North American Long-Distance Trail Systems Overview
Overview
North American long-distance trail systems include a mix of continuous end-to-end routes, regional networks, and connected shorter trails. They cross national, state, and provincial lands and span a wide range of climates, from arid deserts to temperate rainforests and boreal forest.
Key points
- North America hosts several iconic end-to-end routes as well as interconnected regional trail networks.
- Trails often traverse national parks, national forests, state and provincial lands, and private easements.
- Hikers encounter diverse terrain, including deserts, mountains, prairies, forests, and coastal regions.
- Permits, regulations, and access conditions vary widely among jurisdictions and must be researched in advance.
- Trail systems may be designed primarily for hikers, but some segments are shared with equestrians or cyclists.
- Weather patterns can vary dramatically along a single trail, requiring flexible gear strategies.
- Long-distance trails are supported by a combination of government agencies, non-profit groups, and volunteers.
- Resupply options range from remote backcountry posts to larger towns and cities along or near the route.
Details
North American long-distance trail systems extend across thousands of kilometers, offering opportunities for both continuous thru hikes and shorter section hikes. Well-known examples include major north–south and east–west routes, as well as regionally focused trails that highlight particular landscapes such as coastal zones, mountain ranges, or interior forests and plains. Many of these systems rely on a patchwork of land ownership, requiring coordination among federal, state, provincial, and private landholders.
Long-distance routes in North America often take advantage of existing footpaths, historic travel corridors, and newly constructed connectors. They may intersect or overlap for certain sections, allowing hikers to combine routes or create custom itineraries. Differences in climate and elevation between trail segments influence typical hiking seasons, water planning, and safety considerations. Active involvement by trail associations, volunteer maintainers, and local communities plays a central role in keeping routes open, marked, and accessible to users.
Disclaimer: thruhikingwiki.com is an independent, informational reference only. It is not an official source for any trail association, land manager, park, agency, or guide service. Nothing on this site is legal, safety, medical, navigation, or professional advice, and it does not replace formal training or certified instruction. Thru-hiking and backcountry travel involve significant risk. Local regulations, land manager rules, and manufacturer instructions always take priority. You are solely responsible for your planning decisions, safety practices, and compliance with applicable laws. Use this site at your own risk.
Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.