Five of the Most Famous Thru-Hikes in the United States

A thru-hike is a long-distance hike that involves walking the entire length of a trail or route, typically from one end to the other. Thru-hikers can cover hundreds or thousands of miles in several weeks or months, carrying all necessary gear and supplies. You can take these journeys all at once (thru-hiking), broken up over time (section hiking), or covered in one trip but out of order (flip-flopping). With stunning natural landscapes and diverse terrain, the United States has options for all levels of experience. Today, we will explore 5 of the most famous thru-hikes in the United States.

The John Muir Trail (JMT)

The author on the John Muir Trail

You can’t talk about thru-hikes in the United States without mentioning this one. The John Muir Trail is a 211-mile trail that winds through California’s stunning Sierra Nevada mountains. It traditionally starts in Yosemite Valley and ends at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, but you can complete it in either direction. Because it is often difficult to obtain permits due to competition and quotas, you will still be considered a JMT thru-hiker if you start from any trailheads that allow you to complete most of the trail.

Backpackers on this trail are treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and vast expanses of wilderness. Although it can be busy in the summer and permits are difficult to obtain, the scenery is unrivaled. Although much of the JMT is the same as the Pacific Crest Trail, there are sections unique to this experience, which, in my humble opinion, are a much-improved experience on the parallel PCT sections.

Here at Lasting Adventures, we are lucky to have access to more than 70 miles of this trail, which we explore during day hikes and overnight backpacking excursions. If you are interested in exploring this area, check out the following trips:

Day Hikes

Overnight Backpacking

You can also explore these areas during our Yosemite Classic Camping and Yosemite Lodging and Hiking Packages.

The Appalachian Trail (AT)

Backpackers on the Appalachian Trail

As the first of the National Scenic Trails, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most well-known and iconic backpacking trails in the United States. This 2,200-mile adventure stretches from Georgia to Maine and takes backpackers through 14 states, offering a diverse range of landscapes and terrain. The trail is famous for its stunning vistas, serene forests, and quaint towns, which were purposefully woven together as part of the cultural experience.

This trail is an entirely different experience from the others mentioned here for one reason: trees. The never-ending forests of maple, oak, pine, birch, beech, and ash create a literal and psychological effect called “the green tunnel.” Much of the trail meanders through the woods while you make your way from point to point, accompanied by the constant hope that you are not lost. Some of the thickest sections occur in the 100-mile wilderness in Maine, near the end of the adventure, and it takes its toll on those who find themselves weary of the same views every day. The trees also wreak havoc on the trails. As the rain falls through the year, the trails get rutted out, exposing a maze of roots constantly trying to trip you up and send you home with a twisted ankle.

None of that stops the 3 million visitors to the trail every year. It certainly doesn’t stop the 3 thousand thru-hikers that brave the stretches of green tunnel to find themselves on top of Mount Katahdin, finally done and ready for their next adventure. Check out the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to learn more or volunteer to maintain the original scenic trail experience.

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT)

The Continental Divide Trail spans 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, traversing the rugged Rocky Mountains. This option is quite strenuous but offers backpackers an unforgettable journey through high mountain passes, alpine meadows, and vast stretches of wild terrain. Although well-known, this most challenging piece of the “triple crown” (the AT, PCT, and CDT) is often missed and has only recently completed its signage and GPS maps.

Many people who start this trail with high hopes each year end up bailing before they can finish. Only a few hundred at most will complete the trail any given year, making the triple crown a real accomplishment beyond just showing up. Check out the Continental Divide Trail Coalition website to learn more about this unique challenge.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

Views in Yosemite along the Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail stretches over 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada and takes backpackers through three states: California, Oregon, and Washington. While offering stunning forested views of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, this trail also takes you on a journey through dry desert landscapes and snow-covered passes.

Here at Lasting Adventures, we have access to nearly 70 miles of this adventure inside Yosemite National Park, which we explore during the following trips:

Permitted and maintained through the efforts of the Pacific Crest Trail Association, this ever-popular adventure has become less wild in recent years, with many hikers enjoying parties along the way. Those who wish to avoid crowds can always look at going southbound (SOBO), seeing everyone as they go but finding themselves removed from the chaos of the main departing groups.

The Arizona Trail (AZT)

The Arizona Trail, spanning approximately 800 miles from the Mexican border in the south to the Utah border in the north, is a renowned long-distance hiking trail showcasing the state’s diverse landscapes. Managed by the Arizona Trail Association, the trail takes hikers through a captivating journey across various terrains, including the Sonoran Desert, canyons, mountains, and forests. Offering breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and the San Francisco Peaks, the trail is known for its challenging conditions, including steep ascents, rocky terrain, and exposure to changing weather. Thru-hiking the Arizona Trail is a formidable adventure, often taking several weeks, and requires careful planning for resupply points, water sources, and camping locations.

The trail also accommodates activities like mountain biking and horseback riding in certain sections, with the Arizona Trail Association playing a crucial role in trail maintenance and resource provision for outdoor enthusiasts. As hikers traverse this remarkable trail, they not only experience the scenic beauty of Arizona but also contribute to the preservation efforts of this natural treasure.

Conclusion

Backpacking is a unique way to explore the United States’ natural beauty and biological and historical diversity. The John Muir Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Arizona Trail are all iconic backpacking trips that offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are a seasoned backpacker or a beginner, these trails are sure to leave a lasting impression on your memory. No matter what skill level you might have, please prepare wisely and stay safe out there.

If you are new to the sport of backpacking and question whether you have the necessary experience for these adventures, we would love to help you out. We specialize in teaching the skills required to take on these challenges. Give us a call or email, and we can set you up on the perfect adventure. Or use our Trip Finder to help you narrow it down to the ideal excursion for your first steps into the world of thru-hikes.

Book and movie recommendations:

Article by Lasting Adventures’ Operations Director Will Heaps

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Category: Adventure Blog