59+ Hiking Industry Statistics For 2023

Hiking consists of walking in a natural environment, during these trails there is often beautiful scenery and it offers an opportunity for people to reflect. Hiking has hugely increased in popularity, not only does it have so many incredible physical benefits but it is also amazing for the mind. So, how many people like to hike in the US? Our hiking statistics will explore a variety of different top hiking statistics, Appalachian trail statistics, the health benefits of hiking, hiking demographics, and the best hiking trails in the US.

Explore our top hiking statistics below…

• There are around 57.8 million hikers in the US.
• 45% of hikers are female and 55% are male.
• 1 in 25,000 hikers have an accident and die each year.
• Over 4,000 people attempt the Appalachian trail each year, but 75% fail
• 550-440 calories are burned an hour hiking.
• Studies show that regular hiking can reduce the risk of mental health problems by 50%.
• Cortisol levels can drop by 13.4% by hiking for just 20 minutes.
• 18% of 18-24-year-olds enjoy hiking and 15% of 6-17-year-olds enjoy hiking.
• The National Trails System consists of around 193,000 hiking miles.
• The National Trails System includes 200,000 miles of trails located on federal lands.
• The National Trails System has been very beneficial allowing for 9 million backpackers and 8 million mountain bikers on the trails alongside hikers.

Wellness and mindfulness have become the sole focus for many, hiking isn’t just a way of keeping fit it gives you the chance to be continuously surrounded by beauty. In fact, hiking can help reduce mental health problems by 50%! Hiking can help burn a lot of calories (around 550-440 calories an hour) making it a great exercise for weight loss and typically burns more calories than walking. 

In 2015, around 37.23 million people hiked in the U.S this increased to 42.13 million in 2016, 44.9 in 2017, 47.86 in 2018.  And in 2023 its estimated there will be be 53.20 million hikers, now the Covid pandemic has passed and travel has returned to normal. These hiking statistics show that the number of hikers in the US will continue to rise.

• 47.86 million people hiked in 2018.
• There has been a 120% increase since 1965 and there are 193,500 miles of hiking trails on federal lands.
• The National Trails System has been very beneficial allowing for 9 million backpackers and 8 million mountain bikers on the trails alongside hikers.
• In the U.S. hiking is the 4th most popular outdoor activity. Running is number one followed by fishing and then biking.
• The National Scenic and Historic Trails are maintained and managed by over 1 million volunteers.
• Hiking in the US is incredibly popular and there are 30 National Scenic and Historic Trails, over 1000 National Recreation Trail, and two connecting side trails. Which equates to more than 50,000 miles.
• More than 273 million people visited America’s national parks and whilst they visited they could have enjoyed over 18,000 miles of trails.
• Cortisol levels can drop by 13.4% by hiking for just 20 minutes.
• Studies show that regular hiking can reduce the risk of mental health problems by 50%.
• Hiking statistics reveal that 1 in 15,700 people die annually mountain hiking.
• The most dangerous hike in the US is Mount Rainer. This is due to quickly changing weather, falling rocks, avalanches, and an unpredictable volcano.
• Parks are very safe as 160 people die hiking in national parks annually (0.57 per 1 million deaths).

The Appalachian Trail is over 2,190 miles long. Thousands attempt a thru-hike to complete it but only 25% manage to make it all the way. Typically, it takes around 5-7 months for a thru-hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail. The AT is considered one of the most popular hikes in the U.S.

• Appalachian trail statistics show that there are 3,389 hikers set to hike AT. This is 40% more than in 2015.
• The AT amount to 5 million steps, go across 14 states and is 2,200 miles long.
• It takes around 165 days to complete the AT.
• 36 years old is the average age of the hikers doing this trail.
• Appalachian Trail thru-hiker statistics show that 72.6% had bachelor’s degrees.
• Clingmans Dome is the highest peak on the trail (6,643 feet).
• 5,500 calories are needed daily to maintain body weight.
• 30 pounds is the average amount of weight lost whilst completing the trail.

• Helps lower body fat
• Improves bone density
• Improves osteoarthritis
• Helps reduce blood pressure
• Help reduce cholesterol levels
• Helps with weight loss
• Improves mood
• Decreases stress levels
• Improves mental health (see benefits of travel statistics)

• Mental health problems can be reduced by 50% by regularly hiking.
• Cortisol levels can drop by 13.4% by hiking for just 20 minutes.
• Rumination (a risk factor for mental health) can be lowered by taking a 90-minute hike through nature.
• A 20-minute hike can help decrease your heart rate by 5.8%.
• High blood pressure and cholesterol can be reduced by regular hiking.
• There are many hiking benefits a 3-hour hike can ensure a healthier heart and can reduce the risk of a stroke.
• Hiking health benefits include lowered blood pressure as it can reduce it by 4-10 points.
• 440-550 calories can be burned per hour by hiking.
• 18.5% (42.2 million) pick hiking as their favorite outdoor activity to remain healthy and fit.
• Another benefit of hiking includes more endurance, above 4,000 feet your body can adapt to less oxygen.
• 2 days of hiking in a row for 2 hours in the woods will boost the cells that fight diseases by 50%.
• By hiking in 1km of green space it can reduce anxiety by 30% and you are 25% less likely to suffer from depression.
• The risk of breast cancer can be lowered by 30-50% by hiking for 30 minutes 3-5 times a week. It can also reduce colon cancer by 24%.

Hiking demographics show that 36 is the average age of a hiker and the median age is 30 years old. Hiking is popular amongst all ages and typically hikers range from 13-70 years old. Research reveals that 59.4% of hikers are male and 40.6% are female.

• 15% (7.4 million) of 6-17 year old’s hike.
• 18% (5.3 million) of 18-24 year old’s hike.
• The ethnicity of hikers vary, 19% of Asian’s hike, 17% of white Americans hike, 4% of African Americans hike, and 13% of Hispanics hike.
• 22% of those who hike the AT had a professional degree and 45% had a bachelor’s degree. Thru-hiker demographics show that 14% had a college education and 1% did not finish high school.
• Research shows that 17% of hikers are 18-20 years old, 18% are 30-49 years old and 16% are 50-64 years of age.

• The North Country Trail is over 4,600 miles long and crosses over 7 states (North Dakota to New York) it is the longest in the National Trails System.
• West Maroon Creek Trail is one of the best hiking trails and one of the most stunning hikes in the Rocky Mountains.
• There is a beautiful hike in Kenai Fjords National Park as it is like stepping back into the ice age.
• Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park is one of the best hiking trails in the US. It provides views of the ocean.
• Pacific Crest Trail (California, Washington, and Oregon) is 2,663 miles long and it is ideal for more advanced hikers.
• One of the top hiking trails is Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. This is a 2.4-mile trail and has a 1,488-foot rock formation.
• If you are after hiking up the top of a volcano Lassen Peak Trail is the perfect hike.
• North Vista Trail Hike is around 3 miles and provides fantastic views of the canyons.
• Longs Peaks Keyhole Route is one of the most difficult hikes in Colorado, fewer than 50% manage to reach the summit.
• The Maze in Canyonlands National Park in Utah is one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S. as temperatures can reach up to 110 Fahrenheit.

• On average 1,000 people die each year hiking in the US National Parks
• 70% of hiking deaths are male
• The leading cause of death in national parks is drowning, accounting for about 33% of all fatalities
• The average age of hikers who die on public lands is 45 years old.
• 310 people have died trying to climb Mount Everest

There is a huge selection of hikes and trails in the U.S. but the three major hiking trails are the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Every trail offers something different whether this is a mix of stunning scenery or a bit of danger for the adrenaline junkies out there.

What a lot of people don’t realize is the positive impact hiking has on our mental health and it is surprising to discover that hiking in 1km of green space can reduce anxiety by 30% and you are 25% less likely to suffer from depression.