[pct-l] PCT vs AT

[David Thibault]

Heather this is hard to have an unbiased opinion since you can only have one
first thru hike.

I struggled a bit with this too - deciding which one I wanted to attempt.
Eventually I chose the AT but would have been just as glad if I had chosen
the PCT first.

Each has its own challenges and rewards and in my opinion just pick one and
be happy with that one.
They are both great trails and I hope to be lucky enough to get the
chance to thru hike each one again.

I made it a point not to plan on thru hiking both trails before I actually
knew I would really liked thru hiking.
I went out just thinking about the one I was on, in my case the AT.

After about 2 months on the AT I knew I wanted to do the PCT.  I also knew I
wanted to do the AT again.
I also knew I wanted to spend much, much, more time hiking the long trails.
I just loved being out there for extended periods.

So here is how I rate the two trails:

AT = beautiful great trail, lots of fun and challenges
PCT =  beautiful great trail, lots of fun and challenges

The way I see it there is no way to make a bad choice.
Enjoy whatever trail or adventure you are able to get out of life.

By the way - Easier or harder are relative terms and very individualistic,
some things on the AT were harder while other things on the PCT where
harder.
The things hard for me my not be for you.  Both will be hard, yet both
should/will be extremely rewarding.

Day-Late


PS.  If you want to discuss it in depth contact me off list and I'll gladly
chat about the trails for hours on end.

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> Am writing for input, sage wisdom for those who have experienced both
> trails
> - which one did you do first and why? Realizing each offers unique
> challenges,  what do you see in either? It seems many hikers attempt the AT
> first, yet as I understand, it's not "easier".Thanks for your ideas -
> Heather
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