The First Hiking Club

Most writers and historians point to the Alpine Club of London as being the first mountaineering or “walking club” in the world, and the Alpine Club of Williamstown as being the first hiking club in America. However, it should be noted that the U.S. National Park Service recognizes the Exploring Circle as preceding both of those organizations by several years. The Exploring Circle was founded by Cyrus M. Tracy (or Tracey) and three other men

from Lynn, Massachusetts in 1850. These four men, all mechanics, formed the club to advance their knowledge of the natural sciences as they pertained to the forested areas adjacent to their town. This included zoology, topography, mapping, mineralogy and meteorology, as well as documenting botanical specimens and unusual geological formations. They also participated in other educational pursuits that would enhance their understanding of the natural sciences, such as the study of language. Although not a true hiking club in the same sense as the clubs that would emerge over the next several decades, the National Park Service does recognize the Exploring Circle as “the first hiking club in New England.” In addition to their pursuit of knowledge, the club held periodic outings, and built trails and camps in Lynn Woods, some of which still survive today. Throughout the years the group added several new members, and is documented as having existed until at least 1881. Tracy’s greatest legacy was securing funds to save the woods around Lynn, which became known as the “Free Public Forest,” and is now the second-largest municipal park in America. The forest is now part of the Lynn Woods Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Learn more about the pioneers of hiking in Ramble On: A History of Hiking.


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Virtually no one went hiking before the 19th century. What occurred that inspired ordinary people to take a walk through the woods for pleasure? Ramble On: A History of Hiking explores the rich history of hiking, and how it evolved into one of the most popular pastimes in the world.