AT or PCT - Which Trail is Better?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

The numbers given for Elevation/Loss in this video were from an older article published by the AMC which can be found below... According to other sources, this data might have changed. www.outdoors.org/articles/amc-outdoors/total-elevation-gainloss-on-the-appalachian-trail Hike On, Darwin

[@rumidude]

According to Halmile Project: "The 2014 Halfmile Project estimates the total elevation gain/lost for a northbound thru-hiker is 489,418 feet of climbing and 488,411 feet descending with an overall change of 1,007 feet as they hike from Campo to Manning Park." www.pctmap.net/2014/03/elevation-gain-on-the-pacific-crest-trail/

[@josephjamison5007]

The trail you should do first is the one that calls you. For me it was the PCT, I grew up in Oregon and Washington, it felt more like home to me. I thru-hiked the PCT in 2016 after retiring from the Army after 21 years. It was exactly what I needed.

[@BlaBla-pf8mf]

The landscape on PCT is more varied and the views more spectacular.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Agreed! Hike On, Darwin

[@baskets8429]

Views look great that's for sure

[@nathanrieck2112]

I absolutely love hiking on the PCT (I’ve only been on parts in California) and it’s amazing. The scenery changes day to day and the views are amazing. You can hike up San Jacinto and see everything all around you and think about all those people that haven’t done this yet. The PCT makes you feel small, it beats you down and then builds you up again. A big bonus of the PCT is how well maintained the trail is. On some SoCal trails it sucks and then you get out on the PCT and it’s smooth and nice and you can crush miles. I like the green tunnel but not forever. Some of it is nice but I think my favorite places to hike is when you get up in the sierras and there’s not a lot of trees and then you go through some thicker trees and then you hike out above tree line and it takes your breath away....

[@arcana1973]

It seems to me the AT has the East Coast "blue collar" vibe of hard work and then relax. PCT is more west coast vibe of soul searching and chillax. But I'm just generalizing from my home while not having done either. Lol

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I would definitely agree with that. They both have the vide of the places they travel thru. Even on the AT, the Southern section of the trail have a totally different vibe than the Northern section! Hike On, Darwin

[@jeffleeson367]

YES finally an accurate answer. I've done both the AT + PCT and the AT is physically leaps and bounds harder than the PCT, but is also the easiest to finish. On the AT, you can do literally do 10mi/day and STILL finish, it is very much a 'safety blanket' trail in that you could be in a town at the end of almost every day if you wanted to. You pay the price for this though, as you'll be crossing, on average 4 roads a day and won't get many 'real' views without houses, roads, etc. until mile 1800 or so. On the PCT, if you've done the AT, the trail is a PIECE OF CAKE and you get crazy views on a daily basis. But, you pay the price for this as towns are around 3-5 days apart so food and water carries become extra fun. Both are COMPLETELY different trails and I didn't fully understand that until I had done both. The best I can recommend for a first thru is that you'll have the most fun if you do the trail closest to you as you'll be better accustomed to the weather, culture, etc. Mid-westerners flip a coin haha Darwin, see you on the CDT next year? ;)

[@nulious]

This year I did 2 hikes that most people do as day hikes. It's been over 20 years since I "hiked for Uncle Sam". In May I overnight hiked the Backbone Trail in Kisatchie, LA. and in July I overnight hiked to Williams lake from Toas ski valley. The Backbone trail was up down up down... steep hills from 250-350 ft . Where as the Williams lake hike was a slow steady climb from 9000ft to 11000ft. I couldn't tell you which was harder since they were vastly different experiences. Thank you for making these videos and sharing your experiences and wisdom.

[@katgerbz]

I hadn't heard that description of the "vibe" difference between the trails, but now that you say it it makes so much sense!! The grandness and openness of hiking the Sierras can make you feel "small" and get you in touch with yourself. The green tunnel would make you feel connected and in touch with what's outside of you. Wow. Really wow.

[@matteosaottini930]

Hi Darwin, I had the pleasure of meeting you at trail days in Cascade Locks this year. I had just got there via the pct (my biggest day 37 miles) and I was on my way to Washington while you had finished the trail a week earlier at the time. I can't watch any of your videos anymore. Anytime I see footage from the pct.. I cry. It was such a wonderful and overwhelming (in a good way) experience. I am so happy I have done something unique like that. Happy trails brother.

[@mtadams2009]

I plan on hiking the PCT in 2022 as I will be retiring then. I have hiked a lot of the AT and I have hiked a lot out west. To me the west has always been easier and this older body needs that. I also love the scenery more and the lack of rain. Either way I am sure the PCT will be all I can handle. I have a lot of experience in the outdoors and have spent a lot of time on the trail. Thanks for confirming my own thoughts.

[@c3920]

Great description of the differences. As someone who grew up in the southern Appalachians who now lives in the Rockies this was great. Different but everything has its positives and negatives. I took water sources for granted back in northern Georgia and the Smokies, but now out west I always know where the next water source is located. You only make that mistake once!

[@mama2agn301]

The scenery and climate draw me to the PCT. I hope to section hike it over the next several years. I really appreciate your take on things, great video!

[@cjmills88]

I haven't thru-hiked it, but I spend so much time hiking on AT I absolutely feel like it's "home". As soon as I see the white blaze I just get this sense that I'm where I belong. I think you nailed that description! Thanks for all that you do, you've certainly inspired me to put "thru-hike" on my bucket list.

[@nohomela]

We all hike our own hikes,and for our own reasons. I wanted to do the PCT first before watching your video on it. Now after watching is till want to do it first. Love your videos you have taught me a lot. Thanks.

[@stillhuman]

It is amazing that you included a clip of Blood Mountain shelter when you talked about history. On my AT thru this year, I found a note from you in the shelter log wishing good luck to all us 2018ers!! Thanks for those words! I loved thinking about all the feet that came before me on my way to Katahdin!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

That was the day I left the note! Glad you found it! Hike On, Darwin

[@stillhuman]

@@DarwinOnthetrail Oh man that's wild! Keep doing what you're doing. I love your channel.

[@Dancingmartian]

Great video! Thanks! I've been planning my SOBO AT hike in 2020. It will be my "out of debt celebration!" So looking forward to being part of the thru hiker family.

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Thanks for posting about your experiences. I never knew much about the trail community except for this one Band B in the eastern sierras that caters to through hikers. I would sit in the breakfast room and listen to their trail stories and wish I could do that. Physically I could never do a full PCT or even the JMT but watching your videos I’ve come to appreciate that world better. I still hike but much shorter and easier hikes. But when I meet up with through hikers I know better how to talk to them and do trail angel type things. I love being able to be a part of encouraging people to enjoy this gorgeous planet that has been entrusted to us. Thanks again for posting.

[@PaulMessner]

Another fabulous film Darwin. I love the attention to detail in all your videos. Got to be one of the best outdoor channels. Exactly what i aspire to achieve with the videos on my KZbin channel. I'd love to hike something like the PCT one day. It's on my wishlist. Best wishes. Paul

[@thewordonthestreet743]

I agree totally. Great channel and definitely makes me wanna get out and hike.

[@PaulMessner]

I have put my boots on already 🤣

[@jonfriday4641]

Of all the trials I'd like to do....its got to be the PCT for me. Thanks for sharing Darwin

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Paul! Hike On, Darwin

[@bcyork]

Great video Darwin! I think one thing to note about the AT and much of the surrounding area is to not miss the small beauty. The area is so full of little things that are so cool / beautiful on the micro level and they change rapidly. The fog rolling over a arching of old battered pines on a ridge on a cool morning with the weathered trail is just as breathtaking as long vistas of big mountains to me. But its that beauty that you see and then it changes for the next person. I feel like the Appalachian experience is unique to each person that hikes a trail. True the Appalachian mountains can feel like continual repeats of the same thing but upon a closer look can be magical and beautiful if you don't get hung up on the green tunnel and the allure of big vistas and enjoy what is close enough to touch. On a side note Darwin, have you ever looked at the Sheltowee Trace in KY? Has a lot of what the AT has in the feel. I really really enjoyed the northern section I did this year.

[@civmaster50]

I really like your statement about history and community on the AT. The AT is the trail of America. where our roots are. Those are the biggest reasons I am thru hiking that first.

[@tomphillips3162]

I have watched a number of these comparison videos, this is typical neither video. When someone picks the AT it's because they really wanted to hang out with a bunch of cool people, more than anything else. The hikers that pick the PCT might pick it because its less claustrophobic but the number 1 reason and why its chosen increasingly more often than the AT is its easier for hikers to find there stride. The community around the PCT is growing yearly because like the Arizona trail, for a lot of hikers a smoother trail is a more enjoyable trail.

[@michaelb1761]

My only experience is hiking sections of the PCT, and you nailed it when you said the PCT makes you feel small and makes you look inside yourself. This can be tough mentally but also cathartic. The views are just so big and open and you are so small. The PCT certainly seems more wild, which you also touch upon, but that is changing (for the worse in my opinion), as a larger trail community develops and more and more people attempt to hike the PCT. Oh well, I'm sure I'll still be able to find places of solitude 15 years from now, I may just need to travel up to Idaho.

[@zenfully13]

I really don't know ditty wad about thru hiking, just from documentaries such as yours. This video helps a lot (as so many of yours do!) I felt like the AT was almost an obvious choice for a first time Thru Hike. Hopefully in the next 5 years I can do it. Thank you so much for your amazing inspiration!

[@ritual301]

Super insightful video. Particularly in relation to the AT. For whatever reason, it seems like I see a lot more hiking content on YT centering around the PCT, than I do the AT. So this was rather refreshing to see(not that there is anything wrong with the PCT content!) Fantastic job describing the differences between the two. Well done, dude. Thanks!

[@jeffevans-todd]

Hola! It was great to hear your perspective, having done the PCT this year myself, but having never been out on the AT. I'd just like to add though (but keeping in mind that I don't have the experience of the AT to compare it to), that MY experience of the PCT was way different than yours. I started later, and finished later, so there were things that made the PCT difficult for me, which you may or may not have experienced. The group I was with were walking in smoke through NorCal and the first half of Oregon for probably six weeks, so that was super mentally challenging, and at the end of the trip, for the majority of Washington, it was very wet and pretty damn cold. SO, for anyone watching this review, and thinking about doing the PCT, keep in mind the time of year you'll be heading out on the trail, and know that there are many other variables which may occur that'll make your experience completely different. That's part of the fun of it! Happy trails!

[@jeffevans-todd]

And hey, congrats on another successful thru hike, dude!

[@jkxx3042]

Many thanks Darwin for this video ... just what I needed ... I have not hike either. Thanks for pointing out the differences of both. I am leaning toward the PCT because I am into huge mountain and water views. The fact their is less climbing on the PCT is another plus because I will be 66 in Feb.

[@0017Bulldog]

I have hiked neither, but I think your assessment is spot on. Thank you for being a straight shooter.

[@JessieBanana]

I’ve also lived on the west coast my whole life, Los Angeles is where I was born and Portland is where I live now, so the PCT has a familiarity to me, even the mountain lions that can be spotted in backyards.

[@madrejonimiller1658]

Thanks for the input. I’m terrified of ticks and I live in the Desert, so I’m thinking the PCT is my kind of hike!

[@wallysworkin823]

Joni Miller no kidding, I’ll take rattlesnakes and heat over ticks and being wet all the time.

[@brandonparker4319]

TBH, I pulled a half dozen ticks off my trail family members on the PCT. Though I would concur that the east coast has a higher percentage of the trail in tick territory.

[@HuckOutdoors]

Southern California portions of PCT still have ticks...

[@madrejonimiller1658]

Huck Outdoors Well, I live in the area, and there are no ticks around me. And I have four dogs! No matter what you say, it’s not like the AT!

[@HuckOutdoors]

@@madrejonimiller1658 I also live in SoCal. I've got a tick bite in the San Bernardino Mountains, got the bullseye rash, and was one of the first reported cases of Lyme disease in Southern California

[@stzawadzki]

If I have a time to do this, it would without any doubt be the PCT. AT is something that I can have in Europe, when I watch videos from AT I don't have any 'exotic' feeling. PCT definitely has it :) And also I don't like constant going up and down, I prefer climbing up and then walking on the higher elevation, traversing the mountains. :)

[@keithstewart2639]

I live in the Appalachians and Hike the at a lot... but I go out west never have hiked PCT.. but have been on parts of Continental Divide Trail in Montana.... and I know what you're talking about when you say the mountains and all the big open space... both places are great.

[@laurahirsch9173]

Thank you! I know that the pct is my backyard, yet I keep fantasizing about the ap. I call it that. I trust you and your videos number 1! So thank you!

[@ghc26]

I appreciate you being objective and identifying the pros and cons to both. 👍🏼

[@maddieboehm5424]

I realize this video is two years old but i agree about the AT being the best starting trail. It has far more resources, theres more people which means more help if you need it, more trail towns, less planning and it crosses a lot of roads which are helpful if you need to bail. Also, the AT goes through Shenandoah which is a great starting point for anyone whos nervous because of all the park rangers and waysides

[@williamcampbell2588]

Always have dreamed of doing the PCT. Definitely first, but you’ve inspired me to do the AT as well.

[@frostfox1208]

I did the AT first. I agree with your points. One thing to consider about the C D T and when to do it is the volume of blowdown trees as a result of the beatle kill. In my opinion the CDT won't be hikeable in 10 years. Sad to say but true. Frost ( tripple crowner). PS really enjoy your videos

[@ladydara7446]

So much of the AT paralleling a road has taken a lot of the romance away for me. I dream of the PCT now.

[@skunkygrogan4247]

Darwin, I was going to skip this video, because I'm really not interested in debates about best/worst trail. However, you had really good insights that went beyond best/worst. Thx.

[@SnippitySniper556]

Everytime you say "hey guys" i think of the scene in rediculous six when the brave did his white guy voice. I love it so much. Please never stop.

[@ninjamittens2802]

Thanks for the great sharing as always. I've had some pretty significant life changes this year, and now have some freedom I didn't before, so I'm planning a go at the PCT in 2020. Take the next year to save for it, and train for it. Thanks for all of the foreknowledge i'm getting from you man.

[@toocleanpappas5397]

We met at the very end of me doing some trail magic on the PCT at Stampede pass 18 miles from Snoqualmie Pass. It was good to chat. (Why you don't drink soda's by the end of a Thru-hike still boggles me. haha ) My Tramily from the AT came out a few weeks ago to do section J (Snoqualmie to Steven's Pass) and we were pretty much in complete agreement with what you said. The PCT was easier than what we remembered from the AT. Even doing a section that some people say is hard on the PCT, and even without having "Trail legs". A few days just out of Snoqualmie we said it felt like PA and the Whites. Beautiful, but rocky, But seriously, it was only a few hours at a time. The PCT from the small section we hiked seemed like a lot of payoff for not a lot of effort, which is often different from the AT. But what we decided was that the AT being a harder trail, with less payoff when it came to views, would make for a better Hiker. And by that I mean, not one who does a full Thru-Hike, but one who after completion, wants to do more. We felt like, if you completed the PCT with all the amazing views and comparatively easier terrain, you might be underwhelmed by the AT. I could see someone who hiked the PCT doing the AT and quitting. But I can't imagine someone doing the AT and then the PCT, quitting the trail. The AT, if it's your first time is fresh and new. And what my friends who completed the trail had in common was a love of the little things. New mushrooms every 10 feet, cool looking rocks, strange tree monsters, new plants and ways the light hit the mist in the mornings. The little things. And that is what the AT is all about. If I was going to only do one trail, I probably would choose the PCT. But if I were going to hike for the rest of my life? Yeah, the AT is where I would want to start. - Too Clean

[@mtthielsen8342]

My .02, I've noticed in vlogs over the years the AT is really a wallet magnet, on the PCT there is just not many places to spend money, so that could be a concern for many. On the AT I see many walk right past a free campground to a $30 hostel, you won't have that choice on the PCT. Great video and topic.

[@r-pupz7032]

I'm from the UK. I am desperate to hike the PCT, I dream about it, the mountains are calling and I must go. I would absolutely love to do the AT too, but the PCT would be like another world compared to the UK's rainy woodlands. The desert, the High Sierra, the forests of Washington, the wildlife, the weather... I'm also pretty introverted and am actively seeking time alone more as I get older, not that I want to do the whole thing without company but something about the self-reliance and self-discovery that PCT hikers experience really speaks to me. Unfortunately, I don't know if I would ever be allowed in. I have a very minor criminal record, but it was for a climate protest. I'm also a recovering drug addict (6 years clean.) I would need a waiver, which I will probably attempt in the next few years, but there's absolutely no guarantee. Weirdly it seems that recovering from addiction, an illness after all, is a larger impediment to a minor/nonviolent criminal record (not that I think either should be, but that's not for me to say.) In the meantime I will keep hiking in the UK and Europe, and dream of the PCT ❤️

[@taylorelsner6332]

PCT for sure!

[@FreshTillDeath56]

AT is my home... i love the Maryland AT! It can be rough going though...

[@reefnoob9877]

I’ve never stepped foot on the AT but I did the PCT this year, I’d say PCT first if you possibly only have one chance at a long thru. I would be bored out of my mind in the green tunnel 🤷‍♂️

[@mtadams2009]

Adam Kelly If you ever get a chance hike the White Mt of NH, they are just great. I too plan on hiking the PCT 2022 for similar reasons and it will be not as brutal on my knees.

[@stillhuman]

I did the AT this year. I was definitely bored in that tunnel at times, and horribly frustrated that we had to hit every peak. It's all about the people on the AT imo. I can't wait to do the PCT though! I have a feeling I will like it much more.

[@BobPritchard]

If you start in February as I did you won't see leaves for several months!

[@davewalters9843]

To many elevation changes to get bored. Its still a beautiful hike.

[@michaelb1761]

@@stillhuman On the PCT you may get frustrated at climbing 1000+ ft to within 100 or 200 ft of a mountain top before heading around and then back down. If the trail is going to take me all the way up there, I'd rather go the extra 100 ft to get to the top.

[@Oldsparkey]

How about The Eastern Continental Trail , 5,400 miles. ( ECT ). A combination of 7 different trails , starting n the south. 1. Key West Everglades Trail ( KER ) 2. Florida National Scenic Trail. (FT) 3. Alabama Road Walk (ALR) 4. Pinhoti National Trail (PT) 5. Benton MacKaye Trail. (BMT) 6. Appalachian Trail (AT) 7. Sentier International Appalachian/international Appalachian Trail ( SIA/IAT). John Brinda as the 1st person to complete it in 1997

[@Austen.McDaniel]

The AT i think is 18% shorter so that 200k extra change makes the elevation change per mile double that of the PCT if I did the math right. Thats a pretty intimidating stat.

[@stephenhanrahan7638]

Thanks for answering Darwin! I hope I can do a long distance hike one day, seems like the best adventure!

[@davewalters9843]

I kinda knew thats what your answe r would be. Great job breaking it down the way you did. Definitely great trails. Both of them

[@Nomad_Wannabe]

Thanks so much Darwin for this great content. Your journey is truly inspiring. Hope I can walk the AT one day!

[@Nomad_Wannabe]

Btw, are you also planning CDT?

[@banyantree8618]

I’m working hard to be able to give up work and do the PCT as a transition.....then the AT to be a more on/off trail .....more social and more things to see and do off trail along the way.

[@ErinLOVESmakeupxoxo]

Congratulations on finishing the PCT, and thanks for the great video!

[@KruzerOak]

I'd love to do the PCT, but I've grown up hiking in TN, NC, GA, KY, and NY, so the AT will be my first thru hike in 3 years.

[@aol5618]

Great analysis of the AT and PCT!

[@austinthompson3489]

Awww I love the miss janet pics!! Miss her!

[@shofarox4037]

Once again Darwing Thanks, you have answer many of my question with this one...

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

No Problem Martin! Glad I could help! Hike On, Darwin

[@FrozensAdventures]

Great to know your thoughts on this now that you have done both. Thanks dude!

[@johnstephenson6911]

Enjoyed your videos this year, looking forward to next spring.

[@stevocon8521]

I finished the A.T. this year and can certainly say that the PCT would have suited me better.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Get Out There!!! Hike On, Darwin

[@raylamascus2296]

Man I love your videos. I've never tried cuscus until I've watched you dude. Not bad.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Ray! #fuledbycouscous Hike On, Darwin

[@baskets8429]

Having completed the AT and CDT I must say that the At is a perfect long trail to start with , yes it's harder physically because of all that climbing but there is magic and history to that trail ! Go hike the AT : )

[@lenamarie2071]

I'm doing the PCT first because I live in San Diego, so it's convenient. I may never do the AT because ticks gross me out and I don't do well with high humidity.

[@eliaagosti5135]

Ehi Darwin! I just love all your video. I'm from Italy and this year I've done my first long-distance trail. I've done the GTA in Italy. I've seen that you are planning a trip to Europe. What trail are you planning to do? Have a look at "Via Alpina" in Italy. You have multiple choices and the trail is just amazing. Starting from the Dolomite in the east and finishing with the western Alps. Unfortunately here in Europe, there isn't such an amazing hiker community and trail angel or trail magic is something that we definitely don't have. Would be really nice to see the difference between Europe and US. I'm applying for the B2 Visa, hopefully, I will be doing the PCT next summer. Thanks for sharing. Elia

[@johnganshow5536]

I prefer grander, with massive stunning scenery...

[@delta1525]

The only hiking I've ever really done was to Carlton Peak in Minnesota 3 times (one for a school field trip, 1 with my sister and her ex and the last with just me and my other sister) and they were just small day hikes. I would love to do longer hikes and maybe eventually the AT or PCT, but I really do not want to hitchhike ever.

[@patrickdolan.]

Superior hiking trail in Minnesota is 310 miles.

[@enigmashroud]

Excellent comparison. Thank you for your contribution.

[@JessieBanana]

Whenever I see images of the AT is seems crowded, which would be a negative for me, miserable in terms of the weather (at least consistently so), and kind of blah in terms of scenery. The PCT almost makes me want to thru hike, it’s so beautiful. Though I don’t have interest really in thru hiking for half a year.

[@thomasp.4899]

I love this video idea I have seen it done before but yours was the best one!

[@bretthikez6567]

Hard choice.....ill take a little of both..Great video and comparsion..

[@jaykraemer8106]

Wow, literally got chills when you started talking about the “life force” of the trail. Something I have absolutely felt before.

[@zacharychastain3681]

I'd say if you are already a hiker, do the trail on your coast, if you are from the Midwest, I'd still say go AT. But if you are from the West, just do the PCT first, its your culture

[@robfigulski1139]

Not only do I think the AT is a better "1st" trail, but definitely a NOBO hike as well... Nothing better than finishing at Katahdin!

[@mc52]

Great video, thanks for sharing your hikes and experiences!

[@CarefreeCathy]

Go ahead and get weird and spiritual Darwin.

[@jeffevans-todd]

Amen to that!

[@johnbartlett5227]

Hey Darwin, love your videos. I would love to see you through hike the Florida Trail.

[@justinemarkdajay7485]

Yey! A Darwin video! Also, press please bring Q and A videos again. Please please please please! I loved those videos and I'm sure others have so so so many new things to ask you about! Please Darwin! Lol.

[@BobPreis]

Very well articulated. Thanks for the tip on perfect first thru hike.

[@mjlcc55]

One day of rain in OR and WA? I lived in there for 16 years and don't think I had 5 total days without rain in total.

[@robertschwartz9234]

The AT is my dream :)

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Get After It Robert!!! Hike On, Darwin

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

What do you think about hiking the American Discovery Trail it's the longest of the Long Trail...

[@jefferyjohneverett]

Sorry to hear about the lime! That must have been difficult! Amazing scenery! Thanks for the Info✌🏽😎

[@Tipster49]

Great video, all good points. I’ll be a newbie with only the experience I can get under my belt while preparing, Sooooo, definitely the AT first. For all the reasons you cited, I agree it’s the best trail to do first, mainly for less experienced folks. However, Joni Miller also makes an excellent point here in the comments!! She already feels at home and comfortable in the desert. Whereas I live in Alabama and majority of the terrain on the AT will feel like home to me. I like green tunnels 😊 But I’ve also skied a lot and lived in Tahoe for 8 years so I love the West also!! If/when I complete the AT 👍🏼, I’ll may skip the desert stuff 😂 and do trails like the Colorado and John Muir.

[@michaelb1761]

I recommend against the JMT. Get some good maps or get good at using CalTopo and trace your own trail through the Sierra with helpful advice from online forums like Highsierratopix. If you're on the JMT, you won't have the same solitude and the introspection that it can create. The views are great on the JMT, probably more than you can imagine, but so are the numbers of people.

[@greenfeetoutdoors2779]

Darwin, Love your videos man. I love your laid back style and always appreciate the honest way you approach reviews or give tips and advice. I believe you have earned real integrity and trust with the hiking community, thanks for that. I can't wait for you and Snuggles to launch your new website. As for what I think of the AT, hopefully I'll let you know by July 19 😊. Until I step off for the trail, I'll be watching, listening and learning. Thanks again. Green Feet out.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for the Kind Words Green Feet! I’m glad I can help to Inspire! I’m excited for you to experience the AT yourself! Hike On, Darwin

[@Shoelessme]

Just another good video, thanks Darwin.

[@AaronParnes]

Where you live makes a big difference in choosing the trail to thru-hike. Which side of the country do you live in?

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

So I think the "Gulf of Mexico to the Hudson Bay" trail is pretty cool, but the polar bears are an issue in Manitoba and Nunavut

[@jeffhallman676]

Man, another great video. Love the way you describe everything. I’d watch a video of you folding laundry. Lol.

[@tourguidechuck]

What about the Pinhoti for a first hike? My reasoning being that not everyone can take months out of their life for a hike.

[@dack4dust856]

can you upload a video that documents u getting prepared for ur thru hike. not like "working out", but more like the planning of ur logistics etc

[@camerong3758]

Darwin, hat was the mountain that you showed at the end of the video near 9:50? Great and informative video though, thanks!

[@SteleCat]

As a follow-up question: might it be better in some ways to first thru-hike a shorter trail like the Arizona Trail or the Colorado Trail or some such trail? Or--just throwing out an idea--you could do a video specifically about some of the shorter long-distance trails, just to give them some love.

[@WillN2Go1]

Great video, one of your best. The which is better question, isn't as interesting as how different experiences inform new experiences enriching both. When are you going to go international? (Or at least Hawaii or Alaska). There are some amazing trails in Japan, and the trails there are often insanely difficult. Kamikochi: the dreaded Diakiretto (an arete, with chains and ladders in places. You just have to be careful, it will still blow your mind). The Japanese Alps, so many just phenomenal routes and peaks. Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaido, those islands in the distance are Russian. There are bears everywhere, but they seem to very much want to stay far away from people. The Shiretoko Traverse has snow fields in July, traverses Mt Io, an active volcano (in one spot it stinks of sulfur and the ground is at least 120 degrees). I think either the Alps or China or anywhere before Japan would be best, so you can appreciate the uniqueness of Japanese trail design (they definitely are doing things differently) (Be happy to send you my copy of Lonely Planet Hiking In Japan (2009). Out of print and only $83 on Amazon. It was up to $280 at one point.) Yakushima-- you have never seen rain like this.

[@professorsogol5824]

Have you heard of the Michinoku Coastal Trail in Tohoku? Still under development and supposed to be more than 900km long. (And yes, that traverse on Io-zan will keep you fully alert.)

[@akashijam]

YES! I definitely recommend a Japan hike. Japan made me fall in love with hiking! Shinetsu Trail is Japan's answer to the AT, built and modeled after the Appalachian Trail. (Still short, though.) But Japan's historical and most well known long distance walk is the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a loop around the island of Shikoku. I lived on the route for 5 years, and I saw a ton of non-Japanese doing it. Highly recommended. A bit of road walking, but there is so much to see along the way, and the people are wonderful. Though, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail in the Kii Mountains of Wakayama is more "hiking" IMO, and a World Heritage. Why not do both? Hike to Mt. Koya via the Kumano Kodo, then take the ferry to Shikoku Island and hike the pilgrimage? Traditionally the hike is started with a pilgrimage to Mt. Koya anyway. For real hiking though, the Alps and Hokkaido are hard to beat. I wish I had more of a chance to head up there, since I was in the south. Personally, the Kuju Mountains in Kyushu were my go-to backpacking spot.

[@Bill-YellowDogWelding]

Excellent video, Darwin! Thank you.

[@outdoorxp2258]

You know Miss Janet? What about tambourine? From camp wonderland at trail days ?

[@willbarker8742]

I really enjoy your channel. Was the picture at 5:50 Damascus VA ?

[@cymbolic_space1832]

next year i am doing my first thru, today is the first day of planning and prepping. my reason is to reconnect with myself and find peace with who i am. i think PCT is the one calling out. anyone have any experiences or thoughts related to this they want to share?

[@willbriganceify]

What “point” or view is at 9:50?

[@doylesinclair4499]

I want to do one of these, BUT, I absolutely do NOT like heights, lol, and being on snow on a mountainside, or on a very steep mountain top makes me say nooooo. . .so, which should I do????

[@uloutdoors]

The one that excites you more when you think of it is the better trail. I got to know the AT first, researched and came across the PCT. The theme (Mex-Can, Deserts, Mountains, Forests, the west in general) of the PCT was much more appealing to me so I picked it to thruhike. I would do it a second time over the AT likely.

[@ladydara7446]

Some quick math, the AT on average has double the elevation gain per mile of the PCT.