The Big 32- America’s Other Long Distance Hiking Trails

Long Trail, Vermont

There are a lot of long-distance hiking trails besides the famous Triple Crown of the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails. Many hikers simply do not have the time, resources, or ability to hike the Triple Crown trails.

Introducing the Big 32.

This remarkable list of hiking trails can cater to almost any long-distance hiker, offering an incredible diversity of scenery, habitats, ecosystems, and communities. These trails are ideal for those looking for a more manageable thruhike, or section hike. Furthermore, many of these trails can use the extra footsteps.

Keep in mind, these trails are very different from each other. Some may be well maintained, others are not. Some are wilderness treks, others explore the suburbs or farmlands. Some trails involve a lot of roadwalking, others have little. It is important you learn as much as possible about each trail before starting your hike.

The criteria for this list is simple:

1. Length must be from 100-600 miles along a single trail system.
2. Trail must be continuous although it is understood occasional trail closures will occur. Trails that are actively being built, but are not yet continuous, are included and noted as honorable mention.
3. Roadwalking (meaning roads open to public motorized vehicular traffic) cannot generally exceed a third of the trail.
4. The trails must be primarily intended for hiking and backpacking, although multi-use is permitted.
5. There must be sufficient opportunities for overnight camping. In other words, backpacking must be possible on the trail.
6. Overlapping trail systems may be permitted.
7. Trails are included, not routes, which generally involve extensive off trail hiking.

If I missed a trail, or mistakenly included a trail, please let me know. The order of trails have no meaning, they are identified from east to west. Trail lengths are approximate.

Tuscarora Trail

Eastern 18

1. Cohos Trail. 170 miles. New Hampshire.
2. Long Trail. 272 miles. Vermont.
3. New England Trail. 235 miles. Connecticut, Massachusetts.
4. Northville-Placid Trail. 135 miles. New York.
5. Long Path. 358 miles. New Jersey, New York.
6. Finger Lakes Trail. 580 miles. New York.
7. Horse Shoe Trail. 140 miles. Pennsylvania.
8. Mason Dixon Trail. 200 miles. Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware.
9. Mid State Trail. 327 miles. Pennsylvania.
10. Baker Trail. 134 miles. Pennsylvania.
11. Tuscarora Trail. 250 miles. Virginia, West Virgnia, Maryland, Pennsylvania.
12. Allegheny Trail. 311 miles. West Virginia.
13. Cumberland Trail. 300 miles. Tennessee. (Honorable mention, not yet complete)
14. Bartram Trail. 115 miles. North Carolina, Georgia.
15. Benton MacKaye Trail. 300 miles. Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina.
16. Pinhoti Trail. 330 miles. Alabama, Georgia.
17. Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail. 120 miles. Kentucky. (Honorable mention, not yet complete)
18. Sheltowee Trace Trail. 319 miles. Kentucky, Tennessee.

Mid State Trail, Pennsylvania

Central 7

1. River to River Trail. 160 miles. Illinois.
2. Ozark Highlands Trail. 218 miles. Arkansas.
3. Ozark Trail. 230 miles. Missouri.
4. Ouachita Trail. 223 miles. Arkansas, Oklahoma.
5. Superior Hiking Trail. 310 miles. Minnesota.
6. Maah Daah Hey Trail. 144 miles. North Dakota.
7. Centennial Trail. 124 miles. South Dakota.

Western 7

1. Colorado Trail. 486 miles. Colorado.
2. Uinta Highline Trail. 104 miles. Utah.
3. Tahoe Rim Trail. 170 miles. California, Nevada.
4. Blue Mountains Trail. 530 miles. Oregon.
5. Oregon Coast Trail. 362 miles. Oregon.
6. Bigfoot Trail. 360 miles. California, Oregon.
7. John Muir Trail. 211 miles. California.

Colorado Trail

New York’s Best Backpacking Trails

New York has the most diverse scenery of any state east of the Rocky Mountains. The Empire State boasts vast lakes, canyons, alpine peaks, huge waterfalls, large rivers, pastoral countryside, beaches, and significant wilderness. It also has an extensive backpacking trail system. Which ones should you hike?

Most of the hikes below follow routes that include multiple named trails.  For more information, see Backpacking New York.

https://flic.kr/p/AVr8oi

Western New York and the Finger Lakes

Allegany State Park
22 mile linear hike
Easy-moderate
Hike the North Country and Finger Lakes Trails across New York’s largest state park. Enjoy scenic forests, streams, and three shelters. While this hike doesn’t have standout natural features like waterfalls or vistas, the beautiful forests and good isolation make this an ideal backpack. Perfect for autumn colors.

Letchworth Trail
23 mile linear trail
Easy-moderate
This trail stretches across stunning Letchworth State Park, exploring the more isolated eastern rim of the famous gorge. There are views of two of the giant waterfalls and great views at the southern and northern ends of the trail. The trail passes many steep ravines carved by sidestreams with seasonal cascades. There are two shelters.

https://flic.kr/p/pfEXA2

Morgan Hill State Forest
14 mile loop
Easy-moderate
This loop follows sections of the North Country Trail and a rural road. It features two ponds, scenic forests, streams, an incredible vista, and impressive Tinker Falls. You will also enjoy a gorge with cascades. There’s a lot of scenery along this small loop, which is strategically located in the central part of the state, south of Syracuse. There is one shelter.

https://flic.kr/p/hEhiWX

Catskills

Escarpment Trail
23 mile linear trail
Moderate-difficult
A classic trail, enjoy stunning views, ledges, rock outcrops, a lake, boreal peaks, diverse forests, Blackhead Mountain, Windham High Peak, and famous Kaaterskill Falls, which is just off trail. The trail is known for being dry. There are two shelters.

https://flic.kr/p/p5KZo6

Windham High Peak and Blackhead Range Loop
18 mile loop
Difficult
Summit four Catskill peaks with spruce forests and excellent views. There are beautiful spruce forests and two shelters. Water can be limited. There is a four mile roadwalk to complete the loop.

https://flic.kr/p/f4enXX

Devil’s Path
25 mile linear trail
Very difficult
One of New York’s most famous, and brutal, trails. The punishing terrain reveals incredible views, rock shelters, and outcrops. Trail is very rocky and steep in places. Enjoy the spruce forests. The eastern half is drier, has more views, and is more difficult. The western half is easier, has more water, and a waterfall. There are four shelters.

Wittenburg-Cornell-Slide Loop
16 miles (including Giant Ledge)
Difficult
The classic Catskills backpack that summits three peaks, including the highest in the Catskills, Slide Mountain. The views are stunning from spruce covered summits. Be sure to include Giant Ledge with its own series of excellent views.

https://flic.kr/p/exfmS1

Southern New York, Hudson Valley and Taconic Mountains

South Taconic Trail
16 mile linear trail (trail has been extended further south)
Moderate-difficult
The best trail that you never knew existed, put this one on your list. It features excellent vistas from grassy balds on mountain summits, cascading waterfalls, and just off trail, the stunning Bash Bish Falls. The trail straddles the New York/Massachusetts border. Alander and Brace Mtns. cannot be missed. It’s hard to believe this trail isn’t more popular.

https://flic.kr/p/nVTGn9

Harriman State Park-West
22 mile loop
Moderate
Harriman is a very popular and surprisingly beautiful park that has a vast web of trails. I like this loop because of its diversity and relative isolation. It encompasses Island Pond, Lake Tiorati, and the Appalachian Trail. There are many vistas, ponds, cascades, rock outcrops, streams, gorges, and the famous Lemon Squeezer. There are three shelters.

https://flic.kr/p/mT9EfQ

Shawangunk Ridge Trail
28 miles (entire trail is 70 miles long)
Moderate-difficult
This is the best section of the little-known Shawangunk Ridge Trail; it goes from NY 55 south to NY 171. As you’d expect for the Gunks, there are non-stop views from white cliffs. Highlights include Sam’s Point, Ice Caves, and towering Verkeerderkill Falls. The trail is very circuitous through Minnewaska State Park. Camping is a problem on this route and is prohibited along its northern half. South Gully is a scenic gorge. The southern half of this route is quite nice with many vistas, isolation, and camping potential. Watch for sun exposure on the northern half and water can be a problem in dry weather.

https://flic.kr/p/pNtVWv

Adirondacks

Lake George Wild Forest
21 mile loop
Moderate-difficult
An excellent loop with beautiful ponds, cascades, and great camping. Enjoy views of pristine Lake George. The views from Sleeping Beauty, and Black Mountain in particular, are stunning. There are five shelters.

https://flic.kr/p/oozrj3

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness
24 mile loop
Moderate-difficult
A popular and beautiful destination, this loop offers gorgeous ponds, streams, a waterfall, incredible camping, and superb views. There are also mining remnants. Views from Pharaoh Mountain are excellent. There are eleven shelters, often in beautiful locations.

https://flic.kr/p/p5LxZW

West Canada Lakes Wilderness Loop
23 mile loop
Easy-moderate
A great backpack to get away from it all in an isolated wilderness. There are beautiful lakes, wetlands, and streams. Boardwalks offer views over the water. There are eight shelters, often along scenic lakes and ponds. A side hike to the top of Pillsbury Mountain from the trailhead offers excellent views.

https://flic.kr/p/oZwjGx

Cranberry Lake 50
50 mile loop
Easy-moderate
New York’s premier backpacking loop, this trail has become increasingly popular. Enjoy views of beautiful lakes and ponds, traverse the top of beaver dams in wet areas, and revel in the isolation of woodlands and grassy meadows. Do not miss High Falls or the excellent views from Cat Mtn. There are also a few waterfalls and cascades. There are four shelters and many great campsites. The trail goes through the village of Wanakena and there are almost eight miles of roadwalking to complete the loop. For shorter loops, do the High Falls or Dog Pond Loops.

https://flic.kr/p/pb5UUy

Northville-Placid Trail
135 mile linear trail
Easy-difficult
New York’s premier backpacking trail, this iconic trail stretches across much of the famous Adirondack Park. This is a lower elevation trail and mountain top vistas are rare, but there are numerous ponds, lakes, rivers, creeks, and some cascades. The trail crosses grassy meadows and isolated woodlands. Enjoy the stunning scenery, rapids, and pools of the Cold River. There are many shelters and campsites, often in stunning locations. The West Canada Lakes Wilderness and Cold River sections are generally considered the most scenic, but there is no bad section of the trail. Do not miss Wanika Falls. Piseco has a post office for a food drop and showers are available at Lake Durant Campground. Hiking this trail will be an experience you will never forget.

https://flic.kr/p/oZKLy7

Cold River-Seward Range Loop
30 mile loop
Easy-moderate
An isolated loop with great wilderness, this hike offers the stunning scenery of Cold River, scenic woodlands, streams, and great camping. Latham Pond is gorgeous with its views of the Seward Range. The Cold River has incredible rapids, cascades, and giant swimming holes. There are ten shelters. Side trails lead to the summits of the Seward Range.

 

Adirondack High Peaks

The stunning scenery of the High Peaks attract hikers from around the world. It also presents a challenge to traditional backpacking due to the punishing terrain and competition for campsites and shelters. If backpacking during the busy season, it is recommended you go mid-week. These routes follow a series of individually named trails.

Algonquin Peak-Indian Pass Loop
22 mile loop
Very difficult
See gorgeous lakes surrounded by towering mountains. A side trail leads to impressive Hanging Spear Falls. The arduous climb up to Algonquin reveals cascades and stunning views from an alpine peak. Hike by Heart Lake and up Indian Pass Brook to scenic Rocky Falls. Indian Pass is insanely rugged, and beautiful. There are seven shelters near or along the trail.

https://flic.kr/p/oMnEkV

Mt. Marcy-Avalanche Pass Loop
21 mile loop
Difficult
The “easiest” of the High Peak backpacks, this route has it all. There are lakes hemmed in by cliffs, scrambling, and alpine peaks. The Opalescent River is stunning with its chasms and rapids. Be sure to hike Skylight Mountain to its alpine summit. Hiking up the backside/southside of Mt. Marcy can be a little intimidating, but its is exhilarating. The top of New York’s highest mountain is stunning. Hike above Indian Falls and enjoy beautiful forests of birch and spruce. There are many shelters.

https://flic.kr/p/p8sfvM

High Peaks Loop
36 mile loop
Very difficult
The most difficult backpack in New York, this is an incredible and challenging loop with incredible views, waterfalls, ponds, lakes, chasms, and gorges. Take a rest at Johns Brook Lodge and tackle the Great Range with its incredible views. The views from Pyramid Peak may be the best in the High Peaks. Rainbow Falls is amazing and the classic view from Indian Head will take your breath away. The section along Nippletop and Dial Mtn. is more isolated, but still gorgeous. The section along Deer and Flume Brooks is surprisingly scenic with waterfalls and camping potential. If you finish this hike, pat yourself on the back. It is tough but so rewarding.

https://flic.kr/p/py69K7

 

For more information, see Backpacking New York.

 

 

 

Emerald Forest/Scouten Brook Loop-SGL 57

Emerald Forest, SGL 57

This is one of the most scenic loop hikes in Northeast Pennsylvania.  It features Scouten Brook, a tumbling mountain stream with cascades and waterfalls, an off trail hike to Cali Falls, and one of PA’s most scenic forests, the Emerald Forest, with its deep green canopy of hemlock and spruce, with carpets of moss.  Another short off trail hike will take you to a fine vista, great for sunsets, and massive boulders with passageways and overhangs.

This loop is approximately 7-8 miles long.

The trickiest part of the hike is the very beginning.  The remainder of the hike follows well established old grades and logging roads, although there are no blazes or signs.  Of course, the hike to Cali Falls, Zion Rocks, and the vista are off trail.

Drive down Windy Valley Road from Forkston, cross the bridge, and about .4 mile further reach Scouten Brook Road, a private road on the left.  Slow down.  Cross over Scouten Brook and pass a white cabin on the left.  The game lands touch the road just past the cabin at 41.483737, -76.133386.  Pull off as best you can, parking is very limited.  You may notice the white blazes on the trees, which are the game lands boundary.

Enter the woods, there is no trail.  Some mobile homes are off to your right.  Walk back, slightly southeast, for about 1,000 feet, and reach an old forest road; turn left as it curves uphill.  Enter a forest with some pines and continue a climb before the grade descends.  There’s a grade on the left; take it.  The grade straight ahead is your return route.

Reach views of Scouten Brook, and in winter, an old log cabin off to your left.  Reach another grade, turn right on it and follow it up Scouten Brook.  The grade stays above the creek and offers many views of it in winter.  There are cascades and small falls.  Some parts of the grade are eroded.  A side glen comes down on the north side of the brook; this is where Cali Falls is located.  It is a seasonal falls, so if Scouten Brook is low, Cali Falls will be dry.  The cascades and falls on Scouten become larger with some large boulders and pools.

Reach where the two forks of Scouten Brook join.  The grade turns left, above Scouten Brook Falls, a wide ledge about 12 feet tall.  Now climb and veer right and hike across the other fork of the brook.  The grade soon levels and reaches another grade, make a sharp left.  This grade is often wet and makes a gradual ascent.  Reach a four way intersection; turn right.  You will soon reach another intersection, turn right.  The grade ascends slightly and soon enters a stunning spruce forest.  The terrain is rolling and the forest becomes more scenic the further you hike, this is the Emerald Forest.  There are wet areas.  This evergreen forest is comprised of hemlock and spruce, with some pine.  Moss covers the ground.  It is like hiking in Maine or Quebec.  This forest is very beautiful.

Where the grade begins to descend, and before it leaves the Emerald Forest over some boulders and ledges, you can hike off trail to the south to see the vista and Zion Rocks.  The vista is a window opening through the trees to the vast plateaus to the west.  It is notable for its isolation, no sign of development, and the plateaus look particularly impressive here.  It is also a good sunset vista.  Below the vista are a maze of massive boulders.  About 500 feet north of the vista are the incredible Zion Rocks where huge mansion-sized boulders feature overhangs, caves, and crevices.

Back on the trail, descend and leave the Emerald Forest.  The trail levels and then drops down the benches of the mountain.  Two other grades join from the left but continue straight.  The trail curves right and descends.  Reach another grade and turn left, continuing the descent, which can be steep in places.  Reach the point where you began the loop and retrace your steps.

Please treat this special place with respect.  The Emerald Forest is unique in PA for its size, composition, and scenery; help make sure it will be there for generations to come.

More photos.

New Years at Worlds End State Park

Sunrise at Canyon Vista, Worlds End State Park

For the second New Year’s in a row, we reserved a cabin at a state park. This year we went to Worlds End with its rustic cabins built by the CCC in the 1930s. The weather was frigid, but the skies were clear and we stayed toasty in the cabin with an ample supply of firewood.

The cabin was simple and small with an open floor plan and a fireplace. Our cabin had a journal and it’s surprising how popular these cabins are; people wrote about their hiking adventures, their fear of anything that moved, or their remarkable ease at getting lost. People use these cabins throughout the year, often traveling from far away. One family even made it a tradition to come every Thanksgiving. These cabins created its own community. On our visit, people were friendly, hung up Christmas lights, and waved to each other.

It was great to unplug and relax. We went to Hillsgrove, saw the covered bridges, and hiked around the park. The ice flows at High Rock were amazing in the bright sun and the frozen waterfalls were spectacular. We drove out to High Knob twice, once at night, to see the moonlight illuminate the mountains in a ghostly glow as the stars twinkled overhead. One highlight was to drive to Canyon Vista in the morning to see the sunrise, something I’ve not done before. I’ve always seen this vista during the day. It was amazing at sunrise to see the distance mountaintops glow with the rising sun. It was also cold that morning, -12, but I didn’t mind.

If you’re tired of the typical New Year’s hoopla and want to try something different, reserve a cabin at a state park. It’s a great way to start the new year, even if you choose Worlds End!

More photos.

Hiking Tips: Help Maintain Trails While Hiking

 

Allegheny Front Trail, Moshannon State Forest

 

The vast majority of hiking trails are maintained by volunteers and they can always use a little help. You’re already on the trail, so why not help maintain it as you hike! Here are some things you can do:

1) Bend and break back branches or brush along a trail.

2) Bring a small hand clipper or saw to cut branches or brush.

3) Pick up litter.

4) Put rocks across wet or muddy areas.

5) Pick up branches that cross the trail.

If every hiker did just one of these things a couple times while hiking, our trails would be in great shape.  Please help do your part.

Want to help out more? Check out the Keystone Trails Association Trail Care program.