READERS COMMENTS

With 70-plus miles of trail along the spine of southwestern Pennsylvania's Laurel Ridge, eight overnight areas and convenient access at several points, the Laurel Highlands Trail offers a variety of opportunities. While long enough and rugged enough to challenge experienced backpackers, it also offers a variety of day hike possibilities. Short feeder trails to overnight areas can be used by families, introducing kids to backpacking. And sturdy lean-to style shelters with built-in fireplaces make winter hikes much more comfortable.
Posted: Nov 02, 2009 Dave Hurst

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a rugged trail covering 70 miles on one of Pennsylvania's highest ridges. It connects the deepest river gorge in PA with the 3rd deepest river gorge in PA. It's a relatively unknown national treasure, which, by the way, if part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
Posted: Sep 16, 2009 Brad Clemenson

Posted: Sep 10, 2009 Anonymous

The high sierra trail adds so much diversity to JMT because of its shift to the west in the southern sierra. It also drops the density in half. The views of the great western devide are unmached.
Posted: Sep 09, 2009 traildog93

everyone should do the Teton Crest sometime. Its short enough for everyone and spectacular. Take the teton village tram up to the TH!
Posted: Sep 07, 2009 Jim

The High Sierra Trail goes from the west side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east side, ending at the junction of the with the JMT and PCT, though most people go on a further 12 miles to the top of Mt Whitney - at 14,494 (old value) ft, the highest mountain in the Continental USA.

It was started in in 1928 and is the first Sierra Nevada trail built solely for recreational purposes.

At 72 miles (if you go all the way to Mt Whitney Portal), it is short enough for a week long trip, great for those of us with limited vacation times. Every day is jaw dropping beautiful.
Posted: Sep 05, 2009 websailor

As for scenery mile for mile you can't beat the JMT.
Posted: Sep 05, 2009 Egah

I have hiked the AT, parts of the PCT and the JMT. It is hard to beat the everyday beauty of the John Muir Trail. Great views from sun-up to sun-down. It is only 211 miles. I reccommend the section from Bishop Pass to Mt. Whitney for a short, but memorable 90 mile trip.
Posted: Sep 04, 2009 Dick Duquette

The Boulevard Trail between Mt LeConte and the Appalachian Trail in the winter with heavy ice along cliffs in some sections and tranquil snowy forest lanes in others can be a beautiful experience.
Posted: Sep 04, 2009 Ric

I haven't made any of the long trails, but I definitely want to hit the JMT, PCT and CDT. Of the trails I have done, the Teton Crest Trail packs a great punch. Mile for Mile, the scenery is unworldly.
Posted: Sep 03, 2009 Canyon Man

Nothing beats the AT!
Posted: Sep 03, 2009 Michael Bowman

The Colorado Trail is long enough to let you know you've been on a real back packing trip. It's short enough that almost anyone can do it,and it is beautiful enough to make you want to go for a longer one next time.
Posted: Sep 03, 2009 Mark

Nothing compares to the JMT.
Posted: Sep 02, 2009 Todd

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