Embark on a journey through the untamed beauty of America’s wilderness as we explore some of the best thru-hikes this country has to offer. From the serene forests of Vermont’s Long Trail to the rugged deserts of the Hayduke Trail, these treks promise to immerse you in the diverse landscapes that define the U.S. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, these trails offer something for everyone. Along the way, we’ll share tips for a successful thru-hike, highlight the unique features of each trail, and recommend books to inspire your journey. And remember, as you explore, practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.
Tips for a Successful Thru-Hike
Thru-hiking is as much about preparation as it is about perseverance. Here are some tips to help you conquer the trail:
- Pack Smart: Focus on lightweight, calorie-dense foods like Snickers bars, trail mix, and ramen noodles. Backpackers can burn up to 6,000 calories a day, so fuel up!
- Embrace the Culture: Thru-hikers often adopt quirky “trail names” like “Eternal Optimist” or “Thunder Chicken.” It’s a fun way to connect with fellow hikers.
- Start Slow: Avoid overexertion early on. A slower pace at the beginning can save your energy for the tougher sections ahead.
- Know the Terrain: Research elevation changes, water sources, and weather patterns. Apps like Gaia GPS or AllTrails can be lifesavers.
- Stay Safe: Carry a first-aid kit, know basic wilderness survival skills, and always check tide charts or snow conditions if applicable.
The Hikes: From Least to Most Difficult
1. Superior Hiking Trail
- Location: Minnesota
- Length: 310 miles
- Time to Complete: 2-4 weeks
- Permits: None required
- Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Winding through Minnesota’s North Shore, the Superior Hiking Trail offers stunning views of Lake Superior, dense forests, and the Sawtooth Mountains. At its highest point, the trail reaches 1,829 feet, offering panoramic vistas.
Birdwatchers will love spotting warblers and hawks, while the well-marked paths make it accessible for intermediate hikers. The trail’s diverse terrain includes rocky ridges, serene bogs, and cascading waterfalls, making every mile a new adventure.
Fun Fact: The trail’s elevation ranges from 602 feet to 1,829 feet above sea level, with over 100 feet of elevation above Lake Superior at its peak.
Book Recommendation: The Singing Wilderness by Sigurd F. Olson, a celebration of the Northwoods.
2. Lost Coast Trail
- Location: California
- Length: 25 miles
- Time to Complete: 3-4 days
- Permits: Required
- Difficulty Rating: 2.5/5
This coastal gem takes you through rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and tide pools teeming with life. Keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, and migrating whales. Timing is key—hikers must plan around tidal charts to avoid impassable sections. The trail’s remote location and dramatic scenery, including sea stacks and black sand beaches, make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Fun Fact: The Lost Coast is one of the few stretches of California coastline too rugged for highways, making it a true wilderness escape.
Book Recommendation: The Edge of the Sea by Rachel Carson, a poetic exploration of coastal ecosystems.
3. Cohos Trail
- Location: New Hampshire
- Length: 170 miles
- Time to Complete: 2 weeks
- Permits: None required
- Difficulty Rating: 3/5
For those seeking solitude, the Cohos Trail is a hidden gem. This trail winds through craggy cliffs, serene bogs, and dense forests, offering breathtaking views of the Presidential Range. Early fall is the best time to hike, when the foliage is ablaze with color. The trail’s quiet, less-traveled paths provide a peaceful retreat into the heart of New England’s wilderness.
Fun Fact: The trail is named after the Coös County, pronounced “CO-oss,” a nod to the region’s Native American heritage.
Book Recommendation: The Last Season by Eric Blehm, a gripping tale of wilderness and mystery.
4. Long Trail
- Location: Vermont
- Length: 273 miles
- Time to Complete: 2-4 weeks
- Permits: None required
- Difficulty Rating: 3.5/5
As the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the U.S., the Long Trail offers a mix of serene ponds, hardwood forests, and challenging ascents. The trail runs the length of Vermont, from Massachusetts to Canada, with the Green Mountains as its centerpiece. Hikers will encounter pristine streams, alpine sedge, and panoramic views from peaks like Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest point.
Fun Fact: The Long Trail inspired the creation of the Appalachian Trail, earning it the nickname “the Granddaddy of Thru-Hikes.”
Book Recommendation: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, a humorous take on long-distance hiking.
5. John Muir Trail
- Location: California
- Length: 211 miles
- Time to Complete: 2-3 weeks
- Permits: Highly competitive (apply early)
- Difficulty Rating: 4/5
This iconic trail traverses Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, offering jaw-dropping views of the Sierra Nevada. Hikers will pass by Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S., and countless alpine lakes. The trail’s rugged terrain and high elevations make it a challenging but rewarding adventure, with every step revealing new wonders.
Fun Fact: The John Muir Trail is home to the elusive and endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, one of the rarest mammals in North America. Spotting one of these agile climbers scaling the steep granite cliffs of the Sierra is a rare and unforgettable treat for hikers!
Book Recommendation: Tending the Wild: Native American Knwledge and the Management of Califronia’s Natural Resources by M. Kat Anderson explores the traditional ecological knowledge of California’s Native peoples, revealing how Indigenous practices shaped the landscapes we hike today.
6. Colorado Trail
- Location: Colorado
- Length: 567 miles
- Time to Complete: 4-6 weeks
- Permits: Required for certain sections
- Difficulty Rating: 4/5
The Colorado Trail takes you through six national forests and eight mountain ranges, with an average elevation of 10,300 feet. Highlights include wildflower-filled meadows, towering peaks, and the chance to spot elk or bighorn sheep. The trail’s diverse landscapes, from arid deserts to lush forests, showcase the best of Colorado’s backcountry.
Fun Fact: The total elevation gain on the Colorado Trail is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest three times!
Book Recommendation: The Colorado Trail: The Official Guidebook by the Colorado Trail Foundation.
7. Appalachian Trail
- Location: 14 states, from Georgia to Maine
- Length: 2,197 miles
- Time to Complete: 5-7 months
- Permits: Required for certain areas (e.g., Great Smoky Mountains)
- Difficulty Rating: 4.5/5
The AT is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, offering a mix of wooded forests, rocky ridges, and panoramic views. While it’s a social trail with a strong hiker community, sections like New Hampshire’s White Mountains are notoriously challenging. Hikers will pass through many quaint towns, six national parks, eight national forests, and two wildlife refuges, encountering black bears, moose, and vibrant wildflowers along the way.
Fun Fact: Hiking the entire AT is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest 16 times!
Book Recommendation: AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller, a firsthand account of a thru-hike.
8. Pacific Crest Trail
- Location: California, Oregon, Washington
- Length: 2,650 miles
- Time to Complete: 5 months
- Permits: Required (limited availability)
- Difficulty Rating: 4.5/5
The PCT takes you through deserts, forests, and mountain ranges, including the Cascade and Sierra Nevada. Bear safety is crucial here, so carry bear canisters and know how to store food properly. The trail’s diverse ecosystems, from the arid Mojave Desert to the lush forests of Washington, make it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Fun Fact: The PCT is part of the “Triple Crown” of thru-hiking, alongside the AT and CDT.
Book Recommendation: Wild by Cheryl Strayed, a memoir of self-discovery on the PCT.
9. Continental Divide Trail
- Location: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana
- Length: 3,100 miles
- Time to Complete: 5-7 months
- Permits: Multiple required
- Difficulty Rating: 5/5
The CDT is the most rugged and remote of the Triple Crown trails, traversing high alpine tundra, deserts, and dense forests. With elevation gains of over 200,000 feet, it’s a true test of endurance. Hikers will encounter breathtaking scenery, from the windswept plains of Wyoming to the jagged peaks of the Rockies.
Fun Fact: Only about 150-400 people attempt a thru-hike each year, making it one of the least-traveled long-distance trails.
Book Recommendation: The Last Season by Eric Blehm, a tale of wilderness and adventure.
10. Arizona Trail
- Location: Arizona
- Length: 800 miles
- Time to Complete: 6-8 weeks
- Permits: Required for certain sections
- Difficulty Rating: 4.5/5
The Arizona Trail showcases the Grand Canyon State’s diverse landscapes, from the saguaro-studded deserts of the south to the cool pine forests of the north. Hikers will traverse canyons, mesas, and plateaus, with stunning sunsets and wildlife sightings along the way. The trail’s elevation changes and desert heat make it a challenging but rewarding adventure.
Fun Fact: The trail crosses the Grand Canyon, offering one of the most iconic views in the world.
Book Recommendation: The Turquoise Ledge by Leslie Marmon Silko is a memoir that blends personal stories, Native traditions, and the spiritual beauty of the Sonoran Desert, offering a profound connection to the landscapes of the Arizona Trail.
11. Hayduke Trail
- Location: Utah, Arizona
- Length: 800 miles
- Time to Complete: 1.5-2 months
- Permits: Required for certain areas
- Difficulty Rating: 5/5
This trail is not for the faint of heart. With extreme elevation changes, off-trail navigation, and harsh desert conditions, the Hayduke Trail is a true wilderness challenge. Highlights include the Grand Canyon and the red rock canyons of Utah. The trail’s rugged beauty and solitude make it a bucket-list adventure for experienced hikers.
Fun Fact: The trail is named after George Washington Hayduke III, a character from Edward Abbey’s The Monkey Wrench Gang.
Book Recommendation: The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey, a must-read for desert adventurers.
12. North Country Trail
- Location: North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont
- Length: 4,600 miles
- Time to Complete: 7-9 months
- Permits: None required
- Difficulty Rating: 4/5
The North Country Trail is a sprawling adventure through the heart of the Midwest, showcasing forests, lakes, and rolling hills. While less than 20 people have completed the entire trail, its well-maintained sections offer a peaceful retreat into nature. Hikers will encounter friendly communities, abundant wildlife, and diverse landscapes.
Fun Fact: About one-third of the trail is road walking, making it a unique mix of wilderness and rural exploration.
Book Recommendation: A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, a timeless reflection on nature and conservation.
13. Pacific Northwest Trail
- Location: Washington, Idaho, Montana
- Length: 1,200 miles
- Time to Complete: 4-5 months
- Permits: Required for certain areas
- Difficulty Rating: 5/5
This trail takes you through three national parks, seven national forests, and seven mountain ranges. With climbs of over 5,000 feet per day, it’s a grueling but breathtaking journey. Hikers will encounter cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and rugged peaks, making it a true wilderness adventure.
Fun Fact: The trail’s elevation changes are equivalent to climbing 500 flights of stairs daily!
Book Recommendation: The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd, a poetic ode to mountain landscapes.
