HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y’ALL! ❤️

I want to congratulate you on your triple crown. That is no small task. I would also like to suggest a bigger challenge. Hike the North Country Trail. It's more than twice the length of the AT, 4600 miles I think, and goes from North Dakota to Vermont. From what I can find out, there are only four people who have ever completed a thru-hike. I would love to see you complete the mother of all trails. The North Country Trail.👍

section hiking the AT, age 61

watching this and answering this like "yeah definitely the PCT" knowing damn well I got a regular ole job

Having watched all of your thru-hikes, I kinda have that feeling like at the end of a Netflix binge-watch where you think "well now what am I going to do with my life?" haha I do hope you'll find other adventures to share with us!

Jessica (Dixie) Happy Thanks giving! I want to thank you for the huge impact you have made on this almost 60 year old. I have loved the outdoors my whole life and hiked in the white mountains several times. My children joined me and sharing that experience with them was a major joy in my life. I admire your guts... to create a business doing what you love is a blessing. Most of us do the opposite, we keep working at what "pays the bills" so we can take brief vacations to do what we love. I would like to hike the PCT at age 65 when I can finally through off the yoke and retire. I want you to know that no matter what you choose to do in the future you have already done more than most of us will accomplish in our lifetimes. And, I don't mean simply hiking the triple crown... you have touched the hearts and souls of so many people and inspired them. For this I thank you

IMHO the best "starter" trail is the Northville-Placid trail in the Adirondacks in NY. A comfortable 138.6 miles, a couple "trail towns" at miles 40 and 90, no crazy elevation gain, enough possibility of seeing a bear to have to take precautions like a bear hang, one river crossing, shelters throughout most of the second half but scant in the first half, fantastic solitude and lovely lakes and ponds.

To answer your question: I did the PCT in '05 because I grew up backpacking in Yosemite. The group I hiked with always fantasized about hiking the PCT. Then in '04 Tim McGraw put out the song "Live Like You Were Dying" and it sparked an ember that turned to a fire. Researched if a 45 year old man could do it, found mentors from the previous years and that's when the Through Hike bug was born.

I have decided that I am going to do a tiny first thru hike only 48.4 miles the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail in NH. It’s basically in my backyard. Mount Sunapee is 5 miles from my house. I’m new to backpacking so I think that is a good place to start next spring! Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁🍽

Kungsleden (King’s Trail) in Sweden. I thru hiked it twice. For someone who gets bored on long-duration trails, like myself, it is perfect. And it feels like a different planet, some of it being in the Arctic Circle. Easy logistics, sublime views.

Hey Dixie, I have been following you since the PCT and you are actually the reason that made me want to hike this trail. Just a friendly suggestion, it would be really handy if whenever you use feet, ounces, etc, to just write the equivalent in metric system while editing the video. It's much simpler for us non-Americans if we don't have to pause the video to convert everything. Because, in case you did not know, you're an international celebrity! As usual, thanks for a great content!

Good video! It’s fun to dream and plan. I say that the best hike is always the one that you’re doing.

The Arizona Trail is another one for people who want to dip their toes in a thru hike. 800 miles, and the terrain is surprisingly varied.

I thru-hiked the AT in 2018. Why did I choose it? Well, I don't know that I really went through a process of comparison and review. Being from GA, the AT was always in my mind and I felt like it was/is the trail with more soul. The Appalachian mountains have always provided me a sense of peace. Being in them makes me feel closer to Mother Earth, and having completed a thru-hike of it, I continue to feel this way. I have a permit for the PCT in 2019 and will have more perspective after that. And even though I'm officially a thru-hiker, I am still questioning my ability to complete the PCT due to my perceptions of it being less-forgiving. We will see. And as a last note, my quest to thru-hike the AT was well-supported through the many hours of watching Dixie videos. I even watched a few of your CDT videos while on the Trail this year to energize me during some down days. Thank you Dixie for the support! :)

Thank you for "29:41 Fear of Heights" -- It's verified what I thought after watching so many thru-hikes this year! I have a strong fear of heights.

Just watched this video. You did such a good job of breaking down each trail and the pro's and con's of each. A lot to think about but so much more informed now. Thanks

I am so happy to hear how you were able to finance your hiking. I also try to live as simply as possible and have been blessed with good health at 68. Love the tips and encouragement!

Amazing video while you did change your trails alot I was able to follow you r story.

My first thru-hike was the 330 mile long Allegheny Trail (ALT) that runs through West Virginia from the Pennsylvania border south of Pittsburgh, to Peters Mountain on the A.T. at the Virginia border. I chose that trail simply because it was the nearest long distance trail to me, and I could hike it down and back (660 miles) in less than 2 months, and I also got to hike some of the A.T. I've since sectioned hiked a little over half of the A.T., but I really envy you who have the time to thru-hike all these trails.

I click Like as soon as I hear "Hey y'all!".

Our 25 blueberry bushes are super loaded and ripe right now with blueberries and I was just thinking about making some dried blueberry cobbler/fruit leather with our apples. Y’all have the best trail ideas and helpful information!

Loved this comparison of the triple crown in the USA. It was wonderfully detailed- just what a planner likes to see! I don't know that i'll ever have the time to do a big hike- or at least not until my young kids are older but I would love to see some content of favourite sub-sections of each one. I'm on Vancouver Island so way more likely to complete the PCT or CDT areas, but AT would be interesting as well, maybe a mini-series! P.S. I think outside of the USA any murders would be considered above average haha though I do love your optimism for backing the AT's poor record on this by giving the 100 year comparison lol

i'm 60 and would do the AT first as i have watched more about it than the other trails on youtube.Happy ThanksGiving to you and your family. Perk and Aaron also.

This was just excellent! As always, informative, interesting, thoughtful. My grandson and I are hoping to start section hiking the CDT beginning in May 2019, one state at a time each year, for as long as the powers above let us do it. I asked him, 'Wouldn't it feel great to know that we have walked across the roof-line of this beautiful country?' Thank you so much! I hope you and your family and friends [with a special holler out to Perk and Aaron who bring their owe art and craft to the discussion] have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The AT and PCT are becoming oversaturated with people. Try something else y'all like the Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, Florida Trail, Great Divide Trail, Oregon Desert Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Benton MacKaye Trail, the Long Trail, John Muir Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Ice Age Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Wonderland Trail, etc.

Last 2 long distance trails were the West Highland Way (Scotland) and the West Way (Germany). Dixi your next trail should be the "E1" (=European Long Distance Trail 1) from the Northcape (Norway) to Sicily (Italy), about 7.000 km. 🤠

The CDT is closest to me so I may do that one first. My plan is to take my girls on day hikes then overnights. And work our way up to longer hikes. If I can get them to love hiking then I could do a thru hike when them if not I'll wait until they go to college.

Hi Dixie, I love your videos, they are so informative. I hope this won't come across as insensitive at this current time but I wonder if you would think about doing a video on how to prevent starting a wildfire while hiking and also how to prevent getting trapped by one. Obviously heeding any fire closures in place is a given, but with fires appearing to become more common it would be great to get some good advice about that.

First, thank you, thank you and thank you! You give me so much inspiration going forward. I'm going to start hiking smaller trails early next year and then starting with the AT in 2021. You have so much knowledge. I've listened and watched several hikers on KZfaq over the past three years and you are my favorite one. I'm in the process of preparing for retirement and putting together my packing list of equipment.

I've never backpacked in my life but i love watching people's adventures. If i ever do get to thru hike, i want to be as informative as possible. I also want something i can bring my dog along 😊

This Summer/Fall I successfully sectioned hiked 100 Miles solo on the North Country Trail - a trail that spans from North Dakota to New York, yet many have not heard of. In full transparency, my first attempt in the Porcupine Mountains (in the Upper Peninsula, MI) was an EPIC FAIL. Lessons learned. But, I used it as a 'somewhat controlled environment' to take note of what worked for me, what didn't work, how I could prepare better - logistically, gear, physically & mentally - and I went back to finish what I had started. Albeit a small goal of only 100 miles, for me this was the catalyst and launching point for bigger things to come. Taking 3-days of vacation from work to go hiking before Thanksgiving, I have literally just returned from solo hiking the Shawnee Backpack Trail, in the Shawnee State Forest, Ohio (on the Ohio/Kentucky border in the Appalachian Foothills - often called the "Little Smokies") and although the trail is listed as 'moderate' the elevation climbs and descents were no joke! (you don't know what 300+ ft up in a 1/2 mile is until you've done it, and I kept thinking 'OMG, what is 3000 ft in 5 miles like!?' ... mathematically, should be the exactly the same, right? lol) Again, a 'somewhat controlled environment' with multiple bailout points if I needed, taking note of what worked, what didn't work, and how I could account for lower temperatures (high 41, low 28) and the weather. More lessons learned, and reinforcement that I need to be more physically fit. More to come in the journey ahead of me ... I guess. I have to give you, Perk & Aaron credit for (doing your research before hand) and then "just packing your packs and going for it". I suppose nothing conditions you better for the trail than being on the trail ... and that's where my, and I am sure others have find their, inner-conflict to be. Namely, how do you - at the fine age of 52 - maintain a home, a vehicle, insurance, support a college Junior, afford all the gear, budget $6K+/year for a thru-hike, find an employer accepting of your desire to be away from your job for 6-months at a time, all the while train for hiking 2000+ miles in the spare time you have, let alone actually go do it? Your videos are amazing, and you've shared a great deal of yourself with your followers and 'this community'. But in many ways, I feel as if you're sharing only half the story. Sure you're (as are most people) in a much different place in life than I (and most of us). You've said as much. BUT, as the local expert here, if the tables were turned, if you were employed, you had a family, had a mortgage, and wanted to be able to 'downsize', 'get lean', 'prepare as best as possible', all with the goal of completing a thru-hike (or three) - how would you approach it all? (without the simple answer being, well, I'm not in that situation so I couldn't tell you) I've considered preparing from now until 'early retirement at 57 1/2' and then rambling afoot. [secure, sure, but probably not realistic] I've thought about just cutting the strings, selling it all, quitting the job, and not looking back. [sketchy with many unknowns.] I've considered everything from hiking/living on trail for 6 months at a time to finding a small apartment & job when off trail. [I could be a barista at Starbucks & work at REI on the weekends] Perhaps you could pose the same to others in your circle who have taken the leap, been successful (or unsuccessful) and share your collective feedback in an upcoming video? I've never felt more lost and I'm not even the woods!

The Ozark Trail is 500+ miles in Missouri!!

I think I’m going to go for the CDT as my first through hike next March. Big fan of solitude, I camp and hike alone all the time. I really just need a life reset, and to just feel like a human, completely self reliant. Really wish I could sooner than March but that is what it is.

I thru hiked from my bed to my case of beer last week. Really intense

My son and I have been wanting to take a backpacking trip but I don't want to bite off more than we can chew. We both have plenty of tent camping experience, but nil w/backpacking. Growing up in Kentucky, and having stepped foot on the AT on more than one occasion, I think that's a common dream for any of us who enjoy the trails...So we've devised a plan to take a shorter hike closer to home when he gets out of school next year, the Sheltowee Trace through the Daniel Boone NF. Should take maybe 3ish weeks. The way I see it, if we can finish that (314mi) and get bitten by the long-haul bug then we'll be more prepared and confident about hiking the AT the year after.,.,.I appreciate all your videos. You cover every detail veraciously and thoroughly; Seems like you've become an invaluable resource to the backpacking community (we beginners in particular).

I agree about the Wind Rivers. I go there again and again and again.

Who knew there was a North Country Trail (NCT). The quadruple crown? Thanks for putting out so many great videos

I’ve hiked the JMT and I picked it because I live in SoCal and love the sierras. I also have hiked and backpacked on sections of the PCT and love it. That is why I applied for my PCT permit this year

Happy Thanksgiving, great video and Thank you for the Facebook page you created. I’ve interacted with a few folks there and it’s been a positive experience.

Happy Thanksgiving! Hearing that you are going to hike the parts of the PCT you missed, I suggest that you add another pass through the Sierra. It's much nicer hiking from mid August through September when the snow is generally melted out (except for 2017) and the mossies are gone. Much more relaxing and enjoyable and more varied scenery (not just white).

IMO, just go hiking. Find all the trails in your vicinity and get out for a day hike, a section hike, do a few over-nighters. It may lead to a short or even a major thru hike. But, enjoy where you are now! You'll get a chance to discover what skills you need to develop, you'll improve your fitness, and you'll figure out your gear. I started hiking when I got a job in Colorado and now I'm in love with it. It's exhausting, thrilling, sometimes miserable, filthy, and healing.

I LOVE YOU DIXIE ♥️♥️ HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I have camped extensively, and been on some of the PCT. I'm 72 and too worn to do it anymore. Your Videos are very nice.

Thanks Dixie. I get social anxiety to the point where it is painful. My goal was to hike the AT when I retire. Maybe I will reconsider and do the CDT instead. Thanks for your expert insight.

Doing the AT 2019

One consideration for hikers who are also cyclists is that the Great Divide Mountain Biking Route parallels the CDT and can be done comfortable in 6-8 weeks. The GDMBR is one of a kind so it might be better to thru hike one of the others if you have an inkling that you might want to cycle through the Rockies one day.

Very well done Dixie. You offer tons of info and details on the info. Thanks for all you have offered to us. You certainly need a diamond studded triple gold crown. for your accomplishments to your generosity in sharing your experiences, opinions and such detailed info. I vote for the CDT as fewer people means seeing more wildlife and vistas of the beautiful Rockies.

*Great video Dixie!*

Happy Thanksgiving 2019. Your legacy lives on.

Do you have intentions to hit the Ice Age Trail? I'd be thrilled to have the IAT get more love 💚 The NCT is also quite a feat I'd love to see more people touch.

I'm a grandmom wimp who loves to READ ABOUT long distance hiking, LOL. I love your videos!

Hi Dixie! Mayor and Schwepes buddy Rattlesnake here. Gathering CDT info. My first thru-hike was the PCT inspired by Into the Wild and a hitchhiking background. Did the AT this year. Though I faced alot of adversity on the PCT it was my favorite bc of terrain diversity, the Sierras, the many hotsprings, South Lake Tahoe, Stilldream, legit backcountry sections the whole time, and for me, the absence of hostels(I felt they depreciated the bond created by trail hardships on the AT). Something I can recommend is hiking in Denali, there are no trails so you do your own routing beforehand, infinite degrees of difficulty, more mentally engaging, great wildlife, and less social but more team oriented. I would bring a packraft next time. Couple q's for the CDT: How closely knit is it with the nearby bikepacking trail? Any notable festivals or events along the way? Hotsprings? And what is the gender ratio like (comparatively)? Thanks I hope can show some people a fresh perspective.

7:10 This just means it’s harder to get away with murder on the AT, lol.

My first real thru-hike was the Pacific Northwest Trail this summer. I decided on the PNT because it has the reputation for being one of the most rugged and remote and because it can be done in a couple months. Looking back, having more experience would have been useful and I don't necessarily recommend it as a great first trail unless you're itching for a challenge.

Thanks, Dixie! Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your family....including Aaron and Perk! 😋

Did you ever consider doing a speaking tour about your knowledge and experiences?

I've done a bit of weekend backpacking in the boundary waters canoe area but only just recently discovered trail hiking through youtube channels like yours. Did some research and found the Superior Hiking Trail close to home here in Minnesota. Planning on doing some sections this summer and hopefully a through hike next year. If all goes well I'm looking at attempting the PCT in 2022! I very much appreciate you and other youtubers taking the time to share your knowledge with the rest of us!

Great video as always

Kinda bummed that within our first mile on the AT we walked upon a campsite about 30 feet off the trail. There was something purple that caught our eye and we thought it was trash. Well obviously it was but it was an abandoned meth lab. We walked over with the intention of picking up the trash but saw latex gloves. Large cooking pots. Bottles of chemicals and tubing. We plan to thru hike in two years anyways but this was a real downer for us. This was near Erwin, TN. We got on at Nolichucky river gorge. Be careful out there.

The NCT trail!😀 Love the video Dixie! Bringing ppl into the reality of what is out there trail Wise is awesome!

Rainmaker here - Big day today! I hope you enjoy "the game" as much as I have enjoyed all of your videos. Thank you so much for bringing these trails to life! Best to you and your family

Thanks for making the CDT less scary for a first timer! I would pick the CDT because in my mind you get a much longer time to build up endurance before you start climbing a lot!? Thoughts?

Thanks for this informative post. My first ‘thru-hike’ was the Camino de Santiago. I chose it because of the infrastructure support along the way. Pilgrim albergues (hostels) are located all along the trail and so we’re restaurants and grocery stores. It was a great first long distance hike. An added bonus to hiking the Camino was meeting people every day from all over the world. My second thru-hike was the John Muir Trail. I chose it for the beauty as well as the convenience for me as I live in California. I am hoping to thru-hike the A.T. next!

I am planning a thru hike of the North country trail in 2019 since I live in New York. Then in 2020 will be the AT.

great information and thank you.

Camino Francés was my first ever thru-hike (in some way, but actually there is no true starting point. You can start where ever you want in Europe) or backpacking trip. But the AT is definitely my first thru in the US, just because I discovered it first.

I'm planning on hiking the Allegheny Trail here in my home state first. Probably not all of it since it isn't complete yet. Then the Tuscarora Trail which it is intended to eventually connect with as part of the Great Eastern Trail. After that, I plan to hike the upper portion of The Long Trail in Vermont to where it meets the AT. That way, when I do eventually thru-hike the AT and reach that point, I will have finished section hiking The Long Trail, which is apparently the oldest designated trail in the US. Keep up the wonderful inspirational videos. Thank you!

I would love to see a video of the Pacific Northwest Trail! 😁

living in west Virginnia and havening friends and family in north Carlina Tennessee and Mayland the Appalachian trail is for me

When I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1981, I was fascinated with the idea of hiking from Maine to Georgia and never gave any consideration to seeing other people. Of course, back then, there were a lot less hikers on there than there are now. Beginning in August in Maine and finishing in Georgia in January also ensured (in hindsight) that I would see even fewer people. Over the years I've heard of the "walking march" that makes up the northbound hikers these days and that is not something I would ever want to be a part of. I also thru-hiked the Long Trail (May 1988) from north to south and saw very few other thru-hikers (but did see a lot of snow). I also thru-paddled the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in June 2013 and did not see a single other thru-paddler for the entire 740 miles.

Dixie and others they may consider the FT as a short hike the FT has alot of road walk's at this time. It is getting better every year as new trails are cut. I live here, and would not consider it for my first hike, but that is me. I do use the north alt all the time, and section it. If you are planing to hike it I recommend good shoes that have support for hard packed substrates as well as shoes that can hold up to lots of water. Get used to rationing water before hand a lot of the water is not the best quality where there is not taps due to lots of the water above ground being brackish, and yes at some places there are well taps on the FT some are dry but they are there.

What about an international hike!? Like the Great Trail in Canada or Camino de Santiago in Europe!

This might sound weird, but I love hearing you talk. I think you might be the most positive person on youtube.

I think an often missed trail (and my first thru hike next year) is the Pacific Northwest Trail. It has so many different terrains and 1,200 miles. A few months but not half a year wrapped up in a single hike.

I'm curious to know if you ever came across someone overweight, hiking one of these trails with the purpose to lose weight and your thoughts ? I'm currently following 'second chance hiker's' videos and im scared for him but also inspired

You have the best channel

And with the GDT, you have all those other things including black bears, grizzlies and cougars, with the addition of lumberjacks

My biggest consideration for which to hike was proximity to home. I live in NC and hiked southbound so it would feel like walking towards home. I hope to thru-hike again someday. Rather I do the AT for old time's sake or the PCT for something different, I don't know.

Great wrap-up of why to choose one trail over another. Just convinced me that the PCT is the one for me! Hope to do that one day...

Love this!

You can freeze to death in the desert in the middle of summer .. the temperature can swing from 100 degrees during the day to less than 60 degrees at night - make sure you have long sleeve dry thermal clothes and socks, a thermal blanket, a sleeping bag - stuff to keep you warm ..

Happy Thanksgiving young lady and to your friends stay safe and happy as always I will watch this later on tonight

First of all, great videos Dixie! I've been binging on vicarious trail time thru your youtube channel the last few weeks. Secondly, Whoa!!! That dead rabbit was already there during my thru hike in 2016!! I wonder if it's still floating around haunting thirsty hikers. =] I live in Oregon so the PCT was the natural first choice for me. My preference is the rugged wilderness, big nature, big views, so my hunch is the PCT and CDT will be my favorites, however once i've walked both of those, I'm sure the AT will beckon just as strongly. Id love to see a video or pick your brain about drones/back country cameras. Thats a facet I'm interested in incorporating into my thru hikes in the future. Thanks again for sharing your experiences! -Alex

My yard boarders the AT in greenwood lake ny … and my whole community welcomes all thru hikers and I will always offer a ride shower or home cooked meal for all hikers aswell so for all AT thru hikers don’t forget to stop by and enjoy the beautiful lake community I live in and don’t forget to always hike safely best wishes to all

I retired early and so have the time and the physical ability to do a thru-hike. My plan is to do the AT first (2019), because that's the one I'd heard about years ago. After watching all of your (and others) trail videos, I've discovered the PCT and CDT. After watching this video, I wonder if I should do the PCT instead, as I'm not so much the crowd-loving kind of hiker, which the AT comes across as being. First-world problems...!

I’m watching in December 2020 and still can’t decide which one! I’m from the UK. There’s something special about them all but I think my heart is set on the PCT for the epic scenery

Happy Thanksgiving, Dixie! Also to Perk and Aaron. Enjoy Iron Bowl week.

I haven't thru hiked any of the long trails. I have done a lot of short backpacking trips. Longest trip I did was a bike trek (different animal all together. I have wanted to do a longer trip in the future) was the Missouri Katy Trail State Park. It's a rails to trails "gravel road" from Clinton Missouri to St Louis. 367 mi. I had done it with a group of 6 people and finished with them. I was thinking as unorthodox as it is, I would love to do a southbound thru hike of AT as my first thru hike. I have less very cold weather experince, however, if I got the hard part of it done first, I would think I would do well. I was born in North Carolina. I lived in the Appalachian Mountians as a kid. I know most of the terrain and dangers. Easier than the PCT and CDT for me for a first time. Thoughts on southbound experience?

I really admire your courage and perseverance in having completed these three huge challenges!

Thank you sooooo much Dixie! Awesome video.

Very good video, helped me decide how to start my next journey. Thank you!

Great video!! Very informative ... good info to start planning my 1st thru-hike! Thank you

I think Dixie just changed my mind from PCT to AT for my first thru hike. I need practice first for sure.

Great review of the trails. Thanks!

wow. amazing compare and contrast. thank you.

Thanks for this informative vid and for making the CDT sound less scary! My first and only thru so far was the Bibbulmun Track in West Oz, pretty easy at 1000km (600mi) it is based on the AT with shelters, water tanks and drop loos. A mostly enjoyable track with some good variation in natural settings. Probably has about a 90% completion rate because really, anyone with functional legs could do this trail. Really wanna be a triple crowner one day but the Aussie dollar is so bad these days against the USD and also Trump is prez. One day tho, one day I will go.

I want to tackle the AT. I've grown up hiking around northern California. All over Yosemite, Marin county, Mt. Lassen and so on. While I never hiked the PCT, I've never done any hiking on the east coast. Now as I'm approaching my later years, I want to recapture my youth again. Thanks for all your insight and suggestions. I've learned alot.

Not a hiker, parse, but I do enjoy your knowledgeable perspective of all things outdoors. Thank you

I would like the SoBo the PCT.

My biggest consideration is crowds/people Thus, the CDT is my first choice, but I'm also looking at Alaska, because that's where you can really get away from people