Name: Celebrating National Take a Hike Day
Uploaded: 2025-11-17T18:45:17.877Z
Duration: 3 min 20 s
Description: In celebration of National Take a Hike Day, Heather Klein Olson of the American Hiking Society joins the AccuWeather Network to encourage viewers to go outdoors while offering crucial hiking tips.

In celebration of National Take a Hike Day, Heather Klein Olson of the American Hiking Society joins the AccuWeather Network to encourage viewers to go outdoors while offering crucial hiking tips.

National Take a Hike Day is celebrated each year on November 17 as a nationwide invitation for people to spend time outdoors and explore trails. Heather Klein Olson, executive director of the American Hiking Society, emphasized the physical and mental health benefits of hiking, such as strengthening the heart and reducing stress.

The event is open to everyone, including those without access to traditional hiking trails, who are encouraged to visit local parks or simply walk in their neighborhoods. Safety tips for both new and experienced hikers were provided, and special advice was given for hiking during hunting season, including wearing bright colors and staying on marked trails.

Celebrating National Take a Hike Day

Perfect day to get out for something different. It's National Take a Hike Day. And here with more on why getting out in nature is important exactly as days get colder and shorter is Heather Klein Olson, executive director of the American Hiking Society. Thank you so much for joining us today. Thank you for having me. Good morning. Good morning. All right, so what is National Take a Hike Day? National Take a Hike Day is celebrated every year on November 17th, and it's a nationwide invitation to get outside and explore trails. It's a day to celebrate our public lands, the joy of hiking, and all the benefits of time spent in nature. And what are some of the benefits of hiking both physically and mentally? Yeah, hiking is one of the simplest ways to improve your health. Physically, we know it strengthens our heart and our muscles and our bones. Mentally, it reduces stress, improves mood and boosts focus. You know, just a few minutes in nature can make a measurable difference in a person's health. I'm gonna throw another question on here. Any reason it's on the November 17th? There is not a particular reason that's been documented. So it has just been widely known as being November 17th every year, but there is no tie to the day. Okay, good to know. I was just very interested, but maybe it's better. A lot of people get out maybe in spring and summer, so good to get out in the later fall season. All right, for new hikers as well as experienced ones, what are your top safety and preparation tips? Yeah, for beginners, start with a trail that matches your fitness level and experience level. Always tell someone where you're going. Either send a text to a friend just ahead of time. Always bring essentials like water, a map, or a compass, and always proper footwear. For experienced hikers, don't get complacent. Check weather conditions, pack layers, carry emergency supplies, of course, always pack water, and follow those leave no trace principles to protect the trails for others. And what if you don't live near hiking trails? How can you celebrate, take a hike day in your neighborhood? Yeah, you can still take part today. Visit your local park. It's as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood, explore your greenway, or even just take a stroll during your lunch break. Anything that gets you outside, moving, and appreciating nature counts today. And of course, in parts of the country, certainly here in Pennsylvania where Accuweather HQ is located, hunting season begins. What would you suggest for those that wanna head out to the trails during this time where you're gonna have a lot of hunters in the woods? Sure, so wear bright colors and stay near your trail. So stay on a trail. Many hunters know to hunt far away from trails where they know walkers and hikers are going to be. So stick to the trail, either paved or wooded. All right, great advice. Heather Klein Olson, Executive Director of the American Hiking Society. Thank you again for joining us, and we hope everyone goes out and takes a hike. We hope you take a hike too. Take a hike. Go take a hike.

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