Long distance hiking trails in United States of America

Naturally, in a country as vast and scenically impressive as the USA, there is a multitude of fantastic long-distance hiking trails. Nevertheless, the three most important long-distance trails can be named without a doubt: The Appalachian Trail (AT), the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) are known as the three Triple Crown trails. Hikers who have walked all three trails in the course of their lives are honoured with the Triple Crown award.

Hiking the king of long-distance trails

On the long-distance hike Appalachian Trail - Triple Crown of Hiking you will hike through the majestic Appalachian Mountains in the east of the USA. The individual stages of the long-distance trail lead through the breathtaking landscapes of Georgia and North Carolina to the wild forests of Maine and enchant you with their unique magic. With long-distance hiking, you decide for yourself whether you want to master the trail in a northerly or southerly direction and how many stages you want to complete along the way.

How long does it take to complete the Appalachian Trail (AT)?

The famous Appalachian Trail stretches 3,523 kilometres through one of the oldest mountains on the planet, the Appalachians, and crosses 14 US states. The trekking route in the eastern USA follows the low mountain range of the Appalachians from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. An estimated five million steps are required to complete this tour. The Appalachian Trail is marked with the distinctive White Blazes, so no special navigation skills are required.

As an experienced hiker, you should allow about four to six months for a Thru Hike, which is the name given to the complete hike of the Appalachian Trail within a year. The motto of many Thru Hikers is Hike Your Own Hike; everyone finds their own hiking style and rhythm. However, the Appalachian Trail is not a romantic journey, but an extreme challenge with unpredictable weather conditions, insects and arduous climbs. As a reward, fantastic nature and unforgettable experiences await you, making this epic long-distance hike the ultimate hiking experience.

On the way you will find numerous accommodation options, from cosy shelters to camping at designated sites. A journey full of spectacular views and unforgettable encounters with nature awaits you.

Tip: Groups of more than six people are requested to register in the A.T. CAMP system to receive assistance in finding suitable accommodation.

The USA's longest hiking trail

&Over 4,100 km, the extreme long-distance Pacific Crest Trail (Triple Crown of Hiking) stretches inland from the American West Coast along the impressive mountain ranges of the Sierra Nevada and Cascades. The long-distance trails pass through five different climatic zones, from desert landscapes to snow-covered peaks over 4,000 m above sea level. But you can also experience the magic of this tour on shorter stages. It takes you through breathtaking nature reserves and national parks such as the impressive Yosemite National Park, and there are numerous short detours from the original trail that open up more mountain peaks and sights.

How long does it take to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) stretches 4,279 kilometres from Campo on the Mexican border to Manning Park on the Canadian border and runs through California, Oregon and Washington. With over 60 mountain passes, 19 canyons, 7 national parks and 24 national forests, the PCT offers unique nature experiences. In the south, hikers have to cross about 1,000 kilometres of desert with temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius before they reach the majestic Sierra Nevada. On average, hikers need between 120 and 150 days to hike the entire distance. This includes zero days, i.e. days when you can rest. Long-distance hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail is an incomparable, but also extremely strenuous adventure. However, you don't have to conquer the entire trail; the individual stages and long-distance trails are also a magnificent experience.

How many complete the PCT?

Of the hikers who attempt the Pacific Crest Trail, only about 20% to 30% make it all the way from the southern to the northern border. The challenges are enormous, with extreme weather conditions, difficult terrain, lack of water and physical as well as mental strain testing the hikers.

The Pacific Crest Trail is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous and fascinating hiking trails in the USA. The long-distance trails lead through the desert, over snow-covered peaks and through bush and farmland. PCT hikers walk about 35 km a day, often crossing untouched wilderness for days without seeing settlements or roads. The season starts in April, when it is not yet too hot in the Mojave Desert and not too wintry in the High Sierra at 4,000 metres above sea level.

 How much does a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail cost?

A hike on the Pacific Crest Trail can cost between $4,000 and $8,000 (about €3,500 to €7,100), depending on individual preferences and habits. Experienced hikers recommend a rule of thumb of about 1,000 dollars (approx. 890 euros) per month during the stay on the trail. The cost depends on what you spend, how much equipment you already have and how much you want to spend on the trail. For European hikers, there are additional expenses such as flights and health insurance. It is advisable to prepare a budget before the trip and calculate the costs well to avoid unnecessary interruptions to the tour.

How long does it take to hike the Continental Divide Trail?

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) stretches over an impressive 5,000 km and you will need about 6 months hiking time to complete it in full. But partial sections also offer unforgettable adventures, especially the stages in Wyoming and Montana through the majestic Rocky Mountains.

How many miles is the Continental Divide Trail?

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is one of the longest long-distance hiking trails in the world, stretching 3,100 miles from Crazy Cook Monument, Big Hatchet Mountains in New Mexico, USA to Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada. The CDT offers an unparalleled hiking experience along the Rocky Mountain ridge and Continental Divide. From New Mexico to Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, it crosses five US states and different ecosystems, from tundra to desert. Along the way you will experience some of the last wild and picturesque landscapes on earth. The highest point of the CDT is at Grays Peak in Colorado at around 4,350 metres, while the lowest point is at Waterton Lake in the National Park in Montana at around 1,280 metres.

As an alternative to the Triple Crown trails, there are many fantastic long-distance hiking trails in the USA. Some of the most beautiful include:

• Kalalau Trail, Hawaii - moderate - 31.5 km - around 15 hrs - stage hike along the famous Napali Coast to a secluded beach, showering in the waterfall, camping on the beach.
• John Muir Trail - Sierra Nevada, California - difficult - 336.2 km - about 132 hrs - long-distance trails from Mount Whitney to Yosemite National Park üsse over mountain passes, 14 to 20 days should be planned for long-distance hiking.
• Angels Landing - Zion National Park, Utah - medium - 7.1 km - about 5 hrs - challenging climb to a magnificent viewpoint üover Zion National Park.
• Long Trail, Vermont - difficult - 372.3 km - around 117 hrs - America's ältest long-distance trail.