Hiker Headlines: A handful of highlights from 2025

It’s Dec. 30. Before we head into 2026, here’s a quick look back at this last year. We got a truly incredible amount of work done with the WTA community — with you — on trail, at the Capitol and in our communities. We stood and spoke up for public lands, protecting their funding and keeping them public. And we got to share some fun, heartwarming stories from the community all year. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this year.

Among many things we're proud of this year includes this cool new puncheon at Newberry Hill Heritage Park! Photo by Paul Boronow. 

6 years of Trails for Everyone, Forever: For the past 6 years, we’ve been focused on the four campaigns of our strategic plan — Lost Trails Found, Trails Rebooted, The Trail Next Door and Trails for Everyone. And thanks to the WTA community, we’ve accomplished so much. We’ve improved 5,000 miles of trail across the state, inspired and informed 5.4 million hikers each year on their hikes, supported 18,000 outdoor experiences for youth and families and helped nearly 40,000 folks volunteer or speak up for trails. And you’ve been there for it every step of the way. 

Speaking up for public lands: Public lands came under threat this year, and our community  — you! — stepped up in a big way. This year showed us what we can do when we bring our voices together for public lands. WTA’s Trail Action Network — 60,000 hikers strong — protected state trails funding, prevented the sale of national public lands and inspired us with your dedication. Thank you for being a voice for public lands! 

Heartwarming stories from this year: We had a lot of fun talking to our community this year. We spoke to Bill Meyer at Pass to Pass, who started the nonprofit with his wife, organizing backpacking trips with llamas to assist those with Parkinson’s. We told the tale of Girl Scout Trailblazer troop 4389, who have volunteered over 120 hours of its time to WTA’s gear library to get gear ready for other youth groups. We chatted with six volunteer crew leaders about why they keep showing up.

Get outside and post a trip report this week: Looking to hit the trails as we head into 2026? Check out some of our recommendations for great hikes on some of the shortest days of the year, and don’t forget about ringing in the new year with First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day! And don't forget to post a trip report so folks know what to expect (especially after December's intense flooding and washouts.) 

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Search our Hiking Guide to find your next adventure.
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
• Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.