10 Long Distance Hiking Trails In The US

OT Staff

Appalachian Trail

Stretching over 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine, this trail passes through 14 states and offers diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows. It’s one of the most famous long-distance trails in the world.

Raven Cliff Falls, North Georgia trails | Shutterstock

Pacific Crest Trail

Running 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington, this trail takes hikers through some of the most stunning scenery in the western US, including the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges.

View in the North Cascades National Park | Shutterstock

Continental Divide Trail

This 3,100-mile trail follows the Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada, passing through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It’s known for its remote and rugged terrain, offering a true wilderness experience.

Trail of the cedars, Avalanche Creek | Shutterstock

John Muir Trail

Spanning 211 miles through California’s Sierra Nevada, this trail overlaps with the Pacific Crest Trail and takes hikers through some of the most beautiful parts of Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks.

A view from inside the Sequoia National Parks | Shutterstock

Long Trail

The oldest long-distance hiking trail in the US, the Long Trail runs 273 miles through Vermont from the Massachusetts border to Canada. It offers a mix of challenging climbs and scenic vistas.

Fall colours in Franconia Notch State Park | Shutterstock

Colorado Trail

This 485-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango, passing through the Rocky Mountains. It’s known for its high elevations and stunning alpine scenery.

Views along the Colorado Trail | Shutterstock

Arizona Trail

Covering 800 miles from Mexico to Utah, this trail takes hikers through diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and canyons. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Southwest.

Along the Arizona Trail | Shutterstock

Florida Trail

This 1,300-mile trail runs from the Everglades to the Panhandle, offering a unique hiking experience through swamps, forests, and along the coast. It’s one of the few long-distance trails that can be hiked in winter.

An Everglades outpost in South Florida | Shutterstock

Ice Age Trail

Spanning 1,200 miles through Wisconsin, this trail follows the edge of the last glacial advance and offers a mix of forests, prairies, and lakes. It’s a great way to explore the state’s natural beauty.

Views along the Ice Age Trail | Shutterstock

Ozark Highlands Trail

This 218-mile trail runs through the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas, offering rugged terrain, scenic vistas, and plenty of opportunities for solitude. It’s a lesser-known gem for long-distance hikers.

Cliff Overlook at Mount Magazine State Park | Shutterstock

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