Record 63 Million Americans Hike Regularly, Raising Sustainability Concerns
A record 63 million Americans are now hiking regularly, according to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2026 report. This surge in popularity, while encouraging more people to engage with nature, has led to significant concerns regarding the sustainability of trails and ecosystems. The increased foot traffic is causing environmental degradation, particularly in fragile environments like deserts, mountains, and coastal ecosystems, where recovery from damage can take years or even decades. The report highlights that the sheer volume of hikers can transform narrow footpaths into wider, damaged areas, impacting riparian vegetation and displacing ground-nesting birds. The phenomenon of landmarks going viral on social media, such as Horseshoe Bend, has exacerbated these issues, with visitor numbers skyrocketing and leading to overcrowding and environmental strain. The Bureau of Land Management has implemented permit systems, like for The Wave, to manage access and protect natural formations from overuse.
