Compared to the meticulously crafted hiking trails of Europe, American hiking trails are more like large-scale wilderness survival projects. Many are even labeled "wilderness spirit," attracting those seeking self-discovery, transformation, and the courage to challenge themselves to embark on a solitary and free journey.
The Ice Age Trail
The Ice Age Trail, located in Wisconsin, stretches approximately 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers). During the Quaternary Period, all of Wisconsin, except the southwestern part, was covered by glaciers approximately 40,000 feet (1,219 meters), leaving behind the distinctive post-glacial geological features we see today: potholes, vortex pits, and boulders. Backpackers can retrace the steps of mammoths. Developed trails connect state parks and wilderness areas, while undeveloped trails ensure safe travel. Only a handful of people thru-hike the entire trail each year, and the trail website even recognizes those who have successfully completed the trek.
Tip: The approximately 34-mile (55-kilometer) section parallel to the Milwaukee River is the first post-glacial landscape on the trail, where temporary shelter or camping options are available.
The Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Trail, located in Minnesota, stretches approximately 296 miles (476 kilometers) from Duluth, Minnesota, in the south to the China-U.S. border in the north, offering backpackers a stunning view of Lake Superior. There are at least 90 campsites along the trail for half-day hikes, and the best time to hike is midsummer and early fall.
Tip: Some hostels on the north shore of Lake Superior offer walking tours between scenic spots, perfect for satisfying your hiking cravings while ensuring comfortable accommodations.
John Muir Trail, USA
John Muir was a renowned American wilderness explorer. In 2014, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death, the John Muir Trail was officially opened to the public. The trail begins at his birthplace.
This hiking trail is undoubtedly the #1 hiker in North America. Despite its name, it's actually 356 kilometers long and takes 30 days to complete.
The trail begins in Yosemite National Park and continues south, giving you more time to acclimate to the increasing altitude and build endurance as the terrain becomes more challenging.
From there, it passes through Yosemite National Park, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and finally ends at Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States.
Pacific Crest Trail
One of the two earliest planned U.S. National Trails, the Pacific Crest Trail stretches from Mexico in the south to Canada in the north, traversing 25 national forests and seven national parks: Mount Rainier, Crater Lake, Sequoia, and Yosemite. It truly epitomizes the entire West Coast.
Beyond the scenery, Cheryl Thread, having endured the pain of losing her mother and the pain of divorce, embarked on the Pacific Crest Trail on the edge of the Mojave Desert to find herself. After completing the journey, she wrote a memoir, Wild, about her experience. This, along with the film adaptation, has sparked a "wilderness" phenomenon, imbuing the trail with a magical power of renewal, attracting those seeking to break free from the constraints of a routine life.
The Pacific Crest Trail has thus become a symbol of the spirit of the wilderness, a place where those seeking self-discovery, change, and the courage to challenge themselves embark on a solitary and freeing journey. Location: The West Coast of the United States, running through the states of Washington, Oregon, and California. It begins near the small town of Campo on the California-Mexico border and ends at Monument 78 on the US-Canada border.
Best Hiking Season: April-September
Distance: 4,265 km
Important Note: Any hike exceeding 800 km requires a PCT Long Distance Hiking Permit.
Appalachian Trail, USA
The Appalachian Trail, often referred to as the A.T., is an iconic hiking route in the eastern United States that traverses the Appalachian Mountains. It is the longest hiking trail in the world.
Most hikers choose to hike shorter distances, but many attempt the entire trail.
To date, nearly 14,000 hikers have completed the trail. The entire trail takes approximately 5-7 months. The trail is marked with white paint and concrete signs at key locations, with one every 16-19 kilometers. There are 275 shelters for hikers, and some residential homes are still available for rent by the ATC, but camping is generally used throughout the hike.
Location: Appalachian Mountains on the east coast of the United States, stretching from Maine across New Hampshire to Springer Mountain in Georgia.
Best Hiking Season: Spring and Summer
