Is hiking dying or not?

I remember all the hiking blogs jumping on the gloom and doom prediction that “hiking was dying“.

From Feb. 2008:

… Since the late 1980s, the percentage of Americans taking part in such activities has declined at slightly more than 1 percent a year. … participation is down 18 percent to 25 percent from peak levels.

NPR – Americans Spending Less Time in Nature

I pooh-poohed it at the time.

Now, a year later, what’s the buzz?

take-a-hike-arizona
Take A Hike Arizona – flickr – larger original

Outdoor camping’s popularity jumped 7.4 percent between 2007 and 2008, according to a report from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Overnight backpacking is up 18.5 percent …
Backcountry.com – The Goat – Camping Stock Rises in Weak Economy

In our current economic crisis, more families are ditching the hotel room and learning how to pitch a tent …
Backpacker – Daily Dirt – NEWBIE CAMPERS ON THE RISE

Backpacker – Daily Dirt – BACKPACKING ON THE CHEAP

Trail Space – Trend Alert: Camping is Chic!