The Triple Crown of Hiking is a distinguished honor bestowed upon hikers who complete the three most popular and challenging long-distance trails in the United States: the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. While the term “Triple Crown” is not officially recognized by any organization, it is widely known among outdoor enthusiasts. To earn the title of Triple Crowner, hikers must complete each trail in its entirety in one calendar year.
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,200-mile trail extending from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. This footpath passes through 14 states and offers hikers a variety of landscapes including forests, mountains, and rivers.
Hikers will encounter numerous wildlife species including bears and deer along their journey. The trail takes about 5-7 months to complete for most thru-hikers.
The Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles from the Mexican border to the Canadian border through California, Oregon, and Washington. This trail is renowned for its stunning views of mountains, deserts, and valleys as it winds its way through five national parks and 24 national forests.
As they hike through this diverse landscape, hikers will encounter numerous species of animals such as black bears and mountain lions. The trail takes about 4-6 months to complete for most thru-hikers.
The Continental Divide Trail measures 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Rocky Mountains. This arduous trek passes through five states (Montana, Idaho Wyoming Colorado), two national parks (Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park), and numerous wilderness areas along its route. The trail offers majestic views of alpine meadows as well as deep canyons with rushing rivers below them. Wildlife sightings may include elk or bighorn sheep along their journey as they cross mountain passes up to 12,000 feet high!
The trail takes 5-7 months to complete for most thru-hikers.
Conclusion:
Completing the Triple Crown of Hiking requires dedication and hard work but also offers an unparalleled outdoor experience that few people ever experience in their lifetime! To be awarded this prestigious title hikers must successfully complete all three trails: the Appalachian Trail (2,200 miles), Pacific Crest Trail (2,650 miles), and Continental Divide Trail (3100 miles). Each trail typically takes between 4-7 months to hike depending on an individual’s ability level so it’s important for potential thru-hikers to plan accordingly before embarking on such a long adventure!
