Thru-Hiking:
Maps: America's Best Long Trails From Backpacker
"Thru-hiking is hiking a long-distance trail end-to-end. The term is most commonly associated with the Appalachian Trail (AT), the Pacific Crest Trail(PCT), and the Continental Divide Trail(CDT) in the United States, but also refers to other end-to-end hikes. Other examples include the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand, the Camino de Santiago in Spain, the Lycian Way in Turkey, the Israel National Trail, and the Great Divide Trail (GDT) in Canada. Thru-hiking is also called "end-to-end hiking" or "end-to-ending" on some trails, like Vermont's Long Trail. Section hiking, on the other hand, refers to hiking a trail one section at a time, without continuity and not necessarily in sequence with the other sections." From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
I found that Wikipedia has information on Long Distance Trails in the United States (I added up the distance of all the Long Distance trail and it is 72,837.6 miles- of course many of the trails include trails so mileage would be less). Then I added the Hot Springs Trail 2421 miles and the new American Perimeter Trail (this includes the Triple Crown trails) and the distance is 89,258.6 miles. A lofty lifetime goal!
State Wildlife Trails Wikipedia (click on state to see a list of State Trails)
Wikipedia also has information on Long Distance Footpaths.
Here is a link to Great Long-distance Walks of the World
Traildino the World's largest hiking trail database
I found that Wikipedia has information on Long Distance Trails in the United States (I added up the distance of all the Long Distance trail and it is 72,837.6 miles- of course many of the trails include trails so mileage would be less). Then I added the Hot Springs Trail 2421 miles and the new American Perimeter Trail (this includes the Triple Crown trails) and the distance is 89,258.6 miles. A lofty lifetime goal!
State Wildlife Trails Wikipedia (click on state to see a list of State Trails)
Wikipedia also has information on Long Distance Footpaths.
Here is a link to Great Long-distance Walks of the World
Traildino the World's largest hiking trail database
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The Great Western LoopTrail
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The American Perimeter Trail
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Oregon Triple Crown
(This was done by two hikers but it's not official)
Info on Long Distance trails:
East Coast Greenway Trail A 3000 mile hike and bike trail from Canada to Key West. A new alternative to the Appalachian Trail. This is a PDF guide to the trail
Lost Sierra Route 600 mile trail
The Abraham Path The place for hospitality, meeting and human encounters
The Great Western Loop Overview Andrew Skurka
The Island Walk 435 mile walking route on Prince Edward Island
The Pacific Northwest Trail Association This is a 1200 mile long trail. It Starts at Glacier National Park and goes to the Pacific Ocean
The River to River Trail 160 mile trail in Southern Illinois Shawnee National Forest
East Coast Greenway Trail A 3000 mile hike and bike trail from Canada to Key West. A new alternative to the Appalachian Trail. This is a PDF guide to the trail
Lost Sierra Route 600 mile trail
The Abraham Path The place for hospitality, meeting and human encounters
The Great Western Loop Overview Andrew Skurka
The Island Walk 435 mile walking route on Prince Edward Island
The Pacific Northwest Trail Association This is a 1200 mile long trail. It Starts at Glacier National Park and goes to the Pacific Ocean
The River to River Trail 160 mile trail in Southern Illinois Shawnee National Forest
Long Distance Blogs, Websites and Articles (not found on Walk-Hike info Tab)
Articles:
Adventure Journal Underground Legend Finishes Hiking's Triple Crown-For his Fourth Time by Jeff Moag 1/6/2020
Allgood's K9 Adventures hiking with dogs in a safe and responsible fashion
America's National Trails System article from the PCTA
A Sense of Adventure: Eugene Author Hikes the PCT Over More Than Seven Summers by Rachael McDonald KLCC
Backpacker Magazine Article: 8 Dreamy Trails That Aren't the Triple Crown by Emelie Frojen
Dream of 'American Perimeter Trail' Still Alive for Bend Backpacker by Julie Sabatier and Dave Miller 4/28/21 OPB
Hiker With Ties to Yakima Valley Sets Record for Hiking Pacific Crest Trail by Santiago Ochoa 11/12/2023 Yakima Herald Republic
Hikers Create the 'Oregon Triple Crown' of Hiking by Jamie Hale 9/8/2016 Oregon Live
How to Build and Maintain Thru-Hiking Fitness by Meredith Bethune 3/21/2021 Outside
How to Thru-Hike the 133-Mile Northville-Placid Trail Marmot for Life 11/11/16
How to Thru-Hike the Oregon Coast Trail / How to Plan your Thru-Hike 101 by Greenbelly
Emily Ford Hiked 1,200 Miles in the Dead of Winter by Grayson Haver Currin 5/4/2021 Outside
Mind the gap: Efforts aim to stitch together long trails, getting hikers off highway's edge by Tom Banse 7/11/2019 NW News Network (Regional Public Journalism)
Pacific Crest Trail Angels Offered Refuge for 20 Years in Baring by Claudia Yaw 2/16/2022 Harold.Net
Solo Hiking: The Gifts of Going Alone by Tami Ankeny 8/16/16 Outdoor Project
Ten Reasons Why the AT is Better Than the PCT by Eloise Robbins 11/15/2022 The Trek
Ten Reasons the PCT is Better Than the AT by Eloise Robbins 11/21/2022 The Trek
The Beginner Backpacker Backpacking and Hiking Guide for Beginners
The New Wisdom 6 Long-Trail Legends Share Hard Won Advice Hiking Project Journal
The Story of the American Discovery Trail from Hikanation.com archives
This Study Predicts Who is Most Likely to get Hurt in the Wilderness by Dan Hu 12/17/2021 Backpacker
This Hiker Just Completed the 6800 Mile Great Western Loop in Less Than 200 Days by Frederick Dreier 11/15/2022
What it was Like to Thru-Hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 1977 by Nicholas J Devlin 11/1/2021 from Boom's Playground
Adventure Journal Underground Legend Finishes Hiking's Triple Crown-For his Fourth Time by Jeff Moag 1/6/2020
Allgood's K9 Adventures hiking with dogs in a safe and responsible fashion
America's National Trails System article from the PCTA
A Sense of Adventure: Eugene Author Hikes the PCT Over More Than Seven Summers by Rachael McDonald KLCC
Backpacker Magazine Article: 8 Dreamy Trails That Aren't the Triple Crown by Emelie Frojen
Dream of 'American Perimeter Trail' Still Alive for Bend Backpacker by Julie Sabatier and Dave Miller 4/28/21 OPB
Hiker With Ties to Yakima Valley Sets Record for Hiking Pacific Crest Trail by Santiago Ochoa 11/12/2023 Yakima Herald Republic
Hikers Create the 'Oregon Triple Crown' of Hiking by Jamie Hale 9/8/2016 Oregon Live
How to Build and Maintain Thru-Hiking Fitness by Meredith Bethune 3/21/2021 Outside
How to Thru-Hike the 133-Mile Northville-Placid Trail Marmot for Life 11/11/16
How to Thru-Hike the Oregon Coast Trail / How to Plan your Thru-Hike 101 by Greenbelly
Emily Ford Hiked 1,200 Miles in the Dead of Winter by Grayson Haver Currin 5/4/2021 Outside
Mind the gap: Efforts aim to stitch together long trails, getting hikers off highway's edge by Tom Banse 7/11/2019 NW News Network (Regional Public Journalism)
Pacific Crest Trail Angels Offered Refuge for 20 Years in Baring by Claudia Yaw 2/16/2022 Harold.Net
Solo Hiking: The Gifts of Going Alone by Tami Ankeny 8/16/16 Outdoor Project
Ten Reasons Why the AT is Better Than the PCT by Eloise Robbins 11/15/2022 The Trek
Ten Reasons the PCT is Better Than the AT by Eloise Robbins 11/21/2022 The Trek
The Beginner Backpacker Backpacking and Hiking Guide for Beginners
The New Wisdom 6 Long-Trail Legends Share Hard Won Advice Hiking Project Journal
The Story of the American Discovery Trail from Hikanation.com archives
This Study Predicts Who is Most Likely to get Hurt in the Wilderness by Dan Hu 12/17/2021 Backpacker
This Hiker Just Completed the 6800 Mile Great Western Loop in Less Than 200 Days by Frederick Dreier 11/15/2022
What it was Like to Thru-Hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 1977 by Nicholas J Devlin 11/1/2021 from Boom's Playground
Blogs, journals, personal websites, YouTube:
Arlette Laan a long distance hiker who recently completed all 11 National Scenic Trails
American Perimeter Trail (APT) Conference Rue McKenrick proposing a new Long Distance trail 12,000 mile loop trail
Anish Hikes Anish has hiked nearly 30,000 miles since 2003 to include a double triple crown
Andrew Skurka Hard-won insights from out there
Barney Scout Mann Author/Hiker/Outdoor Advocate
Between Sunsets Trans Canada Walk Melanie Vogel Her blog is on a Facebook Page, Between Sunsets: A Trail Story
Chezwick Treks Nick Gagnon Great Western Loop 2022
Core Mountaineering a blog for beginner hikers/backpackers who may not know where to begin
Craig's PCT Planner Welcome to Craig's PCT Planner
Darwin onthetrail Hiking, gear, tips and tricks YouTube channel
The Dusty Camel an ongoing adventure
Following the PCT: Dorothy's (Bacon Bit) Thru-Hike Journal
Guthook Hikes! Hike Light, Hike Far, Hike Often
Hiking Dude "Hiking is just walking with an attitude"
Hiking Tamara Moots Designs
House on my Back Outback's Thru-Hiking Site
Jessica "Dixie" Mills - The Homemade Wanderlust
Lani Advokat Ultra Trail Runner and Long Distance Backpacker
Liz 'Snorkel' Thomas- Liz Thomas Hiking
Long Distance Hiker Journals, photos, resources
Mary E Davison Through hiker Triple Crown started at age 60 author
Mel Vogel Between Sunsets - Hiking the Great Trail in Canada: Atlantic to Arctic to Pacific Ocean
Mic Lowther Backpacking America's Back Country Trails
Nourishing Journey about Food and Hiking Anna Herby
Owl Tail Podcast Episodes with Arlette Laan who has hiked all 11 National Scenic Trails
The Big Outside by Michael Lanza
The Great Hike by Dana Meise
The Hiking Life Tips, Tales and Trail Reports
The Life Peripatetic blog
The Trek Articles, podcasts, ressources, blogs etc...
Through Hiker Journals - Backpacking journals and photos from Long Distance Hikers
Ultimate Backpacking Checklist from Clever Hiker (link found under Gear tab)
Walk 2 Washington Holden Minor Ringer walking across America to Support America Walks
Walking with Wired Erin "Wired" Saver's Journal including the Triple Crown
Arlette Laan a long distance hiker who recently completed all 11 National Scenic Trails
American Perimeter Trail (APT) Conference Rue McKenrick proposing a new Long Distance trail 12,000 mile loop trail
Anish Hikes Anish has hiked nearly 30,000 miles since 2003 to include a double triple crown
Andrew Skurka Hard-won insights from out there
Barney Scout Mann Author/Hiker/Outdoor Advocate
Between Sunsets Trans Canada Walk Melanie Vogel Her blog is on a Facebook Page, Between Sunsets: A Trail Story
Chezwick Treks Nick Gagnon Great Western Loop 2022
Core Mountaineering a blog for beginner hikers/backpackers who may not know where to begin
Craig's PCT Planner Welcome to Craig's PCT Planner
Darwin onthetrail Hiking, gear, tips and tricks YouTube channel
The Dusty Camel an ongoing adventure
Following the PCT: Dorothy's (Bacon Bit) Thru-Hike Journal
Guthook Hikes! Hike Light, Hike Far, Hike Often
Hiking Dude "Hiking is just walking with an attitude"
Hiking Tamara Moots Designs
House on my Back Outback's Thru-Hiking Site
Jessica "Dixie" Mills - The Homemade Wanderlust
Lani Advokat Ultra Trail Runner and Long Distance Backpacker
Liz 'Snorkel' Thomas- Liz Thomas Hiking
Long Distance Hiker Journals, photos, resources
Mary E Davison Through hiker Triple Crown started at age 60 author
Mel Vogel Between Sunsets - Hiking the Great Trail in Canada: Atlantic to Arctic to Pacific Ocean
Mic Lowther Backpacking America's Back Country Trails
Nourishing Journey about Food and Hiking Anna Herby
Owl Tail Podcast Episodes with Arlette Laan who has hiked all 11 National Scenic Trails
The Big Outside by Michael Lanza
The Great Hike by Dana Meise
The Hiking Life Tips, Tales and Trail Reports
The Life Peripatetic blog
The Trek Articles, podcasts, ressources, blogs etc...
Through Hiker Journals - Backpacking journals and photos from Long Distance Hikers
Ultimate Backpacking Checklist from Clever Hiker (link found under Gear tab)
Walk 2 Washington Holden Minor Ringer walking across America to Support America Walks
Walking with Wired Erin "Wired" Saver's Journal including the Triple Crown
Websites:
American Discovery Trail (ADT)
American Long Distance Hiking Association (ALDHA-West)
American Perimeter Trail (APT) designed and hiked by Rue McKenrick
Appalachian Trail Conservancy (AT) - Ensuring the Trail's Future
Blue Mountains Trail in Oregon (BMT)
Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDT)
Missing From the Pacific Crest Trail
No Trace Trails Trash on the PCT
Oregon Coast Trail (OCT)
Oregon Desert Trail (ODT)
Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA)
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT)
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) USDA Forest Service
Plan Your Hike Plan Your Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail
THRU-r connecting the long distance hiking community
Trans Canada Trail (TCT) Canada trail coast to coast 28,000 km
Trans Canada Trail and other multi-use trails
The Great Divide Trail Association (GDTA) Between Alberta and British Columbia 1100 km
American Discovery Trail (ADT)
American Long Distance Hiking Association (ALDHA-West)
American Perimeter Trail (APT) designed and hiked by Rue McKenrick
Appalachian Trail Conservancy (AT) - Ensuring the Trail's Future
Blue Mountains Trail in Oregon (BMT)
Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDT)
Missing From the Pacific Crest Trail
No Trace Trails Trash on the PCT
Oregon Coast Trail (OCT)
Oregon Desert Trail (ODT)
Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA)
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT)
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) USDA Forest Service
Plan Your Hike Plan Your Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail
THRU-r connecting the long distance hiking community
Trans Canada Trail (TCT) Canada trail coast to coast 28,000 km
Trans Canada Trail and other multi-use trails
The Great Divide Trail Association (GDTA) Between Alberta and British Columbia 1100 km
Backpacking Food Prep and Dehydrating Resources:
Cold Soaked Pasta Salad from Fresh Off the Grid
Dehydrating Food Guide from Backpacking Chef
How to Dehydrate Food from REI Expert Advice
How to Make an Insulated Cozy from Fresh Off the Grid
Make Citrus Powder by Paige Russell (adds zest to your dishes)
6 Instant Meals On-The-Go/ Just Add Boiling Water from The Yummy Life
20 Great Backpacking Meal Recipes & Food Dehydration Tips by Heather Eldridge from Clever Hiker
Dehydrating Food Guide from Backpacking Chef
How to Dehydrate Food from REI Expert Advice
How to Make an Insulated Cozy from Fresh Off the Grid
Make Citrus Powder by Paige Russell (adds zest to your dishes)
6 Instant Meals On-The-Go/ Just Add Boiling Water from The Yummy Life
20 Great Backpacking Meal Recipes & Food Dehydration Tips by Heather Eldridge from Clever Hiker
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I hope we do not see more of these signs. It is a growing problem with campers and hikers leaving garbage behind.
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VIDEOS from Long Distance Trails and other trails
ADT (American Discovery Trail
AT (Appalachian Trail)
Filmmaker: ‘Paul’s Boots’ reminds us not to wait to do the things we love
REI Blog about Paul's Boots
REI Blog about Paul's Boots
CDT (Continental Divide Trail)
GDT (The Great Divide Trail)
(DVD) Walking the Great Divide Movie trailer
JMT (John Muir Trail)
Mile Mile & A Half can be bought on DVD
The Muir Project
The Muir Project
OCT (Oregon Coast Trail)
PCT (Pacific Crest Trail)
PCT A Trail to Remember part of a documentary of an original Horse back trip on the PCT in 1959
In 1959 Washington ranchers Don and June Mulford decided to try what everybody said couldn't be done - ride the entire length of the 2,400 mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada on horseback in one year. Armed with a movie and still camera they documented life on the trail. This program showcases the Mulford's stunning photography and retells an adventure still fresh after many years.
Tell it on the Mountain Tales on the PCT (You can purchase it)
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WCT (West Coast Trail)
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