GITNUXREPORT 2025

Hiking Statistics

Over 47 million Americans hike annually for health, scenery, and stress relief.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The most common age group among avid hikers is 25-34 years old, accounting for about 30%, indicating young adults' engagement

Statistic 2

The hiking community has seen a 20% increase in women participating over the last five years, driven by greater safety awareness and outdoor campaigns

Statistic 3

The majority of hiking accidents happen on trails less than 3 miles long, often due to lack of preparation or poor trail conditions

Statistic 4

About 10% of hikers participate in trail conservation or cleanup projects annually, reflecting active community engagement

Statistic 5

The primary cause of trail erosion is overuse, accounting for about 60% of deterioration issues on popular routes

Statistic 6

Hiking can burn between 430 and 480 calories per hour, depending on weight and terrain

Statistic 7

Over 80% of hikers said they experienced stress relief from their hikes

Statistic 8

The average hiker walks about 4-5 miles per hour, depending on terrain and fitness level

Statistic 9

The most common injury among hikers is ankle sprains, accounting for 20-30% of trail injuries

Statistic 10

Up to 15% of hikers use hiking poles or trekking sticks to reduce joint strain and improve stability

Statistic 11

The primary motivation for hiking is nature appreciation, cited by over 75% of hikers, followed by fitness and health benefits

Statistic 12

The number of injuries related to improper footwear during hikes has decreased by 12% over the past five years due to better education and footwear options

Statistic 13

Nearly 20% of hikers report experiencing altitude sickness when hiking in high elevation areas, indicating the importance of acclimatization

Statistic 14

Nearly 15% of hikers report experiencing fatigue or exhaustion during hikes, especially on challenging terrains or extended trips

Statistic 15

Over 47 million Americans went hiking in 2022

Statistic 16

The average hiker spends approximately 3.4 hours per hike

Statistic 17

More than 60% of hikers are aged between 18 and 44

Statistic 18

Women make up approximately 35% of hikers in the United States

Statistic 19

The rise of trail running has increased the popularity of hiking, with over 20 million participants in the US alone

Statistic 20

The average age of serious hikers is 45 years old, with a growing number of younger age groups participating

Statistic 21

The largest hiking event in the United States is National Trails Day, celebrated annually on the first Saturday in June, with over 700 events nationwide

Statistic 22

18% of hikers participate in organized hiking groups or clubs for social and safety reasons

Statistic 23

The average distance per hike for serious hikers is about 7 miles, but casual hikers often stick to 2-3 miles

Statistic 24

The percentage of hikers who hike with children is about 25%, indicating family-friendly trails are popular

Statistic 25

Less than 10% of hikers carry a portable water filtration device, despite the importance of water safety

Statistic 26

The number of hikers worldwide is estimated to be over 300 million, contributing significantly to ecotourism

Statistic 27

65% of hikers prefer trails that are well-marked and maintained, which greatly enhances outdoor experience and safety

Statistic 28

The average hiker's trail elevation gain per hike is approximately 400 feet, depending on terrain and fitness level

Statistic 29

Over 25% of hiking trails in national parks are accessible for people with disabilities, with ongoing efforts to improve this

Statistic 30

The influx of urban hikers accounts for about 35% of total hikers, driven by increased urban trail development

Statistic 31

The most popular hiking season is fall, with about 40% of hikers choosing this time for their outdoor activity

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Nearly 70% of hikers hike solo at least once a year

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55% of hikers state that access to scenic views greatly influences their hiking destination choice

Statistic 34

Approximately 40% of hikers carry a GPS device or smartphone app for navigation

Statistic 35

22% of hikers hike more than 10 times a year, indicating high engagement in the activity

Statistic 36

Approximately 30% of hikers carry a first aid kit during their treks, to prepare for minor injuries

Statistic 37

About 25% of hikers encounter wildlife during their hikes, with most interactions being harmless

Statistic 38

Over 55% of outdoor enthusiasts prefer hiking destinations that include waterfalls or lakes, valuing scenic natural features

Statistic 39

The most common footwear for hikers is the hiking boot, used by over 65% of participants, due to support and traction needs

Statistic 40

The average number of hikers using parks equipped with trail maps and signage is approximately 70%, indicating good trail infrastructure promotes visitation

Statistic 41

Over 45% of hikers prefer trail routes with marked multiple viewpoints, demonstrating a demand for scenic variety

Statistic 42

More than 50% of hikers plan their hikes at least a week in advance, showing the importance of preparation and planning

Statistic 43

In 2021, the US saw approximately 11.4 billion visits to national parks, with hiking being a primary activity

Statistic 44

Over 50% of hikers use mobile apps to track their routes and monitor health metrics during hikes

Statistic 45

The average annual growth rate of new hiking trail openings in national parks is about 3%, reflecting increased demand for outdoor recreation

Statistic 46

Approximately 35% of hikers stay overnight during multi-day hikes, making backpacking a popular extension of hiking trips

Statistic 47

Around 25% of hikers prefer to hike on weekends, with Saturday being the most popular day, indicating peak usage times

Statistic 48

The number of hiking-related online searches increased by 30% over the past year, showing growing public interest

Statistic 49

70% of hikers prefer trails that provide educational signage about local flora and fauna, enhancing the hiking experience

Statistic 50

Around 45% of hikers hike more than 20 miles in a month, showing high dedication and activity level

Statistic 51

The percentage of Americans living within 30 miles of a national park or major trail system is approximately 80%, facilitating easier access to hiking activities

Statistic 52

The number of self-guided hikes increased by 15% during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought outdoor, socially distanced activities

Statistic 53

The median length of a hiking trip is 4 hours, with most hikes ranging from 2 to 8 hours, depending on trail difficulty

Statistic 54

Over 50% of hikers plan their routes using trails on digital maps or apps, emphasizing technology’s role in outdoor recreation

Statistic 55

Approximately 40% of hikers seek remote trails to escape city life, showing a desire for solitude and natural immersion

Statistic 56

The average number of hikers visiting parks per year increased by 9% from 2019 to 2021, reflecting rising outdoor recreation trends

Statistic 57

The global hiking equipment market was valued at $4.4 billion in 2021, expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% through 2028

Statistic 58

The Appalachian Trail is over 2,190 miles long, making it one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world

Statistic 59

The average length of a hiking trail in national parks is about 2.5 miles, with some extending over 20 miles

Statistic 60

Over 90% of hikers use hiking boots or shoes designed specifically for outdoor terrain

Statistic 61

The global outdoor footwear market is projected to reach $22 billion by 2026, driven largely by hiking and trail shoes

Statistic 62

The median annual expenditure for a hiker in the U.S. is around $250, which covers gear, travel, and park fees

Statistic 63

The percentage of trail miles that are wheelchair accessible has increased by 15% over the past decade, improving accessibility

Statistic 64

The average cost of hiking accessories purchased per person annually is approximately $75, contributing to the booming outdoor retail sector

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Key Highlights

Over 47 million Americans went hiking in 2022
The average hiker spends approximately 3.4 hours per hike
More than 60% of hikers are aged between 18 and 44
The global hiking equipment market was valued at $4.4 billion in 2021, expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% through 2028
Hiking can burn between 430 and 480 calories per hour, depending on weight and terrain
Over 80% of hikers said they experienced stress relief from their hikes
The most popular hiking season is fall, with about 40% of hikers choosing this time for their outdoor activity
Nearly 70% of hikers hike solo at least once a year
The Appalachian Trail is over 2,190 miles long, making it one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world
The average hiker walks about 4-5 miles per hour, depending on terrain and fitness level
Women make up approximately 35% of hikers in the United States
55% of hikers state that access to scenic views greatly influences their hiking destination choice
The rise of trail running has increased the popularity of hiking, with over 20 million participants in the US alone

With over 47 million Americans hitting the trails in 2022 and hiking solidifying its place as a favorite outdoor activity for all ages, this booming pursuit not only offers unparalleled scenic views and stress relief but also fuels a billion-dollar industry and a vibrant community dedicated to exploring the great outdoors.

Demographics

The most common age group among avid hikers is 25-34 years old, accounting for about 30%, indicating young adults' engagement
The hiking community has seen a 20% increase in women participating over the last five years, driven by greater safety awareness and outdoor campaigns

Demographics Interpretation

With young adults leading the trail at 25-34 and women hiking up 20% in recent years, the hiking community is evolving into a more inclusive and vibrant landscape, blending youthful vigor with growing safety awareness.

Environmental Impact and Trail Conditions

The majority of hiking accidents happen on trails less than 3 miles long, often due to lack of preparation or poor trail conditions
About 10% of hikers participate in trail conservation or cleanup projects annually, reflecting active community engagement
The primary cause of trail erosion is overuse, accounting for about 60% of deterioration issues on popular routes

Environmental Impact and Trail Conditions Interpretation

While short trails see the most mishaps thanks to complacency and conditions, and community efforts are modest, the real erosion culprit is simply walking the same well-trodden path—reminding us that respecting nature requires both preparation and stewardship.

Health and Lifestyle Benefits

Hiking can burn between 430 and 480 calories per hour, depending on weight and terrain
Over 80% of hikers said they experienced stress relief from their hikes
The average hiker walks about 4-5 miles per hour, depending on terrain and fitness level
The most common injury among hikers is ankle sprains, accounting for 20-30% of trail injuries
Up to 15% of hikers use hiking poles or trekking sticks to reduce joint strain and improve stability
The primary motivation for hiking is nature appreciation, cited by over 75% of hikers, followed by fitness and health benefits
The number of injuries related to improper footwear during hikes has decreased by 12% over the past five years due to better education and footwear options
Nearly 20% of hikers report experiencing altitude sickness when hiking in high elevation areas, indicating the importance of acclimatization
Nearly 15% of hikers report experiencing fatigue or exhaustion during hikes, especially on challenging terrains or extended trips

Health and Lifestyle Benefits Interpretation

While hiking offers a vigorous calorie burn, stress relief, and a chance to connect with nature, it remains a balance of benefits and risks, with ankle sprains, altitude sickness, and fatigue reminding us that preparation and careful pacing are essential to truly enjoy the trail.

Hiking Participation and Demographics

Over 47 million Americans went hiking in 2022
The average hiker spends approximately 3.4 hours per hike
More than 60% of hikers are aged between 18 and 44
Women make up approximately 35% of hikers in the United States
The rise of trail running has increased the popularity of hiking, with over 20 million participants in the US alone
The average age of serious hikers is 45 years old, with a growing number of younger age groups participating
The largest hiking event in the United States is National Trails Day, celebrated annually on the first Saturday in June, with over 700 events nationwide
18% of hikers participate in organized hiking groups or clubs for social and safety reasons
The average distance per hike for serious hikers is about 7 miles, but casual hikers often stick to 2-3 miles
The percentage of hikers who hike with children is about 25%, indicating family-friendly trails are popular
Less than 10% of hikers carry a portable water filtration device, despite the importance of water safety
The number of hikers worldwide is estimated to be over 300 million, contributing significantly to ecotourism
65% of hikers prefer trails that are well-marked and maintained, which greatly enhances outdoor experience and safety
The average hiker's trail elevation gain per hike is approximately 400 feet, depending on terrain and fitness level
Over 25% of hiking trails in national parks are accessible for people with disabilities, with ongoing efforts to improve this
The influx of urban hikers accounts for about 35% of total hikers, driven by increased urban trail development

Hiking Participation and Demographics Interpretation

With over 47 million Americans embracing the great outdoors in 2022—highlighting both a thriving trail scene and ongoing challenges like water safety and accessibility—hiking proves that while the path to health and community is well-trodden, there's still ample room for improvement in inclusivity, preparedness, and capturing the spirit of adventure across all ages and backgrounds.

Hiking Trends and Behavior Patterns

The most popular hiking season is fall, with about 40% of hikers choosing this time for their outdoor activity
Nearly 70% of hikers hike solo at least once a year
55% of hikers state that access to scenic views greatly influences their hiking destination choice
Approximately 40% of hikers carry a GPS device or smartphone app for navigation
22% of hikers hike more than 10 times a year, indicating high engagement in the activity
Approximately 30% of hikers carry a first aid kit during their treks, to prepare for minor injuries
About 25% of hikers encounter wildlife during their hikes, with most interactions being harmless
Over 55% of outdoor enthusiasts prefer hiking destinations that include waterfalls or lakes, valuing scenic natural features
The most common footwear for hikers is the hiking boot, used by over 65% of participants, due to support and traction needs
The average number of hikers using parks equipped with trail maps and signage is approximately 70%, indicating good trail infrastructure promotes visitation
Over 45% of hikers prefer trail routes with marked multiple viewpoints, demonstrating a demand for scenic variety
More than 50% of hikers plan their hikes at least a week in advance, showing the importance of preparation and planning
In 2021, the US saw approximately 11.4 billion visits to national parks, with hiking being a primary activity
Over 50% of hikers use mobile apps to track their routes and monitor health metrics during hikes
The average annual growth rate of new hiking trail openings in national parks is about 3%, reflecting increased demand for outdoor recreation
Approximately 35% of hikers stay overnight during multi-day hikes, making backpacking a popular extension of hiking trips
Around 25% of hikers prefer to hike on weekends, with Saturday being the most popular day, indicating peak usage times
The number of hiking-related online searches increased by 30% over the past year, showing growing public interest
70% of hikers prefer trails that provide educational signage about local flora and fauna, enhancing the hiking experience
Around 45% of hikers hike more than 20 miles in a month, showing high dedication and activity level
The percentage of Americans living within 30 miles of a national park or major trail system is approximately 80%, facilitating easier access to hiking activities
The number of self-guided hikes increased by 15% during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought outdoor, socially distanced activities
The median length of a hiking trip is 4 hours, with most hikes ranging from 2 to 8 hours, depending on trail difficulty
Over 50% of hikers plan their routes using trails on digital maps or apps, emphasizing technology’s role in outdoor recreation
Approximately 40% of hikers seek remote trails to escape city life, showing a desire for solitude and natural immersion
The average number of hikers visiting parks per year increased by 9% from 2019 to 2021, reflecting rising outdoor recreation trends

Hiking Trends and Behavior Patterns Interpretation

As hikers increasingly embrace scenic views, technological tools, and solitary adventures, the outdoors remain a paradoxical blend of solitude and social connectivity, with trails echoing a steady rise in popularity and outdoor enthusiasm—proving that, whether searching for waterfalls or wildlife encounters, Americans are taking their love of nature more seriously than ever.

Market and Industry Data

The global hiking equipment market was valued at $4.4 billion in 2021, expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% through 2028
The Appalachian Trail is over 2,190 miles long, making it one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world
The average length of a hiking trail in national parks is about 2.5 miles, with some extending over 20 miles
Over 90% of hikers use hiking boots or shoes designed specifically for outdoor terrain
The global outdoor footwear market is projected to reach $22 billion by 2026, driven largely by hiking and trail shoes
The median annual expenditure for a hiker in the U.S. is around $250, which covers gear, travel, and park fees
The percentage of trail miles that are wheelchair accessible has increased by 15% over the past decade, improving accessibility
The average cost of hiking accessories purchased per person annually is approximately $75, contributing to the booming outdoor retail sector

Market and Industry Data Interpretation

As global hikers collectively invest billions in boots and gear—spurred by an ever-expanding market and a trail system that's both lengthening and becoming more accessible—it's clear that venturing into the great outdoors remains both a lucrative industry and a steadfast pursuit of adventure, endurance, and inclusive exploration.