Quick Answer: Walking around the U.S. in reality or on a treadmill is a massive challenge, but totally doable with the right approach. On foot, expect it to take 2-3 years for a perimeter walk or about a year for coast-to-coast. On a treadmill, hitting 10,000 steps daily means you’d need around 7.7 years to "walk the U.S."—but double your steps or walking time, and you can cut that timeline in half or more.
Ever dreamed about walking across the United States but felt daunted by the sheer magnitude of the journey? Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the great outdoors or curious about how far your treadmill strides could take you, walking 14,000 miles—the approximate perimeter of the U.S.—is an incredible feat.
How Long Does It Take to Walk Around the U.S.?
Perimeter Walk of the U.S.
Walking the perimeter of the continental United States is no small feat. The American Perimeter Trail (APT), a proposed 14,000-mile loop, is designed to connect existing trails like the Pacific Crest and Appalachian Trails. Tackling the APT means crossing 34 states and navigating all kinds of terrain and weather. Depending on how much ground you cover daily, the time commitment is huge. For example, walking 20 miles a day would take you about 700 days—roughly two years.
For some perspective, back in 1908, John Krohn walked 9,024 miles around the U.S. perimeter in just 357 days, averaging about 25 miles per day. His journey shows just how much determination (and stamina) it takes to pull off something like this.
Coast-to-Coast Walk
A coast-to-coast walk across the U.S. is more popular and slightly less intense than a perimeter trek. The American Discovery Trail (ADT) offers two options: a 4,834-mile northern route and a 5,057-mile southern route. Walking 15 miles a day, you’d need around 322 to 337 days to finish, depending on your route.
For some inspiration, Pete Kostelnick absolutely crushed it in 2016 by running from San Francisco to New York City in just 42 days, averaging over 70 miles per day! Of course, that’s a record-setting pace, and most people won’t come anywhere near that speed. A coast-to-coast walk is still an epic challenge but much more manageable for the average person.
Benefits of Walking Around the U.S.
Walking around the US isn’t just about clocking miles—it’s a journey that changes you in so many ways:
- Builds a stronger heart and boosts circulation, keeping your cardiovascular system in top shape.
- Strengthens your legs and core while improving overall endurance.
- Lowers the risk of chronic health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
- Sharpens mental toughness, helping you better deal with stress and setbacks.
- Gives you space for reflection and mindfulness, thanks to the solitude of the journey.
- Immersing yourself in nature’s landscapes is an amazing mood booster and helps ease anxiety.
- Walking through different regions gives you a personal, up-close look at the country’s geography, culture, and history.
- Meeting people from diverse communities along the way opens you up to meaningful connections and personal growth.
- Finishing such a huge challenge gives you a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.
Challenges of Walking Around the U.S.
No significant achievement comes without its obstacles, and walking across the United States is no exception:
- Extreme weather—think blazing hot deserts or freezing mountain passes—means you’ll need to stay adaptable.
- Tough terrains like rocky trails or endless highways will test your physical endurance and navigation skills.
- The daily grind can lead to blisters, shin splints, or even more serious overuse injuries.
- Walking for months on end requires careful planning for rest and recovery.
- Finding food and clean water in remote areas can be tricky, so preparation is key.
- Securing safe shelter when far from towns takes some creative thinking and planning ahead.
- Route changes from road closures or tough terrain could throw off your plans.
- Loneliness and emotional fatigue can creep in during long stretches of isolation.
- Staying motivated when you’re exhausted or dealing with setbacks will test your mental grit.
- Encounters with wildlife or unexpected social situations can keep you on your toes.
Can You Walk Around the U.S. with a Treadmill
If you feel daunted by the challenges of walking around the US, no need to worry. For we can use a portable treadmill, such as the UREVO Strol 2S Pro Treadmill, which integrates seamlessly with home and office settings To calculate the time required to "walk around" the U.S. on a treadmill, we can use the perimeter distance of approximately 14,000 miles.
If You'd Walk 10,000 Steps a Day
Walking 10,000 steps daily, assuming an average step length of 2.5 feet, equals roughly 5 miles per day. At this pace, covering the approximate 14,000-mile U.S. perimeter would require:
- 14,000 miles ÷ 5 miles/day = 2,800 days
- 2,800 days ÷ 365 days/year ≈ 7.67 years
Using a great treadmill like the UREVO Strol 2S Pro, which features a dual-screen display and 8-point shock absorption, ensures comfort and safety during long-term use, making this timeline feasible even for beginners.
If You'd Walk 20,000 Steps a Day
Doubling your daily step count to 20,000 steps, or about 10 miles per day, significantly reduces the time required:
- 14,000 miles ÷ 10 miles/day = 1,400 days
- 1,400 days ÷ 365 days/year ≈ 3.84 years
The UREVO SmartCoach App enhances this experience by tracking workout data and mimicking outdoor inclines, providing an immersive and engaging routine even for extended sessions.
If You'd Walk at a Normal Human Pace of About 3 Miles per Hour
For those who prefer to measure progress in terms of time spent walking daily:
- Walking for 1 hour daily (3 miles per day):
14,000 miles ÷ 3 miles/day = 4,667 days
4,667 days ÷ 365 days/year ≈ 12.8 years
- Walking for 2 hours daily (6 miles per day):
14,000 miles ÷ 6 miles/day = 2,333 days
2,333 days ÷ 365 days/year ≈ 6.4 years
- Walking for 3 hours daily (9 miles per day):
14,000 miles ÷ 9 miles/day = 1,556 days
1,556 days ÷ 365 days/year ≈ 4.3 years
The UREVO Strol 2S Pro Treadmill's foldable design and nine-level incline settings make it a versatile option for varying walking intensities, allowing users to adjust their routines to meet personal fitness goals effectively.
Using a treadmill like the UREVO Strol 2S Pro not only ensures a smoother and joint-friendly workout with its advanced shock absorption system but also brings the outdoors indoors with its "Outdoor Scenery" feature. This transforms the ambitious goal of walking around the U.S. into an enjoyable and achievable challenge, all from the comfort of your home.
Final Words
Walking around the U.S., whether in reality or on a treadmill, is more than a fitness goal—it’s a test of endurance, consistency, and spirit. Whether you choose to tackle this monumental distance outdoors or simulate it with the help of a treadmill like the UREVO Strol 2S Pro, the rewards are immense: better health, increased mental clarity, and a profound sense of accomplishment. So lace up your shoes, set your daily target, and let every step bring you closer to this incredible milestone—without ever having to leave your living room (unless you want to!).
