Hiking is a great way to get out and explore nature, and the US has plenty of trails for hikers. Some of the longest hiking trails in the US offer a wide range of scenery, from lush forests and rugged mountains to deserts and even beaches. Here are some of the longest hiking trails in the US you can explore.
Appalachian Trail The Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance hikes in the world, stretching 2,190 miles along the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia. This trail is popular with thru-hikers who attempt to hike it all in one go, but there are also plenty of shorter sections that can be hiked over multiple days or weekends.
Pacific Crest Trail The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada along the West Coast. It passes through some of the most stunning wilderness areas in California, Oregon, and Washington, including Yosemite National Park and Cascade Range volcanoes. The PCT is an immensely popular trail for thru-hikers who take months to complete it, but it can also be broken up into smaller sections for day trips or weekend excursions.
Continental Divide Trail The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) runs 3,100 miles from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. It passes through some of America’s most remote regions as well as national parks like Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. The CDT is also popular with thru-hikers who take on this challenge as well as section hikers who break it up into smaller segments over several years.
Arizona Trail The Arizona Trail runs 800 miles across Arizona from Utah to Mexico and offers an array of landscapes including desert terrain and mountain ranges. The trail passes through eight different national parks including Grand Canyon National Park as well as numerous state parks along its path from north to south.
These are just a few of the longest hiking trails in the US that offer breathtaking scenery no matter which section you choose to explore. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day challenge or just a few hours out on the trail, these trails have something for everyone!
Conclusion: If you’re looking for an adventure that takes you deep into nature then consider exploring one of America’s longest hiking trails! From the iconic Appalachian Trail stretching 2190 miles from Maine to Georgia to Arizona’s 800mile trail traversing 8 national parks – there’s sure to be something that suits your needs no matter what type of hiker you are!
