Are you captivated by the idea of long-distance hiking? Do you dream of spending weeks or months traversing scenic mountains, meadows, and forests? If yes, this comprehensive guide is for you. We’ll delve into major thru-hikes in the United States, revealing what makes each trail special, quoting seasoned hikers for insider tips, and providing valuable information on the best time to go, expected weather, recommended gear, and food options.
Appalachian Trail (AT)
The Appalachian Trail is more than just a path through the woods; it’s a journey through American history and culture. Stretching from Georgia to Maine, this iconic trail traverses 14 states and passes through a variety of landscapes including dense forests, rocky peaks, and pastoral farmlands. The trail offers something for everyone: from beginner-friendly sections to challenging terrains that even seasoned hikers find demanding.
Weather on the AT varies significantly depending on location and season. The southern section can be humid and warm in the summer, whereas the northern parts, especially in the White Mountains and Maine, can be extremely unpredictable and cold. Food resupply is relatively easy, with numerous towns near the trail, not to mention the famed “trail magic”—unexpected acts of kindness, often in the form of food, bestowed upon thru-hikers by strangers.
- Location: Georgia to Maine
- Length: Approximately 2,200 miles
- Average Time: 5-7 months
- Budget: Around $4,000–$6,000
Expected Weather
- Spring: Milder, but expect rain and mud.
- Summer: Hot and humid, especially in the southern states.
- Fall: Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.
- Winter: Snow and freezing temperatures, especially in the northern states.
Food Options
- Natural: Edible plants like berries.
- Purchase: Trail towns offer grocery stores and restaurants.
Best Time to Travel
- Recommended Months: March to October
“There’s no way to really appreciate the scope and scale of the Appalachian Mountains until you’ve been out there for a couple weeks.” — Jennifer Pharr Davis
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
The Pacific Crest Trail is an epic journey that embodies the diverse beauty of the American West. Stretching from the Mexican border in California to the Canadian border in Washington, the trail covers a staggering range of ecosystems: from the arid landscapes of Southern California to the lush forests of Oregon and the alpine beauty of Washington.
Weather challenges include the scorching heat of Southern California’s deserts, the snowfields of the Sierra Nevada, and the rainy conditions of the Pacific Northwest. Resupplying food is an adventure in itself; while some stretches offer plentiful options, others require careful planning and long carries. Hikers often send “resupply boxes” to predetermined locations along the route to make sure they have what they need.
- Location: California to Washington
- Length: Approximately 2,650 miles
- Average Time: 4-6 months
- Budget: Approximately $4,000–$8,000
Expected Weather
- Spring: Snow in the Sierra Nevada.
- Summer: Hot in the desert regions, cooler in the mountains.
- Fall: Risk of snow in Washington.
Food Options
- Natural: Wild berries and small fish in higher elevations.
- Purchase: Limited resupply points like Kennedy Meadows.
Best Time to Travel
- Recommended Months: Late April to late September
“The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast, and you miss all you are traveling for.” — Louis L’Amour
Continental Divide Trail (CDT)
The Continental Divide Trail is not for the faint of heart. Often considered the most challenging of the “Triple Crown” trails (which also include the AT and PCT), the CDT traverses the Rocky Mountains from New Mexico to Montana. The trail is wild, remote, and often undefined—navigational skills are a must.
Weather on the CDT can be harsh and unpredictable; hikers must be prepared for everything from snowstorms to thunderstorms, often in the same day. Food resupply points are few and far between, and carrying extra food is advisable. Water sources are also less reliable compared to other major trails, requiring careful planning and, often, heavy water carries.
- Location: New Mexico to Montana
- Length: Approximately 3,100 miles
- Average Time: 4-6 months
- Budget: Roughly $3,500–$6,500
Expected Weather
- Spring: Late snow in Colorado.
- Summer: Afternoon thunderstorms.
- Fall: Cold nights and risk of snow.
Food Options
- Natural: Limited, focused more on hunting for those with skills.
- Purchase: Infrequent towns, but often have general stores.
Best Time to Travel
- Recommended Months: Late April to Mid-October
“The CDT is not a beginners trail — it’s the trail you hike when you’re done messing around.” — Liz “Snorkel” Thomas
John Muir Trail (JMT)
The John Muir Trail is often described as a “crown jewel” of American hiking trails. Nestled within the Sierra Nevada mountains, the JMT offers breath-taking vistas of alpine and subalpine ecosystems. From the granite cliffs and towering sequoias to the serenity of its countless lakes, this trail is a landscape photographer’s dream come true.
Weather on the John Muir Trail can be a fickle friend. While summers offer relatively stable and warm weather, the high elevation can bring about sudden temperature drops and even snowfall. As for food, you’ll be relying mostly on what you can carry, as there are limited resupply points. Nevertheless, the solitude and pristine wilderness make every step worthwhile.
- Location: California
- Length: Approximately 211 miles
- Average Time: 3-4 weeks
- Budget: Approximately $1,500–$2,500
Expected Weather
- Summer: Sunny but can be chilly at high elevations.
- Fall: Cooler temperatures and less crowded.
Food Options
- Natural: Limited to fishing in alpine lakes.
- Purchase: Resupply at Muir Trail Ranch or Vermilion Valley Resort.
Best Time to Travel
- Recommended Months: July to September
“It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.” — John Muir
Colorado Trail
The Colorado Trail is a hiker’s paradise, winding through eight mountain ranges and offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. The trail features diverse ecosystems, from high-desert mesas to alpine forests, showcasing Colorado’s stunning biodiversity.
Colorado’s weather is known for its unpredictability, particularly its afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. This requires hikers to be well-prepared with rain gear and contingency plans. Food resupplies are easier here than on more remote trails, thanks to the trail’s proximity to several small towns. Human encounters are frequent enough for companionship but sparse enough to offer solitude.
- Location: Colorado
- Length: Approximately 486 miles
- Average Time: 4-6 weeks
- Budget: Around $2,000–$3,500
Expected Weather
- Summer: Warm days, cold nights, and afternoon thunderstorms.
Food Options
- Natural: Edible wild plants, but not enough to sustain you.
- Purchase: Resupply towns are relatively frequent.
Best Time to Travel
- Recommended Months: Late June to Early September
“The Colorado Trail is the friendliest of all long-distance trails. It combines the solitude of backcountry hiking and camping with the fellowship of kindred mountain spirits.” — Paul Magnanti
Long Trail
The Long Trail is a journey through the heart of New England, a trek steeped in history and natural beauty. Running the length of Vermont, it was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail and takes you through hardwood forests ablaze with fall colors or lush with the greenery of summer, depending on when you go.
The trail is muddy in the spring, and weather can be a mixed bag with rain, humidity, and heat. For food, you’ll find a blend of options. The trail runs close to local farms where you might pick up fresh produce or dairy. Many hikers also look forward to reaching trail towns for a hot meal at a local diner.
- Location: Vermont
- Length: Approximately 272 miles
- Average Time: 3-4 weeks
- Budget: Approximately $1,000–$2,000
Expected Weather
- Summer: Humid with occasional rain.
- Fall: Cool and colorful but can be muddy.
Food Options
- Natural: Berries and edible plants.
- Purchase: General stores and diners in trail towns.
Best Time to Travel
- Recommended Months: June to October
“The Long Trail is a hard teacher but gives valuable life lessons.” — James “Walkin’ Jim” Stoltz
Arizona Trail
The Arizona Trail is like walking through a living geology lesson. It runs from the state’s southern border up to Utah, traversing a surprising variety of landscapes, from the Sonoran Desert’s cacti to the alpine forests atop the San Francisco Peaks.
Spring offers the most agreeable weather, but you’ll need to be prepared for everything from late-season snowfall to desert heat. This trail demands thorough planning, especially when it comes to food and water; sources are few and far between, making this trail best suited for experienced long-distance hikers.
- Location: Arizona
- Length: Approximately 800 miles
- Average Time: 6-8 weeks
- Budget: Roughly $2,000–$3,000
Expected Weather
- Spring: Mild temperatures but potential for late-season snow in the mountains.
- Fall: Cooler but water sources may be scarce.
Food Options
- Natural: Limited; focus is mainly on water collection.
- Purchase: Scattered towns and trading posts offer resupply points.
Best Time to Travel
- Recommended Months: March to May and October to November
“Every step was a story and every mile was a novel.” — Sirena Dufault
Florida Trail
The Florida Trail offers an entirely different thru-hiking experience. It’s not just about forests and mountains; here you’ll wade through cypress swamps, walk along beautiful beaches, and trek through scrubby flatwoods. It’s a unique biodiversity hotspot and offers a distinctive hiking experience.
Winter and early spring are the best times to tackle this trail to avoid oppressive heat and storms. The Florida Trail is somewhat more accessible for food resupply, passing through a number of small towns where you can replenish provisions. But don’t forget—this is a wet hike, so pack food that can withstand getting a little damp.
- Location: Florida
- Length: Approximately 1,300 miles
- Average Time: 2-3 months
- Budget: Around $1,500–$3,000
Expected Weather
- Winter: Mild and less humid, but can be cold at night.
- Spring: Increasing humidity and temperatures.
Food Options
- Natural: Limited; mainly fishing opportunities.
- Purchase: Convenient resupply points in small towns.
Best Time to Travel
- Recommended Months: December to March
“The trail is a source of inspiration, respite, and natural beauty, as well as an opportunity for learning and volunteerism.” — Sandra Friend
Hayduke Trail
The Hayduke Trail is one for the adventurers who really want to go off the beaten path. This isn’t a trail for beginners; it demands strong navigational skills, as it winds through some of the most remote areas in Utah and Arizona, including six national parks and several seldom-visited geological wonders.
Given its remote nature, seasonal weather patterns can make or break your hike. Spring and fall are best, offering the mildest conditions in an environment that can be harsh. You’ll need to be self-reliant, particularly when it comes to food and water, as resupply points are rare.
- Location: Utah and Arizona
- Length: Approximately 800 miles
- Average Time: 2-3 months
- Budget: Approximately $2,000–$4,000
Expected Weather
- Spring: Ideal, but some river crossings could be challenging.
- Fall: Cooler, but water sources can be scarce.
Food Options
- Natural: Extremely limited; focus on water rationing.
- Purchase: Very few resupply options; extensive planning required.
Best Time to Travel
- Recommended Months: March to May and September to November
“Hayduke lives! And he goes to and fro in the Earth!” — Edward Abbey
Ice Age Trail
The Ice Age Trail takes you on a journey through time. As you hike, you’re literally walking in the footsteps of ancient glaciers. With terrain ranging from flat farmlands to rocky escarpments, this trail is as diverse as it is long.
Wisconsin’s weather can be quite challenging. Spring can be wet and muddy, but you’ll be rewarded with blooming wildflowers. Fall offers vibrant foliage but can be cold, making a good sleeping bag essential. Fortunately, the trail passes through many small towns, offering ample opportunities to resupply and even enjoy a hot meal.
- Location: Wisconsin
- Length: Approximately 1,200 miles
- Average Time: 2-3 months
- Budget: Roughly $1,500–$2,500
Expected Weather
- Spring: Wet and muddy with lingering snow.
- Fall: Pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage.
Food Options
- Natural: Berries and fishing in some areas.
- Purchase: Regular towns with supermarkets for resupply.
Best Time to Travel
- Recommended Months: May to October
“The Ice Age Trail serves as a living reminder of the glacier that once covered much of North America. It’s more than a trail. It’s a geology lesson on foot.” — Melanie Radzicki McManus
+ There are no comments
Add yours