Lots of people take a backpack, put on a stove, food, and camping gear, and head out to the canyons, plains, valleys, and hills once in a while. If one is searching for the perfect trail to hike, the infamous Appalachian trail will do. It was founded by Benton MacKaye, who founded The Wilderness Society. The Appalachian Trail has become an outstanding wilderness experience. It covers over 2000 miles across the 14 eastern states; it's a thru-hike that takes months.

Some of us would like to hike other long trails before embarking on the Appalachian Trail. We did the research for those looking for a suitable, substantial hike that is not the Appalachian Trail. Below are the best ten long walks that one can take in the US. Always remember before embarking on a trip, check the local travel restrictions and follow the government's guidelines.

10 Pacific Crest Trail

Pacific Crest Trail it's a Hollywood- stunning hiking trail. It spreads across three western states in the lower 48. The 2650 mile trail covers different terrains from the Mojave Desert in California and John Muir's travels through the Sierras then through volcanoes of Oregon and Cascade mountains. Since it's one of the longest trails in the country, information and safety measures have become readily available, and even a beginner hiker can try the Pacific Crest Trail.

RELATED: Everything You Need To Know Before Hiking PCT, The Appalachian Trail Of The West Coast

9 Continental Divide Trail

Continental Divide trail marks the line where water runs into the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean. It covers 3100 miles from Mexico to Canada across Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico. The continental divide provides altitude sickness, heat exhaustion, altitude sickness, volcano hopping, and encounters with rattlesnakes and bears. This trail is suitable for experienced hikers because there are many areas of off-trail navigating, change of weather and course, and elevation above 14000 feet.

8 Pacific Northwest Trail

Pacific Northwest Trail encompasses mountains to the sea- approach, comprising alpine and Ocean terrain. It covers 1200 miles across Idaho, Washington, Montana, crossing the Cascade Range and Continental Divide. This trail is mountain-goat-infused. This trail is suitable for knowledgeable hikers because of the grizzly bears, climate, and weather changes. The Pacific Northwest Trail might be shorter than others, but it's challenging.

7 Florida Trail

The Florida Trail doesn't leave the state. It covers 1300 miles across Panhandle and the Peninsula from the Cypress National Preserve to the ceaseless forest. The hikers' risk is meeting up with black bears, mountain lions, and gators along the trail. Florida trail is suitable for all experience levels since it's a relatively low-elevation and flat hike. But one should be prepared for sweat bugs since Florida is quite Humid.

RELATED: These Are Common Myths Everyone Believes About Hiking The Appalachian Trail (Debunked)

6 Arizona Trail

When Arizona is mentioned, we all think of flat sand and heat. But let's rethink; the Arizona trail is an 800-mile trail that covers canyons, cultures from Utah to Mexico, mountains, and deserts. The endless path from the state's southern border to the northern border, mountainous and snaking Grand Canyon National Park. The Arizona Trail is suitable for all experience levels. One should carry lots of water for the extra dry sections of the trail. One should conduct proper research to avoid irrelevant struggles from congregations in the Grand Canyon and scorching temperatures.

5 American Discovery Trail

The American Discovery Trail cuts across from one coast to another, and it covers over 6800 miles. Those who attempt this trail experience different kinds of surroundings; deserts, cities, mountains, nature plans, and Oceans. It crosses Pacific Crest Trails, Continental, Divide, and crosses the Appalachian and en route from Delaware to California, there are so many discoveries and wonders in this trail. This trail is suitable for dedicated hikers since it will need one to put lots of energy and test every muscle and bone to accomplish the coast-to-coast hike.

4 North Country Trail

North Country Trail spreads from the lakes to the hills twisting from North Dakota, 4600 miles to Vermont. Hikers cross the tirelessly undeviating trail in the plains before transforming to the windy shoreline of Lake Superior. With this trail, one gets to see eight states or great lakes. It makes the perfect thru-hike. It is suitable for experienced and strong hikers. The terrain is not that challenging. The endurance required makes it an advanced hikers trail.

RELATED: Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikes Will Not Be Recognized In 2021... Here's What To Do Instead

3 Ice Age Trail

Ice Age Trail is a 1000 mile prehistoric trail in Wisconsin that was carved by nature's glacial forces. Every step that takes one back more than a million years ago. The trail is covered with ice for almost two miles. From the shoreline of Lake Michigan to the tributaries of River Mississippi, turns trail winds, and meanders its way through the Rocky Mountains, grasslands, and forest. This trail is not necessarily suited for advanced hikers, but avid ones can survive. Geology lovers will appreciate the formation of the land. One needs to pack lots of water, ointments, and creams since rashes, chafing and bugs can impoverish a hike.

2 Hayduke Trail

Hayduke Trail is named after an imaginary character in "The Monkey Wrench Gang," a famous novel written by Edward Abbey. This trail is a gem. It starts and finishes in a national park. It's an 812 mile that starts and ends in Utah, getting into Arizona to connect the Arizona Trail via Grand Canyon National Park. One should choose this trail for the serenity and solitude of the American Southwest. Hayduke trail is not suitable for the faint-hearted due to the high elevations from 1800 feet to over 11000 feet. This requires a lot of experience and patience due to heat exhaustion, water rationing, and off-trail navigation.

1 Shenandoah National Park trail

It is a 100-mile journey trail that takes up to 10 days. One gets to have staggering views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley parallel to skyline drive. One can stop into the Big Meadows Lodge and get to see wildlife such as white-tailed deer and black bears or get to stay overnight in a hut. This trail is suitable for beginners.

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