Which is harder Appalachian Trail or PCT?

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 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.

What is the hardest part of the PCT?

The climb out of Hauser Canyon is cited by many hikers as one of the hardest sections of the PCT because it is typically the first day. It is common not make the 20 miles in one day, be prepared with a tent as Hauser Canyon is a popular backcountry camping spot.

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 thru hikers complete the PCT?

It is the record of the 2,607 people that have completed the entire Pacific Crest Trail. Remarkably, at least 47 people have done it more than once.

Why is PCT easier than at?

The trail lacks switchbacks making the climbing quite difficult at times. The elevation gain/loss is almost 100,000' more than the PCT. The PCT was designed and built so one could use pack animals on it. As a result the trail has a much easier grade and meanders up/around climbs.

What is the roughest part of 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.

What percentage of hikers complete the PCT?

The Pacific Crest Trail Association estimates that 700 to 800 people attempt to thru-hike it each year, and about 15% to 35% (versus the AT's 25%) actually succeed.

Which thru-hike is the hardest?

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 hike in the United States?