Thru-hiking is not a new concept. But in recent years, with the explosion in popularity of the “Triple-Crown” trails (PCT, AT, CDT) Thru-hiking has become a lifestyle of its own.
In the US, there are thousands of Waymarked Long-distance hiking routes. Most of these can be found on HiiKER. And while “The Best” is very much subjective, we have put together the list of the most popular trails according to what our users are looking hiking.
Of course, if you think we have missed something special, let us know in the comments below.
Appalachian Trail
Stretching approximately 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous long-distance trails in the world. It traverses the scenic, wooded, and wild lands of the Appalachian Mountains, offering an ultimate hiking experience.
A particular section of this trail is called the “One Hundred mile wilderness”, which is a section of the trail which requires hikers to continue without the ability to resupply. You can read our guide to this section here.
Pacific Crest Trail
Some might say that the book (and more recent movie of the same name) “Wild” – starring Reese Witherspoon, is the cause of the initial surge in popularity of the PCT. But the lore that now surrounds the PCT has far outgrown the pop-culture significance. The 2,650-mile trail ranges from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. The PCT reveals the beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges and a diversity of ecosystems.
Continental Divide Trail
Rounding off the “Triple Crown” Trails in the US is the Continental Divide trail. Covering 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, the CDT follows the Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountains. The trail crosses five states: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, and it’s considered one of the greatest long-distance trails in the world.
Beyond it being a trail, it is considered an ecological corridor, interlinks communities and highlights the significance of the native people of the land. You can listen to a conversation I had with the Executive Director of the CDTC below.
John Muir Trail
A 211-mile trail in California that stretches from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the continental United States. This trail offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
We have a complete guide, including permits, resupplies, pro tips, and more – Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: Complete Guide
Florida Trail
Spanning approximately 1,300 miles, this trail runs from Big Cypress National Preserve to Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola Beach. A unique feature of this trail is the diversity of ecosystems it traverses, from swamps to forests.
Remember this is Florida, so the typical thru-hiking season does not apply on this trail. The trail is also mostly flat, meaning that you definitely want to be hiking this in the cooler months (November-March).
Ice Age Trail
Meandering for about 1,200 miles, this trail travels across the state of Wisconsin. It offers a journey through time as it traces the edge of a retreating glacier that covered much of North America some 12,000 years ago.
Arizona Trail
An 800-mile trail that spans the length of Arizona from Mexico to Utah. This trail showcases the state’s diverse vegetation, wildlife, and scenic landscapes.
P.S. Arizona is HOT! This is another trail to hike in the earlier/cooler months of the year.
Long Trail
Known as the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the US, the 273-mile Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont border to the Canadian border, crossing Vermont’s highest peaks.
The Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail overlap and share a footpath for about 100 miles. It was also on the Long Trail where the founder of the Appalachian trail found the inspiration for a longer trail through the Appalachian mountains.
North Country Trail
Stretching approximately 4,600 miles, the NCT spans from North Dakota to New York, making it the longest in the National Trails System. It passes through seven northern states, offering a variety of landscapes and habitats.
The Colorado Trail
The Colorado Trail is a long-distance trail extending approximately 486 miles from Denver to Durango, offering a diverse journey through the heart of the Colorado Rockies. It traverses eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas, and numerous high passes, providing hikers with spectacular views of rugged peaks, lush meadows, and crystal alpine lakes.
We (no-doubt) have left a huge amount out of this article. There are thousands of long-distance trails in the US that are just as worthy of inclusion. This list is simply representative of HiiKER users activity.
If you’re looking for your next (or first) Thru-hiking adventure, you will need to pocket the best app for planning and navigating on trail. Look no further than HiiKER. We continue to map all the best hiking trails in the world and provide accommodation, waypoints and other essential planning information. You can also download the trail map for free! Meaning you can access it offline while you have no cell service. Click the image below to install the app for free now!
What do you think? What trails did we miss on this list?
