The Hiking Trifecta: The Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trai

The Earth is indeed full of unending and majestic wonders. Sometimes, we don't have the apt capacity to take it all in one snap. Taking a momentarily pause to admire the vast expanse of nature, in the passing of each eventful second, can change a person in many ways–unexpectedly. As a geologist, I have the innate passion to delve into how the mountains, lowlands, highlands, valleys, oceans, seas, etc. become what they are today. Unearthing the history of nature seems far-fetched, but an attempt to understand even a quarter mile of it is a toe's dip to a vast ocean of curiosities. Nature has mastered a multitude of ways to craft its own form and thus, presenting its best morphological state for all of us to marvel at. Seeing nature in its raw dynamic form and knowing its history can be one of the most gratifying moments of being human. Seeing all the change happening from a fair vantage point is an absolute privilege to have. As mere observers of how this form of beauty unfolds, the best way to be part of it all–is through reconnecting with nature itself. 

Probably, the best way to immerse oneself with the unparalleled beauty of Earth is through hiking. Years ago, hiking is deemed to have been a risky and dangerous avenue of exploring nature. Fortunately today, society has been more accepting of this veritable hobby. Want to know the best places to hike in order to get the best of what nature has to offer? Well, hold your horses, for these places are not for the fainthearted! Every hiker's dream is to walk their way through the famous Triple Crown of hiking trails. 

The Triple Crown is a collective term, coined by seasoned hikers, referring to the hiking trail trifecta including: The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), and the Appalachian Trail (AT). These three are the most popular hiking trails in the world. Hikers who attempt to take on the challenge of accomplishing the Triple Crown undergo intensive training before actually going on trail. These popular hiking trails are designed for either long stretch thru-hikes or multiple section hikes. I myself, yearns for the day, to actually have enough courage and funding to hike even one of these trails.

1) The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

Mount Hood, Oregon, PCT by James Parsons

The Pacific Crest Trail or PCT registers a whopping 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers) covering the entirety of the trail. The northbound end of the trail, usually taken by many, starts from a jump-off point in the Mexican border and ends at Canada. The hike along the trail passes through the states of California, Sierra Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The trail boasts of varied landscapes and climate which the hikers can experience throughout the trail. The PCT can either be done through one long stretch of thru-hiking or divided into multiples of section hiking. Most hikers tend to take on the challenge of thru-hiking which takes about 4 to 6 months to complete the trail. (Source: www.pcta.org)

To know more about the Pacific Crest Trail, visit the official website of the PCT Association

2) The Continental Divide Trail

Piegan Pass, Glacier National Park, CDT by Robert Zavadil

Just like the PCT, the Continental Divide Trail or CDT boasts of a long stretch hiking experience. The trailhead starts from Glacier National Park located in the Canadian Border and culminates in the Big Hatchets Wilderness Study Area in the Mexican Border. The CDT is a 3,100-mile hike and is definitely comparable to the PCT. Surely, both have equally distinctive characteristics but are frequently compared by hikers who had successfully finished both trails. The CDT offers an experience of various ecosystems, climate, flora, and fauna of the five states that the trail covers. The stretch of the hike will pass through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The trail can be completed through thru-hiking or section hiking, similar to the PCT. (Source: www.continentaldividetrail.org)

To know more about the Continental Divide Trail, visit the official website of the CDT Coalition

3) The Appalachian Trail

Tray Mountain, Georgia, AT by Eric Champlin

What sets the Appalachian Trail or AT apart from both the PCT and CDT is its hiking-only footpath. The entire stretch of the trail, spanning 2,190 miles, can only be finished through hiking. Unlike in the PCT and CDT, which are both opened for equestrian options. The entirety of the trail passes 14 states including the Appalachian Mountain Range. The trailhead starts from Springer Mountain in Georgia towards the north, which is Katahdin, Maine. (Source: www.appalachiantrail.org)

To know more about the Appalachian Trail, visit the official website of the AT Conservancy

The Triple Crown is indeed a majestic trifecta of nature. My dream to experience nature by hiking even one if these trails will last me a lifetime of contentment and sense of accomplishment. The thirst to reconnect with nature and reevaluate one's perspective in life are only a few of the million things that people claim to have gained from the experience of hiking these trails. The hope to have the privilege to experience it some day serves as an inspiration to most of us wanting to put ourselves in the way of beauty.

Godspeed and Ad astra,

Camille

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