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Continental Divide National Scenic Trail vs Thunder Swamp Trail System

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

Units
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Thunder Swamp Trail System
Distance 2,923 mi4,705 km 5.4 mi9 km
Elevation gain 44,032 ft13,421 m 328 ft100 m
Typical duration 178 days 1 day
Difficulty — —
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network National Regional
Country United States United States
Best time to hike Best months: June, July, September Best from October to October
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail vs Thunder Swamp Trail System: which should you hike?

At 2,923 mi4,705 km, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is the longer route — roughly 2,918 mi4,696 km more than Thunder Swamp Trail System (5.4 mi9 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, Thunder Swamp Trail System is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.