 Hiking 
This Merit Badge requires 1 session to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Hiking merit badge are: 3, 4, 5, 6
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Hiking Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
NOTE: *The required hikes for this badge may be
used in fulfilling hiking requirements for rank
advancement. However, these hikes cannot be
used to fulfill requirements of other merit
badges. |
| a. |
Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards
you may encounter while hiking, and what you
should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate,
and respond to these hazards. |
| b. |
Show that you know first aid for injuries or
illnesses that could occur while hiking,
including hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration,
heat exhaustion, heatstroke, sunburn,
hyperventilation, altitude sickness, sprained
ankle, blisters, insect stings, tick bites, and
snakebite. |
2. |
Explain and, where possible, show the points of
good hiking practices including proper outdoor
ethics, hiking safety in the daytime and at night,
courtesy to others, choice of footwear, and proper
care of feet and footwear. |
3. |
Explain how hiking is an aerobic activity. Develop a plan for conditioning yourself for 10-mile hikes, and describe how you will increase your fitness for longer hikes. |
4. |
Take the five following hikes, each on a
different day, and each of continuous miles.
These hikes MUST be taking in the following
order:
One 5-mile hike
Three 10-mile hikes
One 15-mile hike
You may stop for as many short rest periods as
needed, as well as one meal, during each hike,
but not for an extended period (example:
overnight). Prepare a written hike plan before
each hike and share it with your Scoutmaster or
a designee. Include map routes, a clothing and
equipment list, and a list of items for a trail
lunch.* |
5. |
Take a hike of 20 continuous miles in one day
following a hike plan you have prepared. You may
stop for as may short rest periods as needed, as
well as one meal, but not for an extended period
(example: overnight).* |
6. |
After each of the hikes (or during each hike if
on a continuous "trek") in requirements 4 and 5,
write a short reflection of your experience.
Give dates and descriptions of routes covered,
the weather, and any interesting things you saw.
It may include something you learned about
yourself, about the outdoors, or about others
you were hiking with. Share this report with
your merit badge counselor. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2026"
Download the workbook for the
Hiking Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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