As views of nature in America have changed during the twentieth century, so too has the recreational practice of hiking. Throughout the twentieth century hiking was linked to a love of the outdoors, and was a means by which to express a connection to the land. But as the meaning of the American landscape for Americans changed with time, so too did the popular meaning of hiking.

The idea of hiking for amusement would not gain widespread attention until the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt (1901-09). With the ear of the nation, Roosevelt became the greatest proponent of outdoor appreciation. Where earlier politicians had urged Americans to exploit natural resources, farm, and conquer wilderness, Roosevelt often called for preservation of nature. Deeply influenced by the British Imperial fashion of making one's manhood by entering and besting nature, Roosevelt traveled to many wild places. In the Dakotas, Michigan, and other...