What Are the 3 Major Long Distance Hiking Trails Called?

Long-distance hiking is a rewarding and challenging activity that requires considerable preparation and physical fitness. For those looking for a real adventure, there are three major long-distance hiking trails to consider: the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.

The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The trail passes through 14 states including Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

It is considered one of the most diverse trails in terms of terrain and weather conditions. Hikers will traverse rugged mountain terrain as well as dense forests; they will also experience hot humid summers in the south and cold winters in the north.

The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,650-mile route that runs from Mexico to Canada along the western side of the United States. It passes through California, Oregon and Washington State before ending at Manning Park on the Canadian border.

This trail is considered more remote than its east coast counterpart as it passes through isolated desert areas as well as dense forests of coniferous trees. Hikers should be prepared for extreme weather conditions such as heat waves in California’s desert valleys or snowstorms on Washington’s Cascade Range.

The Continental Divide Trail is a 3,100-mile route that travels from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide—the line that separates rivers flowing east from those flowing west into different oceans or seas. The trail passes through five states including Montana, Idaho Wyoming Colorado and New Mexico before ending at Waterton Lake National Park on the Canadian border. It is considered one of the most difficult trails due to its remote location and difficult terrain; hikers should be prepared for high altitudes and extreme weather conditions such as snowstorms even during summer months.

In conclusion, long-distance hiking requires considerable preparation and physical fitness; however it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for those up for an adventure! There are currently three major long-distance hiking trails to consider: The Appalachian Trail (2190 miles), The Pacific Crest Trail (2650 miles), and The Continental Divide Trail (3100 miles). Each trail has its own unique terrain and weather conditions so hikers should choose one carefully based on their preferences!

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Alex Wright