Hiking in North America

Find your hiking trail in North America

Hiking in North America is always a good idea if you have the time. It’s a great continent for long-distance hiking or day hikes with plenty of trails ranging from extended thru-hikes to shorter, scenic hiking trails in national parks. Hiking in North America has everything to offer for both casual hikers and experienced thru-hikers who want to cross Canada or the United States on trails like the Pacific Crest Trail or the Great Divide Trail.

Thru-hiking in the United States

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in North America, stretching approximately 3540km (2200 mi) from Georgia to Maine, it takes you through a range of mountains, forests, and wildflower meadows. Also called the green tunnel, this thru-hike is a mental and physical challenge and the adventure of a lifetime.

On the west coast, the Pacific Crest Trail covers about 4265km (2650 mi) from Mexico to Canada, passing through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. It is known for its dramatic changes in scenery, from high desert landscapes to snowy mountain peaks and wide forests. Welcome to the most famous thru-hiking trail in the world!

The Continental Divide Trail, which follows the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico, is about 4990km (3100 mi). It is less traveled than the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails, offering more of a remote wilderness experience. This thru-hike is known for its elevation gain and solitude, making it a unique experience to cross America. You’ll likely run into lots of wildlife on this one.

Hiking in Canada

Canada has many trails through its wilderness as well. Describing just a few trails here, Canada has so much more to offer. The West Coast Trail in British Columbia is a 75km beautiful trek through the coastal wilderness of Vancouver Island. The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park offers a trail famous for higher altitudes and hiking above the tree line with views of the Canadian Rockies. The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, stretching almost 900 kilometers from Niagara to Tobermory in Ontario.

Shorter trails in the United States

For those looking for shorter long-distance trails or day-hiking trails, the United States does not disappoint. Zion National Park in Utah offers the Zion Narrows, where you will wade through the Virgin River with towering canyon walls on either side. This hike will give you a unique perspective on the park’s rock formations.

Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome is a challenging day hike that ends in a steep ascent where you’ll climb using a rope to the top of the to the iconic granite dome. Here, you’ll have some of the best panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.

Another great option in Zion National Park is Angels Landing. Maybe one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the United States, Angel’s Landing is known for its views and drops and leads you to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park. These are just a few trails that represent a sample of the hiking opportunities in North America.