What Is America's Triple Crown Of Hiking?

For avid hikers, the Triple Crown of Hiking is one of the most revered accomplishments, celebrating those who conquer America's three most iconic long-distance trails: the Appalachian Trail (AT), the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Combined, these trails span nearly 8,000 miles, taking hikers through the rugged wilderness of the Rockies, the temperate forests of the Appalachians, and some of the best mountain views in the U.S.

The AT, PCT, and CDT were chosen for their geographic diversity, challenging environments, and iconic status in the long-distance hiking community. Together, they cover a wide range of ecosystems, from alpine tundra to desert landscapes, and pass through some of the most remote and scenic areas in the United States. These trails represent the pinnacle of U.S. hiking. Completing all three is a feat of endurance, perseverance, and skill, earning hikers a place among an elite group of "Triple Crowners." 

Each trail that makes up the Triple Crown presents its own unique challenges, offering different environments and conditions. The first of the three trails, the Appalachian Trail, stretches approximately 2,200 miles. The AT runs from Georgia to Maine, traversing the Appalachian Mountain range. Known for its dense forests, rocky paths, and frequent elevation changes, the Appalachian Trail was once regarded as a dangerous place to hike. However, due to its growing accessibility and increasingly well-maintained path, the AT has become the first choice for many aspiring long-distance hikers. 

The second trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, covers 2,650 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border to the U.S.-Canada border, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington. It is famous for its dramatic views, from the scorching deserts of the Mojave to the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the lush rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. 

Last, the Continental Divide Trail is the most remote and challenging of the three. The CDT follows the Rocky Mountains for roughly 3,100 miles, from Mexico to Canada. The CDT is less established than the other trails, often requiring hikers to navigate unmarked paths, making it the ultimate test of backcountry skills. 

The American Long Distance Hiking Association-West (ALDHA-West) is the organization that recognizes hikers who have completed all three trails. ALDHA-West, a non-profit that supports the long-distance hiking community, is the association that established the Triple Crown of Hiking award. 

Receiving the Triple Crown requires hikers to finish all three trails in their entirety. This means hiking from "terminus to terminus," although allowances are made for necessary detours if you encounter wildfires, floods, or other unavoidable circumstances. If conquering the Trip Crown seems overwhelmingly daunting, you'll be happy to know that the ALDHA-West does not require thru-hiking each trail in a single season; section hiking the trails over multiple years is also permitted and equally valid. 

To apply for the award, hikers must submit an online application through the ALDHA-West website during an annual application window from June to August. The process is based on an honor system, where hikers self-report their completion. ALDHA-West trusts hikers to be honest about their achievements. Hikers are required to provide photos from each trail, which are used during the awards ceremony, held annually in September. There are no fees for the award, and the award is primarily a recognition on the ALDHA-West website, where individuals will join 693 other Triple Crowners. Hikers who wish to commemorate the occasion can purchase a custom plaque.