THE TIMELESS QUESTION: AT, PCT, CDT?

MARK SIREK
MARK SIREK Administrator Posts: 248
edited July 12 in ROUTES & TRAILS

Maybe you've wondered this yourself, maybe you've successfully thru hiked one or all of them and you have a few thoughts, or maybe you can't decide which one to do first or next, and a little feedback would help you choose. Let's hear it–which of the three most iconic long trails is the best? Make sure you're signed in to vote, and post your reasons in the comments! Go!

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THE TIMELESS QUESTION: AT, PCT, CDT? 12 votes

Appalachian Trail
41%
Cozzens11marinafrenchMax_Kiel_Trailtinafalbelo 5 votes
Pacific Crest Trail
16%
lchihhappyfeet 2 votes
Continental Divide Trail
41%
quiggleryanAustinHagerkilroyPatch96RamKin 5 votes

Comments

  • marinafrench
    marinafrench Member, Administrator Posts: 6
    Appalachian Trail

    I haven't hiked any of them yet, but have completed the Te Araroa in New Zealand! Next on my list is the AT. I really like the idea of "walking home" to Maine.

  • Patch96
    Patch96 Member Posts: 25
    Continental Divide Trail

    I’ve only hiked the AT so far so my vote is mostly based on speculation and what I’ve seen on the internet. I have been to Colorado and hiked a few short sections of the CDT including Grays peak and mount flora from Berthoud pass. I loved the AT in every way from start to finish, and being from Maine/New Hampshire it holds a special place in my heart. However I had to vote for the CDT for a few reasons.

    Variety in scenery and terrain

    High Elevation

    Remoteness

    Grizz Country

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    Pic 1 Grays Peak

    Pic 2 Mount Flora

    Pic 3 Near Rollins Pass

  • quiggleryan
    quiggleryan Member Posts: 45
    Continental Divide Trail

    CDT ALL THE WAY BABY!

  • tina
    tina Member, Moderator Posts: 54
    Appalachian Trail

    Do the AT first if you think you might want to do other trails. Do the PCT if you think you only want to do one long trail. Do the CDT if you don’t want a typical thru-hiking experience. All are amazing in their own ways!

  • TenDigitGrid
    TenDigitGrid Member, Moderator Posts: 80

    The longest trail I have done is nothing in comparison to any of these, but I loved the High Sierra Trail so much, that I think I would love the PCT

  • kilroy
    kilroy Member Posts: 4
    Continental Divide Trail

    I've hiked the AT several times and still each time is different, both challenging and rewarding. But, the CDT is calling me there. I've bicycled through the Great Parks, north and south, but the concept of the thrill of backpacking is like anticipating those coming Christmas presents. Going solo is a little overwhelming for me. Going with one or more would be great, but we'll see. I just need to motivate myself. So little time, so many trails!

    Prophet

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