National Outdoor Award Hiking Segment Requirements
The Hiking segment of the National Outdoor Awards is a good goal for Scouts who love the trail. It encourages a young person to spend real time outdoors and learn important skills. Many Scouts discover that steady miles and simple habits help them grow stronger and more confident. These miles also teach patience and teamwork.
This award is for Scouts who want to go beyond basic hiking experience. It asks them to hike often and practice good skills in navigation and safety. It also ties together the work they have already done in merit badges or Venturing requirements. It helps them see how all of these parts fit together.
The Hiking segment rewards real effort. A Scout must complete many miles in all kinds of weather. They must practice careful planning and carry the right gear. They must be willing to keep going even when the trail feels long. This is what makes the award meaningful.
Hiking with a unit is also a chance to build friendships. Scouts learn to support each other and share the load. They learn to read signs, track progress, and make choices about the route. These shared miles help prepare them for bigger trips and more advanced outdoor goals.
Trail Mix for the Whole Scouting Journey
The National Outdoor Awards program encourages Scouts to spend time outside and learn real skills. It covers six different areas of outdoor activity. These areas are camping, aquatics, conservation, hiking, riding, and adventure. Each area has its own badge with clear requirements that must be met.
This program is not about quick wins. Each badge takes planning and steady effort. A Scout must complete tasks, learn new skills, and take part in many outdoor trips. They must do this within Scouting and under the guidance of leaders. These steps help ensure that each activity is safe and well supported.
When a Scout earns a segment, they show that they have real experience in that area. The badges fit together around a center emblem. This center emblem represents the whole program. It reminds Scouts that all outdoor skills have value and connect to one another. Many Scouts try to earn several segments because they enjoy the challenge.
Scouts who work on these awards often become leaders in outdoor skills. They help newer Scouts learn safe habits. They encourage others to try new things and join more outings. This builds a stronger unit and helps everyone grow. The program supports this growth by offering clear steps and solid goals for every Scout.
National Outdoor Award Hiking Segment Requirements
A Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Hiking upon successfully completing the following requirements:
- Earn the First Class rank, Sea Scout Apprentice rank, or complete Venturing Ranger Award requirements 1-6.
- Complete the requirements for one of the following: Hiking merit badge, Backpacking merit badge, or Venturing Ranger Backpacking elective.
- Complete the requirements for one of the following: Orienteering merit badge, Geocaching merit badge, or Venturing Ranger Land Navigation core requirement.
- Complete 100 miles of hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing under the auspices of Scouting America, including miles hiked as part of requirements 2 and 3.
A gold device may be earned for each additional 50 miles hiked, backpacked, snowshoed, or skied as outlined in requirements 2 and 3. A silver device is earned for each additional 200 miles of hiking. The youth may wear any combination of devices totaling his or her current number of miles hiking.
Related Resources
National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Aquatics Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Camping Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Conservation Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Hiking Segment Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hiking segment?
It is part of the National Outdoor Awards program. It shows that a Scout has strong hiking skills and real trail experience. A Scout must earn certain badges and complete many miles to receive it.
Who can earn this segment?
Any Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer may earn it. They must meet the rank or requirement level for their program. They must also finish the required merit badges or Venturing work.
Do the hiking miles have to be in one trip?
No. The miles can be spread across many trips. Short hikes, long hikes, and backpacking trips all count. They must be done as part of Scouting and with proper supervision.
What kinds of miles count?
Hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing all count. The miles must take place during official Scouting activities. They must also connect to the skills used in the merit badges or Venturing requirements.
Can I earn extra devices?
Yes. After earning the segment, you may keep adding miles. You can earn a gold device for every extra 50 miles. You can earn a silver device for every extra 200 miles. You may wear any mix of devices that match your total miles.
Do merit badge miles count?
Yes. Any miles completed while earning the Hiking, Backpacking, Orienteering, or Geocaching merit badges count. Miles from Venturing Backpacking or Land Navigation work also count.
Do I need to log my miles?
Yes. Keep a simple record of the date, trip, and miles. Have a leader approve the log. This helps you stay organized and makes the award sign-off easy.
Do treadmill miles count?
No. Only outdoor miles during Scouting activities count. The award is based on real trail experience, not indoor training.
Do I need special gear?
You need basic hiking gear. This includes good shoes, proper clothing, water, and simple safety items. Your leader can help you check your pack before each trip.
Blisters, Backpacks, and Big Smiles
The Hiking segment of the National Outdoor Awards program is for Scouts who love to move down a trail and learn through real miles. It asks a young person to build skill, stay steady, and spend time outdoors. The requirements guide a Scout through basic steps that help them grow stronger and more confident with each trip.
This segment brings together merit badges, navigation skills, and long-term record keeping. A Scout must earn certain badges and complete many miles with their unit. These miles can be short or long, but they must be done during Scouting activities with good planning and simple gear. This teaches safe habits and good choices.
The Hiking segment also offers extra devices for more miles. This gives Scouts a reason to keep going and set new goals. It turns regular outings into steady progress. Many Scouts discover that the trail becomes easier as they gain experience. They also enjoy the time with friends and leaders who share the same interest.
This part of the National Outdoor Awards helps a Scout see how outdoor skills add up over time. It rewards effort, steady work, and clear steps. It also builds strong habits that support future trips and bigger outdoor goals. The miles help the Scout grow in skill and character.
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