Hiking Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 1–3 months
Difficulty: Challenging
Setting: Outdoor trails
Best For: Scouts who enjoy hiking, endurance, outdoor adventure
Hands-On Level: High
Requires Camping/Travel: Yes
Eagle Required: Yes*

Either the Cycling merit badge OR the Hiking merit badge OR the Swimming merit badge is required for the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouts who earn more than one of these badges may count the additional badges as electives.

The Hiking Merit Badge helps you get outside and explore the world at your own pace. You learn how to plan your hikes, prepare for different weather, and stay safe on the trail. You practice thinking ahead and making good choices. As you build these skills, hiking becomes easier and more enjoyable.

As you work on this badge, you build confidence. Each hike shows you what your body can do. You learn how to handle hills, manage your energy, and keep going when things feel challenging. These lessons stay with you and help you in other parts of your life.

You also learn to pay attention to your surroundings. You notice trail signs, weather changes, and details in nature. Over time, you grow in patience and endurance. Hiking with others teaches teamwork, too. You support each other and share the experience along the way.

Hiking Merit Badge Requirements

Hiking Merit Badge Pamphlet

Hiking Merit Badge Printable Requirements Check Off Sheet

Printable check off sheet for all Scouts BSA merit badges

Help with Answers for Hiking Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Hiking merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Hazards and First Aid
• Requirement 2: Good Hiking Practices
• Requirement 3: Conditioning
• Requirement 4: Five Hikes
• Requirement 5: Reflection
• More Resources

Requirement 1a: Hiking Hazards

What You Need To Do
Explain the common hazards you might face while hiking. Tell how you can prepare for them and what to do if they happen.

Helpful Tips

• Think about the weather before you go. Check the forecast and plan your clothing.
• Learn about the trail. Know the terrain and how long it will take.
• Bring enough water and snacks. This helps prevent fatigue and dehydration.
• Wear proper shoes. Good footwear helps prevent slips and injuries.
• Stay on marked trails. This lowers the risk of getting lost.
• Hike with a buddy or group. It is safer than hiking alone.
• Carry a map and know how to use it. Do not rely only on your phone.

Resources

• Surviving the Wild – Essential Hiking Safety Tips (video)

Leader Tips

• Ask Scouts to name hazards for different seasons. Guide them to think about weather, terrain, and wildlife.
• Have them explain how they would handle each situation.
• Use real examples from past hikes to make the discussion clear.

Requirement 1b: First Aid for Hiking

What You Need To Do
Show that you understand first aid for common hiking injuries and illnesses. Be ready to explain or demonstrate what to do in each case.

Helpful Tips

• Hypothermia: Move to shelter, remove wet clothes, warm slowly with dry layers and body heat.
• Frostbite: Protect the area, warm gently with body heat or warm water, do not rub.
• Dehydration: Rest in shade, drink water slowly, avoid overexertion.
• Heat exhaustion: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, give water, cool the body.
• Heat stroke: Call for help, cool the person quickly, use water and shade, do not give fluids if unconscious.
• Sunburn: Cover the skin, cool with water, use lotion, stay out of the sun.
• Hyperventilation: Help the person slow their breathing, stay calm, rest.
• Altitude sickness: Stop climbing, rest, go to a lower elevation if symptoms continue.
• Sprained ankle: Rest the ankle, wrap it, elevate if possible, avoid walking on it.
• Blisters: Clean the area, cover with a bandage or moleskin, keep it protected.
• Insect stings: Remove stinger if present, clean the area, apply a cold pack.
• Tick bites: Remove tick with tweezers, clean the area, watch for signs of illness.
• Snakebite: Keep the person calm, limit movement, seek medical help right away.

Resources

• Backpacking First Aid (What To Carry + Foot Care, Snakes, Poison Plants, Hypothermia, etc) (video)
• How to Apply a Compression Wrap for a Sprained Ankle (picture)
• How to Recognize and Treat Hypothermia (website)
• Causes and Treatment of Hyperventilation (animation)
• What is Altitude Sickness?

Leader Tips

• Have Scouts practice simple first aid skills during meetings. Hands-on work helps them remember.
• Ask questions to check understanding instead of just telling answers.
• Use scenarios so Scouts can think through what to do step by step.

Requirement 2a: Good Hiking Practices

What You Need To Do
Explain and show good hiking habits. Include outdoor ethics, safety, courtesy, footwear, and foot care.

Helpful Tips

• Stay on marked trails to protect plants and soil.
• Check the weather before you go. Dress for the conditions.
• Carry water and drink often. This helps prevent dehydration.
• Use a flashlight or headlamp if hiking at night. Walk slower and stay close to your group.
• Let faster hikers pass. Step aside for uphill hikers.
• Wear shoes that fit well. Break them in before long hikes.
• Keep your feet dry. Change socks if needed during the hike.
• Watch for hot spots on your feet. Treat them early to avoid blisters.

Resources

• The ONE Tip You Need to Choose Between Hiking Boots, Shoes, and Trail Runners (video)

Leader Tips

• Have Scouts demonstrate good habits during a short walk.
• Ask them to explain why each practice matters.
• Give simple corrections during hikes so they learn by doing.

Requirement 2b: Leave No Trace

What You Need To Do
Recite the Leave No Trace guidelines. Explain why each one matters on a hike.

Helpful Tips

• Plan ahead so you know the rules and conditions. This helps you avoid problems.
• Stay on durable surfaces like trails or rock. This protects plants and soil.
• Pack out all trash, even small scraps. Leave the trail clean.
• Do not take rocks, plants, or other natural items. Leave them for others.
• Avoid making fires unless allowed. Use a stove or skip the fire.
• Watch wildlife from a distance. Do not feed animals.
• Keep noise low and respect other hikers.

Resources

• Principles of LNT (video)
• Principles of LNT (website)
• Learn more about Leave No Trace here.

Leader Tips

• Have Scouts say each guideline out loud together.
• Ask for simple examples from past hikes.
• Encourage Scouts to practice these habits on every outing.

Requirement 2c: The Outdoor Code

What You Need To Do
Recite the Outdoor Code. Give examples of how to follow it while hiking.

Helpful Tips

• Be clean in your outdoor manners. Pick up trash and leave areas better than you found them.
• Be careful with fire. Use only safe areas and put fires out completely.
• Be considerate of others. Share the trail and keep noise down.
• Be conservation-minded. Stay on trails and protect plants and animals.
• Carry out everything you bring in. Do not leave food or waste behind.
• Respect signs and rules on the trail. They help protect the area.
• Set a good example for others by following these habits.

Resources

• The Outdoor Code (website)
• Learn more about The Outdoor Code here.

Leader Tips

• Ask Scouts to give real examples for each part of the code.
• Use short discussions instead of long talks.
• Point out good behavior during hikes so Scouts see it in action.

Requirement 3: Conditioning

What You Need To Do
Explain how hiking uses your heart and lungs as an aerobic activity. Create a simple plan to prepare for a 10-mile hike and explain how you will build up to longer hikes.

Helpful Tips

• Hiking is aerobic because your body uses oxygen to keep you moving at a steady pace.
• Start with short walks a few times each week. Begin with one or two miles on easy ground.
• Slowly increase your distance over time. Add a little more each week.
• Include hills or uneven trails as you improve. This builds strength and balance.
• Carry a light pack so your body gets used to the weight.
• Drink water often and take short breaks when needed.
• Work up to longer hikes like four, six, and then eight miles.
• Keep your pace steady. Do not rush.
• For longer hikes, add distance gradually and practice with your full gear.

Resources

• Planning and Training for a Hike (video)
• Training for Elevation Gain (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts set simple, realistic goals for distance and time.
• Check in on their progress and encourage steady improvement.
• Remind them that consistency matters more than speed.

Requirement 4: Five Hikes

What You Need To Do
Complete four 10-mile hikes and one 20-mile hike on separate days. Plan each hike ahead of time and get approval before you go.

Helpful Tips

• Make a written plan before each hike. Include your route, map, and distance.
• List the clothing you will wear based on the weather.
• Pack the gear you need, such as water, first aid, and navigation tools.
• Plan a simple trail lunch and snacks for energy.
• Start early so you have enough daylight to finish.
• Take short breaks when needed, but keep moving overall.
• Stay on your planned route and check your progress along the way.
• Build up to the 20-mile hike after you feel ready from the 10-mile hikes.
• Keep notes after each hike so you can improve your next plan.

Resources

• Maps and Ideas for Hikes (website)
• Hiking Plan Template

Leader Tips

• Review each hike plan before approval. Check for safety, route, and preparation.
• Ask Scouts to explain their plan so they understand it.
• Encourage reflection after each hike to build better habits.

Requirement 5: Reflection

What You Need To Do

Write a short report after each hike. Include the date, route, weather, what you saw, challenges, and what you learned. Share your report with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Write your report soon after the hike so details are fresh.
• Start with the date and describe your route. You can add a simple map if it helps.
• Include the weather and how it affected your hike.
• List a few things you noticed, like views, animals, or trail features.
• Explain any problems you had and what you did to fix them.
• Write about what you learned about yourself during the hike.
• If you hiked with others, include something about teamwork or support.
• Keep your report simple and clear. Focus on what mattered most.

Resources

• Hiking Reflection Template

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to write soon after each hike. This improves detail and accuracy.
• Ask simple questions to help them reflect on their experience.
• Focus on growth and learning, not just completing the report.

50 Miler Award

The 50 Miler Award is a goal you can work toward after building your hiking skills. It encourages you to plan and complete a longer trip with your unit. This could be a backpacking trek, canoe trip, or extended hike. It builds on the skills you learn while working on the Hiking merit badge.

Earning this award takes planning, teamwork, and effort. You will help prepare meals, carry gear, and support your group. It also includes a service project along the way. This award helps you grow as a leader and gives you a deeper outdoor experience beyond single-day hikes.

National Outdoor Badges Award for Hiking

The National Outdoor Badge for Hiking recognizes Scouts who go beyond the basic requirements. It builds on the Hiking merit badge and encourages you to keep hiking regularly. You earn it by completing additional miles and showing strong outdoor skills.

This badge helps you set long-term goals. It rewards consistency and effort over time. As you work toward it, you will gain confidence and endurance. It is a good next step if you enjoy hiking and want to keep improving your skills.

Hiking Troop Program Feature

The Hiking Troop Program Feature gives leaders and Scouts a plan for meetings and outings focused on hiking. It includes ideas for skills, activities, and trips. This helps your troop stay organized while building hiking knowledge step by step.

Using this feature, you can practice navigation, safety, and trail planning during meetings. Then you apply those skills on real hikes. It supports the requirements of the Hiking merit badge and helps Scouts feel prepared before heading out on longer trails.

Backpacking Troop Program Feature

The Backpacking Troop Program Feature takes hiking to the next level. It focuses on carrying your gear and camping along the trail. This builds on what you learn in the Hiking merit badge and adds new challenges.

You will learn how to pack your gear, plan meals, and manage weight. The program feature includes meeting plans and trip ideas. It helps your troop prepare for overnight treks and longer adventures in a safe and organized way.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Hiking Merit Badge fits well into the large merit badge program because it teaches basic outdoor skills that support many other badges. Scouts learn planning, pacing, map reading, and safe trail habits. These skills connect to badges like Backpacking, Camping, and Orienteering. The Hiking Merit Badge also helps Scouts understand the value of steady effort, which is useful no matter what badges they choose next.

This badge also encourages confidence in the outdoors. By completing long hikes, Scouts learn patience and responsibility. The Hiking Merit Badge gives Scouts a clear goal and shows them they can meet it with practice. It fits naturally into the wide range of badges that help Scouts grow through active learning.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Hiking Merit Badge supports leadership because long hikes require good decisions, planning, and teamwork. Scouts learn to care for themselves and look out for others on the trail. These habits help them lead in simple, steady ways. The badge also builds fitness through regular walking and pacing. This supports healthy living in the Scouts BSA program.

The badge also strengthens personal development and citizenship. Scouts learn outdoor ethics, respect for the land, and safe behavior. They see how their choices affect the group and the environment. The Hiking Merit Badge helps Scouts grow into responsible, thoughtful young people who can handle challenges with calm and care.

What is the Hiking Merit Badge about?

The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you how to plan and take long hikes safely. You learn good trail habits, first aid skills, and how to build endurance.

Do I need special gear for the Hiking Merit Badge?

You do not need fancy equipment. You need sturdy shoes, a daypack, water, snacks, and simple first aid items. Good socks and comfortable clothing also help.

How long are the hikes for the Hiking Merit Badge?

You must take four 10-mile hikes and one 20-mile hike. Each hike must be on a different day. These hikes help you build strength and confidence.

Do I have to hike alone for the Hiking Merit Badge?

No. You should hike with a buddy or a group. This keeps you safe. You still plan your own route and learn the skills yourself.

Why do I need to write hike plans for the Hiking Merit Badge?

A hike plan helps you think ahead. It shows your route, gear, food, and safety steps. Sharing your plan with your counselor keeps you safe on the trail.

Why do I write reports after each hike for the Hiking Merit Badge?

Reports help you remember what you did and what you learned. They show your counselor your progress and help you grow as a hiker.

What if I get tired during a long hike for the Hiking Merit Badge?

Take short rests, drink water, and slow your pace. Long hikes are about steady effort. It is fine to take breaks as needed.

Is the Hiking Merit Badge hard?

It takes effort, but you can do it with training and planning. Each hike becomes easier as you build endurance.

What skills will I learn from the Hiking Merit Badge?

You learn map reading, trail safety, outdoor ethics, pacing, and first aid. You also learn patience and confidence.

Can the Hiking Merit Badge help me in other parts of Scouts?

Yes. The skills you learn help with camping, backpacking, and leadership roles. It also prepares you for other outdoor merit badges.

The Hiking Merit Badge helps Scouts learn how to take long walks with confidence. It teaches simple skills that make the outdoors safer and more enjoyable. Scouts learn how to plan routes, read maps, and choose the right gear. These steps help every hike feel steady and well prepared. The Hiking Merit Badge encourages careful thinking before you take your first step.

This merit badge also builds strength and endurance. Each hike helps you understand your limits and how to improve them. You learn how to pace yourself, take short breaks, and stay positive on long trails. The Hiking Merit Badge teaches you to trust your steps and stay focused over many miles.

Outdoor ethics and trail safety are important parts of this badge. Scouts learn to respect the land, follow marked trails, and care for their feet and equipment. You also practice first aid skills that help you handle common trail problems. With the Hiking Merit Badge, you become more aware of yourself and the world around you.

In the end, the Hiking Merit Badge helps you grow in patience, responsibility, and confidence. Every hike teaches something new. You build skills that stay with you for life and help you enjoy many outdoor adventures.