America's Long Trails: Overview of the AT, PCT, and CDT

Written By Jacquai Harris

Hiking a section of the AT in Shenandoah National Park

Hiking The Continental Divide Trail (CDT), Pacific Coast Trail (PCT), and Appalachian Trail (AT)

A Beginner-Friendly Overview

I need to be upfront: I have never attempted to hike any of these trails end-to-end. My experience is limited to day hikes on trail sections. But during those shorter visits, I've had the chance to meet and talk with many thru-hikers, the determined few who walk an entire long-distance trail in one continuous journey.

A thru-hiker starts at one end, finishes at the other, and spends months living outside. They carry their own gear, food, shelter, and water. It's less about speed and more about staying consistent until the very end.

The portions of these trails I've seen are beautiful, wild, and challenging. They show you just how vast the country is when you leave the highway and choose a footpath instead.

This guide provides an overview of each trail, discusses why people take these journeys, and points you toward resources for learning more.

Why People Walk the Long Trails

The reasons for hiking these trails are varied and deeply personal. Some are looking for a break from their daily schedule. Others want a challenge that lasts longer than a weekend. Many start after a major life change. And some simply want to see the country at a simpler, slower pace.

If you talk to thru-hikers, you’ll hear a common thread:

  • Time away from screens and a chance to think.

  • The simple routine of walking, eating, and sleeping.

  • A chance to meet people who share the same extreme goal.

  • Access to scenery that cannot be reached by car.

The National Trails System

The Appalachian Trail (AT), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and Continental Divide Trail (CDT) were created and protected as part of the National Trails System. They were established to preserve long-distance routes that connect major landscapes and give people a chance to explore them.

Together, these three trails are known to hikers as the Triple Crown. They stretch from the eastern mountains to the deserts of the Southwest and through the massive ranges of California and Washington.

The Triple Crown

The Triple Crown refers to hikers who have successfully completed all three trails: the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Completing all three adds up to thousands of miles and years of dedicated preparation and experience.

The title is recognized by the American Long Distance Hiking Association West. If you meet someone who has earned it, you are talking to someone who has spent a significant part of their life on trail.

Why No Popular Coast-to-Coast Trail?

There is no single continuous backcountry footpath that runs from one coast of the United States to the other. One major reason is the landscape. A single east-west route would cross long, dry sections, vast stretches of private land, and numerous major urban areas.

While there is a cross-country route called the American Discovery Trail (linking Delaware to California), it uses a combination of local trails, roads, and paths. The long-distance hiking community remains centered on the north-south mountain routes.

Continental Divide Trail (CDT)

About The Trail

The CDT runs from Mexico to Canada, passing through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It follows the Continental Divide, the line that separates waters flowing toward the Pacific from those flowing toward the Atlantic. It is considered the most remote and rugged of the three long trails. Some sections are still being developed, and hikers use multiple alternate routes. Weather, snow travel, elevation, and navigation are all significant challenges.

Trail Facts

Distance: About 3,100 miles (varies by route)

Southern Terminus: Crazy Cook Monument in New Mexico

Northern Terminus: Waterton Lake in Glacier National Park

Typical Time to Complete: Five to seven months

Start Time (Northbound): Mid-April to Mid-May

Start Time (Southbound): Late June or July

Resources and Risks

  • Planning Resources:

  • Key Risks: High elevation, long dry stretches, steep snow, thunderstorms, navigation issues in unmarked areas, wildfire conditions, and grizzly bear activity (Montana and Wyoming). This is the most difficult of the Triple Crown trails.

Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

About The Trail

The PCT runs from Mexico to Canada, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington. It moves from the arid Southern California desert into the high Sierra Nevada and then through the rugged Cascade Range. This trail is known for wide open mountain views, high passes, and long stretches of backcountry with no services. It is well-marked and highly popular, but still extremely challenging.

Trail Facts

Distance: About 2,650 miles

Southern Terminus: Campo, California

Northern Terminus: The border crossing into British Columbia (near Manning Park)

Typical Time to Complete: Four to six months

Start Time (Northbound): Late March through early May (to time the Sierra snowmelt)

Start Time (Southbound): Late June or July

Resources and Risks

Appalachian Trail (AT)

About The Trail

The AT is the oldest of the long trails. It runs from Georgia to Maine along the Appalachian Mountains, passing through fourteen states. It is known for its lush green forest, challenging rocky climbs, and close connection to small mountain towns along the way.

Trail Facts

Distance: About 2,190 miles (varies yearly)

Southern Terminus: Springer Mountain in Georgia

Northern Terminus: Katahdin in Baxter State Park

Typical Time to Complete: Five to seven months

Start Time (Northbound): Early March to mid-April

Start Time (Southbound): Late June or July

Resources and Risks

Jacquai Harris
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