From the Appalachian Trail to the Camino de Santiago, there are so many amazing trail systems to choose from, both nationally and internationally. If you’ve ever had so much as a glimmer of interest in a long-distance hike (AKA thru-hike), you’ve probably heard of the 3 most popular long trails in the US:
- The Appalachian Trail: spans 2,190 miles, across 14 states (from Georgia to Maine) along the east coast
- The Continental Divide Trail (following the Continental Divide of the United States): spans 3,028 miles from Mexico to Canada, crossing 5 states (New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana)
- The Pacific Crest Trail (Cheryl Strayed / Reece Witherspoon’s Wild, anyone?): spans 2,653 miles from Mexico to Canada along the west coast, crossing 3 states (California, Oregon and Washington)
As a young girl growing up in North Carolina, I had dreamed of doing the Appalachian Trail since I was 10. It was one of the most accessible trails for me and my family. We spent countless hours on the trail, camping and backpacking and exploring nature. That’s what sparked my interest in a thru-hike, which I’d later complete at the age of 30.
Now, I won’t get into all the details of the thru-hiking terminology, but I do want to share a few tips on preparing for a long hike (big or small, whatever it may be). So, if you’ve been fantasizing about or are actually planning a long distance hike, here are 4 tips & tricks to help you get prepared for an unforgettable journey.
Tip 1: Hike Your Own Hike
I first heard this term from a fellow thru-hiker and amazing author / podcast creator, Zach Davis (creator of The Trek and author of The Appalachian Trials). The term is well known in the thru-hiking world and certainly a motto to live by when starting any adventure.
There’s no right or wrong way to thru-hike. Well…yes, I could go down a rabbit hole on the Leave No Trace concept, protecting nature and its habitats, being a kind human being, not disturbing animals, etc. (all of which are very important things to practice while adventuring). But, that’s not the main point of this tip
This tip and the “hike your own hike” motto relates more to the concept of doing things the way that suits you best. Not because the internet wants you to do it a certain way or because your family is pulling you in a certain direction, but because you want to do it the way that best aligns with who you are.
Yes, there are seasons to hike (mainly February through October) for safety reasons, and there are a million ways you can pack your backpack, but what’s important is this: does it fit you?
As you prepare for a long distance hike or even a long trip, many factors play a role in how that trek will turn out. By staying true to yourself and allowing experiences to unfold as they are along the way, you will be guaranteed to have the time of your life! Just remember: hike YOUR own hike. Not someone else’s.
Tip 2: Be Prepared
This age-old motto of the Boy Scouts of America still holds true for many things today. Especially when adventuring outdoors. Being prepared can be the difference between life or death, and it’s imperative that you’re aware of your surroundings and know what you’re getting yourself into before setting out on your adventure.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare for your thru-hike:
- Be sure to test your gear before embarking on a long trek.
- Make sure your footwear is suitable for your feet and you have the proper sock combination to avoid painful injuries.
- Be sure to have appropriate layers for unpredictable weather changes and warm, dry gear to sleep in each night.
- Let loved ones or trusted friends know the details of your location, destination, and any change of plans, if possible. (A great piece of equipment is a small GPS locator. I carried one of these my entire thru-hike. It gave me an added layer of safety and piece of mind and allowed me to keep my family updated.)
All in all, being properly fit for your gear, testing it beforehand, and ensuring friends and family know where you will be are some of the most important tips to follow as you prepare for a big trip.
Tip 3: Don’t Quit on a Rainy Day
This may go without saying, but rainy days while backpacking are not the most fun. They present challenges, temperature drops, and soggy gear. And that adds a different element, especially when you don’t have readily available shelter.
Oftentimes these challenges can be frustrating while on trail and may lead to a test in mental and physical abilities. As you approach your rainy days or days where the weather isn’t what you were expecting, my advice is to step into them with an open mind and heart (while being safe, of course).
They might break you down in the moment, but know that rainstorms blow over, and so will your mood. If you can get to the other side of the storm, there’s often a rainbow that can bring you joy and a new perspective.
So don’t quit on those rainy days and search for the rainbow at the end of the storm. You never know where it might lead you!
Tip 4: Have Fun!
This is one of my biggest tips to live by, especially while long distance hiking. You have to have fun. And find different ways of having fun too. It will get you through your toughest, most challenging days on the trail and allow you to build lasting friendships and memories.
By inviting fun into your every day, you are allowing yourself to live in the present and fully experience the journey you’re on. Plus, it keeps you smiling (which is always helpful on long treks)!
I hope these tips give you insight during your planning and provide comfort as you prepare for any type of hike. Keep adventuring and have fun out there! I’d love to know which long distance trails you’re dreaming of!
Berkley Aiken is an avid outdoorswoman and adventurer. She completed her thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2017, hiking 2,190 miles over 6 months. It had been a dream of hers from the young age of 10. You can read more about her journey along the Appalachian Trail on her blog: www.baconandbearbells.wordpress.com
She resides in Colorado and became an ambassador for the Women’s Wine Hiking Society in the fall of 2023. She is excited to meet new people, develop new skills, and continue sharing her experiences with the outdoor community. She looks forward to hiking with you soon!