Meet ENO Giving Back Partner: American Hiking Society

Outdoor stewardship is often thought of as long hours on rugged trails, building bridges, or clearing overgrown paths. But for American Hiking Society (AHS), caring for the outdoors is about so much more: it’s about community, connection, and creating spaces that everyone can enjoy.

It’s organizing National Trails Day® volunteer event that brings neighbors together.
It’s mentoring the next generation of trail leaders to protect public lands.
It’s taking a quiet moment in a hammock after a day of hard work, reflecting on the impact you’ve made.

That belief is exactly what makes AHS and ENO natural partners.

We sat down with Heather Klein Olson, Executive Director of American Hiking Society, to talk about the mission, milestones, and meaning behind the organization. From maintaining 46,000 miles of trail to empowering the next generation of trail stewards, Heather shared how AHS inspires people to care for public lands, and why the ENO hammock is the perfect symbol of rest, restoration, and connection at the heart of the hiking experience.

American Hiking Society: Stewarding Trails, Connecting Communities

Founded on Advocacy and Stewardship

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society (AHS) began as a small group of dedicated hikers advocating for national trail protections. Over the decades, it has grown into a national leader in trail preservation, volunteer engagement, and outdoor advocacy, ensuring trails are accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. AHS's mission is to empower all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience.

"Our work reaches across the country. From backcountry trails to city greenways, we support communities and trail users in every state. We focus on making sure that access to trails is not limited by geography, background, or experience level. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy time outside."

Photo courtesy of American Hiking Society

Trail Stewardship and Volunteer Programs

AHS engages hundreds of thousands of volunteers through programs like Volunteer Vacations, Alternative Breaks, and National Trails Day®. Since it's inception, over 650,000 volunteers have helped maintain and build over 46,000 miles of trail, contributing $96 million worth of labor to preserve public lands.

Their work is complemented by advocacy efforts, including Hike the Hill®, which secures federal funding and protections for trails, and the NextGen Trail Leaders program, empowering diverse youth to shape the future of trail stewardship. AHS has helped secure over $100 million in federal funding increases for trails and trail-related programs, ensuring that the voice of the hiking community is heard and prioritized.

Projects and Milestones

Recent highlights include youth-led initiatives for the 33rd National Trails Day®, where everyday trail leaders organized restoration projects and community events. These programs illustrate the power of volunteer-driven stewardship and demonstrate the impact of community leadership in preserving and improving trails nationwide.

Looking ahead, AHS is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, 2026, with educational campaigns, storytelling initiatives, and events designed to inspire new generations to engage with trails and public lands.

ENO Hammock: A Place to Pause

The partnership with ENO highlights a simple truth: trails are not just for movement, they’re for rest, reflection, and connection.

“Outdoor recreation isn’t just a benefit of our work, it’s why we do it. Trails are gateways to health, peace, and joy, and the hammock is a reminder of the experiences we protect,” noted Heather. After long days volunteering on rugged terrain, a hammock offers a moment to recharge. 

A portion of the proceeds from each Keep It Wild Giving Back DoubleNest Hammock is donated to AHS in support of their programs, helping volunteers maintain trails, advocate for public lands, and ensure trails remain accessible and welcoming for everyone, now and in the future.

What We Hope You Feel in the Hammock

“We hope people feel a sense of peace, connection, and belonging in the outdoors. Whether on a favorite trail or beside a quiet stream, that hammock is an invitation to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.”

The ENO hammock embodies the essence of American Hiking Society's mission: trails are for everyone, and moments of restoration and joy should be available to all.