The Triple Crown of Hiking in the United States is a title awarded to those who have completed three of the most challenging hiking trails in the nation. These trails are the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Completing all three of these trails is a major achievement for any hiker and is considered the pinnacle of the hiking experience in the United States.
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a 2,200-mile footpath stretching from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The trail is known for its stunningly varied terrain, from mountains, rivers, and swamps to forests, farms, and farmland. It is estimated that only 1 in 4 people who attempt the AT complete it. The drive time to the trailhead varies depending on where you are starting from, but the entire journey usually takes around 6 months.
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 2,650-mile footpath from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. The PCT traverses deserts, forests, and mountains as it travels through California, Oregon, and Washington. The terrain on the PCT is incredibly varied and can be quite demanding. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 people complete the PCT, and the journey usually takes about 4-6 months.
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is a 3,100-mile footpath stretching from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. The CDT traverses some of the most wild and remote country in the lower 48 states, including the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Chihuahuan desert. The CDT is known for its extreme remoteness and is estimated that only 1 in 20 hikers complete the trail, and the journey usually takes about 6-8 months.
Completing all three of these trails is a major achievement and is considered the ultimate hiking experience in the United States. In recognition of this accomplishment, the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West (ALDHA-West) awards the Triple Crown of Hiking. Those who complete the AT, PCT, and CDT are eligible to receive the award in recognition of their achievement. The Triple Crown of Hiking is a prestigious award that is respected throughout the hiking community. It’s a badge of honor that is awarded to those who have overcome great challenges, and it’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of those who have completed these three amazing trails.
Exploring The Triple Crown Of Hiking In The USA
When it comes to exploring the outdoors, the United States has a variety of beautiful trails and routes that are perfect for adventure-seekers. The Triple Crown of Hiking in the USA, also known as the American Long Distance Hiking Triple Crown, is an impressive accomplishment for those looking to traverse some of the United States’ most beautiful landscapes. It consists of completing three of America’s most iconic long-distance trails: the Appalachian Trail (AT), the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190-mile trail that stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. It traverses through 14 states, 8 national forests, and 6 national parks and is considered one of the longest hiking-only trails in the world.
The Pacific Crest Trail stretches for 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, from the Mojave Desert to the Pacific Northwest. It passes through California, Oregon, and Washington and covers a variety of terrains, from scorching hot deserts to lush forests and high mountain passes.
The Continental Divide Trail is a 3,100-mile trail that runs from the US-Mexican border to the US-Canadian border. It passes through 5 states (New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana) and highlights some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States.
The Triple Crown of Hiking is a challenging endeavor that requires extensive planning, preparation, and perseverance. The trails span over several months, with the AT taking around 5 months and the PCT and CDT taking an average of 6 months each. It’s important to be in good physical shape before attempting any one of these trails, as they can be quite arduous. Additionally, travelers should familiarize themselves with the region they’ll be hiking in, including weather, terrain, vegetation, and wildlife.
Completing the Triple Crown of Hiking is an accomplishment that is highly revered among the hiking community. The trails are a beautiful experience, as they traverse through some of the most beautiful and remote areas in the United States. It’s a great way to truly explore the outdoors and discover the beauty of nature.
Planning A Trip To Conquer The USA’s Triple Crown Of Hiking
Many hikers dream of completing the Triple Crown of Hiking, a challenging set of three trail segments located in the United States. Consisting of the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail, these three trails offer a wide variety of landscapes, views, and challenges. If you’re looking for an epic adventure, planning your own trip to conquer the USA’s Triple Crown of Hiking can be an incredible experience.
The first step to planning your trip is to decide which of the three trails you’d like to tackle. Depending on your own preference and skill level, you can choose to tackle all three trails, or just focus on one or two. It’s important to do some research and plan your route before you set out, as you’ll need to consider a variety of factors such as elevation, topography, water availability, and the availability of camping. Additionally, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local regulations and trail etiquette.
Once you’ve decided which trail or trails you’d like to complete, the next step is to make sure you have all the necessary supplies for your journey. You’ll need to bring adequate supplies of food, water, and clothing, as well as a first aid kit, navigation tools, and a weather-appropriate shelter. Make sure to bring enough supplies for the entire journey, as it will be difficult to restock once you’re out. Additionally, it’s important to plan for any unexpected circumstances, such as bad weather or illness.
When it comes to planning the logistics of your trip, it’s important to book your transportation and lodging in advance. You can choose to stay in hostels, campgrounds, or even on the trail itself if you’re comfortable doing so. It’s also important to research the trails and plan your route ahead of time so you can be sure to take advantage of any rest days or resupply stations along the way. Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of the different permits and fees associated with the different trails.
The USA’s Triple Crown of Hiking is an incredible adventure and something that many hikers dream of completing. With the right preparation and planning, you can make your own journey a success. So start planning your incredible journey today and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
| Trail | Length | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Trail | 2,181 miles | Maine to Georgia |
| Pacific Crest Trail | 2,650 miles | Mexico to Canada |
| Continental Divide Trail | 3,100 miles | Mexico to Canada |
The Triple Crown is a term for completing the three most iconic long-distance hikes in the United States: the Appalachian Trail (AT), the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).
The Appalachian Trail is 2,186 miles long, the Pacific Crest Trail is 2,650 miles and the Continental Divide Trail is 3,100 miles.
The total distance for the Triple Crown is 7,936 miles.
It typically takes 3-5 years to complete the Triple Crown.
The requirements to complete the Triple Crown are to hike each of the three trails in their entirety, one after the other, and have the completed hike certified by the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West.
Yes, there is an equivalent of the Triple Crown known as the International Triple Crown for international hikers who are looking to complete long-distance hikes in other countries.
No, there is no particular order in which you need to hike the trails.
Yes, the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West recognizes completion of the Triple Crown.
The cost of hiking the Triple Crown varies depending on supplies and equipment, but it typically ranges from $5,000-$15,000.
Yes, it is possible to complete the Triple Crown solo, although it is generally safer and more enjoyable to do so with friends or family.