With 63 National Parks, 155 National Forests, and 20 National Grasslands, the United States is abundant with untouched wilderness to explore. Possessing world-renowned thru-hikes, from the Appalachian Trail Pacific Crest Trail to the Continental Divide Trail, there are a variety of trails and topographic features to explore. Indulge yourself in the beauty and satiate your wanderlust as you head out into the backcountry. Which one of these hikes will you explore?
1. Appalachian Trail
Location: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia
Distance:2,190.0 mi
Days Recommended: 5-7 months
Best Time to Hike: March
Difficulty:Hiking the entire A.T. is a grueling and demanding endeavor. It requires great physical and mental stamina and determination. The terrain is mountainous for its entire length, with an elevation gain and loss equivalent to hiking Mt. Everest from sea level and back 16 times.
The Appalachian Trail is one of the world’s most famous thru-hikes. Stretching over 2,190.0 mi from Georgia to Maine, this epic journey has earned the title of the longest footpath in the world. Exhibiting the diversity of the United States’ ecologies and topographies, this long-haul trek travels through a myriad of environments, from charming towns, exposed meadows, dense woodlands, farmlands, and up to alpine summits.
2. Pacific Crest Trail
Location: California, Oregon, Washington Distance: 2,653.0 mi Days Recommended: 4-6 months Best Time to Hike: Northbound: Start April the PCT is hard, sometimes very hard. But compared to the life off-trail, the life on the trail is easier. There are fewer concerns. You still have some, but they are
Immerse yourself in the high country along the Pacific Crest Trail. This epic adventure boasts awe-inspiring scenery—stretching over 2,653.0 mi from the Mexican border up to the Canadian border. Explore 25 National Forests and 7 National Parks from the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range to the Cascade Mountain Range. Revealing the grandeur of the United States Pacific Crest, this route has been coined one of the most scenic thru-hikes on the continent.
3. Teton Crest Trail
Location: Wyoming Distance: 40.0 mi Days Recommended: 4-6 days Best Time To Hike: July-September
Difficulty:But with the exception of two or three long uphill slogs—like Paintbrush Divide from either direction, or climbing from the lower Death Canyon Trail to either Static Divide or Death Canyon Shelf—trails in the Tetons are not especially difficult.
The Teton Crest Trail is 40.0 mi chock full of show-stopping vistas. At the top of many adventurers’ bucket lists, this scenic route showcases the beauty of the Grand Teton Mountains, offering views of towering granite peaks, glacier-carved canyons, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. Though shorter than other thru-hikes in the country, the Teton Crest Trail is no walk in the park, with a peak elevation of 10,695 ft.
4.Long Trail
Location: Vermont
Distance:272.0 mi
Days Recommended: 20-30 days
Best Time To Hike: June-October
Difficulty:The Long Trail is a difficult trail to hike because it’s very rocky, muddy and there are a lot mountains on the route. The easiest part is the southern 100 miles, which coincides with the Appalachian Trail. After that the trail gets much more mountainous and remote.
The Vermont Long Trail is the oldest long-distance continuous hike in the US—established in 1910. Traveling from the southern terminus at the Massachusetts border up to the Canadian border, this scenic footpath clocks in over 272.0 mi through the Green Mountain State. Boasting breathtaking scenes of rolling mountains, lush meadowlands, dense forestlands, and wildlife, the panoramas along this route are unparalleled. Traveling along rugged and technical terrain, experience thru-hikers often take just shy of a month to complete this trek.
5.Continential Divide Trail
Location: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Distance: 3,028.0 mi
Days Recommended: 5-7 months
Best Time To Hike: Start April
Difficulty:The Continental Divide Trail had been unforgiving. Three-hundred miles in and I had already raced storms across mountain passes, been charged by a grizzly, and now was out of agua. This was exactly the thru-hike I was looking for.
Extending from the Mexican border into Canada, the Continental Divide Trail passes through 5 states along the way. Traveling through diverse topographies and boasting awe-inspiring panoramas, this trek is incredibly picturesque. From the deserts of New Mexico to the Rockies of Colorado, this technical trek warrants an exhausting experience.
6. Oregon Coast Trail
Location: Oregon
Distance: 425.0 mi
Days Recommended: 4-6 weeks
Best Time To Hike: April-June / September-October
Difficulty:The trail alternates between beach hiking, beautifully green, muddy, and steep forested trails, sand dunes, rugged cliffy coastline, sidewalks through adorable coastal towns, and some sections following Highway 101. The incomplete route allows for lots of customization.
The Oregon Coast Trail is a thru-hikers paradise. Wander along the rugged cliff above the Pacific Ocean, through the forested headlands, bustling seaside towns, and along sandy beaches. Traveling over 400.0 mi from the mouth of the Columbia River to the California border, this trekking route warrants a more luxurious experience. Passing through several beach towns and cities, there are countless opportunities to stay in a hotel, grab a latte, and shower en route.
7.John Muir Trail
Location: California
Distance: 211.0 mi
Days Recommended: 2-4 weeks
Best Time To Visit: June-September
Difficulty:Personal anecdotes aside, I do not recommend this trail for beginners. The Sierra Nevada mountain range features extremely difficult terrain and varied weather conditions. Each day we hiked 15 to 20 miles, climbing anywhere from 2,500 to 4,500 feet of elevation.
The John Muir Trail is one of the most popular backpacking expeditions in the US. This beautiful adventure offers an unparalleled experience, traveling from Yosemite National Park up to Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. Named after the famous naturalist, much of the John Muir Trail wanders along a section Pacific Crest Trail.
8.Tahoe Rim Trail
Location: California and Nevada
Distance: 165.0 mi
Days Recommended: 10-15 days
Best Time To Hike: June-September
Difficulty:Most of TRT follows the ridgeline of the mountains surrounding the basin. Although most days will include at least one sustained climb, the total grade for the trail is a relatively mild 198 feet/mile.
Venture around the Lake Tahoe Basin along the Tahoe Rim Trail. Traveling 165.0 mi around the lake through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this trail boasts breathtaking scenes of snow-capped craggy peaks, blue-hued alpine lakes, lush meadowlands, dense woodlands, wildflowers, and wildlife. Among one of the more accessible thru-hikes in the United States, this epic excursion is ideal for beginner trekkers.
9.Wonderland Trail
Location: Washington
Distance: 93.0 mi
Days Recommended: 10-15 days
When to do: July-September
Difficulty:The Wonderland Trail is 93 miles (150 km) long and encircles Mount Rainier. It is a strenuous hike with lots of elevation gain and loss, through lowland forests and valleys and into high alpine and sub-alpine areas.
Located in the Rainier National Park, the Wonderland Trail is a 93.0 mi thru-hike that undulates around the edge of Mount Rainer. Circle around one of America’s most famous mountains, wandering through lowland forests and valleys into high alpine terrains. Boasting draw-dropping views of the snow-capped summit, this trek is not for the faint of heart. Tackling a series of 2,000 ft elevation gains and losses each day, this trail demands endurance and a comfy pair of footwear.
10. Colorado Trail
Location: Colorado
Distance: 486.0 mi
Days Recommended: 4-6 weeks
When to do: June-September
Difficulty:The Colorado Trail is difficult to bikepack. Trail quality is great for hikers, but can be rocky and require hike-a-bike sections for bikepackers.
Immerse yourself in the high country along the Colorado Trail. Extending 486.0 mi from Waterton Canyon to Durango, this epic expedition winds over craggy 13,000 ft+ peaks and passes through the Centennial State. Those trekking the entirety of the Colorado Trail will experience a total 82,000 ft elevation gain/loss. Reserved for intrepid adventurers, this thru-hike demands some stamina!
Survival Skills Needed to Survive Thru Hikes
Certifications: Wilderness Survival Certification, CPR Certification, First Aid Certification
How To Make a Fire:This is definitely one that every backpacker should know. Having a fire for cooking or warmth can save your life. Although there are a lot of fire-starting tools available, knowing the basics of starting a fire is still a critical skill.
How To Make Shelter:Knowing how to make a quick shelter is especially important in areas that have extreme weather conditions.
Learn how to Find Water:By the laws of gravity, you’re more likely to find water at the base of a hill or mountain.
Learn Navigational Skills:This one, we can’t stress enough, especially if you will be backpacking or hiking alone. Even if you don’t get completely lost, it can be easy to get off track if map reading is not your strong suit.
Learn Serious Conditions Signs:Frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, and altitude sickness can quickly become life-threatening if ignored. It’s important to learn the early signs of each to prevent them from getting worse.
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