Pilgrimage in the US?

[1BreathAtATime]

Are there any trails that might be somewhat similar in the US? The AT requires camping, as I understand it. I like the idea of thru-walking/hiking but with a bed to sleep in

 

[JabbaPapa]

See here :

North American Pilgrimage Routes – Society of Servant Pilgrims

societyofservantpilgrims.com

 

[ShoshTrvls]

Are there any trails that might be somewhat similar in the US? The AT requires camping, as I understand it. I like the idea of thru-walking/hiking but with a bed to sleep in

There are sections of the AT where you can sleep in a bed.

https://appalachiantrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Inn-to-Inn-hikes-on-the-A.T..pdf

 

[Maurice Frank]

I am researching The American Discovery Trail which I heard on on Dave Whitson’s podcast (The Camino Podcast).

Dave is walking it again now or did recently and he posts about it on this forum. Sorry I can’t provide a link (I’m on my phone)

 

[Maurice Frank]

Try starting here for ADT posts

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/american-discovery-trail-usa.202/

 

[Elle Bieling]

The California Missions Trail is the one that is most similar to the Camino de Santiago. I researched this several years ago and from what I have read, it is mostly on pavement. Not all, but a lot. They have a very active organization, and a fall conference. Also a Cicerone guide. You can learn more at this website, to see if indeed it is something you may be interested in doing. https://californiamissionstrail.org/on-the-trail/

 

[Bartman]

Mountains to Sea trail in North Carolina.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail | North Carolina

The MST is NC’s state hiking trail, stretching 1175 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, passing many of NC’s most beautiful places.

mountainstoseatrail.org

Bartman

 

[trecile]

I've considered the California Mission trail since I could easily drive there from my home to start on it, but the cost of accommodations and food would quickly negate the savings on airfare. I believe that @CA_Pilgrim has completed the Mission Trail.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

You might also look at the many "rails to trails" paths around the country. Since they follow old railroad lines, they often pass through many smaller towns and cities. I'm contemplating doing a multiday walk on the D&L Trail which I think is quite easy to do staying in motels and hotels along the way.

D&L Map - D&L

This interactive D&L Map includes information on trail sections, towns and activities. Find all you need to bike, walk, run or hike the D&L today!

delawareandlehigh.org

 

[thistleamy]

I am also following Dave's trek across America. He is off the ADT now and following the Oregon Trail which is not an official trail. I highly recommend following Dave:

https://patreon.com/davewhitson?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link

 

[MarcusJ]

I would like to see a Camino to connect the sites of La Florida martyrs. These were Spanish missions to evangelize the natives in the Southeast where many died for their faith. Not as well know as the southwest missions but were very successful before the attacks.
https://amywelborn.wordpress.com/2022/04/26/martyrs-of-georgia-and-florida/

 

[falcon269]

There is nothing remotely like it. Sorry. Plan to camp and carry a pack that supports camping.

 

[trecile]

There is nothing remotely like it. Sorry. Plan to camp and carry a pack that supports camping.

That's why I keep returning to the Camino!

 

[ginniek]

Here in the US there are a number of potential longish treks along features such as historic canals, but they are mostly used for day hikes, sometimes for several days, but accommodation is mostly motels in towns (some very interesting and attractive) a couple of miles from the canal, with very limited taxi service. When I suggest that there are opportunities for entrepreneurs people generally agree,and suggest that would be a good project for me, and I'm 77 and trying to retire.

In the meantime, I live in South Carolina's coast, almost on a historic rail-trail which is only just more than 10 miles in length (a spur from the mainline). If all of the legal problems related to land ownership and use ever get solved, it will be several miles longer. It connects two historic towns. Drop in for water or a beer, if you're ever here, or a meal if the time is right.

 

[BrianLCrabtree]

Are there any trails that might be somewhat similar in the US? The AT requires camping, as I understand it. I like the idea of thru-walking/hiking but with a bed to sleep in

Much, but not all of the AT can be hiked on a day hike basis. There are hostels, B&Bs and trail towns along the way. It requires planning for pickups or hitching to town. The FarOut app is a great resource. At least with respect to the Georgia section and North Carolina to where the AT enters the Smokies, which I like to hike because it is near me, it is a much more remote, rugged, and challenging trek than the Caminos I have walked. There are exceptions where places on the Camino are just as challenging, but on the whole, the AT is a tougher hike. It is beautiful, peaceful, and contemplative nonetheless. Hikers do not encounter the religious infrastructure along the AT that is common along the Camino, but speaking only for myself, the AT can be deeply spiritual.

 

[KFH]

We were regular mass goers at one of the missions for a couple decades and have been to all the California Missions. It's simply not practical to try to walk to all of those. Understand that many of them were the beginnings of a future big city, and you'd be walking through miles and miles of urban sprawl for the first and last parts.

Once you get up to Ventura, you'd have plenty of open land nearby but basically walk next to the 101 the entire time. It makes for a fantastic road trip, but walking? Oh gosh no thanks.
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There are some short religious pilgrimages in the US, where you'd have to plan your own thing, but which might be fulfilling.

If you are looking more for natural beauty, I would suggest coming out West and staying in a lodge, hotel or motel in or near a National Park, such as Glacier, Grand Teton, or Zion and Bryce and doing day hikes. That will be some of the best times of your life.

 

[Evan White]

See here :

North American Pilgrimage Routes – Society of Servant Pilgrims

societyofservantpilgrims.com

I had a look at the map in the link and I'd really have to take exception to someone thinking that La Voie du St Laurent is some kind of organized trail that could be walked in an unsupported fashion. At best biked, and not easily and probably almost entirely on roads/highways. La Route Verte is a well developed cycling network mostly in Quebec but a walker would need to fill in gaps with camping. Not the same infrastructure at all.

Home - La Route verte

www.routeverte.com

 

[Evan White]

The Camino de San Antonio Missions is a pilgrimage trail in Texas and if completed (by walking) can give you 30 km toward your Compostella on the Camino Ingles from A Coruna. The Missions were built by Franciscans in the 18th century and are UNESCO recognized and still have active congregations.

Main Menu

caminosanantonio.org

 

[Silencio Por Favor]

Cicerone has a guide regarding California Mission Trail. To be honest I have not read this seeing as I am not planning this trail, but would be curious to see what it has to say. Good luck whatever ever path you take.

 

[trecile]

Cicerone has a guide regarding California Mission Trail. To be honest I have not read this seeing as I am not planning this trail, but would be curious to see what it has to say.

Ron "Butch" Briery wrote the first guide to the California Mission Walk. He lives locally to me, and has walked a few Caminos too.

The Hiker’s Guidebook Second Edition | California Mission Walkers

The Hiker’s Guidebook Second Edition is now available! The second edition of the California Mission Walk: The Hiker’s Guide to California’s 21 Spanish Missi ...

missionwalk.org

 

[Camino Chrissy]

One potential option is the "Katy Trail", a 237 mile rail to trail, that starts near St. Charles, Missouri and heads west along the Missouri river across a large portion of the state, ending in Clinton. I have bicycled a lengthy stretch of the attractive eastern section over three days, which was flat, but picturesque with areas of cliffs and interesting metal, erector style bridges.

During the covid pandemic, I had considered walking it as there is lodging sprinkled along the way; mostly B&B's, guest houses, and motels. I found it took more planning for doable stages to walk it so I abandoned the idea as I never fully committed.

 

[Sirage]

The airfare from the US must be quite low, and not a financial obstacle to experiencing Spain with albergues and food at quite modest costs.

I prefer authenticity which fortunately comes at a low cost

Maybe there is some other reason to do a US Camino?

Maybe the crowds in Spain but you can manage your way around that although for some, limited crowds can be beneficial.

Maybe other matters? A comfort addiction to US foods ?

 

[falcon269]

There is nothing in the US that offers a $15 bed and shower every 12 miles, much less a backpack transportation service. There are hundreds of hiking/camping choices. They rarely also offer a motel at any price.

The pilgrimages in France, Germany, and Spain are unique.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

There is nothing in the US that offers a $15 bed and shower every 12 miles, much less a backpack transportation service. There are hundreds of hiking/camping choices. They rarely also offer a motel at any price.

The pilgrimages in France, Germany, and Spain are unique.

Well said.

 

[JabbaPapa]

There is nothing in the US that offers a $15 bed and shower every 12 miles, much less a backpack transportation service. There are hundreds of hiking/camping choices. They rarely also offer a motel at any price.

The pilgrimages in France, Germany, and Spain are unique.

What is "authenticity" ?

Prior to about 1965, the Way of Saint James provided no such luxuries but pilgrims had to make do with what they could find, not excluding spots to sleep outdoors.

Some of us are still forced into such arrangements.

The Camino is a pilgrimage -- not a relay track between various amenities that have been created along its pathways from touristification and commercialisation. To take the latter for granted is IMO to entirely miss the point.

 

[ginniek]

Much, but not all of the AT can be hiked on a day hike basis. There are hostels, B&Bs and trail towns along the way. It requires planning for pickups or hitching to town. The FarOut app is a great resource. At least with respect to the Georgia section and North Carolina to where the AT enters the Smokies, which I like to hike because it is near me, it is a much more remote, rugged, and challenging trek than the Caminos I have walked. There are exceptions where places on the Camino are just as challenging, but on the whole, the AT is a tougher hike. It is beautiful, peaceful, and contemplative nonetheless. Hikers do not encounter the religious infrastructure along the AT that is common along the Camino, but speaking only for myself, the AT can be deeply spiritual.

There is one unique overnight experience near the Georgia beginning of the AT, and it is about a 5-mile hike to get there from Amicalola State Park. It is called the Len Foote Hike Inn and offers small basic rooms with bunks for 2 or 4 persons. Wonderful shared bath facilities, with lots of hot water. Solar powered. Sumptuous dinner and breakfasts to give you energy. The optional bag lunches are also very filling. I've only been once, but hope to stay there again soon. Nearest major airport is Atlanta, which has flights from all over the world.

 

[KFH]

Ron "Butch" Briery wrote the first guide to the California Mission Walk. He lives locally to me, and has walked a few Caminos too.

The Hiker’s Guidebook Second Edition | California Mission Walkers

The Hiker’s Guidebook Second Edition is now available! The second edition of the California Mission Walk: The Hiker’s Guide to California’s 21 Spanish Missi ...

missionwalk.org

I ended up buying this book because as a Californian who loves going to the missions I was very curious how this walk was laid out.

I knew beforehand that any such plan is not really workable, but after reading it I really have to say that any attempt at walking this is foolhardy, dangerous and unnecessary.

The guide is liberally sprinkled with "Camino" and "pilgrim" references and inspirational walking quotes in order to equate it with the various Caminos. Yet this walk is in no way, shape or form anything like the Caminos.

The only things which match are that you are walking and there is a series of churches as a destination. Other than that, it's largely huge amounts of city walking and dangerous roadsides out in the country.

They'll latch onto other real trails every once in a while but those have nothing to do with your intended destination. You're just getting lucky before being back on the roadside again.

There are no waymarkers or signs. Anything resembling an actual official path is nonexistent. Any thought about a communal path or walking place is just that-- purely imaginary. Imagination is fine. Personal intention is fine. But just know what you are getting into.

Greater Los Angeles has around 20 million people. To get an idea of what you'd be in for, picture walking back and forth across the entirety of Madrid five or six times. Or think of your least favorite stretch of trail on the Frances next to the highway-- then multiply that by 100.

Then you're back into city walking up north once you get around Santa Clara and San Jose and onward.

Or try to plan a walk to one or several of your favorite churches in a nearby big city or somewhere in your state or province etc. You'll quickly find how difficult it is to cobble together an imaginary route. That's all this is.

Are there good sections? Of course. California is full of great places. But if you just HAVE to walk to these missions, please do research and pick out one particular mission and walking stretch and do that.

Cheap food is plentiful, but that's far outweighed by the expense of overnights. You'll probably spend $800 on hotels before you even leave San Diego County.

Bottom line:
There is no such thing as a California Mission Trail!

Yes please come see our missions! But please just be smart and rent a car. Start in San Diego and go north. There are so many fabulous places you can visit along the way and fantastic scenery in many of the sections. Easily and safely done by car. Plus, there is quite a variety in the missions themselves. Some aren't really that interesting or preserved, others are fantastic.

With a car you can do quick stops at some and spend more time at the great ones, such as our two favorites, Carlos Borromeo in Carmel and La Purisima.

Rent a car and figure on 10 days or so. You'll have a fantastic trip.