How to Thru-Hike in the USA for International Hikers
This is the ultimate guide for all international hikers who want to thru-hike in the USA including the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail.
CHOOSE YOUR THRU-HIKE
HOW TO PLAN YOUR THRU-HIKE
PERMITS
VISAS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
MONEY
PHONE PLANS
FOOD
“The PCT as teacher, again. Maybe, white knuckling for a fixed ending isn’t really what it’s all about? Maybe when we’re all finished and looking back we won’t even be thinking about the ending? Maybe we’ll be pining for all the miles in between?”
— Frostbite, PCT 2022, from the miles in between.
CATEGORIES
You are responsible for your own safety
There was a moment, hiking in the Sierra, when I realised, “Oh, I have ceased to be hiking, I am mountaineering, and I am thoroughly under-qualified for it.”
Be a good hiker. Take your safety seriously. You know what’s cool? Competency. Competency is cool. Know the risks and make good, informed choices.
Read more in this category for safety tips and what to plan for before you head off on your thru-hike.
Learn how to shit in the woods
These are the very basic principles of how not to be a trash human on trail. Including but not limited to, learning how to poop in the woods. It’s a whole thing.
Read more in this category about how thru-hikers are super badass hiking machines and should be role models out there for how to hike well and respectfully.
Be good to the trail and she will provide.
