A List of Long-Distance Trails in the US

Itching for a long hike but don’t know which trail to pick? Yeah, we’ve been there too. The US is brimming with long-distance trails, but when it comes time to actually choose one … finding that Goldilocks trail that’s the perfect length, is in-season, and isn’t all the way on the other side of the dang country can be challenging, to say the least.

This resource exists to make planning your next trip easier. You can sort the following list of trails by length, region, or season to find hikes that work for you, then click through to learn more about each trail. We’re not claiming that this is an exhaustive list of every trail or route that’s ever existed in the US — it’s not. But it’s an ever growing resource, so if you’re not seeing a trail on the list that you’d like to learn more about, drop us a line.

We hope this page helps you plan your next adventure, dear reader. Smooch. If there are any trails that you’d like to see added to this list, drop us a line in the comments.

A List of Long-Distance Trails in the US

Trail Name	Length (mi)	Length (km)	States	Season
American Discovery Trail	6800	10943	DE, D.C., MD, WV, OH, IN, IL, IA, NE, KY, MO, KS, CO, UT, NV, CA	Spring, Summer, Fall
Appalachian High Route	330	531	NC, TN	Spring, Summer, Fall
Appalachian Trail	2198	3537	GA, NC, TN, VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, ME	Spring, Summer, Fall
Arizona Trail	825	1328	AZ	Spring, Fall
Baker Trail	134	216	PA	Spring, Summer, Fall
Bay Area Ridge Trail	550	885	CA	Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Basin and Range Trail	1090	1754	NV	Late Spring, Summer
Benton Mackaye Trail	288	463	GA, NC, TN	Spring, Fall
Buckeye Trail	1444	2324	OH	Spring, Summer, Fall
California Coastal Trail	1230	1979	CA	Spring, Summer, Fall
Cohos Trail	162	261	NH	Spring, Summer, Fall
Continental Divide Trail	3100	4989	NM, CO, WY, ID, MT	Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall
Colorado Trail	483	777	CO	Summer, Early Fall
Eastern Continental Trail	5700	9173	FL, AL, GA, NC, TN, VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, ME | ON, QC, PE, NL	Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Finger Lakes Trail	580	933	NY	Spring, Summer, Fall
Florida Trail	1500	2414	FL	Winter
Grand Enchantment Trail	730	1240	AZ, NM	Spring, Fall
Hayduke Trail	812	1307	UT, AZ	Spring, Fall
Ice Age Trail	1200	1931	WI	Summer, Fall
Idaho Centennial Trail	996	1603	ID	Summer, Early Fall
John Muir Trail	211	340	CA	Summer, Fall
Lone Star Trail	96	154	TX	Winter, Spring
Long Path	358	576	NY	Spring, Summer, Fall
Long Trail	272	438	VT	Summer, Fall
Lost Coast Trail	52	84	CA	Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall
Mid State Trail	327	527	PA	Spring, Summer, Fall
Mountains-to-Sea Trail	1175	1891	NC	Spring, Summer, Fall
Natchez Trace	440	715	AL, MS, TN	Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
New England Trail	233	378	CT, MA	Spring, Fall
North Country Trail	4800	7725	ND, MN, WI, MI, OH, PA, NY, VT	Spring, Summer, Fall
Northville-Placid Trail	238	214	NY	Spring, Summer, Fall
Oregon Coast Trail	362	583	OR	Summer, Fall
Oregon Desert Trail	750	1207	OR	Spring, Fall
Ouachita Trail	223	359	OK, AR	Spring, Fall
Ozark Highlands Trail	218	515	AR	Winter, Spring, Fall
Ozark Trail	230	370	MO	Winter, Spring, Fall
Pacific Crest Trail	2650	4265	CA, OR, WA	Spring, Summer, Early Fall
Pacific Northwest Trail	1200	1931	MT, ID, WA	Summer, Early Fall
Palmetto Trail	425	684	SC	Winter, Spring, Fall
Pinhoti Trail	335	539	AL, GA	Winter, Spring, Fall
Sheltowee Trace	343	552	KY, TN	Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
South Dakota CentennialTrail	123	198	SD	Spring, Summer, Fall
Superior Hiking Trail	310	499	MN	Summer, Fall
Tahoe Rim Trail	165	265	NV, CA	Summer, Early Fall
Timberline Trail	42	68	OR	Summer, Early Fall
Trans-Catalina Trail	39	63	CA	Spring, Fall
Uinta Highline Trail	104	164	UT	Summer, Early Fall
Wonderland Trail	93	150	WA	Summer, Early Fall

American Discovery Trail

• Length: 6800 mi | 10943 km
• States: DE, D.C., MD, WV, OH, IN, IL, IA, NE, KY, MO, KS, CO, UT, NV, CA
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: American Discovery Trail Society

The American Discovery Trail (ADT) crosses the country from east to west and tops our list of insanely long trails in the US at 6,800 miles, nearly the length of the entire Triple Crown combined. Note that the middle section of the ADT splits into a northern and southern route. Hardcore thru-hikers like Briana DeSanctis have walked both alternates, but you could also pick just one and walk the ADT end to end in about 4,800 miles.

NEXT –

• Interviews with Successful Thru-Hikers of the American Discovery Trail
• Backpacker Radio #206: Briana DeSanctis on Thru-Hiking the American Discovery Trail

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Appalachian High Route

• Length: 330 mi | 531 km
• States: NC, TN
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization:

Not to be confused with the AT, the Appalachian High Route was designed by Jennifer Pharr Davis as a loop hike that provides access to nearly all of the 6000-foot-plus peaks east of the Mississippi. Combining sections of the AT, Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and Black Mountains Crest Trail (plus a few miles on forest roads), the AHR is a challenging route.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Appalachian High Route

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Appalachian Trail

• Length: 2198 mi | 3537 km
• States: GA, NC, TN, VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, ME
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Look, we’re not going to beat a dead horse here. The AT is our bread and butter (fun fact, The Trek used to be called AppalachianTrials.org but we had to change it because too many people thought our name was a typo). Rather than rehash the billion reasons the world’s most famous thru-hike is worth your time, here’s a selection of helpful resources to get you started with planning.

READ NEXT –

• The Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Gear List
• Appalachian Trail 101 Guide
• Appalachian Trail FAQs
• The AT Thru-Hiker Survey
• The Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Checklist

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Arizona Trail

• Length: 825 mi | 1328 km
• States: AZ
• Hiking season: Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: Arizona Trail Association

Traversing breathtaking desert landscapes, the AZT is justifiably popular among thru-hikers. At 825 miles, it’s long enough to feel like a substantial thru-hike without taking over your whole year like a Triple Crown trail would. Best hiked either in the spring or the fall, it’s a perfect shoulder season escape.

READ NEXT –

• The Ultimate Guide to Resupply and Towns on the Arizona Trail
• The Arizona Trail Gear List
• How To Hike the Arizona Trail

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Baker Trail

• Length: 134 mi | 216 km
• States: PA
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Rachel Carson Trail Conservancy

The verdant and meandering Baker Trail traverses six counties in western Pennsylvania. It doesn’t see much action, so be aware that some parts of the trail are little-maintained and can get quite overgrown. This adds to the adventure, but do make sure to take precautions against ticks as Lyme disease is relatively common in this neck of the woods.

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Bay Area Ridge Trail

• Length: 550 mi | 885 km
• States: CA
• Hiking season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Bay Area Ridge Trail Council

Bay Area residents and visitors, rejoice! You have a lovely and scenic long trail that’s hikeable year-round, right in your backyard. When complete, the BART will be around 550 miles long; currently some 400 miles are complete. The trail council will still recognize you as a thru-hiker (or “circumnavigator”) if you complete all sections of the trail that are currently open.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Bay Area Ridge Trail

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Basin and Range Trail

• Length: 1090 mi | 1754 km
• States: NV
• Hiking season: Late Spring, Summer
• Trail Organization:

The Basin and Range Trail is an unofficial route and lacks its own trail association. Hikers must be prepared for bushwhacking and route-finding on this extremely challenging trek. In exchange, you’ll gain access to some of the most beautiful, rarely traveled corners of Nevada. This is not a beginner-friendly hike.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Basin and Range Trail: 1000 Miles of Rugged and Rewarding Nevada Wilderness

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Benton Mackaye Trail

• Length: 288 mi | 463 km
• States: GA, NC, TN
• Hiking season: Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: Benton Mackaye Trail Association

This trail shares its starting point with the Appalachian Trail on Springer Mountain. Like the longer AT, the BMT explores the lush valleys and exposed balds of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, culminating in a traverse of Great Smoky Mountains National Park — albeit a different part of the park than the AT. It’s a great alternative for southeastern hikers seeking a change of scenery or more solitude than the ever-popular AT can offer.

READ NEXT –

• How To Hike the Benton Mackaye Trail
• The AT Is Crowded. Why Not Start Your Thru-Hike on the BMT Instead?

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Buckeye Trail

• Length: 1444 mi | 2324 km
• States: OH
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Buckeye Trail Association

This gigantic loop trail is the perfect way to get to know Ohio on a deeper level. Late spring and early fall offer the best conditions, but you can technically hike it year-round — which is good, since it takes about three months to complete and you therefore won’t be able to thru-hike the entire thing within the ideal weather window.

READ NEXT –

• How To Travel Around Ohio: The 1444-Mile Buckeye Trail

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California Coastal Trail

• Length: 1230 mi | 2324 km
• States: CA
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: State of California Coastal Conservancy

I don’t know what we really need to say to sell you guys on hiking the entirety of California’s gorgeous coastline, some 1200 miles from Mexico to Oregon. The trail is over 70 percent complete at this point, and if you really wanted to get wild you could connect it to the Oregon Coast Trail and have an even longer seaside adventure.

READ NEXT –

• The Longest Trail

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Cohos Trail

• Length: 162 mi | 261 km
• States: NH
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Cohos Trail Association

Despite the White Mountains’ popularity as a hiking destination, the relatively new Cohos Trail still flies under the radar. Running from Crawford Notch to the Canadian border, this rugged thru-hike packs plenty of stunning scenery and a whole lot of challenge into a short number of miles.

READ NEXT – The Cohos Trail: 170 Miles in New Hampshire’s North Woods

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Continental Divide Trail

• Length: 3100 mi | 4989 km
• States: NM, CO, WY, ID, MT
• Hiking season: Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall
• Trail Organization: Continental Divide Trail Coalition

Officially, the CDT is 3,100 miles. Functionally, most CDT thru-hikes are significantly shorter than that due to the trail’s choose-your-own adventure vibes. With plenty of alternates to choose from (even the trail’s northern and southern termini aren’t fixed — you can officially start and end your hike in several different locations), no two CDT thru-hikes are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the trail so unforgettable.

READ NEXT –

• 3,000 Miles My Ass: Why the Continental Divide Trail Isn’t as Long as Everyone Says It Is
• An Overview of Major CDT Alternates
• 9 Reasons You Should Hike the CDT SOBO
• 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Hiking the CDT

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Colorado Trail

• Length: 483 mi | 777 km
• States: CO
• Hiking season: Summer, Early Fall
• Trail Organization: Colorado Trail Foundation

This nearly 500-mile trek from Denver to Durango showcases some of the best hiking the Colorado Rockies have to offer, from the famous Collegiate Peaks to the breathtaking San Juans. The CT shares many miles with the longer Continental Divide Trail and also comes within spitting distance of numerous 14ers.

READ NEXT –

• 86 Absolutely Stunning Photos From the Colorado Trail
• The Colorado Trail Guide: Everything You Need To Know To Hike the CT (Gear, Resupply, Route Description, and More)
• Every Colorado Trail Town, Ranked
• The Colorado Trail vs. the John Muir Trail: Which Is Better?

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Eastern Continental Trail

• Length: 5700 mi | 9173 km
• States: FL, AL, GA, NC, TN, VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, ME | ON, QC, PE, NL
• Hiking season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Florida Trail Association, Alabama Hiking Trail Society, Benton Mackaye Trail Association, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, International Appalachian Trail Council

The ECT isn’t one trail, but rather a network combining the Florida, Appalachian, Pinhoti, Benton Mackaye, and International Appalachian trails to form one gigantic route from the Florida Keys to the tip of Newfoundland, enabling a hiker to traverse the east coast of North America from tip to tip.

The ECT can range from a piddly 4,400 miles all the way up to 5,700, depending on which Florida Trail alternates a hiker chooses and whether they end the hike in Cape Gaspé, Quebec or continue onward to Newfoundland.

READ NEXT –

• Peg Leg’s ECT blog
• Owen “AtHome” Eigenbrot’s ECT blog
• Essential Gear for a 4400-Mile ECT Thru-Hike

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Finger Lakes Trail

• Length: 580 mi | 933 km
• States: NY
• Hiking season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Finger Lakes Trail Conference

Anyone who’s ever drooled over pictures of the majestic waterfalls and gorges in Watkins Glen will probably love the Finger Lakes Trail, which goes east-west across upstate New York and even has a branch connector from Niagara Falls. Many branches, spurs, and loops connect to the FLT, so you’ll have the opportunity to plan endless itineraries — or go for the whole enchilada and hike the roughly 580-mile main trail end to end.

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Florida Trail

• Length: 1500 mi | 2414 km
• States: FL
• Hiking season: Winter
• Trail Organization: Florida Trail Association

One of the very few longer American thru-hikes that can be completed in winter, the FT is growing in popularity with each passing year. What this weird and wonderful trail lacks in mountain peaks it makes up for in a buffet of ecosystems, a welcoming trail community, and the opportunity to see gators in the wild (yay!). It’s also part of the much longer Eastern Continental Trail.

READ NEXT – 11 Reasons the Florida Trail Is Awesome

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Grand Enchantment Trail

• Length: 770 mi | 1240 km
• States: AZ, NM
• Hiking season: Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: n/a

Designed by Brett Tucker, the GET has no official Trail Organization and isn’t even an officially recognized trail. That said, Tucker’s website is a phenomenal trip planning resource for anyone hoping to thru-hike between Phoenix and Albuquerque on this popular desert route. It’s not for the faint of heart and is unsuitable for beginners.

READ NEXT – Getting Enchanted: The Grand Enchantment Trail

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Hayduke Trail

• Length: 812 mi | 1307 km
• States: UT, AZ
• Hiking season: Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: n/a

The Hayduke is one of the most brutal, glorious hikes in the US. The route, which was designed by Joe Mitchell and Mike Coronella and named after a fictional character in Edward Abbey’s Monkey Wrench Gang, crosses Utah diagonally from Arches National Park to Zion National Park.

Hikers should be prepared for extremely challenging water carries and resupply logistics, as well as rugged, dangerous terrain, mostly off-trail navigation, and constant exposure to the elements in the high desert. Mitchell’s website, hayduketrail.org, is a phenomenal resource for anyone ambitious enough to thru-hike of this beast of a route.

READ NEXT –

• Hiking the Hayduke: Welcome to the Wild, Wild (South) West
• Tips for Caching Food and Water on the Hayduke
• Backpacker Radio 109: The Real Hiking Viking on the Hayduke

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Ice Age Trail

• Length: 1200 mi | 1931 km
• States: WI
• Hiking season: Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Ice Age Trail Alliance

The Ice Age Trail (IAT) is long but gentle, with minimal elevation gain and loss and regular access to towns. Per its name, the trail explores the glaciated landscapes left behind after the last ice age. Geology lovers and anyone in the mood for a more laid-back midwestern thru-hike will enjoy the IAT.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Ice Age Trail: 1200 Meandering Miles of Wisconsin’s Glacial Landscape

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Idaho Centennial Trail

• Length: 996 mi | 1603 km
• States: ID
• Hiking season: Summer, Early Fall
• Trail Organization: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

Only a handful of intrepid thru-hikers have ever completed the grueling ICT. The little-maintained trail involves hundreds of miles of bushwhacking as much of the original treadway has gone back to nature over the years. But for those who like a good sufferfest (and the reward of having some of Idaho’s most spectacular scenery all to themselves), it just might be the perfect thru-hike.

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John Muir Trail

• Length: 211 mi | 340 km
• States: CA
• Hiking season: Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: John Muir Trail Wilderness Conservancy

Named after the pioneering naturalist, the John Muir Trail is sometimes described as the most famous long trail in America. Traversing the most majestic passes of the High Sierra and going right over the summit of Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48, it certainly is one of the most spectacular. Much of the JMT runs concurrent with the PCT, so if you want a little Triple Crown flavor in a smaller package, the JMT might be perfect for you.

READ NEXT –

• How To Hike the John Muir Trail: 211 Miles of Bucket List Hiking
• A Complete Guide to Resupply on the John Muir Trail
• How To Get a Permit for the John Muir Trail
• 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Hiking the John Muir Trail

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Lone Star Hiking Trail

• Length: 96 mi | 154 km
• States: TX
• Hiking season: Winter, Spring
• Trail Organization: Lone Star Hiking Trail Club

This short and sweet week-long thru-hike is the longest continuous footpath in Texas. It’s perfect for those who want solitude and to explore a variety of Texas ecosystems.

READ NEXT –

• How To Hike the Lone Star Hiking Trail
• 5 Things You Should Know About the Lone Star Hiking Trail

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Long Path

• Length: 358 mi | 576 km
• States: NY, NJ
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: New York – New Jersey Trail Conference

Not to be confused with the more famous Long Trail in Vermont, the Long Path starts in New York City and runs 358 miles to Joyce Boyd Thacher State Park west of Albany. The trail is currently thru-hikeable, but you should do some planning ahead of time as camping is not allowed on some parts of the trail. As it stands now, the route includes some 60 miles of road walking.

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Long Trail

• Length: 272 mi | 438 km
• States: VT
• Hiking season: Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Green Mountain Club

In many ways, the aptly named Long Trail is the footpath that started it all. The storied route is credited as America’s first long-distance hiking trail. First envisioned by James P. Taylor, the Long Trail was Benton Mackaye’s inspiration for proposing an even longer Appalachian Trail, and we all know how that one worked out.

The LT is challenging but gorgeous in its own right, doling out classic New England sufferfest and breathtaking Green Mountain views in equal measure.

READ NEXT –

• A Guide to Thru-Hiking the Long Trail in Vermont
• The Long Trail Survey: Favorite Towns, Restaurants, Shelters, Gear, and More

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Lost Coast Trail

• Length: 52 mi | 84 km
• States: CA
• Hiking season: Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall
• Trail Organization: Bureau of Land Management

This short but popular hike is a perfect way to explore the unique and stunning environments of the northern California coastline. Bring a tide chart and plan to get your feet wet, but it will be worth it for the tide pools, sea lion sightings, and sunset over the Pacific each evening. The LCT is part of the much longer California Coastal Trail, which traverses the entire coastline of the state.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Lost Coast Trail

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Mid State Trail

• Length: 327 mi | 527 km
• States: PA
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Mid State Trail Association

Described as Pennsylvania’s longest and wildest footpath, the MST traverses the length of the state from south to north. It’s a different flavor of PA hiking compared to the section of the AT that runs through the state: the MST is longer, far more remote, and (according to many who have hiked both trails) more rewarding. Do some research ahead of time, as limited resupply opportunities and camping restrictions in certain parts of the trail make end-to-end logistics somewhat challenging.

READ NEXT –

• Go Wild: Meet Pennnsylvania’s Mid State Trail
• Maryland Border to Everett: Days 1-3 on the Mid State Trail (Mid State Trail daily hiking blog)

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Mountains-to-Sea Trail

• Length: 1175 mi | 1891 km
• States: NC
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Conditions will be nicest on the MST in spring and fall, but thru-hikers will likely see a bit of summer weather on one end or the other as it typically takes three or four months to hike the full length of the trail from Clingmans Dome, down through the Piedmont region, and finally to the Atlantic Ocean at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

READ NEXT –

• An Overview of North Carolina’s Mountains to Sea Trail
• 10 Undeniable Truths of North Carolina’s Mountains to Sea Trail

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Natchez Trace

• Length: 444 mi | 715 km
• States: AL, MS, TN
• Hiking season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Natchez Trace Parkway Association

The Natchez Trace is one of the USA’s National Scenic Trails, but really it’s a National Scenic Parkway — essentially a 444-mile road walk. For this reason, many people choose to bike it rather than walking it. Still, if you’re looking to hike all of the National Scenic Trails and are a stickler for details, it can technically be thru-hiked.

READ NEXT – A National Scenic Road Walk?

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New England Trail

• Length: 235 mi | 378 km
• States: CT, MA
• Hiking season: Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: Appalachian Mountain Club (MA), Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CT)

The NET is compact at just 235 miles, but when you reach the northern terminus at the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border, you’ll have the option to keep heading north and pick up other trail systems for even more New England goodness.

READ NEXT – The New England Trail, Part 1 (NET daily hiking blog)

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North Country Trail

• Length: 4800 mi | 7725 km
• States: ND, MN, WI, MI, OH, PA, NY, VT
  
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: North Country Trail Association

Do the Triple Crown Trails sound a little too short for you? If you’re looking for an insanely long trail to tackle next hiking season (and you will probably need every minute of hiking season you can possible squeeze out to complete the nearly 5,000-mile trek), the North Country Trail could be a great option. The eastern end of the NCT connects to the AT, so true hiking addicts can get even more bonus miles.

NEXT – Backpacker Radio 72: Luke “Strider” Jordan on the North Country Trail and Great Plains Trail

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Northville-Placid Trail

• Length: 133 mi | 214 km
• States: NY
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Adirondack Mountain Club

This roughly two-week thru-hike is a perfect way to experience a less-known side of the glorious Adirondacks. You won’t bag High Peaks on the NPT, but you’ll get to explore serene valleys and lakes that relatively few visitors to the region see. The terrain is a lot more moderate than that of most New England trails, too, which is a win if you’re looking for a more laid back experience.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Northville Placid Trail: A 133-Mile Hidden Gem in the Adirondacks

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Oregon Coast Trail

• Length: 362 mi | 583 km
• States: OR
• Hiking season: Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Oregon Coast Trail Foundation

America’s rugged west coast is stunning, thanks to its white sandy beaches, rocky cliffs plunging into the sea, charismatic seastacks, and delicate tidal pools brimming with marine wildlife. While the west coast has always been a popular road trip destination, the self-explanatory Oregon Coast Trail gives section- and thru-hikers the chance to thoroughly explore those stunning landscapes on foot.

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Oregon Desert Trail

• Length: 750 mi | 1207 km
• States: OR
• Hiking season: Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: Oregon Natural Desert Association

Only a few dozen people have ever thru-hiked this daunting trail. For those who love arid and austere desert landscapes, the remote and little-trafficked Oregon Desert Trail could be the perfect challenge.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Oregon Desert Trail: 750 Miles Across Eastern Oregon’s High Desert

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Ouachita Trail

• Length: 223 mi | 359 km
• States: OK, AR
• Hiking season: Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: Friends of the Ouachita Trail

The Ouachita is (relatively) short and (relatively) not too hard. You could probably hike it year-round, to be honest, but fall and spring would give you the best weather conditions. It’s an ideal shakedown hike for longer trails like the AT but also stands in its own right with beautiful water features and scenic Appalachian views throughout.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Ouachita Trail: 223 Rocky and Remote Miles in the Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas

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Ozark Highlands Trail

• Length: 320 mi | 515 km
• States: AR
• Hiking season: Winter, Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: Ozark Highlands Trail Association

The Ozark Highlands Trail is still a work in progress, with about 270 of its eventual 320 miles officially complete. You can still thru-hike it as long as you don’t mind the occasional bushwalk and/or road walk, though. The OHT is one of those rare North American thru-hikes that is hikeable even in the dead of winter, making it perfect for anyone trying to stay in touch with their trashy side in the off season.

NEXT –

• Backpacker Radio 197: Tim Ernst on Founding the Ozark Highlands Trail
• Backpacker Radio 199: Chaunce and Fireball Hiked the Ozark Highlands Trail

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Ozark Trail

• Length: 230 mi | 370 km
• States: MO
• Hiking season: Winter, Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: Ozark Trail Association

Not to be confused with the Ozark Highlands Trail listed above (or the line of outdoor gear from Walmart), the Ozark Trail stretches across the spine of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri. The OT is very much a work in progress. Some 400 miles of trail are complete right now, but the Ozark Trail Association currently defines a thru-hike as a hike that covers the contiguous 230 miles of trail along the Ozark Ridge.

When completed, the OT will be around 500 miles and will connect to the OHT, its counterpart in the Arkansas Ozarks, to make a 700-ish-mile thru-hike.

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Pacific Crest Trail

• Length: 2650 mi | 4265 km
• States: CA, OR, WA
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Early Fall
• Trail Organization: Pacific Crest Trail Association

The PCT is arguably the most charismatic long trail in the United States, its splendor drawing hikers from all over the world. From arid southern California, the trail crosses the untamed passes of the High Sierra and meanders north through the lush forests and snow-capped peaks of Oregon and Washington — a grueling, glorious highlights reel from start to finish.

READ NEXT –

• The Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Gear List
• A Complete Guide to Resupply on the PCT
• A List of Individual Permits Needed To Thru-Hike the PCT
• The PCT Thru-Hiker Checklist: 29 Things To Do Before You Head to Campo

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Pacific Northwest Trail

• Length: 1200 mi | 1931 km
• States: MT, ID, WA
• Hiking season: Summer, Early Fall
• Trail Organization: Pacific Northwest Trail Association

Unlike the north-south Triple Crown Trails, the remote and little-walked PNT runs east-west from the Rocky Mountains in Montana to the Pacific Ocean in Washington, going up and over no fewer than seven(!) mountain ranges. This all makes for a rugged walk with a lot of elevation change and plenty of routefinding challenges.

But on the other hand, you cross through three national parks (Glacier, North Cascades, and Olympic), seeing some of the most pristine and beautiful corners of the nation along the way. Finishing the PNT puts you in a rarefied group, as only a few dozen people complete the trail each year.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Pacific Northwest Trail: 1200 Miles of Rugged Wilderness

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Palmetto Trail

• Length: 425 mi | 684 km
• States: SC
• Hiking season: Winter, Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: Palmetto Conservation Foundation

Some 365 miles of the cross-state Palmetto Trail are currently complete, but it will eventually stretch nearly 500 miles from the Oconee County Mountains in the west to the Intracoastal Waterway in the east. Intrepid thru-hikers can still go from end to end, improvising in the as-yet incomplete sections to connect existing passages of the PT.

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Pinhoti Trail

• Length: 335 mi | 539 km
• States: AL, GA
• Hiking season: Winter, Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: Georgia Pinhoti Trail Association, Alabama Trails Foundation

From Flagg Mountain in Alabama, you can hike all the way up to Springer in Georgia and connect to the AT. The Pinhoti Trail is similar to the AT in many ways, although it is dramatically less crowded. For anyone looking for an off-season thru-hike that boasts Appalachian splendor minus the hordes of people, the Pinhoti is an excellent choice.

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Sheltowee Trace

• Length: 343 mi | 552 km
• States: KY
• Hiking season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Sheltowee Trace Association

The Sheltowee Trace is one of the gems of the Midwest: proof, if anyone needs it, that the heart of the country is home to just as much stunning nature as any other region. Relatively speaking, the trail is physically and logistically easy to hike, and at 343 miles it’s long enough to feel like a proper thru but short enough to squeeze into a few weeks of vacation time.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Sheltowee Trace: Kentucky’s 323-Mile Long Trail

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South Dakota Centennial Trail

• Length: 123 mi | 198 km
• States: KY
• Hiking season: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization:

The Centennial Trail is short enough to thru-hike in about a week and will give you an excellent sampling of South Dakota’s austere beauty, including icons like Bear Butte (pictured above) and Mount Rushmore. Terrain and navigation are (for the most part) not too challenging, but water availability can vary drastically depending on the time of year.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the South Dakota Centennial Trail

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Superior Hiking Trail

• Length: 310 mi | 499 km
• States: MN
• Hiking season: Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Superior Hiking Trail Association

Skirting Lake Superior on Minnesota’s North Shore, the SHT is a nature lover’s dream trail. Brimming with biodiversity and unique ecosystems, the trail also delivers on classic vistas looking out over lush, forested landscapes and the Great Lake itself.

READ NEXT –

• How To Hike the Superior Hiking Trail
• The Superior Hiking Trail Section-by-Section Guide

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Tahoe Rim Trail

• Length: 165 mi | 265 km
• States: NV, CA
• Hiking season: Summer, Fall
• Trail Organization: Tahoe Rim Trail Association

On the Tahoe Rim Trail, you’ll experience the same epic High Sierra vibes of the JMT but with reduced length and difficulty. The fact that it’s a loop hike also adds to the TRT’s allure: not many thru-hikes are this logistically easy to plan. Despite being named after a gigantic body of water, you’ll need to be careful with your water supply, as the universal solvent can be surprisingly scarce.

This region is stunningly beautiful and should be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list to visit.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail: 170 Miles Around — Yep — Lake Tahoe

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Timberline Trail

• Length: 42 mi | 68 km
• States: OR
• Hiking season: Summer, Early Fall
• Trail Organization: USDA Forest Service – Mt. Hood National Forest

The Timberline Trail is like a shorter, wilder version of the Wonderland Trail hike. Short enough to complete in two to four days, it’s by no means an easy hike. Don’t miss out on the luxe breakfast buffet at Timberline Lodge when you pass through.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Timberline Trail: 42 Stunning Miles Around Mt. Hood

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Trans-Catalina Trail

• Length: 39 mi | 63 km
• States: CA
• Hiking season: Spring, Fall
• Trail Organization: Catalina Island Conservancy

The juxtaposition of Catalina Island’s arid chaparral landscapes with the surrounding deep blue sea makes for a striking contrast. Although short, the TCT is challenging, beautiful, and utterly unique. Make sure you get the free permit through the Catalina Island Conservancy’s website and remember that you have to catch a ferry from the mainland to access the trailhead.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Trans Catalina Trail: Three Days of Oceanfront Views and Steep Climbs

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Uinta Highline Trail

• Length: 102 mi | 164 km
• States: UT
• Hiking season: Summer, Early Fall
• Trail Organization: Uinta Highline Trail

Many people, when asked to call up a mental image of Utah, envision something very dry and red. Yet the high peaks of the Uinta Mountains, with their lush forests, alpine tundra, and tranquil lakes, feel more akin to (what our collective imagination thinks of as) Colorado. This compact end-to-end thru will give you a glorious taste of what the Rockies have to offer without you having to take off more than a week from work.

READ NEXT – How To Hike the Uinta Highline Trail: 100 Miles in Utah’s Rugged Backcountry

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Wonderland Trail

• Length: 93 mi | 150 km
• States: WA
• Hiking season: Summer, Early Fall
• Trail Organization: Mt Rainier National Park

This iconic loop hike circumnavigating Mt. Rainier is one of the most scenic short backpacking trips in the country and a bucket list experience for many hikers. With rigorous terrain and a competitive permit system, the WT is not without its challenges, but the rewards of this classic Pacific Northwest trek are well worth the struggle.

READ NEXT –

• How To Hike the Wonderland Trail
• How To Get a Permit for the Wonderland Trail, According to a Ranger

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Featured image: Graphic design by Chris Helm.