A thru-hike, by definition, means that you’re hiking the whole trail from start to finish. It doesn’t matter if it’s section-hiking or if you’re using the same trail multiple times, as long as you make it from A to B without leaving the path, you can call it a thru-hike. These are the longest hikes in the United States and will give you everything you need to know about these epic journeys and help you decide which one might be right for you.
Appalachian Trail – 2,190 Miles
The Appalachian Trail, America’s oldest long distance hiking trail and one of its most scenic, runs 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. It has a few hundred shelters and campsites for hikers to rest at night. The trail passes through 14 states over six time zones. It goes through many different types of terrain, from swamps and dense forests to lofty mountaintops with 360 degree views. Hikers typically take five to seven months to complete it but some have taken as little as two months or as long as seven years!
Pacific Crest Trail – 2,650 Miles
At 2,650 miles long, the Pacific Crest Trail is one of the longest hiking trails in the world. It connects Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington. The trail climbs through pine forests and crosses high mountain passes before descending into deserts and redwood groves. As of 2016, it was estimated that about 500 people start a thru-hike every year with an average success rate of one out of four hikers making it all the way to Canada.
Continental Divide Trail – 3,100 Miles
The Continental Divide Trail is a long distance hiking trail that traverses the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada. The CDT is about 3,100 miles and runs through eight states. It was originally a part of the Great Western Loop, but after it was completed, it became designated as a National Scenic Trail. The CDT is ranked among one of the longest hiking trails in America and is also one of the most remote hiking trails.
Long distance hiking is an activity that can take months or even years to complete. These hikes are not for the faint of heart, but for those who are up for a challenge do your research and plan accordingly.
As Always Stay Safe and Happy Hiking
