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Triple Crown (AT–PCT–CDT)

Triple Crown (AT–PCT–CDT) reference article on thruhikingwiki.com.

Overview

The Triple Crown refers to completing the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail—the three premier long-distance trails in the United States.

Key points

  • Represents over 7,000 miles of cumulative hiking.
  • Requires completing all three trails, often over multiple years.
  • Recognized by the American Long Distance Hiking Association–West.
  • Involves diverse terrain, climates, and navigation challenges.
  • Considered one of the highest achievements in long-distance hiking.
  • Demands extensive planning, resilience, and commitment.

Details

The Triple Crown of hiking is awarded to individuals who complete the three major U.S. long-distance trails: the Appalachian Trail (AT), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Each trail presents unique challenges, from the rocky ridges of the AT to the high Sierra and Cascades of the PCT and the remote, route-variable terrain of the CDT.

Triple Crown achievement is typically completed over several years, though a small number of hikers attempt multi-trail or calendar-year completions.

Recognition is granted by the American Long Distance Hiking Association–West upon submission of completion records.

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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.