PCT vs AT for a first long hike: PCT wins by a mile

Did the Appalachian Trail in 2022 and the Pacific Crest Trail last summer. The AT was constant mud, roots, and humidity. Spent half my time soaked. The PCT had way better trail conditions and I only got rained on twice in 4 months. My knees didn't ache every morning either. Anyone else find the AT overrated compared to the PCT?

2 comments

2 Comments

gracewebb28d ago

Oh man, I totally get where you're coming from. I mean, the AT is a classic but those roots and mud are no joke. After my first section hike on the PCT, my knees didn't hate me either. The views on the PCT are just so much more consistent too.

robinj2928d ago

Gracewebb makes a solid point. Try swapping hiking poles for trekking poles next time, or just cut the miles short by a third until the roots stop being so personal with your joints.