The Hiking Forum is a free online community for people who enjoy hiking, backpacking, and the outdoors, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. Operated as a community of Hiking with Shawn, LLC, the forum provides a place to exchange advice, share experiences, and connect with hikers from around the world. Members can discuss trail planning, safety, outdoor skills, trail conditions, and their adventures, as well as ask beginner questions.

Dedicated sections cover hiking gear and reviews, including boots, backpacks, tents, clothing, and other outdoor equipment. Outdoor photography discussions let members share images and videos, while separate areas welcome conversations about cycling, trail running, paddling, and other activities. The forum also offers a hiking trails database, a directory for submitting hiking websites and trail reports, and a classifieds section for buying, selling, or swapping gear.

Members can post in off-topic discussions, introduce themselves, and get help or share feedback about the forum. Membership is free, and the community highlights its approachable size and commitment to an experience without advertising or pop-ups