
Morgan Hill – Morgan Hill, CA
It really is all about trails this month, so we thought we’d also bring to you some of the most famous trails in the United States. All of these trails are easily accessible to Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds and no matter your skill level, there is always a new trail to discover.
Have you visited or plan to visit any of these famous trails? Tell us your story in the comments!
Pacific Crest Trail
It just so happens that this past winter had much lower snow levels than previous years, which means that the famous, PCT may attract more visitors this year than ever before. The Pacific Crest Trail seems to be more famous than ever with the release of the popular motion picture, Wild, based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir. Hiking the PCT requires a lot of planning and a lot of time – this 1,100 mile trail has got almost every terrain you can think of and can be done by hikers of almost any skill level, depending upon where it is you hike. If you’re looking to hone in on one particular part of the PCT, do not miss the John Muir Trail where you will see some of the finest mountain scenery in the entire United States. This 211 mile long trail winds you through the Sierra Nevada and takes you into some of the best of America’s park system including Yosemite, John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. If you had only one chance to do a trail on your bucket list, this would be it. Also read the trail journals of other hikers who’ve taken this journey. We guarantee you’ll be inspired to keep a trail journal of your own.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is 2,000 miles of pure lush scenery. This trail runs from Maine to Georgia and is maintained by 31 trail clubs and multiple partnerships, managed by the National Park service and the nonprofit, Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Along with the PCT, the Appalachian Trail was designated one of the first national scenic trails by The National Trails System Act of 1968. This trail is home to thousands of species of plants and animals and there are constant efforts to help maintain and protect the trails precious wildlife. Like most trails mentioned here, the Appalachian Trail has many parts that can range from easy to strenuous and there are famous trail towns along the way. Some of the most well-known trail towns along the Appalachian Trail include Hot Springs, North Carolina; Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Port Clinton, Pennsylvania; Monson, Maine; Erwin Tennessee; and Damascus, Virginia. The Appalachian Trail was designed for hiking only, so if you’re heading out on this one, leave your bike and your horse at home.
American Discovery Trail
Stretching over 6,800 miles and across 15 states, the American Discovery Trail is the only non-motorized recreational trail that links the east and west coasts. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are all encouraged on this trail. Passing through 14 national parks and 16 national forests, this is one of the most visited trails in the US. If you were to complete the entire trail, you would also have the opportunity to visit more than 10,000 sites of historical, cultural, and natural significance. The American Discovery Trail can be totally completed on foot (yes, you can walk all 6,800 miles!) but only a few brave hikers have actually done this magnificent feat. You can easily hop on the American Discovery Trail from the following TT & Encore campgrounds: Hillcrest Village RV Resort, Golden Terrace South RV, Indian Lakes RV Campground, Wilmington RV Resort, and Horseshoe Lakes RV Campground.
See you on the trails!
How are we supposed to hike the trails that you write that may be a weeks trip or more when you are not allowed to leave your RV unattended for even one night?
I assume you mean to just take a day hike on a portion of the trail.
Hi Ian,
Great question! There are many ways to see the trails suggested that are suitable as one day excursions. We do have some readers who do only do camping and do not have their own RV, so those people might be interested in the longer excursions. Thanks for reading!
TT Idyllwild, CA. Pacific Crest Trail can be reached by following a un-named trail, I call Pipe Trail because of a ancient pipe that is exposed at times along the trail. Turn right at the pine tree just past the stables, in about a hour at walking over 1.5 miles a hour (average) it connects to Deer Creek Trail, make a left, then in about 20 minutes it connects to Pacific Crest Trail. There are markings along Pipe Trail to keep you from getting lost. But, pay attention when making switch backs. It makes for a good half day hike an is less tha 4 miles round trip, but is just above a moderate level hike with 2000 feet gain. 6800 to 8600 ft elevation.
Thanks for the info, Dan! These are awesome suggestions.