[pct-l] which trail is harder

[KBerger466@aol.com]

Well, thanks for thinking of me as a super macho hiker, but having done all 
three trails, I've gotta disagree that it's a clear choice as to which trail 
is hardest.

The AT is mile for mile much harder than the PCT in terms of physical 
exertion. For section hikers hiking in the right season, I'd venture to say 
that most miles of the AT are harder than most miles of the PCT! Even in the 
Sierra, the trail is graded better than in "flat" Virginia. On the PCT, you 
can walk without always having to look down at your feet, tripping over rocks 
and roots, and hauling yourself up by your hands. True, there's some high 
altitude, but not THAT high -- And most people do get used to it after a 
while. The PCT's difficulty comes if you're trying to thru-hike because, as 
you rightly pointed out, of the extreme environments and snow. But even so, 
some 70 - 85 percent of potential thru-hikers fail to finish the AT -- the 
completion rate on the PCT is much higher (perhaps because more experienced 
hikers attempt it.) I think comparisons are awfully difficult to make. I 
think any PCT finisher who wanted to hike the CDT and understood what it was 
about (navigation, little hiker infrastructure, no social community, route 
decision making) could do it. I did the CDT first -- go figure.

Karen Berger  



Fact---- More people finish the AT than start the PCT. Roughly 350 AT 
finishers per year. PCT roughly 60 finishers per year. I will stick out my 
neck and agree the AT is a good warm up to doing the PCT. Any PCT finisher 
could do the AT but not all AT finishers could do the PCT. Just as many PCT 
finishers would not be able to finish the CDT, but any CDT would be able to 
finish either the AT or the PCT. I have the utmost respect for CDT 
finishers!!!! They are super hikers in my book!! An AT hiker does not carry 
the same macho status as a CDT hiker or even a PCT hiker and are lower on the 
food chain. HoHoHo Merry Christmas. See you at the Kick -off
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