Backpacking across North America has allured many travelers throughout the world in recent years. Whether it is the attraction of peaceful mountain passages, rugged wilderness trails or lush primitive environments, the excitement and fascination of exploring North America on foot simply cannot be ignored.
Many adventurous travelers decide to backpack across North America right out of high school or college, taking the opportunity to explore the peaceful and primitive pathways of America before entering the hectic and demanding working world. Others may choose to use vacation time or other opportunities to get away and explore the rugged backcountry trails of North America. The majority of backpackers must travel on a tight budget and find creative ways to save money throughout their travels. Backpackers overseas who wish to travel to North America to explore the rugged hills and majestic mountains of the area may be able to locate cheap flights to USA and flights to Canada by checking for specials with airlines, searching for travel coupons online and comparing costs. Some airlines may also offer discounts for students traveling overseas.
Locating affordable accommodations while backpacking in North America is another financial concern of many travelers. A large number of the historic and famous trails in North America offer convenient accommodations along the way, including campgrounds, inns, huts and hostels. Some families near the trails are even willing to open up their homes to backpackers for a small cost.
North America offers a number of relaxing, adventurous and pristine trails for courageous, freedom-seeking backpackers. Listed here are ten of the top backpacking destinations in North America:
1: American Discovery Trail
As the only coast-to-coast non-motorized trail in the United States, the American Discovery Trail covers 6,800 miles of scenic trails. The trail is open to hiking, biking and horseback riding and expands across 15 states. A large number of accommodations are offered to backpackers, bikers and equestrians along the path, including campsites and hostels. Beginning at the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware, the American Discovery Trail passes through 16 national forests and 14 national parks. Along the way, it connects to a large number of national historic, recreational and scenic trails. The American Discovery Trail passes through the states of Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California.
2: Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous and traveled hiking trails in North America. At 2,174 miles long, the trail passes through 14 states across mountains, hills and valleys. The trail spans from Mount Katahdin, located in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia. The footpath travels through the major valleys and hills of the Appalachian Mountains. Many backpackers attempt to hike the trail in one season, starting in Georgia sometime in the early spring and traveling north with the warm weather. A number of international travelers take flights to USA just to backpack across the famous Appalachian Trail. Various campsites and shelters are offered to backpackers along the trail, including hostels, huts and shelters. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
3: Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,650 mile long trail traversing from Canada to Mexico. The trail crosses through the states of Oregon, Washington and California. A large number of backpackers travel the trail each year. Hikers in the United States and across the world take flights to Canada to begin the trail in the north and travel south through California. The trail travels from British Columbia, Canada to the California-Mexico border and crosses through forests, deserts and alpine country. It includes six out of seven North American eco-zones and passes through seven national parks and 25 national forests. The trail route primarily covers only scenic wilderness and mountainous areas and avoids civilization. Mountain ranges within the trail include the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, Laguna, San Jacinto, Sierra Nevada, Klamath, Tehachapi and Liebre in California. The Cascade Range in all three states is also a part of the trail.
4: Continental Divide Trail
Separating the waters of the Atlantic Ocean from those of the Pacific, the Continental Divide runs from Canada to Mexico. It is also commonly referred to as the “Backbone of the Continent” and covers the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is a 3,100 mile long path open to hikers and equestrians. In the United States, the scenic trail covers 3,000 miles, running from the Mexican boundary in New Mexico, north through the Rocky Mountains to Glacier National Park in Montana. The remaining 100 miles of the trail extend into Canada to Kakwa Lake in the Jasper National Park. While only a couple dozen backpackers attempt to cover the entire trail, a number of tourists and hikers from all over the world take flights to USA and flights to Canada in order to sightsee and travel along portions of this scenic national trail.
5: North Country National Scenic Trail
The North Country National Scenic Trail covers over 4,600 miles and is the longest footpath of all the National Scenic Trails that are authorized by Congress. The peaceful recreational pathway stretches from the western portion of North Dakota at Lake Sakakawea to eastern New York at Crown Point. It covers the seven states of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. The North Country National Scenic Trail encompasses a variety of forests, parks, wildlife refuges, scenic attractions and historic sites. This trail is primarily accessed by hikers and backpackers for both short and long distance hiking. The trail is primarily limited to foot travel, though certain areas of the trail are open to other non-motorized activities, such as horseback riding and bicycling.
6: Bartram Trail
The Bartram Trail encompasses 110 miles of scenic mountain views in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The path derives its name from William Bartram, an 18th century botanist who explored the mountains of the Carolinas and Georgia recording and cataloging more than 200 species of plants native to the area. The northern trailhead is at Cheoah Bald in North Carolina, while the southern terminus lies along the Chattooga River at the South Carolina and Georgia border. Magnificent peaks along the way include Wayah Bald, Cheoah Bald and Scaly Mountain.
7: Pinnell Mountain Trail
The Pinnell Mountain Trail is one of the shorter trails on this list, at only 27 miles. Located in Alaska, this trail is often considered one of the best short routes in the state. The spectacular views and pristine environment allow for a pristine hiking experience in the glorious mountains of Alaska. The steep and rugged pathways make this one of the more difficult trails in Alaska, though the clean mountain air and tranquil surroundings make it an experience worth the climb. Located in the Steese National Conservation Area, the Pinnell Mountain Trail runs between Eagle Summit and Twelve Mile Summit, approximately 100 miles northeast of Fairbanks.
8: Chilkoot Trail
Another one of the shorter trails on the top ten list, the Chilkoot Trail is 33 miles of historic pathways leading from Dyea, Alaska in the United States to Bennett, British Columbia in Canada. This hiking trail passes through the Coast Mountains, the Yukon Territory and the Chilkoot Pass. Following the same path used by many in the Gold Rush stampede of the late 19th century, the trail still contains a number of artifacts from that time period and winds across a myriad of mountain passes, swamps, canyons and alpine lakes. Backpackers begin the trail in Alaska and complete the hike in British Columbia, where they often enjoy a return trip on an historic railway line that is often voted one of the most picturesque scenic railways in the world.
9: The Long Trail
Running the length of the state of Vermont, the Long Trail is one of the oldest walking trails in the United States. Serving as an inspiration for the creation of the Appalachian Trail, the 270 miles of pathways share approximately 100 miles with the famous Appalachian Trail in the central and southern portions of the state. The northern trailhead is located at the Canadian border near East Richford, Vermont, while the southern trailhead is near Stamford at the Massachusetts-Vermont line. The trail follows the Green Mountains and crosses some of the highest peaks in Vermont, including Killington Peak, Stratton Mt. and Mt. Mansfield. A number of primitive huts line the rugged and rocky mountain trail. Backpackers typically begin the hike in Stamford in July or August and travel north towards the Canadian border.
10: Benton Mackaye Trail
The Benton MacKaye Trail is a 288 mile footpath covering the states of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. It runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to the Davenport Gap in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park located in North Carolina. This moderate to difficult hiking trail runs through some of the most rugged and remote areas of the southeastern portion of United States. The rough and rugged trail explores the backcountry areas of the three states and includes eight Wilderness Study Areas.
Bio:
Article by Richard Greenwood of Student Flights which offers a wide range of cheap travel options for student and youth travel. Products include rail passes and hop on hop off bus passes. Richard is a keen traveller and has backpacked around Asia, Australia, NZ, USA and travelled across much of Europe.
Image by chucklepix (Steve)
