The Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT for short, was designated a National Scenic Trail in 1968. It meanders 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, routed mainly through public and Indian lands and protected wilderness and avoiding towns as much as possible. Through California, Oregon, and Washington, it is a trail of extremes -- winding from desert through rain forest to glaciers, from 140 feet above sea level to its highest point at 13,200 feet. Join discussion...

Some of the best examples of the effects of North America's last glaciation is highlighted along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The only trail in Wisconsin to be designated a State Scenic Trail, it snakes 1200 miles across the state, following the terminal edge of the extinct glacier. Along the way, it passes through forests, prairies, wetlands, and farms as it connects Wisconsin's communities. Join discussion...

Wisconsin may not be a state you think of for a long-distance hike, but there is, indeed, a long trail. The Ice Age Trail travels along the edge of the last North American glacier and highlights unique glacial features. While Wisconsin may not have towering mountains, a thru-hiker still needs specialized information for planning. Join discussion...

The Florida Trail is a footpath leading 1,100 miles from Big Cypress National Preserve between Miami and Naples to Gulf Island National Seashore near Pensacola. Along the way, it passes a wide variety of plant life, from tropical plants to those more common on mountainsides; some habitats are found nowhere else in the country. Join discussion...

Even though Florida is fairly flat, don't be fooled into thinking a thru-hike of the Florida Trail will be easy. In dry years, drinking water may be scarce; in wet years, you will be wading through water. Submerged branches and plant material will slow you down. A pace of 15-20 miles per day will be possible along smooth and level dikes, but swamp hiking will cut that pace in half. Join discussion...

The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail follows the general route of the 444-mile Old Natchez Trace that ran from Natchez, Mississippi, through the corner of Alabama to Nashville, Tennessee. Only 65 miles of that distance is hiking trail today. Designated a National Scenic Trail in 1983, the trail is actually four separate trails running roughly parallel to and within the boundaries of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Join discussion...

Designated a National Scenic Trail corridor in 1983, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail will connect Chesapeake Bay to the Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania. It will run through Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, connecting various existing trails and historic sites into one 800-mile trail. Join discussion...