Can You Hike The 11 National Scenic Trails?

By
Mountain Journey
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Do you love hiking? If so, you need to put the 11 National Scenic Trails on your hiking bucket list. The 11 National Scenic Trails are long distance trails that are ideal for outdoor recreation. This iconic trails criss cross the Lower 48 and cover roughly 18,425 miles that will take you to some of the most magnificent places in the country.

National Trails System | <a href="https://www.trails50.org/logo/">Trails50.org</a>
National Trails System | Trails50.org

The 11 National Scenic Trails have been designated by Congress. The National Trails System Act of 1968, states that these trails “will be extended trails so located as to provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities.”

Before you grab your trusty hiking boots hit the trail, learn more about 11 National Scenic Trails below and at AmericanTrails.org.

Below you’ll find a list of the 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States:

Appalachian Trail

  • Miles: 2,200
  • States: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia
  • Year Designated: 1968
  • Link: AppalachianTrail.org

Arizona Trail

  • Miles: 800
  • States: Arizona
  • Year Designated: 2009
  • Link: AZTrail.org

Continental Divide Trail

Florida Trail

Ice Age Trail

  • Miles: 1,200
  • States: Wisconsin
  • Year Designated: 1980
  • Link: IceAgeTrail.org

Natchez Trace Trail

  • Miles: 450
  • States: Mississippi
  • Year Designated: 1983
  • Link: NPS.gov

New England National Scenic Trail

  • Miles: 215
  • States: Connecticut, Massachusetts
  • Year Designated: 2009
  • Link: NewEnglandTrail.org

North Country Trail

  • Miles: 4,600
  • States: Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
  • Year Designated: 1980
  • Link: NorthCountryTrail.org

Pacific Crest Trail

  • Miles: 2,650
  • States: California, Oregon, Washington
  • Year Designated: 1968
  • Link: PCTA.org

Pacific Northwest Trail

  • Miles: 1,200
  • States: Idaho, Montana, Washington
  • Year Designated: 2009
  • Link: PNT.org

Potomac Heritage Trail

  • Miles: 710
  • States: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, District of Columbia
  • Year Designated: 1983
  • Link: NPS.gov

Here is a map of the 11 National Scenic Trails in the US:

The 11 National Scenic Trails | Image From USGS.gov
The 11 National Scenic Trails | Image From USGS.gov

For a more detailed map of the 11 National Scenic Trails and other National Trails, please visit AmericanTrails.org.

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