I love the Pine Mountain Trail. It’s a favorite for me and I’ve hiked it a few times now. The terrain isn’t terribly challenging but it’s got some technical stuff and the fall colors are gorgeous.
This is great.Adding all of them to my wish list if i ever get to hike in the States....A great hike for beginners in the UK would be The Ridgeway National trail. 87 miles, over approx 6 days across the south of england along a great chalk downland ridge of hills with some awesome views. Its an ancient pathway thats been used for 5000+ years, taking you past ancient stone circles, bronze age burial chambers, iron age hillforts and medieval churches, so its a walk through history, as well as through the beautiful downland landscape. Considering the trail goes through a well inhabited part of the uk it feels pretty remote when youre up there and is very quiet during the working week. Its very well marked and the terrain is relatively easy and its much less remote than the mountains in Scotland or Wales, or the moors, peak/lake districts of England. Water is scarce in some sections, but youre always able to come down off the trail easily enough and the trail goes through a couple of towns after the halfway point for resupply. Accomodation/resupply is also often available a mile or so off trail, and whilst wild camping is not technically allowed in England, its also not illegal, as long as you leave if unlucky enough to be asked to go by a grumpy landowner. lots of people do it and its generally tolerated if you are considerate, discreet, pitch up and pack up late/early and leave no trace.
Another perfect beginner thru-hike for the Europeans here would be the West Highland Way. - Well marked - Hostels/B&B's are available if you need/want a real bed some nights, but wild camping is completely legal - Cell service 90% of the time - Bail-out's available almost every day - Real community around the trail. Locals know the trail and love the hikers, and cater to them
Dixie, thank you for these recommendations and for suggesting trails in different parts of the country. That makes at least one or two accessible most of us, no matter which side of the country we live in.
The Mountains to Sea Trail in North Carolina is also a wonderful beginner hiking trail. Either Segment 1 in the mountains or Segment 10 near Falls Lake.
You can do McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs along with Dragons Tooth as a 35 mile loop hike called the Virginia Triple Crown. The route is on All Trails, or you can search for other trail maps with good directions using Google. The portion that’s not on the AT has a longish stretch with no water sources, though. Nothing crazy, but it does require a little planning.
We backpacked 32 miles of the Pictured Rocks trail last year with our 5 and 7 year old kids based off of your recommendation. It went shockingly well! They keep asking what trail we’re going to hike this summer. Thanks for the new ideas!
I wasn't sure I wanted to watch this one but got hooked by just how good a job you do putting things together. You are such a natural at this UA-cam stuff. Great job on the video and I feel inspired to do a couple of these.
My first multiple over night trip was the McAfee Knob - Thinker Cliffs - Dragons Tooth loop. Its a great beginner trail for those looking to start a multiple night journey. Lots of options. Thanks for doing what you do.
Two for you 1: Three Sisters Loop via the PCT in Oregon. 48 miles with 8100 feet total assent. Get on the trail just outside of Sisters. 2: PCT Cascade Locks to Tunnel Falls Loop in Oregon. 30 miles total, long clime to Teakettle Springs. Rest is mostly flat or downhill. Start in Cascade Locks and see the famous Tunnel Falls. ~S
Elbert is one of the easier 14ers we have. The military remains you came across is what's left of Camp Hale, a former training area for the 10th Mountain Division when they were stationed at Fort Carson. All throughout the Colorado Rocky Mountains are huts the division used during their training exercises and are now privately owned or part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. You can book reservations at several of them (much cheaper than the NH AMC huts).
Great content. My first solo backpacking trip falls under the category of doing something nearby with familiar type of terrain, which for me was the Cranberry Lake 50-mile loop in the NY Adirondacks. Perfect beginner level hike with lots of wildlife, beauty and minimal elevation gain. This year for beginner 2.0 I’m planning to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail in California and the Pictured Rocks trail mentioned in your video. Very excited!
Oh hey I did that a couple summers ago for one of my early trips and the friend I was with's first trip! It really was good and not super difficult for us and we had a great time (although we did get eaten alive by mosquitos, but that's just regular adirondacks stuff) :)
I backpacked in Pictured Rocks back in 2019 during the second week of October. It was absolute peak fall and was one of the prettiest backpacking trips I have ever been on. Those colors were insane. However, I was not prepared for how cold it was going to be. The wind coming off of Lake Superior combined with the humidity made it feel much colder than the thermostat let on. It was definitely a memorable experience, but if you decide to take it on, I recommend full winter set up and be prepared for the wind.
I'd love more information about how you travel around to get to the trail heads. Like when you have to fly. Does that require you to back your backpack differently?
Absolutely loved my backpacking trip of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! Tried to schedule for my trip for the fall colors, but Mother Nature didn't cooperate. Still a very laid back, and magnificent scenery.
I took a small group of teens through Desolation Wilderness several years ago and I fully concur with your impression of Lake Aloha. Its color and all the rocks/islands make it so different from any other lake I have seen. A couple other comments about that area: there is some snow even in low snow years; you are never that far from the west side of Tahoe (emergency access); and bring a head net for late summer mosquitoes. Corrections for anyone going (trying to clarify, not detract from Dixie's wonderful description): US 50 goes through South Lake Tahoe (not 40); though not as high as southern portions, this is still part of the 400 mile Sierra Nevada range which extends from Tehachapi to a little south of Lassen. Now I want to go back!
Pictured Rocks was my first kick at the multi-day can! We did three nights and bailed a bit early when my friend went through all her allergy meds (she was allergic to pine and didn't realize we'd be in a pine forest LOLOL) but I LOVED the sections we did! Can't wait to go back and complete it. It was just challenging enough for a beginner, as well as being very comfortable as there were so many other hikers, tourists, drive in campgrounds and bail out points. I highly second Dixie's reco on this one.
When I was a student at UC-Boulder in the early seventies, I had a little cabin in Nederland, (as in Ned). I just visited again in 2018. Nederland has lodging, a pharmacy, and a grocery store now. It's just up the canyon from Boulder, Co. The streets in Nederland are paved now and tho you may still see some tying posts out front of the stores, there are not very many horses riding into town anymore. Driving out to the Indian Peaks trail, you will enjoy seeing several terminal moraines from the glacier that used to cover Nederland. So the valley itself is very interesting, geologically speaking. The trail goes up very steeply and very fast, so even if it's narrow, cold, and shady at the parking lot when you start, you will be taking off clothing very quickly. It's very windy up on top at the lake, and often there is snow, even in summer, so definitely extra clothing for piercing wind or afternoon rain or snow storm. I'd take extra water if I were you. I did, and I was glad I had it. Have fun! Its a gorgeous hike!
So glad that you mentioned Pine Mountain Trail in Georgia. I drive there from Florida every year to hike inclines and declines. The Florida Trail doesn’t offer such terrain.
Agree. Florida is pretty boring for trails if you like the elevation, which I do. Personally, I think most of what's available in Florida is just a stroll through mostly redundant scenery. Mountains all the way!
Dixie thank you for the info. We are looking at taking a group of young lady’s ( in the corrections system) out for their first hikes. These are some great suggestions!
for the ones in the middle of the country there is Big Piney Trail in the Paddy Creak Wilderness in south west Missouri its a 16.5 mile loop with 3 entrance points. For a mini though hike there is also the Ozark Trail in Missouri. it starts at the orandago trail head near Leasburg. it is 230 miles but I have only done the first 2 sections a total of about 62 miles, there is a deep river crossing witch was waste deep at mile 5 but you can jump on at mile 12.5 and avoid that crossing. what i have done is fairly easy and there are many bailout spots
Great suggestions! Hope you are well and getting answers re your health. As a cardiology RN of 38 years you can never be too cautious when it comes to the heart stuff! Also noticed the Opelika shout out in your previous video...War Eagle! I'm hoping to find a good section of the AT in the No GA mtns to do a one nighter for my first backpacking trip. Lots of day hikes but haven't spent a night in the wild!
TMB and SWCP for Europeans are both amazing - regular towns and transport links along the way (every day on SWCP, every other day on TMB), loads of resupply opportunities, and lots of options if you don't have the equipment to camp, or are nervous about camping, as the TMB has rifugios and BnBs on the way, and SWCP has hostels, hotels, BnBs, all sorts. Also, the views are glorious.
+1 on the Pine Mountain Trail; that's a good one for sure. Another good one I've enjoyed several times is the Georgia Loop, about 60 miles made up of sections of the AT, Duncan Ridge Trail and Benton MacKaye trail.
Charles Deam Wilderness, outside Bloomington IN: overnight out and back w lakeside camping. Natl Scenic Ice Trail, WI: (2 areas)Devil’s Lake and Kettle Morraine-Southern Unit: Lake w cool bluffs, and rolling meadows w interesting geology respectively. Mt Rogers, VA: blue Ridge Mts and wild ponies. Chemin du St Jacque, France from Le Puy en Velay to Conque: What can I say…it’s stunning French countryside and medieval Unesco villages w all the amazing French food you can eat. West Highland Way, Scotland: again, stunning Scottish Highlands w lochs, moors, ben’s, and plenty of hostel options, and logistic rail service to and from Glasgow.
Thnx for the list, a few I would like to visit some day. A good beginner trail for thru-hiking shorter trails, there’s the Ozark Trail through Mark Twain forest in MO. 10 day trail with a lodging at day 5 if you want a zero. Many bailout points and lots of river and creek crossings. Only danger is in heavy rains or a wet spring can cause the rivers to rise rapidly. Overall, it’s fairly easy and temperate weather.
Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas. Just under 27 mile loop. Small Ouachita mountains, picturesque rivers, creeks, bluffs, and other rock formations. Plenty of campsites and most have water access nearby (except mountain top campsites) The trail is well maintained and well traveled. Autumn, winter, and spring are the best times. In the Summer it gets hot and humid and some parts of the trail get overgrown.
I’d recommend the Fiery Gizzard Trail in TN. The majority of the trail is tame, well marked, and well traveled. Cell service is spotty. There is a split in the trail where you can do the rocky, challenging Fiery Gizzard or go along the flat, easy plateau. One way is about 13 miles so it would make a fun 1-2 night loop/out & back.
Thanks, Dixie. I would add a trip from Agnew Meadows (near Mammoth, California) to Thousand Island Lake. Some people do it in a day, but I'd recommend camping at Thousand Island and making it a two day trip. Or, go the other way, from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite Nat'l Park to Thousand Island. A bit further, maybe a 3 day trip, but well worth it for the scenery. And, there is public transportation between the trailheads so you don't have to worry about getting back to your car.
Desolation Wilderness is in the Sierra Nevada. Also worth noting that Lake Aloha is man made. It is beautiful though! I can walk to your recommended section of the PCT from my house :)
Cool list! I did a thru-hike of the Foothills and it was great. Do need to plan food a bit, but great trail for the "thru-hike" experience. I would also recommend the Suwannee section of the Florida Trail, which can be beautiful and is pretty flat. It is good to do off-season like in late fall or even in winter (depending on the week).
When I refer to my 2015 trips and UA-cam Videos, it seems everything has changed a lot since the Pandemic. All trails definitely help. Hey Dixie, you really need to check out the Finger Lakes Trail in NY. Go in late summer or fall and enjoy the best of NY. Of Course the NY North country Trail is awesome, but the bugs will carry you away after draining most of your blood. But your from Alabama, worse bugs there (any Snakes and Spiders)
I have hiked the McAfee Knob area, but the section I did included Dragon's Tooth rather than Tinker Cliffs. So, I will have to go back to pick that one up. I have also hiked a lot of the area that is now the Foothills Trail (before they completed the entire trail). Both areas are very beautiful -- some of the nicest areas to hike in the Southeast.
I hiked in Nederland with a friend and her boyfriend. Not another soul in the world if you’d have asked me in the moment. I wonder if we were near the place you mentioned. We weren’t on a “real hike” but did several miles. It was absolutely pristine.
I am planning to dip my toe in the AT in 2026, visiting from Australia in late May. Looking at 4 weeks. Trying to decide between Catawba and heading north for 4 weeks, which conforms with the section you recommended in this terrific video. Or, more conventionally, 4 weeks north from Springer.
I would recommend the Dipsea Trail in Mill Valley, CA. You can start it in Mill Valley or Stinson Beach. You can go part way or all the way to one end and back. There are a lot of steps at either end, but the views of the Pacific Ocean are well worth it! You hike through Coastal Redwood Trees, meadows, over hills and to the ocean. Plus, it's home to the first trail race in history! It's a wonderful outing! PS: You can make it a longer, overnight outing by going north on the Coastal Trail to Armstrong Woods and camp among the redwood trees!
Thank you for this video. I would add The Rota Vicentina (Fisherman's Trail), which is 226km in Portugal. Absolutely gorgeous views all day long, every day.
Lake Aloha and the Desolation Wilderness are amazing, as is the Donner Summit area. We're all familiar with the sad and infamous story of the Donner Party (moral of that story is to never underestimate a Sierra Nevada winter). I feel fortunate to live near Sacramento so I can get up there often. Lots of great backpacking as well as day hiking in the area. Bear cans are heavy, but have really made a big difference in that area. Lake Aloha, in particular, was becoming really bad with bears stealing food. Tahoe bears are smart....LOL! Definitely recommend getting your permits sooner than later as it is a popular area.
Hey come to Southern Indiana and check out the Knobstone Hiking Trail 45 miles long. It is also part of the 160 mile Visionary Trail linking 4 trails into one.
Oak Mountain State Park outside of Birmingham, Alabama has some good trails for beginner backpackers. There are a few back country sites that are a short distance from the parking lots, cell service is decent, and the trails are easy. My wife's introduction to backpacking was a quick half mile walk from the car to the campsite. However, we could have made it a six- or seven-mile hike if we had parked somewhere else and taken a different trail.
Might look at Dead Man Canyon Loop trail ……(hmmm, sounds worse than it is). 50 mile loop trail. Begins and ends at Logdepole campground in Sequoia National Park. The trail will take you through part of Kings Canyon National Park.
Please more videos on foot care. I have a problem of sweating in my shoes bad and then toes get cold to the point I have to stop take shoes and socks off to dry. Or change socks all the time. Yea wool and my skin don’t work together 😂😂. Help!!!!!
North Manitou Island might be a good one because if you're a beginner backpacker and you get lost, all you have to do is head east or west. It's an island. You'll run into the trail.
Pictured Rocks National Seashore is fantastic. But try to go the first week in October for two reasons: stunning fall color, and by then, first frost will have killed the INSANE mosquitoes and horse flies.
I have 1,000 miles of the AT under my belt, but even still the Foothills trail sounds like it would be a fun thru with the pup; who has about 50 miles of the AT under his collar.
I figure if I'm going to cut my backpacking teeth, I could pick one of several small sections on the AT or Tuscarora Trail near where I live. Not hard to get a ride home if I just can't hack it.
Camp Hale that the CDT goes through just north of Leadville CO- established in 1942 to train soldiers for winter mountain warfare in WW II . The 10 th Mountain Division consisted of 14,000 men who were trained here to survive in extreme winter conditions at high elevation. 2022 area declared a National Monument. Visitors are advices not to dig in the area due to possible remnants of unexploded ammunition. Veterans of the 10 th Mtn division were responsible for starting many of CO ski resorts after they returned home.
Hello Dixie, I have a question....I know you have some dietary concerns with on trail food. Have you tried Heather's Choice meals? It's an Alaska based company that makes high quality dehydrated food. I tried one meal and I will never go back to the usual suspects of Mountain House and the others. Just curious on your thoughts or if you have any friends or family try it out. I know that would have made me super excited on the trail when I first started.
If you are going to Lake Tahoe for echo lake to donner pass, why don’t you just do the Tahoe rim trail into Tahoe city? It’s easier to end at as there is more transit options back to south lake
Hi Dixie, I´m planning to thru-hike one big trail in the US. I´m from Brazil 50+ yo . First, which do you think is better for me, who lives in a tropical country, PCT or AT? and the equipment is practically the same for these trails?
I love the Pine Mountain Trail. It’s a favorite for me and I’ve hiked it a few times now. The terrain isn’t terribly challenging but it’s got some technical stuff and the fall colors are gorgeous.
This is great.Adding all of them to my wish list if i ever get to hike in the States....A great hike for beginners in the UK would be The Ridgeway National trail. 87 miles, over approx 6 days across the south of england along a great chalk downland ridge of hills with some awesome views. Its an ancient pathway thats been used for 5000+ years, taking you past ancient stone circles, bronze age burial chambers, iron age hillforts and medieval churches, so its a walk through history, as well as through the beautiful downland landscape. Considering the trail goes through a well inhabited part of the uk it feels pretty remote when youre up there and is very quiet during the working week. Its very well marked and the terrain is relatively easy and its much less remote than the mountains in Scotland or Wales, or the moors, peak/lake districts of England. Water is scarce in some sections, but youre always able to come down off the trail easily enough and the trail goes through a couple of towns after the halfway point for resupply. Accomodation/resupply is also often available a mile or so off trail, and whilst wild camping is not technically allowed in England, its also not illegal, as long as you leave if unlucky enough to be asked to go by a grumpy landowner. lots of people do it and its generally tolerated if you are considerate, discreet, pitch up and pack up late/early and leave no trace.
Another perfect beginner thru-hike for the Europeans here would be the West Highland Way.
- Well marked
- Hostels/B&B's are available if you need/want a real bed some nights, but wild camping is completely legal
- Cell service 90% of the time
- Bail-out's available almost every day
- Real community around the trail. Locals know the trail and love the hikers, and cater to them
Dixie, thank you for these recommendations and for suggesting trails in different parts of the country. That makes at least one or two accessible most of us, no matter which side of the country we live in.
The Mountains to Sea Trail in North Carolina is also a wonderful beginner hiking trail. Either Segment 1 in the mountains or Segment 10 near Falls Lake.
Thank you for putting Pictured Rocks on there! Such a beautiful place and one of the many reasons I love living in Michigan!
You can do McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs along with Dragons Tooth as a 35 mile loop hike called the Virginia Triple Crown. The route is on All Trails, or you can search for other trail maps with good directions using Google.
The portion that’s not on the AT has a longish stretch with no water sources, though. Nothing crazy, but it does require a little planning.
We backpacked 32 miles of the Pictured Rocks trail last year with our 5 and 7 year old kids based off of your recommendation. It went shockingly well! They keep asking what trail we’re going to hike this summer. Thanks for the new ideas!
Hiked the pictured rocks and it was perfect. I did find my mileage tracker was much more than the 42 miles listed. It is beautiful!
I wasn't sure I wanted to watch this one but got hooked by just how good a job you do putting things together. You are such a natural at this UA-cam stuff. Great job on the video and I feel inspired to do a couple of these.
Very informative, especially for us oldies who can’t do long stretches anymore👌😊
My first multiple over night trip was the McAfee Knob - Thinker Cliffs - Dragons Tooth loop. Its a great beginner trail for those looking to start a multiple night journey. Lots of options. Thanks for doing what you do.
When I 1st started at 50+, I’d find trails that would say great for kids. 😉
That lake in the UP ! Those basins and those amazing smooth, colorful pebbles in them. How wonderful it would be to go diving there.
Two for you
1: Three Sisters Loop via the PCT in Oregon. 48 miles with 8100 feet total assent. Get on the trail just outside of Sisters.
2: PCT Cascade Locks to Tunnel Falls Loop in Oregon. 30 miles total, long clime to Teakettle Springs. Rest is mostly flat or downhill. Start in Cascade Locks and see the famous Tunnel Falls.
~S
"get crazy with the cheese whiz!!!" I love it! Great video, like always - Thank you
Taking my 3 boys (10, 8 & 7) to do the Pictured Rocks hike this summer!
I would add the East Coast Trail on the Avalon peninsula inNewfoundland to this list…ocean, icebergs, puffins, whales, cliff tops…just breathtaking!
Elbert is one of the easier 14ers we have. The military remains you came across is what's left of Camp Hale, a former training area for the 10th Mountain Division when they were stationed at Fort Carson. All throughout the Colorado Rocky Mountains are huts the division used during their training exercises and are now privately owned or part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. You can book reservations at several of them (much cheaper than the NH AMC huts).
Great content. My first solo backpacking trip falls under the category of doing something nearby with familiar type of terrain, which for me was the Cranberry Lake 50-mile loop in the NY Adirondacks. Perfect beginner level hike with lots of wildlife, beauty and minimal elevation gain. This year for beginner 2.0 I’m planning to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail in California and the Pictured Rocks trail mentioned in your video. Very excited!
Oh hey I did that a couple summers ago for one of my early trips and the friend I was with's first trip! It really was good and not super difficult for us and we had a great time (although we did get eaten alive by mosquitos, but that's just regular adirondacks stuff) :)
A great set and good information on all of them. I certainly can confirm on the ones I've been fortunate to have experienced!
I backpacked in Pictured Rocks back in 2019 during the second week of October. It was absolute peak fall and was one of the prettiest backpacking trips I have ever been on. Those colors were insane.
However, I was not prepared for how cold it was going to be. The wind coming off of Lake Superior combined with the humidity made it feel much colder than the thermostat let on. It was definitely a memorable experience, but if you decide to take it on, I recommend full winter set up and be prepared for the wind.
I'm planning to go to Pictured Rocks this year for my first solo trip!
This video is awesome!
I'd love more information about how you travel around to get to the trail heads. Like when you have to fly. Does that require you to back your backpack differently?
Absolutely loved my backpacking trip of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!
Tried to schedule for my trip for the fall colors, but Mother Nature didn't cooperate. Still a very laid back, and magnificent scenery.
I took a small group of teens through Desolation Wilderness several years ago and I fully concur with your impression of Lake Aloha. Its color and all the rocks/islands make it so different from any other lake I have seen. A couple other comments about that area: there is some snow even in low snow years; you are never that far from the west side of Tahoe (emergency access); and bring a head net for late summer mosquitoes. Corrections for anyone going (trying to clarify, not detract from Dixie's wonderful description): US 50 goes through South Lake Tahoe (not 40); though not as high as southern portions, this is still part of the 400 mile Sierra Nevada range which extends from Tehachapi to a little south of Lassen. Now I want to go back!
Superior hiking trail in Northern Minnesota, along Lake Superior. I would recommend section hiking for beginners.
Pictured Rocks was my first kick at the multi-day can! We did three nights and bailed a bit early when my friend went through all her allergy meds (she was allergic to pine and didn't realize we'd be in a pine forest LOLOL) but I LOVED the sections we did! Can't wait to go back and complete it. It was just challenging enough for a beginner, as well as being very comfortable as there were so many other hikers, tourists, drive in campgrounds and bail out points. I highly second Dixie's reco on this one.
When I was a student at UC-Boulder in the early seventies, I had a little cabin in Nederland, (as in Ned). I just visited again in 2018. Nederland has lodging, a pharmacy, and a grocery store now. It's just up the canyon from Boulder, Co. The streets in Nederland are paved now and tho you may still see some tying posts out front of the stores, there are not very many horses riding into town anymore. Driving out to the Indian Peaks trail, you will enjoy seeing several terminal moraines from the glacier that used to cover Nederland. So the valley itself is very interesting, geologically speaking. The trail goes up very steeply and very fast, so even if it's narrow, cold, and shady at the parking lot when you start, you will be taking off clothing very quickly. It's very windy up on top at the lake, and often there is snow, even in summer, so definitely extra clothing for piercing wind or afternoon rain or snow storm. I'd take extra water if I were you. I did, and I was glad I had it. Have fun! Its a gorgeous hike!
So glad that you mentioned Pine Mountain Trail in Georgia. I drive there from Florida every year to hike inclines and declines. The Florida Trail doesn’t offer such terrain.
Agree. Florida is pretty boring for trails if you like the elevation, which I do. Personally, I think most of what's available in Florida is just a stroll through mostly redundant scenery. Mountains all the way!
Dixie thank you for the info. We are looking at taking a group of young lady’s ( in the corrections system) out for their first hikes. These are some great suggestions!
Agree very much with the Foothills Trail. I completed my first thru-hike of the FHT at the end of last year.
for the ones in the middle of the country there is Big Piney Trail in the Paddy Creak Wilderness in south west Missouri its a 16.5 mile loop with 3 entrance points. For a mini though hike there is also the Ozark Trail in Missouri. it starts at the orandago trail head near Leasburg. it is 230 miles but I have only done the first 2 sections a total of about 62 miles, there is a deep river crossing witch was waste deep at mile 5 but you can jump on at mile 12.5 and avoid that crossing. what i have done is fairly easy and there are many bailout spots
The rescue of the remaining Donner party members is really impressive. Worth reading about or watching a show on.
Great suggestions! Hope you are well and getting answers re your health. As a cardiology RN of 38 years you can never be too cautious when it comes to the heart stuff! Also noticed the Opelika shout out in your previous video...War Eagle! I'm hoping to find a good section of the AT in the No GA mtns to do a one nighter for my first backpacking trip. Lots of day hikes but haven't spent a night in the wild!
TMB and SWCP for Europeans are both amazing - regular towns and transport links along the way (every day on SWCP, every other day on TMB), loads of resupply opportunities, and lots of options if you don't have the equipment to camp, or are nervous about camping, as the TMB has rifugios and BnBs on the way, and SWCP has hostels, hotels, BnBs, all sorts. Also, the views are glorious.
I did the Foothills Trail in 2017. I actually cashed my resupply myself. Great practice hike for the AT
I did the foothills trail in 2022! It was amazing 🎉!
Great trail. Did it last year.
Pictured Rocks has incredible vivid foliage colors in September, plus you can see the Northern Lights over the lake at night!
+1 on the Pine Mountain Trail; that's a good one for sure. Another good one I've enjoyed several times is the Georgia Loop, about 60 miles made up of sections of the AT, Duncan Ridge Trail and Benton MacKaye trail.
Fancy Mae is the coolest dog
Love this video. Bookmarked for future ideas!
Fabulous info. Thanks. I havecbeen on some of these recommendations. I will be on the TMB in July, first international hike❤
Thanks for the recommandations! I did Pictured Rocks after seeing your video, and it was fantastic.
Glad you enjoyed it! Great spot
Charles Deam Wilderness, outside Bloomington IN: overnight out and back w lakeside camping. Natl Scenic Ice Trail, WI: (2 areas)Devil’s Lake and Kettle Morraine-Southern Unit: Lake w cool bluffs, and rolling meadows w interesting geology respectively. Mt Rogers, VA: blue Ridge Mts and wild ponies. Chemin du St Jacque, France from Le Puy en Velay to Conque: What can I say…it’s stunning French countryside and medieval Unesco villages w all the amazing French food you can eat. West Highland Way, Scotland: again, stunning Scottish Highlands w lochs, moors, ben’s, and plenty of hostel options, and logistic rail service to and from Glasgow.
Thnx for the list, a few I would like to visit some day. A good beginner trail for thru-hiking shorter trails, there’s the Ozark Trail through Mark Twain forest in MO. 10 day trail with a lodging at day 5 if you want a zero. Many bailout points and lots of river and creek crossings. Only danger is in heavy rains or a wet spring can cause the rivers to rise rapidly. Overall, it’s fairly easy and temperate weather.
Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas. Just under 27 mile loop. Small Ouachita mountains, picturesque rivers, creeks, bluffs, and other rock formations. Plenty of campsites and most have water access nearby (except mountain top campsites) The trail is well maintained and well traveled. Autumn, winter, and spring are the best times. In the Summer it gets hot and humid and some parts of the trail get overgrown.
I’d recommend the Fiery Gizzard Trail in TN. The majority of the trail is tame, well marked, and well traveled. Cell service is spotty. There is a split in the trail where you can do the rocky, challenging Fiery Gizzard or go along the flat, easy plateau. One way is about 13 miles so it would make a fun 1-2 night loop/out & back.
Thanks, Dixie. I would add a trip from Agnew Meadows (near Mammoth, California) to Thousand Island Lake. Some people do it in a day, but I'd recommend camping at Thousand Island and making it a two day trip. Or, go the other way, from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite Nat'l Park to Thousand Island. A bit further, maybe a 3 day trip, but well worth it for the scenery. And, there is public transportation between the trailheads so you don't have to worry about getting back to your car.
Desolation Wilderness is in the Sierra Nevada. Also worth noting that Lake Aloha is man made. It is beautiful though! I can walk to your recommended section of the PCT from my house :)
That was the best view I've ever seen of Whitewater Falls! The rest wasn't too bad, either. 🙂
Never heard of devils thumb pass. That’s definitely one I’ll have to try while I’m up there this summer. Thanks for this recommendation.
Fantastic video, Dixie. Thank you.
Cool list! I did a thru-hike of the Foothills and it was great. Do need to plan food a bit, but great trail for the "thru-hike" experience.
I would also recommend the Suwannee section of the Florida Trail, which can be beautiful and is pretty flat. It is good to do off-season like in late fall or even in winter (depending on the week).
When I refer to my 2015 trips and UA-cam Videos, it seems everything has changed a lot since the Pandemic. All trails definitely help. Hey Dixie, you really need to check out the Finger Lakes Trail in NY. Go in late summer or fall and enjoy the best of NY. Of Course the NY North country Trail is awesome, but the bugs will carry you away after draining most of your blood. But your from Alabama, worse bugs there (any Snakes and Spiders)
I have hiked the McAfee Knob area, but the section I did included Dragon's Tooth rather than Tinker Cliffs. So, I will have to go back to pick that one up. I have also hiked a lot of the area that is now the Foothills Trail (before they completed the entire trail). Both areas are very beautiful -- some of the nicest areas to hike in the Southeast.
I hiked in Nederland with a friend and her boyfriend. Not another soul in the world if you’d have asked me in the moment. I wonder if we were near the place you mentioned. We weren’t on a “real hike” but did several miles. It was absolutely pristine.
I am planning to dip my toe in the AT in 2026, visiting from Australia in late May. Looking at 4 weeks. Trying to decide between Catawba and heading north for 4 weeks, which conforms with the section you recommended in this terrific video. Or, more conventionally, 4 weeks north from Springer.
Was glad to Pine Mountain Trail made the list. Its a great beginner trial. Not as scenic as the others but just an overall great beginner trail
A great throw-out Divie, your Dog also. If only I could get to the US...........
I would recommend the Dipsea Trail in Mill Valley, CA. You can start it in Mill Valley or Stinson Beach. You can go part way or all the way to one end and back. There are a lot of steps at either end, but the views of the Pacific Ocean are well worth it! You hike through Coastal Redwood Trees, meadows, over hills and to the ocean. Plus, it's home to the first trail race in history! It's a wonderful outing! PS: You can make it a longer, overnight outing by going north on the Coastal Trail to Armstrong Woods and camp among the redwood trees!
would love to do each one. the trail in Iceland is stunning. loved that video you did. stay safe Dixie. love you girl.
Thank you for this video. I would add The Rota Vicentina (Fisherman's Trail), which is 226km in Portugal. Absolutely gorgeous views all day long, every day.
Loved the foothills trail! It was hard. But worth it!
Lake Aloha and the Desolation Wilderness are amazing, as is the Donner Summit area. We're all familiar with the sad and infamous story of the Donner Party (moral of that story is to never underestimate a Sierra Nevada winter). I feel fortunate to live near Sacramento so I can get up there often. Lots of great backpacking as well as day hiking in the area. Bear cans are heavy, but have really made a big difference in that area. Lake Aloha, in particular, was becoming really bad with bears stealing food. Tahoe bears are smart....LOL! Definitely recommend getting your permits sooner than later as it is a popular area.
Great list, thanks Dixie.
Fantastic suggestions I think I might have to make a trip down to donners section this summer
Beautiful choices! I might be a little freaked out by “dinner” pass.
Aint no party like a donner party.😂
You and me both!
Congratulations to Brianna DeSanctis for being the first woman to solo through hike the American Discovery (coast to coast) trail!
THANKS FOR THE INFO 👣💕
Hey come to Southern Indiana and check out the Knobstone Hiking Trail 45 miles long. It is also part of the 160 mile Visionary Trail linking 4 trails into one.
Thank you for this video. I need to do some of those hikes!
Oak Mountain State Park outside of Birmingham, Alabama has some good trails for beginner backpackers. There are a few back country sites that are a short distance from the parking lots, cell service is decent, and the trails are easy. My wife's introduction to backpacking was a quick half mile walk from the car to the campsite. However, we could have made it a six- or seven-mile hike if we had parked somewhere else and taken a different trail.
But it's near Birmingham 😮
Great video content here 🤙🏼
Good job
Might look at Dead Man Canyon Loop trail ……(hmmm, sounds worse than it is). 50 mile loop trail. Begins and ends at Logdepole campground in Sequoia National Park. The trail will take you through part of Kings Canyon National Park.
Good trail suggestions!
Please more videos on foot care. I have a problem of sweating in my shoes bad and then toes get cold to the point I have to stop take shoes and socks off to dry. Or change socks all the time. Yea wool and my skin don’t work together 😂😂. Help!!!!!
Good pics 👍🏽😃
Echo to Donner, there are several bailout points: Barker Pass, Twin Peaks Pass, and the ski resort formerly known as Squaw Valley,.
North Manitou Island might be a good one because if you're a beginner backpacker and you get lost, all you have to do is head east or west. It's an island. You'll run into the trail.
It's easy to get your numbers transposed. The Donner party was 1846 not 1864. Great video.
Pictured Rocks National Seashore is fantastic. But try to go the first week in October for two reasons: stunning fall color, and by then, first frost will have killed the INSANE mosquitoes and horse flies.
Excuse me but I have a copyright on filming from my gear closet 😂🦑
We want watch ya go through that closet of gear!
Squidly, you've gone feral again, my friend! 🤣
@@IceBearHalfwayPoint 😂🤣
Do we need a “Nobody puts Dixie in a closet” intervention?
I have 1,000 miles of the AT under my belt, but even still the Foothills trail sounds like it would be a fun thru with the pup; who has about 50 miles of the AT under his collar.
24:36 The Foothills Trail is on FarOut also! The comments were so helpful when we did our hike!
I really enjoyed the elk River trail in Independence kansas is a very nice 15 mile trail many nice places to camp
Higley Recommend it
Thank you for the video
I figure if I'm going to cut my backpacking teeth, I could pick one of several small sections on the AT or Tuscarora Trail near where I live. Not hard to get a ride home if I just can't hack it.
awesome Content....
I had two coyotes, one on either side of me with my dog at about the same distance. Very cool but disconcerting, I booked it on out of there.
My first section was the triple crown in VA! It was amazing!
Oh hang on, I'm gonna take notes.
Lake Aloha is one of my favorites in Desolation Wilderness - please don't tell anyone! 😉😉
Camp Hale that the CDT goes through just north of Leadville CO- established in 1942 to train soldiers for winter mountain warfare in WW II . The 10 th Mountain Division consisted of 14,000 men who were trained here to survive in extreme winter conditions at high elevation. 2022 area declared a National Monument. Visitors are advices not to dig in the area due to possible remnants of unexploded ammunition. Veterans of the 10 th Mtn division were responsible for starting many of CO ski resorts after they returned home.
Hello Dixie,
I have a question....I know you have some dietary concerns with on trail food. Have you tried Heather's Choice meals? It's an Alaska based company that makes high quality dehydrated food. I tried one meal and I will never go back to the usual suspects of Mountain House and the others. Just curious on your thoughts or if you have any friends or family try it out. I know that would have made me super excited on the trail when I first started.
Great video! Just a suggestion for future videos of this nature, could you point out if these locations would be hammock “friendly?”
If you are going to Lake Tahoe for echo lake to donner pass, why don’t you just do the Tahoe rim trail into Tahoe city? It’s easier to end at as there is more transit options back to south lake
We wanna see what's in your gear closet!
she did a tour of it here: ua-cam.com/video/6sEjjTzD5Mk/v-deo.htmlsi=HVw1NcpgIXkdE8Ta
Hi Dixie, I´m planning to thru-hike one big trail in the US. I´m from Brazil 50+ yo . First, which do you think is better for me, who lives in a tropical country, PCT or AT? and the equipment is practically the same for these trails?