What is the longest hiking trail in North America?

The Trans-Canada Trail, also known as The Great Trail, is the world's longest trail. At 16,777 total miles, the Trans-Canada Trail is substantially longer than any other trail globally. The trail begins on St. John's, Newfoundland's Atlantic coast, travels the whole nation, and ends at Tuktoyaktuk, an Inuit community far north of the Arctic.

In the United States, when were the longest trails finished?

In 1989, Joyce and Peter Cottrell conceived the idea for the American Discovery Trail, which was finished on August 18, 2003.

Like the American Discovery Trail, the Great Western Loop is a network of interconnected trails. Because of this, it's easier to determine the first official hike date than the "formation" date. On November 24, 2018, Andrew Skurka was the first to finish the hike. 

Due to the necessity of physical creation, the Appalachian Trail's founding is more evident. Thoughts for the Trail began in 1921, and construction ended in 1937.

On a map, where is the American Discovery Trail?

The American Discovery Trail is a transnational route spanning 6,800 miles from its start in Delaware on the East Coast to its finish in California. Traverses 10,000 historically significant sites, 15 states, 16 national forests, and 14 national parks.

Unveiling the Longest Hiking Trail in North America: Top 7 Destinations

North America boasts an extensive network of hiking trails catering to all enthusiasts. Among these, one path is the longest, offering a breathtaking journey through diverse landscapes. Let's explore the top 7 destinations along the longest hiking trail in North America.

Appalachian Trail (AT)

Overview:

Stretching over 2,190 miles, the Appalachian Trail is an iconic long-distance trail traversing the eastern United States. It begins at Springer Mountain in Georgia and concludes at Mount Katahdin in Maine.

Highlights:

Rich biodiversity, passing through 14 states.

Challenging terrains, including the rugged White Mountains.

Cultural significance with historic landmarks along the route.

Pacific Crest Trail (PCT):

Overview:

Extending approximately 2,653 miles, the Pacific Crest Trail spans from the U.S.-Mexico border in California to the U.S.-Canada border in Washington. It traverses through California, Oregon, and Washington.

Highlights:

Diverse landscapes, from the Mojave Desert to the Cascade Range.

Striking views of mountain ranges, lakes, and forests.

 Encounter with wildlife, including bears and elk.

3. Continental Divide Trail (CDT):

Overview:

Covering about 3,100 miles, the Continental Divide Trail follows the Continental Divide of the Americas. It starts at the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico and concludes at the U.S.-Canada border in Montana.

Highlights:

Scenic mountainous landscapes along the Continental Divide.

 Remote and less-traveled sections for a true wilderness experience.

Crosses through five U.S. states.

Great Divide Trail (GDT):

Overview:

The Great Divide Trail spans approximately 1,200 miles parallel to the Continental Divide. It starts in Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and ends at Kakwa Lake in Alberta.

Highlights:

Breathtaking Canadian Rockies scenery.

Alpine meadows, glaciers, and pristine lakes.

Opportunities for solitude in remote wilderness areas.

Florida Trail:

Overview:

The Florida Trail covers around 1,300 miles, offering a unique hiking experience in the Sunshine State. It stretches from Big Cypress National Preserve in the south to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the western Panhandle.

Highlights:

Diverse ecosystems, including swamps, forests, and beaches.

Rich wildlife, including alligators and various bird species.

The mild climate allows year-round hiking.

Ice Age Trail:

Overview:

The Ice Age Trail spans approximately 1,200 miles in Wisconsin, showcasing the remnants of the last Ice Age. It winds through picturesque landscapes shaped by glacial activity.

Highlights:

Unique geological features, including moraines and eskers.

 Lush forests, prairies, and serene lakes.

Interpretive sites providing insights into glacial history.

Long Trail:

Overview:

The Long Trail extends for about 272 miles through Vermont. It is the oldest long-distance trail in the United States, running from the Massachusetts-Vermont border to the Canadian border.

Highlights

Verdant forests and panoramic mountain views.

Challenging terrains, including steep ascents and descents.

Crosses the Green Mountains, offering a serene and remote hiking experience.

Embarking on any of these trails promises an unforgettable journey through some of North America's most stunning landscapes. From the rugged terrains of the Appalachian Trail to the diverse ecosystems along the Florida Trail, each destination offers a unique and enriching hiking experience. Lace up your boots, embrace the adventure, and explore the longest hiking trail in North America.

Top 7 Longest Hiking Trails In The Us

The United States has many beautiful hiking trails inside its borders. Here is a list of the ten longest hiking trails in the United States.

Tahoe Rim Trail

You can see how beautiful Lake Tahoe is from this trail. There is a full view of Lake Tahoe from the trail around it.  At its highest point, the trail is 173 miles long and 28,052 feet tall, which is very close to the height of Mount Everest, which is 29,029 feet. 

The trail goes from Nevada's Tahoe City to Relay Peak. Hikers must carefully plan their routes if they want to finish this trail. 

Because this trail is difficult, it takes at least ten to fifteen days to hike through. It takes a lot of work, but you can follow the trail in no more than fifteen days. 

Loops on the trail go around Lake Tahoe and through the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges in Nevada, the U.S., and California. 

This trail meets up with the Pacific Crest Trail for about fifty miles. Here, you can see a lot of beautiful natural scenery that will take your breath away. 

From July to September is the busiest time for the hiking trail. Because there is so much snow on the trail in the winter, it could be better for hiking. 

Continental Divide Trail    

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail treks 31,00 miles. The trail crosses New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, and Idaho silver. 

The Colorado trail is 567 miles. The variety of natural substances in this trail amazes me. 

The highest trail is the most difficult because it passes through rocky mountains and is mostly alone. The continental divide trail cuts through the Rocky Mountains. 

The hike is remote and raw. Many hikers want to finish this trail, but only one-third can due to its ruggedness. Many trail alternatives follow the Continental Divide. Most of the trail is in national parks and forests, but some parts still need to be completed and raw. 

This region has lows around eight degrees Celsius and highs around eighteen. Weather is partly sunny, with thunderstorms likely. 

John Muir Trail

This trail extends 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. A famous nature writer inspired this trail's name. The writer liked Yosemite Valley's scenery.

It is the safest hiking route if you want no emergencies. You can see stunning views on the John Muir trail. This trail winds through mountains and alpine bands at 8,000 feet. 

One of America's most popular trails. About 1500 hikers complete this trail annually. 

Fewer people walk this trail in sections to enjoy nature. 

This trail winds through the wilderness and offers views of Kings Canyon National Park, Devils Postpile National Monument, Sequoia National Park, and Mount Whitney.

The trail starts in Yosemite. Due to its ascent, this trail is cold. 

Thus, hikers should prepare for this trail. The weather is cold and wet. Hiking on this elevated trail requires proper gear. 

Pacific Crest Trail 

It is one of the most romanticized trails in the country. Between ends, it's 2650 miles long. 

Since the trail is intriguing, it may take months to complete. Hikers are constantly on edge due to trail conditions.  The trail passes through various natural scenery. The Mojave Desert, Sierra Nevada snow peaks, Cascade Range views, and dense long-range forests are among its sights. 

This hike requires stamina and heart health. The trail crosses mountains and deserts. Hike to high elevations. This track crosses Oregon from California to Washington. It is like walking from Canada to Mexico through mountains and deserts. The weather is unpredictable due to the trail's natural features. This causes climate and weather changes. Hikers should have enough supplies. All these supplies help hikers. 

Pacific North West Trail

The North West trail is about 12,000 miles long. It crosses rugged land, making it America's wildest national scenic trail. This trail spans the Pacific Ocean and Continental Divide. 

The trail passes through national forests, three national parks, seven mountain ranges, and scenic views. Hikers on this tray visit trail towns and waterside communities.  

There are many obstacles on this trail. The supply facilities are at the end of the route, so one must be well-stocked. 

Second, this trail warns of bears. Grizzlies inhabit a 400-mile area, and black bear sightings are common. 

Appalachian Trail 

One of the longest U.S. hiking trails is for hikers only. This track allows no other transport for hacking. From Georgia to Maine, this 2,180-mile trail crosses fourteen U.S. states.

While hiking the Appalachian Trail, you can detour to the 339-mile Pinhoti Trail in southern Georgia. The trail was completed in 1937. The NPS saved this trail. 

About three million people hike this trail. Forests and wilderness cover most of the trail. 

It spans North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts.

One-season hikers take this trail. Hikers can camp in the forest with a lightweight tent. Few trail communities offer food and other amenities to hikers.

This trail has a wildlife warning. In this area, black bears only interact with humans. Weather in this region is unpredictable; it can go from freezing to mild on a day of hiking. 

Wonderland Trail 

Many find these trails long and tiring. Wonderland Trail is an excellent long-distance hike. It is 93 miles long and 22,000 feet high. It is high in a Washington Mount Rainier National Park circular route. Hikers can rest at nearly eighteen campsites. You can break up your long hike here for food and rest. 

These amenities simplify the hike. The trail passes glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic ridges, and meadows. The average trail completion time is 10–14 days. The trail circles the mountain. 

Hiking this trail reveals glaciers and natural wonders. The elevated track makes the trail tiring. While hiking this trail, you either ascend or descend the mountain. 

Many forests and river crossings are snow-covered or melting on this trail. This area has mostly sunny days with a high of 23 degrees Celsius.