The Longest Hikes in the United States: Epic Trails, Fascinating Facts, and Budgeting for Your Adventure

America offers up some of the best Hiking in the World. For those seeking the ultimate adventure, long-distance hiking trails, including the longest hikes in America, provide a test of endurance and a chance to immerse yourself in the wild. These longest hikes in America are a great way to explore diverse landscapes. Below, we share the longest hikes in America, share intriguing facts, estimate costs, and provide visual data to inspire your next adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or a curious beginner, these trails are bucket-list material!

How Much Does It Cost To Hike The Appalachian Trail?

The Longest Hiking Trails in the United States

The U.S. is home to some of the world’s most iconic long-distance hiking trails, including the longest hikes in America such as the prestigious Triple Crown of Hiking: the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. Below, we explore the top five longest trails, their unique features, and what makes them stand out.

1. American Discovery Trail (6,800+ miles)

Location: Limantour Beach, California, to Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
Duration: Approximately 12 months for a thru-hike
Description: The American Discovery Trail is the longest trail in the U.S., stretching over 6,800 miles across 15 states. It’s a coast-to-coast route with two parallel paths in the Great Plains and Midwest, offering flexibility to hikers. Expect diverse landscapes, from deserts and mountains to urban areas and farmlands.
Unique Feature: This trail includes a loop, meaning you’d repeat a section to complete the full distance. It’s a mix of rural and urban environments, passing through cities like Denver and Washington, D.C.
Source: WorldAtlas

2. Great Western Loop (6,875 miles)

Location: Loops through California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona
Duration: Around 12 months
Description: The Great Western Loop is a unique trail that combines five long-distance trails: the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and Arizona Trail. It’s a continuous loop through nine states, crossing deserts, mountains, and national parks.
Unique Feature: Only one person, Andrew Skurka, has completed the entire loop, earning him National Geographic’s 2007 Adventurer of the Year title.
Source: Much Better Adventures

3. North Country Trail (4,800 miles)

Location: North Dakota to Vermont, crossing eight states
Duration: 6–12 months
Description: The North Country Trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in the U.S., winding through forests, farmlands, and Great Lakes shorelines. It’s less rugged than other Triple Crown trails but offers a deep dive into America’s heartland.
Unique Feature: The trail crosses three Great Lakes, showcasing diverse ecosystems and cultural landmarks.
Source: National Parks Conservation Association

4. Great Western Trail (4,455 miles)

Location: Canada to Mexico through Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana
Duration: 5–8 months
Description: This trail traverses five western states, offering a mix of deserts, mountains, and historic pioneer routes like the Mormon Honeymoon Trail. It’s a less-traveled gem with stunning scenery.
Unique Feature: Northern sections close in winter due to snow, requiring careful planning for thru-hikers.
Source: WorldAtlas

5. Continental Divide Trail (3,028 miles)

Location: Mexico to Canada through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana
Duration: 5–6 months
Description: Part of the Triple Crown, the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) follows the Rocky Mountains’ Continental Divide, offering wild landscapes, glacial valleys, and desert expanses. The longest hikes in America often include this challenging trail with alternate routes for customization.
Unique Feature: Hikers cross the divide multiple times, with elevations reaching over 13,000 feet in Colorado.
Source: Triple Crown of Hiking – Wikipedia

Visualizing the Longest Hikes

To help you grasp the scale of these trails, here’s a chart comparing their lengths:

This chart highlights the immense distances of these trails, with the American Discovery Trail and Great Western Loop standing out as the longest.

Interesting Facts About Long-Distance Hiking in the U.S.

Triple Crown of Hiking: Completing the Appalachian Trail (2,194 miles), Pacific Crest Trail (2,653 miles), and Continental Divide Trail (3,028 miles) earns you the prestigious Triple Crown title. As of 2018, only about 400 people had achieved this feat.
Hiking Boom: In 2023, over 61 million Americans participated in hiking, a 89% increase since 2010, reflecting the growing popularity of outdoor activities post-COVID.
Health Benefits: A 90-minute hike in nature can reduce rumination (a mental health risk factor) by 50%, and regular hiking can lower blood pressure by 4–10 points.
Appalachian Trail Legacy: Proposed in 1921 by Benton MacKaye, the Appalachian Trail is the world’s longest hiking-only trail, with over 3 million visitors annually.
Fastest Known Time: Tara Dower set the overall Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Appalachian Trail, empowering women and raising funds for Girls on the Run.
Biodiversity: The Appalachian Trail is home to 2,000 endangered species, making it a critical conservation corridor.

Estimating the Cost of Thru-Hiking

Thru-hiking a long-distance trail is a significant investment of time and money. Costs vary based on gear, food, permits, and travel. Below is a breakdown of estimated expenses for a 6-month thru-hike (e.g., Continental Divide Trail or Appalachian Trail):

Gear: $1,000–$2,500
- Backpack, tent, sleeping bag, stove, and clothing. Durable, lightweight gear is essential but costly. Consider brands like REI or Osprey for quality options. REI Gear Guide
Food and Resupply: $1,500–$3,000
- Plan for $10–$20 per day for food, including resupply packages and occasional town meals. Freeze-dried meals and bulk snacks keep costs down.
Permits and Fees: $0–$600
- Some trails, like the Pacific Crest Trail, require permits ($50–$200). National park entry fees or camping permits may also apply. Check the Pacific Crest Trail Association for details.
Travel to/from Trailheads: $200–$1,000
- Flights, shuttles, or gas to reach trailheads, depending on your starting point.
Miscellaneous (lodging, emergencies): $500–$1,500
- Occasional hostel stays ($20–$50/night) or gear replacements add up.

Total Estimated Cost: $3,200–$8,600 for a 6-month thru-hike.

Tips to Save Money:

Buy used gear from sites like GearTrade.
Plan resupply points in trail towns to avoid expensive shipping.
Use free permits where available (e.g., Desolation Wilderness on the Tahoe Rim Trail).

For longer trails like the American Discovery Trail or Great Western Loop, costs could double due to extended duration, potentially reaching $10,000–$15,000.

Planning Your Thru-Hike: Tips and Resources

Research and Preparation: Use trail-specific guides like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy or AllTrails for maps, reviews, and community insights.
Physical Training: Train for 6–12 months with weighted packs and elevation hikes to build endurance. The John Muir Trail guide offers conditioning tips.
Permits: Secure permits early, especially for competitive trails like the PCT or John Muir Trail. Visit the National Park Service for details.
Safety: Carry a GPS device, like a Garmin inReach, and check weather conditions. The CDT’s high-altitude sections demand extra caution.
Community: Join forums like The Trek for advice from fellow hikers.

Why Hike These Epic Trails?

Long-distance hiking is more than a physical challenge—it’s a journey of self-discovery, connection with nature, and adventure. Trails like the North Country Trail offer solitude and biodiversity, while the Continental Divide Trail showcases the wild west. Whether you’re chasing the Triple Crown or exploring a lesser-known route like the Great Western Trail, these hikes promise unforgettable experiences.