
One of the most popular questions I get asked is to compare the AT vs. PCT.
Comparing the AT vs. PCT is like comparing apples and oranges, as the saying goes. The two are vastly different in almost every aspect. Their cost is probably the only thing that they share. A comparison of the PCT vs. CDT is more realistic.
No one can tell you which trail is the right for you. Factors like time available, fitness, one’s hiking confidence, weather conditions and more, effect which trail is right for you. My advice is to do your research (the more you do the better) and know your ability.
If you decide the AT is for you, you can take solace in that there will be many more people on trail. Knowledge can be shared more easily. As the AT is the common first thru-hike for most people you will be surrounded by others just like yourself. Learn as much as you can at home before you go. With the production of lighter gear and more information online more and more hikers are starting with the PCT.
The PCT is more commonly known to be peoples second hike. As a result, you’ll find more trail harden hikers who bring with them more knowledge. If you start with the PCT make sure your pack is as light as you can get it, (under 15 lbs minimum though I’d shoot for less), prepare yourself to be physically ready for bigger days from the start, and be ready to hike in a desert.
In my opinion the AT was the harder of the two. That’s probably because it was my first but the reality is both can be extreme depending on the year and conditions present. The truth is everyone has a different experience while hiking. Many factors such as time of year, snow/water levels, general weather, fitness, directions of travel and more will effect which will be tougher.
Below I broke down some of the most popular categories one might want to see the difference between the two trails. Remember these are just my take on my experience. Your’s will be similar but different.
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APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Length: 2192 miles
Trail started in 1921; completed in 1937
States: 14
5 Sections: Northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire); Southern New England (Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut); Mid-Atlantic (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland); The Virginia’s (West Virginia, Virginia); South Appalachians (Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia).
Elevation Gain 464,500 ft
Highest point Clingmans Dome (6643 ft)
Lowest point Hudson River (124 ft)
The current unsupported speed record for thru-hiking the AT was set by Joe McConaughy45 days, 12 hours and 15 minutes. (That’s 48 miles a day people!. I averaged 15.5)
About 1 out of 4 hikers who start the AT finish. Before 2006 the finish rate was closer to 10%.
In 2014 2,500 hikers started northbound; 653 completed (a 26% completion rate).
From 1936 to 1969 only 61 completions are recorded
The trail crosses six national parks, eight national forests, numerous state/local forest and parks.
It takes approximately 5 million footsteps to walk the entire length of the trail.
More fun facts.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
Length: 2654.1 miles
First explored in the late 1930’s
States: 3
5 Sections: Southern California (648 miles)
Central California (505 miles)
Northern California (567)
Oregon (430 miles) & Washington (500 miles)
Elevation Gain 489,418 ft
Highest point Forester Pass (13,153 ft)
Lowest point Cascade Locks, Oregon (140 ft)
The current unsupported speed record for thru-hiking the PCT was set by Heather “Anish” Anderson in 2013, at 60 days, 17 hours and 12 minutes (That’s 44 miles a day people! I averaged 21)
About 1500 people attempted to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail in 2105.
The PCT passes the 3 deepest lakes in the nation:Lake Tahoe (1645′) Crater Laker (1932′)and Lake Chelan (1149′).
As the crow flies the distance is just over 1000 miles; the PCT is two and a half times that!
Passes through 33 federally mandated wilderness; 25 national forests; 7 national parks; and 3 national monuments.
The PCT climbs over 57 major mountain passes; plunges into 19 major canyons and passes more than a 1000 lakes and tarns.
The PCT includes six of North Americas seven eco-zones.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The tread of the AT can be down right nasty at times. It’s often full of rocks or roots. That’s not to say it doesn’t have smooth parts too. The trail lacks switchbacks making the climbing quite difficult at times. The elevation gain/loss is almost 100,000′ more than the PCT.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
The PCT was designed and built so one could use pack animals on it. As a result the trail has a much easier grade and meanders up/around climbs. The actual tread is much smoother too. Don’t get me wrong, sections like the Alpine Wilderness in Washington State are rocky as hell.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Weather is never the same so it’s hard to say which has the better weather. The AT is wetter and much more humid. That said I hikeD the whole state of Virginia with only a half hour oF rain. Two years later I met a thru-hiker who never saw the sun for the 750 miles of Virginia I got snow on April 1st on Roan High Knob.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
I personally found the weather on the PCT to be much better than the AT. The temperatures are higher on the PCT but it lacks the humidity of the AT. I’m reluctant to use the term “predictable” to describe the PCT’s weather. The PCT still rain, hail, snow, lightening and more. Just know it can vary from year to year.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Water is almost never an issue on the AT. Of the three trails it has the most sources available. Unlike the PCT or CDT water isn’t as high a priority on the AT.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
Water varies from year to year. Typically water is an issue up to the Sierras then in a few places in Oregon. Compared to the AT you’ll have to carry much more water on any given day. It will be or should be a main concern throughout your day.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Resupplying on the AT is by far the easiest of the three trails. You can resupply on average about every 3 days. Heck, if you plan right you can eat your way through the Shenandoah without carrying any food.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
My average resupply was between 4-5 days. The longest stretch being in the High Sierra from Kennedy Meadows to Independence, CA. There were less people on the more remote roads the PCT crossed than the populated east coast.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The AT has by far the largest trail community of the Big 3. There’s probably more resources for the AT than the PCT and CDT combined. The community surrounding the AT is vast and been in place for a long time. You will find plenty of off trail support.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
The PCT has strong hiking community due to its harsh environment. Trail Angels maintained water caches and offer rides to the trailhead on top of what you’d normally expect. Due to the vast growing interest in hiking the PCT from books and movies of late numbers have soared. 1500 attempted to thru-hike in 2015. These numbers have put a lot of stress on the community and some Trail Angels have had to close their doors. Be respectful when you stay with them and support them if you can.
*Note that every year these four items can be different as each effects the other. It’s never the same from one year to the next. Expect your experience to be your own and don’t try to compare it to others before you. Expect the unexpected.
PCT |
AT |
|
Zero Days |
7 |
10 |
Nights alone |
34 |
3 |
Tarp Tent/Tent |
63 |
16 |
Tarp |
7 |
0 |
Friend’s house |
2 |
11 |
Cowboy Camped |
34 |
0 |
Motel |
10 |
11 |
Hostel |
7 |
20 |
Shelter |
1 |
94 |
Rain |
12 |
35 |
Snow |
1 |
4 |
PCT |
AT |
|
0 miles hiked |
7 |
10 |
1-4 miles hiked |
0 |
3 |
5-9 miles hiked |
6 |
17 |
10-14 miles hiked |
8 |
37 |
15-19 miles hiked |
21 |
63 |
20-24 miles hiked |
38 |
22 |
25-29 miles hiked |
25 |
1 |
30-34 miles hiked |
15 |
0 |
35-39 miles hiked |
4 |
0 |
AT – 2168
PCT – 2655
The above does not include side trails, town miles, or walking to from towns.
**Mileage has changed since I did the trail. To protect the trail it’s constantly being added to and moved to protected land.
AT – 153
PCT – 125*
*This does not include the 31 days on bike from Seattle to Mexico or the 4 days from Manning Park to Seattle. 161 total days.
AT – 15.2
PCT – 22.5*
The above does not including zero days.
*This does not include the 31 days on bike from Seattle to Mexico or the 4 days from Manning Park to Seattle. 161 total days.
AT – 3
PCT – 34*
*A couple were while on my bike, maybe 3.
AT – 7 days 99.5 miles (White Mountains,NH to Sugarloaf Mtn.in Maine)
PCT – 3 days 99.7 miles (just south of Snoqualmie Pass to Cathedral Rock, in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness)
AT – 32 days, 447.1 miles (Hanover,NH tom Baxter Peak; northern terminus of trail)
PCT – 42 days, 1032.7 miles (Enta, CA to Manning Park,BC; northern terminus of trail)
AT – 135.7
PCT – 200.1
AT – 26.3 miles (Winthuri Shelter in VT -Hanover,NH)
PCT – 36.1 miles (Jake Spring – Crater Lake Mazama CG)
Read these next or checkout the main resource page.
Gear lists from the AT, PCT and CDT; Pros & Cons; Things I’d do different; and Tips.
In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I hiked the AT, PCT, LT, and CDT.
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