What is the hardest thru hike?


What is the hardest thru hike? The Continental Divide Trail Considered by many to be the most challenging and remote of the Triple Crown trails, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is a 3000+ mile adventure from Mexico to Canada, traveling through five western states.


What is the hardest state on the Appalachian Trail?

1. Southern Maine. For hikers heading north, hitting Maine is a significant milestone, and they are rewarded with this section that's arguably the most challenging on the trail.


Can I carry a gun on the Appalachian Trail?

In general, ATC discourages the carrying of firearms on the Trail for the reasons noted below. On federal lands administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), possession of a firearm must be in compliance with the law of the state in which the federal land is located.


What is the friendliest town on the Appalachian Trail?

Damascus, Virginia certainly qualifies as one of the latter. This tiny locale in the southwestern portion of the state has gained the nickname of “Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail,” and you'll quickly discover why. The famous A.T. runs right through town, and the locals love it.


How much money should you have to do Appalachian Trail?

However, travelers must expect to budget $5,000 to $7,000 for a thru-hike. This includes the trail expenses, the cost of gear, and expected expenses when visiting towns. So, on a per-month basis, travelers should expect to spend bout $1,000 dollars a month.


Which thru-hike to do first?

A classic example is the 800-mile-long Arizona Trail. The AZT is frequently chosen and recommended as a first thru-hike because of its length.


What is the recommended weight for the Appalachian Trail?

According to The Appalachian Trail Backpacker's Planning Guide in 1991, an easy-to-use rule of thumb is to never carry more than one-third of your body weight. Back when the Appalachian Trail was at its starting form, there were limited guidebooks and everybody had different preferences on what to actually bring.


Is the PCT prettier than the AT?

The PCT has great views from day one. You're guaranteed a pretty panorama every day, and not just at viewpoints. Think about some of the PCT highlights. San Jacinto, Forester Pass, Kings Canyon, Crater Lake, and Goat Rocks, among others.


Why not to hike the PCT?

Extreme Temperatures. Weather on the PCT can range from extreme heat to extreme cold, even on the same day. The desert can get upwards of 100 degrees during the day and below freezing at night. Don't let the snow fool ya in the Sierra, it can get pretty dang hot there too.


How many miles can you hike a day on the Appalachian Trail?

According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, most hikers take between five and seven months to complete the AT end to end. According to our data, that translates to an average pace of 14 to 20 miles per day for most hikers.


What is the average age to hike the Appalachian Trail?

Most of the thru-hikers seemed to be in their 20s and, usually, had just finished university. The rest seemed to be retirees in their 50s and older. So it's a bit misleading when you look up the average age of people who try to thru-hike the A.T. and see the average age is about 36-years-old.


How much does it cost to walk the Appalachian Trail?

How much does it cost to hike the Appalachian Trail? The average cost of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 for a 5- to 7-month hike; that amount includes gear, trail resupply, and town expenses. Expect to spend about $1,000 a month per person.


Which is harder Appalachian Trail or PCT?

You'll want to note that the AT takes five to seven months to complete its 2,190 miles, while the PCT take four to six months to complete 2,650 miles of trail. That shows, when evaluating the most obvious factor, terrain, the AT is without question the more difficult of the two trails.


What is the hardest 1 mile of the Appalachian Trail?

This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This loop takes on the Mahoosuc Notch, known as the hardest mile on the entire 2,190 mile Appalachian Trail.


How many hikers finish the Appalachian Trail?

Since 1936, more than 20,000 hike completions have been recorded by ATC. This includes thru-hikes and multi-year section hikes. We refer to anyone who reports their completion of the entire A.T. as a “2,000-miler.”


What is the most challenging trail?

The Seven Hardest Hikes in the US, Ranked
  • The Maze. ...
  • South Kaibab Trail/Bright Angel Trail. ...
  • Kalalau Trail. ...
  • Mist Trail—Half Dome. ...
  • Presidential Traverse. ...
  • Huckleberry Mountain. ...
  • Barr Trail.


Where do you sleep on the Appalachian Trail?

Shelter life Not only are they the best places to stay dry, but they reduce hikers' impact on the Trail environment. A typical shelter, sometimes called a “lean-to,” has an overhanging roof, a wooden floor and three walls. Most (but not all) are near a creek or spring, and many have a privy nearby.