Something as massive and popular as the Appalachian Trail is bound to have an interesting origin story and, as it turns out, this 2,190-mile trail certainly does. What started out as a somewhat simple idea has now grown into a monster of a thru-hike , with its trails seeing upwards of thousands annua

A hiker who has committed to hiking the PCT isn't likely planning on spending every night on the hike in a motel or hostel, but it is nice to know they exist. When it comes to the basics such as showering, sleeping in a (comfortable) bed, and general recovery time, motels and hostels are a necessity for s

The hike is not an easy one but it is worthy of the effort and time one would put in as a thru-hiker. The range of terrains can vary anywhere from desert settings to snow-capped mountains, meaning hikers must be well-prepared to encounter a number of conditions. In total, the trail spans roughly 2,650 miles through the most scenic and beautiful of western U.S. sta

The Appalachian Trail runs for almost 100 miles through North Carolina, so a great way to get a lay of the land without hitting the actual AT is by hiking the Art Loeb Trail. Rated difficult, the trail goes through the Pisgah National Forest and crosses over the peaks of four mountains, the tallest being the Black Balsam Knob at 6,214 feet. There is an elevation gain of 8,257 feet, challenging the endurance of any hiker looking to conquer the

The weekends bring tons of people (and dogs) out for a jaunt on the Ledges Trail. Go during the week to avoid crowds or on the weekend for the opportunity to pat the happy heads of nature-loving canines. The trail takes hikers through a magical forest that's richly saturated in green during the summertime and glowing with the colors of autumn in the fall. As if the leaf-peeping wasn't enough, guests will enjoy picturesque views from the summit of Pleasant Mountain. With views like these, it's quite pleasant, ind

Although this trail features over a thousand feet of elevation gain, it's spread over almost four miles and made more accessible in several spots with stone stairs. Towards the summit, hikers will face several scrambling challenges, which only make the finish line all the more glorious to cross. The trophy is a 360-degree view from the summit of Borestone Mountain, an expanse of spectacular wilderness that will have visitors as weak in the knees as the ascent

The trail requires skilled scrambling and intense determination. The Sierra High Route will test a hiker's ability to navigate less-traveled terrain, as well as find their footing on rocky, often slippery mountainsi

The Wonderland Trail is one of the most popular backpacking trips in the entire country, for both its difficulty and stunning scenery. Hikers will be blessed with a view of Mount Rainier from all angles, traversing large stretches of temperate rainforest and alpine vall

Despite its name, the Appalachian Trail snakes its way through a majority of the East Coast, not just the Appalachian Mountains . The trail received its name due in part to the fact that it begins in Georgia before winding its way through Appalachia, before ending at the summit of Katahdin, Maine. So, how did this incredible trek become conjured into existence? As it turns out, with a lot of perseverance and vision for the fut

Ice Age Trail is a 1000 mile prehistoric trail in Wisconsin that was carved by nature's glacial forces. Every step that takes one back more than a million years ago. The trail is covered with ice for almost two miles. From the shoreline of Lake Michigan to the tributaries of River Mississippi, turns trail winds, and meanders its way through the Rocky Mountains, grasslands, and forest. This trail is not necessarily suited for advanced hikers, but avid ones can survive. Geology lovers will appreciate the formation of the land. One needs to pack lots of water, ointments, and creams since rashes, chafing and bugs can impoverish a h

Mt. Washington is the highest mountain on the northeastern side of the country. The trail leading to mouse click the following article summit stands with an elevation of over 6,288 feet, making it one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S. It is popular for its weather extremities, with the highest wind recorded at 231 miles per h

Since then, only 20,000 people have completed a thru-hike of the AT or approximately 1 in 4 hikers who attempt it. There's plenty to consider when planning such an extended adventure . Unexpected obstacles can knock a wannabe 2,000-Miler off course. One of the best ways to ensure you've got what it takes to complete the AT is by practicing. These multi-day hikes in the United States mimic the obstacles travelers are likely to encounter on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Tr

Thru-hiking requires a permit and when a hiker is tackling such a long stretch of trail, it can require obtaining multiple permits. In the case of hiking the PCT, three are needed: a thru-hiker permit for those intending on hiking 500 or more consecutive miles, a northbound permit that allows hikers to enter Canada, and a California Fire Permit which allows hikers to cook and boil food in the state. Important: Campfires are not permitted anywhere in Southern California or wildfire-prone ar