend, family member, or leashed dog to share the experience
• Carry a charged mobile phone
• Bring extra water, as all park fountains are turned off during the fall and winter
• Don’t forget snacks, especially for longer hikes
• Consider joining The Parklands Walking Club for a session or attending Volunteer Orientation on Dec. 10 to get involved in trail maintenance
• Tag us in photos of your adventures on social media!

Keep the celebration going!

Above all, Hiking Day is an occasion for everyone. Whether you’re a long-time hiker, a beginner, or simply someone who enjoys a good walk, celebrate it in the way that feels right for you.

If you head out for a hike this fall or winter and have some flexibility in your schedule, consider making hiking part of your year-round routine. For outings with kids, the Fall StoryWalk® kicks off on November 26 and offers a fun opportunity to immerse yourself in nature—and a great book!

Interested a group hike? The Parklands Walking Club meets once a month this time of year, and twice a month in the warmer months! Over the course of the year, participants explore a variety of terrains. During these leisurely hikes, rangers share insights about the area and point out highlights along the way.

Our last Walking Club session for 2025 will take place on Tuesday, December 9, and covers the Paw Paw Trail in Turkey Run Park. This natural-surface trail is considered easy and meanders through Turkey Run Forest. The hike will be five miles round-trip. For more information, visit the Upcoming Events page.

With more than 60 miles of trails at The Parklands, including both natural-surface and paved pathways, you can enjoy planning and anticipating your outdoor adventures even before you lace up your boots. Trails throughout the parks are open 365 days a year, for free, thanks to the support of our Members!

Every step you take in the parks this season is an invitation to discover something special in nature. May your next hike be an extraordinary one! For more tips on hiking safety and preparedness, as well as seasonal trail recommendations, check out this article by Evan Cross, Assistant Director of Natural Areas and Trails: A Guide to Fall and Winter Hiking at The Parklands