10 Must-Do Backpacking Trails in the United States
Backpacking is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors, and the U.S. offers some of the best trails in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there are several beautiful and exciting backpacking trails in the United States. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 must-do hiking trails in the U.S, so you can choose the one that suits your requirements.
1. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,650-mile trail that spans from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, through California, Oregon, and Washington. The PCT offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Cascade Range, and the Mojave Desert. The trail takes about five months to complete, but the journey is worth the effort if you’re ready for it.
2. Appalachian Trail (AT)
The Appalachian Trail stretches for nearly 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. The AT offers hikers a diverse range of terrain, including mountainous regions, forests, and valleys. Hiking the entire trail can take five to seven months, but shorter sections offer beautiful scenery for a day or week-long trek.
3. John Muir Trail (JMT)
The John Muir Trail is a 211-mile long trail that winds through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. The trail offers hikers beautiful views of granite peaks, pristine lakes, and meadows. Hikers can complete the trail in about three weeks, but the views make it worth the time.
4. Long Trail
The Long Trail is located in Vermont and is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. The trail runs for 273 miles from the Massachusetts state line to the Canadian border. Hikers can enjoy beautiful views of the Green Mountains, and the trail can take around three weeks to complete.
5. Wonderland Trail
The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile trail that winds around the base of Mount Rainier in Washington State. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of glaciers, meadows, and forests. The trail takes about ten days to complete and has several campgrounds.
6. Continental Divide Trail (CDT)
The Continental Divide Trail is another long-distance trail that spans 3,100 miles along the Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada. The CDT offers hikers a varied terrain that includes desert, mountains, forests, and prairies. Hikers can take up to six months to complete the entire trail.
7. Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail is located in northeastern Minnesota and stretches for 310 miles. The trail winds through the forests of the Sawtooth Mountains and offers hikers incredible views of Lake Superior. The trail takes around two weeks to complete and has several campsites and recreation areas.
8. Colorado Trail
The Colorado Trail is a 486-mile trail that runs from Denver to Durango in Colorado and offers hikers beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains. The trail takes around five to six weeks to complete and has several campsites.
9. Ozark Highlands Trail
The Ozark Highlands Trail is a 240-mile trail located in Arkansas that winds its way through the Ozark Mountains. The trail offers hikers beautiful views of cliffs, waterfalls, and forests. The trail takes about three weeks to complete and has several campsites.
10. Tahoe Rim Trail
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile trail that loops around Lake Tahoe in California and Nevada. The trail offers hikers beautiful views of the lake, mountains, and forests. The trail takes about two weeks to complete and has several campsites along the way.
Conclusion
The United States is home to some of the most beautiful and exciting backpacking trails in the world. The trails mentioned above are just a few of the many must-do hiking trails in the U.S. Before packing your bags, do your research, and make sure you have the necessary supplies to complete the trek. Happy hiking!
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