Trekking The PCT For Multiple Sclerosis

At 2650 miles (4264 km) in length, the Pacific Crest Trail is one of the longest – and most beautiful – trails in the world. Starting at the U.S. border with Mexico and running all the way to Canada, the PCT is considered one of the classic long distance hikes in the entire world, drawing millions of hikers each year, some of whom actually trek the entire length.

That is exactly what backpacker Megan Bullers hopes to accomplish later this year, as she intends to walk end-to-end on the PCT to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She'll set out on April 24 of this year, and she estimates it will take between four and five months to complete the entire hike. Along the way, she hopes to raise $50,000 for the charity.

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is a long and challenging endeavor that requires a solid amount of inspiration to make it through. In this case, Megan is not just raising funds for MS, but is doing so to potentially help  her father, who has suffered from the disease since 2000.

If you want to help her reach her goals, you can contribute to this very worthy cause on Megan's donations page. You'll also be able to follow along with her adventure on her blog as well.

Good luck Megan!

Backpacker Maps America's Best Long Distance Hiking Trails

Everyone knows about the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and even the Continental Divide Trail, but did you know there are a number of other great long-distance hiking routes in the U.S.? In fact, there are numerous other options for those who like to trek for days on end, covering hundreds – if not thousands – of miles in the process. And now, thanks to Backpacker magazine, we have a comprehensive map of the very best of them.

The map, which you can view in its larger format by clicking here, shows dozens of different trails scattered across the entire U.S., many of which most of us probably aren't all that aware of. For instance, did you know that there is a Centennial Trail that stretches for 111 miles (178 km) through South Dakota? Or that the Buckeye Trail covers 1445 miles (2325 km) on a circuit through Ohio? Heck, there is even a Florida Trail that stretches for 1400 miles (2253 km) across the entire length of the state, including the panhandle.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of course, as there are plenty more interesting long-distance hiking routes all over the U.S., stretching from one coast to the other. That includes the American Discovery Trail, which literally does just that, covering some 6800 miles (10,943 km) in the process. The point is, no matter where you live, chances are there is an epic trek to be had somewhere near by, and Backpacker wants to help you find it. This map is a great place to start.

As the magazine also points out, these trails wouldn't exist if it weren't for the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers and conservation advocates all over the country. We get to reap the benefits of their hard work, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. Hopefully in the years to come, there will be even more impressive trails to add to this map.

Video: End-to-End on the Pacific Crest Trail in 7 Minutes!

The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the greatest long distance hikes anywhere in the world. Stretching for more than 2600 miles (4185 km) from the U.S. border with Mexico to the border with Canada, the PCT passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the western United States. But not all of us have the time to walk it ourselves, which is where this video comes in handy. It allows you to see the trail, end-to-end, in just seven minutes, using three-second clips the entire way. After watching it, you'll probably want to hike it yourself even more.

The Pacific Crest Trail (Three Second Thru-Hike) from Halfway Anywhere on Vimeo.