Long-distance hiking
US long trails: 14 trails at a glance
America’s 11 National Scenic Trails plus three classics: the Colorado Trail, Vermont’s Long Trail and the John Muir Trail. Most people hike them in sections over months or years.
In short
- From the 65-mile Natchez Trace Trail to the 4,600-mile North Country Trail.
- The “Triple Crown” is the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails.
- Free printable section planner for any trail below.
| Trail | Where | Miles | Km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Trail | Georgia to Maine | 2,190 | 3,524 |
| Arizona Trail | Mexico to Utah, across Arizona | 800 | 1,287 |
| Colorado Trail | Denver to Durango | 486 | 782 |
| Continental Divide Trail | Mexico to Canada through NM, CO, WY, ID and MT | 3,100 | 4,989 |
| Florida Trail | Florida | 1,300 | 2,092 |
| Ice Age Trail | Wisconsin | 1,200 | 1,931 |
| John Muir Trail | Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney | 211 | 340 |
| Long Trail | Vermont, Massachusetts line to Canada | 272 | 438 |
| Natchez Trace Trail | Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee | 65 | 105 |
| New England Trail | Connecticut and Massachusetts | 215 | 346 |
| North Country Trail | North Dakota to Vermont | 4,600 | 7,403 |
| Pacific Crest Trail | Mexico to Canada through CA, OR and WA | 2,650 | 4,265 |
| Pacific Northwest Trail | Montana to the Washington coast | 1,200 | 1,931 |
| Potomac Heritage Trail | DC, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania | 900 | 1,448 |
Lengths are approximate, from the National Park Service and each trail’s own organization. Several trails are still being built, so lengths change.
Free printable
Long trail section planner
One page to plan any trail in sections: from and to, miles, dates, where you’ll sleep, and a before-you-go list with permits and resupply.
Section hiking or thru-hiking?
A thru-hike covers the whole trail in one go: four to six months for the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trail. A section hike covers a stretch at a time, over weekends, vacations or years. Section hiking is how most people complete a long trail, and it lets you pick the best season for each part.
- Start with a well-known stretch with good access and resupply.
- Number your sections so you can see what’s left.
- Check permits: some trails and parks need them for overnight stays.
- Arrange a shuttle or use two cars so you don’t have to hike back.