5 Thru-Hikes That Aren’t The PCT

Have you heard the news? My guess is yes. Basically everything is shut down or drastically modified thanks to the Novel Coronavirus (aka COVID-19). While hiking and getting outdoors is an approved activity even for most of us in mandated isolation we still need to practice social distancing. Now, I’m not here to debate whether or not you should attempt your thru hike of the PCT, AT, or the CDT despite explicit requests from the respective associations not to begin a thru hike right now. You’re an adult and you know your actions have consequences. You may have quit your job and/or rearranged your entire life to hike one of the big 3 and I can’t imagine being faced with the decision to go on the hike vs. to stay home knowing everything just hit the fan.

While I also plead for you not to embark on one of these bad-boys tomorrow for many reasons (honestly reasons not to go could be a whole post) I am here to offer you an alternative should you wait. While they may not be as long and romanticized as the triple crown trails, there are still many long-distance hiking trails you can thru hike later this year once everything settles down and restrictions are lifted. The plus side? You can still start and finish before your estimated finish time of whichever trail you’re agonizingly passing up without sacrificing the amazing views.

So without further use of your time, I present to you five long-distance hiking trails that aren’t the PCT, AT, or CDT. 

1. Pacific Northwest Trail

2. Mountains to Sea Trail

3. Colorado Trail

4. Superior Hiking Trail

5. Benton Mackaye Trail

Pacific Northwest Trail

• Miles: 1,200

• Average time on trail: 60-75 days

• States: MT, ID, WA

• Best time to go: July-September

Permits: Permits are required for the sections in Glacier, North Cascades, and Olympic National parks. The respective national parks will have permitting information. 

Note that this trail is super remote and probably isn’t the best for the novice thru hiker. With less than 100 people attempting the trail in 2019, you won't find the social aspect here. This is also Grizzly country and while that shouldn’t be a reason to avoid any place, it is important to know that you’ll need to take proper bear precautions.

Mountains to Sea Trail

Miles: 1,175

• Average time on trail: 3-4 months

• States: NC

• Best time to go: Spring or Fall

• Permits: Permits are required for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (section 1). Permits are also required for the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area (section 4) if you’re staying overnight in the area on the weekend or on a holiday from May 1-Oct 31.
  

Colorado Trail

Miles: 486

• Average time on trail: 4-6 weeks

• States: CO

• Best time to go: July-September

• Permits: No in-advance permits are required. When you enter a wilderness area you’ll need to sign in at the permit box and fill out a free permit. These permits are FREE.
  

I’m partial to the CT because it’s in my state. I’ve been knocking out sections of this bad boy and it doesn’t disappoint. Want hot, sun-filled burn zones? Check. Want amazing alpine meadows? Check. Want to climb a 14er? Take a side trail. This has it all and the trail is well maintained by the Colorado Trail Foundation. This trail also coincides with the CDT at times so if the CDT was your plan for 2020, you will still be able to step foot on it for a few hundred miles by doing the CT instead. 

Sheltowee Trace Trail

Miles: 333

• Average time on trail: 3-4 weeks

• States: KY

• Best time to go: Spring or Fall

• Permits: You need a recreation permit for overnight hiking in the Red River Gorge area.

Superior Hiking Trail 

• Miles: 260-310

• Average time on trail: 2-3 weeks

• States: MN

• Best time to go: July-October

• Permits: None
  

This one is along the shoreline of Lake Superior and has two options, the Traditional Thru Hike and the Total Thru Hike. The traditional route is shorter and is the original route starting on the north side of Duluth. The total thru hike begins south of Duluth. There are no backcountry campsites in the Duluth section of the SHT and it’s likely you’ll need to coordinate shuttles and lodging for this section. The summers are buggy and the fall is full of color but this trail has a long window for accessing it, making it an awesome 2020 option. 

Benton Mackaye Trail

• Miles: 288

• Average time on trail: 2-3 weeks

• States: GA, NC, and TN

• Best time to go: Spring and Fall

• Permits: only required in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
  

This one is like a mini Appalachian Trail. It shares a start at Springer Mountain and ends at another intersection with the AT. Despite the proximity to arguably the most popular long-distance trail in the US, the BMT is pretty remote. One-third of the trail is in a wilderness area so you won’t be running into vehicles (so plan your food accordingly!)

If you're taking these alternates...

PLEASE make sure to check the appropriate association’s website (hyperlinked to each trail) as we near your start date. The COVID-19 situation is changing daily and what may still be open or not canceled rather in March could change by your start date. It is important to comply with the requests and advice of the associations as they know their trail and trails towns best. While hiking is an approved social distancing tactic note that thru-hiking might be impacted by trail town business closures and empty grocery shelves if what is happening in March continues. Sometimes, the advice to not embark on a thru hike isn’t about hiking specifically but rather the towns and supplies they have available.

I haven't done these in their entirety but I have started section hiking the Colorado Trail. One thing I love about these options over the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or the Continental Divide Trail is that the lengths and time off requirements are a lot more flexible. With careful planning and an understanding boss, you might not have to give up your job and totally rearrange your life to have a thru hiking experience.