The History and Evolution of Hiking:
From Necessity to Recreation

Early Beginnings: Walking as Survival

For early humans, walking wasn’t optional—it was vital for survival. Long before roads or wheeled vehicles, our ancestors walked to hunt, gather, and explore new lands. Hiking in its most rudimentary form was a way of life. The concept of walking long distances to experience nature for enjoyment would have been foreign to ancient humans, who saw it as a necessary part of daily survival.

However, in certain ancient civilizations, walking for exploration began to gain prominence. In classical Greece and Rome, philosophers like Aristotle and Seneca extolled the virtues of walking as a way to contemplate nature, the world, and life itself. Even in the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest literary works, walking and exploration were central to the hero’s journey.

The Romantic Movement and the Birth of Modern Hiking

The idea of walking for pleasure didn’t emerge until the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with the rise of the Romantic Movement in Europe. Romantic poets, artists, and thinkers began to celebrate the beauty and power of nature as a counterpoint to the industrial revolution and urbanization. Walking became a means to escape the cities, rediscover the wilderness, and find inspiration in the natural world.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, one of the most influential philosophers of the Romantic era, promoted the idea of nature as a source of goodness and moral purity. His writings encouraged people to immerse themselves in the natural world, which gave rise to the concept of walking for pleasure and introspection.

Around this time, William Wordsworth, the English poet, famously walked through the Lake District in England. Wordsworth’s love of walking and his poetic descriptions of the natural world helped popularize walking as a way to appreciate landscapes. His poem, “Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey”, captures the spiritual and restorative experience of walking in nature.

A key reference from this period is “The Hiker’s Guide to the English Lake District” by Alfred Wainwright. Although published in the 20th century, Wainwright’s books reflect the deep connection between Romanticism and the landscapes that inspired poets like Wordsworth.

The Evolution of Hiking in the 19th Century

As Romantic ideas spread, hiking evolved from a leisurely pastime of poets and philosophers into a more organized activity. In the late 19th century, the invention of railroads made rural and mountainous areas more accessible to city dwellers, sparking a wave of interest in hiking as a recreational activity.

One of the key milestones in the history of modern hiking was the establishment of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) in 1876, one of the oldest outdoor groups in the United States. The AMC was founded with the goal of promoting the exploration of the Appalachian Mountains, and it laid the groundwork for what would become the long-distance hiking culture in America.

In Europe, hiking began to take on a more structured form with the creation of organized trails. The Alpine Club, founded in the mid-1800s, was one of the first clubs dedicated to mountaineering and hiking, focusing on exploring the mountains of Switzerland, Austria, and Italy.

An important book from this period is “Mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada” by Clarence King, published in 1872. This book is one of the earliest American accounts of hiking and climbing, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for outdoor adventures in the United States.

The 20th Century: Hiking as a Global Phenomenon

The 20th century saw hiking become a global pastime, thanks to the creation of national parks, long-distance trails, and a growing appreciation for conservation. Hiking became an integral part of the modern conservation movement, inspired by figures like John Muir, the Scottish-American naturalist who was instrumental in the creation of national parks in the U.S.

Muir’s book, “The Mountains of California” (1894), inspired generations of hikers and environmentalists. His writing emphasized the spiritual value of wilderness and played a significant role in the preservation of vast areas of land for public use and enjoyment. Muir’s work laid the philosophical foundation for many modern hikers who see walking as a means of connecting with and protecting nature.

In the mid-20th century, hiking gained further popularity with the creation of long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail (completed in 1937) in the United States and the GR footpaths in Europe. These trails made it possible for hikers to embark on multi-day or even multi-month journeys, with the goal of experiencing wilderness in its purest form.

“A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson (1998) became a modern classic of hiking literature, detailing Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. His humorous and insightful account helped bring the idea of long-distance hiking to a mainstream audience.

Modern Hiking: Adventure, Fitness, and Personal Growth

Today, hiking has evolved into a multifaceted activity. For some, it remains a simple pleasure—a peaceful walk in the woods or along a scenic trail. For others, hiking is a serious sport or a path to adventure, as demonstrated by the rise of extreme long-distance hikes, trail running, and peak bagging.

Books like “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed (2012) reflect the personal growth that many modern hikers seek. Strayed’s memoir recounts her journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, blending a narrative of physical challenge with deep emotional healing. Her story speaks to the transformative power of hiking, which has become a way for many to find peace, clarity, and purpose in an often chaotic world.