Outdoor Participation Trends

Based on our own club's experience in 2020, it should come as no surprise that the Outdoor Foundation's 2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report found 8.1 million more hikers in the U.S. in 2020 compared to 2019.

Hiking is the second most popular outdoor activity, as measured by participation rate, with 19.0% of Americans (57.8 million) participating, according to this report. Running, Jogging And Trail Running is the first. Hiking was the outdoor activity of highest interest for those with incomes above $50,000 and for those ages 35 to 64. And the outdoor activity of second highest interest for other income levels and for those ages 25 - 34 and 65+. 22% of Whites and 22% of Asians surveyed participated in hiking, making it a top outdoor activity, as measured by participation rate, for these demographic groups.