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Relatively quite a few people in the United States are profoundly religious. People who pick you up might inquire about your religion. If you're not religious, try to deal with it in a positive way and accept the difference. More often you will be picked up by really cool people, and often dropped off exactly at the point of your destination, as hitchhiker [[User:Guaka|Guaka]]'s experience shows, for example. Detours for hitchhikers are much more common here than in Europe due to cheaper gas.__TOC__
=== Long Distance ===If you're going for speed over Despite a long distance (3+ hours)large number of immigrants all across the country, then most Americans are still curious about people from different parts of the best bet is world, fascinated by foreign accents, and eager to stay on the interstates (designated on maps by "i-#": road signs appearing [http://hitchwikiintroduce visitors to American culture.org/en/File:InterstateSign.svg#file like this]) instead Despite an undercurrent of xenophobia and racism in rural parts of local highways. Try the country, Americans tend to stick to on-ramps that have truck stopsa pragmatic view towards foreigners: Americans might profoundly dislike your country of origin, [[rest area|rest stops]] or any other reason for drivers to stop there (restaurants, [[petrol station hitchhiking|gas stations]], hotels, etcbut they will rarely hold that against you as an individual.)
Often times the best way Relative to hitchhike is just to stay on high traffic ramps with large shoulders for other Western countries, people to pull over on. Getting dropped off on a low-traffic exit is the gravest danger when hitching on interstates, especially where in the police rural United States are unfriendlyprofoundly religious. It can easily lead to long, long delays. Identify the last truck stop, major intersection (with a non-freeway), or rest area before People who pick you up might inquire about your driver's destination, and get off there rather than risking getting stuckreligion. If you do get stuck on a low traffic ramp're not religious, you can try hitchhiking on to deal with it in a positive way and accept the highway itself even if pedestrians are prohibiteddifference. There is Despite a good chance you will get picked up before police see youlevel of religious intolerance much higher than in Europe, and if they do they are just going Americans tend to give you have a warning and ask you pragmatic approach to go back people of unfamiliar religious backgrounds: Americans tend not to the rampjudge you badly even if they might be suspicious of your religion.
Asking for rides More often you will be picked up by really cool people, and often dropped off exactly at rest areasthe point of your destination, particularly on toll roads such as I-90 between hitchhiker [[BostonUser:Guaka|Guaka]] and [[Chicago]] is one of the quickest ways to get a very long distance ride, but soliciting and loitering is prohibited there and sometimes you will be kicked out before finding a ride. A good way to avoid being kicked out is to greet everyone entering the building with a friendly smile's experience shows, then ask them for a ride as they leave the building. This gives them time to become comfortable with your presence and prevents them from having the opportunity to complain about your solicitation to the employeesexample.
You can also look for rides at === Cars ===:''Driving in the truck stops or gas stations themselvesUnited States is similar to driving in Canada, but be discreet about it as with rest areasvery different from driving in Europe. It is not uncommon for Americans to drive more than an hour each way to work, some customers will complain and staff will make you leave 77 percent of Americans drive alone to their jobs... Most states allow people to drive unaccompanied once they have reached the propertyage of 16. As a rule Love's, Petro, and TA truck stops will be the quickest to kick you out' -[https://en.wikipedia. Pilotorg/wiki/Flying J truck stops and smaller locally owned truck stops are generally a lot more lenient.Driving_in_the_United_States Wikipedia: Driving in the United States]
=== Short Distance ===If you There are only going more than 250 million registered vehicles in the USA, the most of any country. Everyone has a hundred milescar, and gas is so cheap that people drive everywhere. As a result there are a lot of roads and highways. Sometimes you may need to change your technique to accommodate unfamiliar infrastructure. Sometimes it can often make better time on US highwaysbe hard to find a place with slow traffic! Although traffic is heavy, state highways or local roadshitchhiking is also hard because nobody trusts somebody with no car. Even if (Why don't you are going long distanceshave a car? There must be something wrong with you.) It would help to look like a foreigner, if you arenbut don't concerned about making good time, getting off the interstates can be go so far as to wave a very rewarding experienceforeign flag around. Local highways will grant you a better picture of what local life Hitchhiking is like not as common as in that areaEurope and Latin America, and typically offer a greater variety of drivers and scenery. To hitchhike on these highwaysso expect to have to explain yourself, it is best possibly to stand at the edge of town right before the speed limit picks uppolice. Standing at stop lights outside of towns along these highways is also a great way to catch a ride, even if (See the speed limit is quite highsection on police below).
You may also wish Interstates are designated on maps by "I-..." and have road signs [http://hitchwiki.org/en/File:InterstateSign.svg#file like this]. Even-numbered routes run from west to east and are numbered from south to north. For example, [[I-10]] runs across the south from [[L.A.]] to [[Jacksonville, FL]], and I-90 across the North from [[Seattle]] to try asking for rides at smaller local gas stations[[Boston]]. Likewise, but you are unlikely odd-numbered expressways start with [[I-5]] along the west coast (Seattle to L.A.) and I-95 along the east coast ([[Maine]] to make as much progress doing this[[Miami]]).
== Police/Laws ==[[File:Unitedstateslaws.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Overview of hitchhiking laws by state.<br> Green: Hitchhiking legal while on the shoulder of the road <br> Yellow: Hitchhiking legal while off the traveled portion of the roadThe main interstates have two or three numbers, stay as in the grass to be safeI-8 or I-76. <br> Red: Hitchhiking is completely illegal.<br> Gray: Specific laws Offshoots or ring roads will have a preceeding digit, for example, I-295, check the respective state article(s)which runs along I-95.]]
In most states itFor this same reason, be prepared to turn down a ride with someone who's illegal "just going to hitch from the next exit". Getting dropped off on a low-traffic exit is the gravest danger when hitching on interstates ([[highway|motorways]]) themselves (though enforcement . It can easily lead to long, long delays of a car every ten minutes and none of this rule varies), but them stopping. Eventually you can typically may give up and stand at [[on-ramp]]s (the highway entries)or walk a few miles to the next exit. That being said Since pedestrians are not allowed along interstates in most states, understand that the ramps are still technically considered interstate property and you are illegal for pedestrians likely to be onpicked up by a state trooper. In the best case, although it is almost without exception permitted if your ID will be check and you stand in front of may will be given a lift to the next exit. See the "no pedestrians" signsection on police.
In some areas (such as certain towns or municipal areas) hitching is illegal everywhereWhen making '''signs''' in the states, it best to use the two-letter state abbreviations, which are universally understood, notable exceptions being OK, howeverHI, it is still allowed de factoand LA. In most cases The first two could be confused for words, hitchhiking is legal or tolerated. There are also many limited-access highways the last (i.e. with on-ramps and [[off-rampLouisiana]]s) that are not part of the interstate system which prohibit pedestrians as well. could be confused with ([[CaliforniaLos Angeles]] is notorious for prohibiting pedestrians on many of its controlled access highways). Additionally:
Even in states where hitchhiking is illegal*"Philly" = [[Philadelphia]]*"D.C." = [[Washington, the law is rarely enforcedD.C.]]*"N.Y.C." = [[New York City]]*"S.F" = [[San Francisco]]*"L.A. Wyoming Highway Patrol reports that in 2010" = [[Los Angeles]]*"NOLA" = [[New Orleans]] (not universally understood, they approached 524 hitchhikers but only cited eight of them (note that hitchhiking is no longer illegal in Wyoming as of 2013!the South at least)
If the police pass you walking '''Asking for rides at rest areas or sitting by the side gas stations''', is often one of the road without soliciting in any way, they may still stop quickest ways to check IDsget a very long distance ride, but you are not required to identify yourself unless soliciting and loitering is might be prohibited there is suspicion that and sometimes you could have committed will be kicked out before finding a crimeride. You may wish to hide your thumb or sign when a police car is approaching A good way to avoid being hassled.Often, particularly close kicked out is to major citiesgreet everyone entering the building with a friendly smile and give them a friendly nod, the [[police]] will then ask you them for photo ID, but a ride as long as you have one with you (such as a passport) there shouldn't be a problemthey leave the building. Most of the This gives them time they will be polite when you come up clean, to become comfortable with your presence and not too rarely they'll give you a lift out of their area prevents them from having the opportunity to complain about your solicitation to get rid of youthe employees.
Especially in smaller towns and in '''Asking for rides at truck stops''' is the countrysidesame way. As a rule, Love's, Petro, and TA will be the officer stopping quickest to kick you is likely to never have seen out. Pilot/Flying J truck stops and smaller locally owned truck stops are generally a passport beforelot more lenient. If You may even find signs that's your form of IDprohibit you from soliciting a ride, bear with the delay caused, help the poor guy out by point out which so caution is necessary like asking instead of showing them a sign to your name and your birth date and enjoy the confusion and the hilarious misconceptions that arisedestination.
Tourists who intend to cross into the USA by hitchhiking should note that the === US immigration department will log that /State Highways ===If you are only going a hundred miles or less, you have been hitchhikingcan often make better time on US highways, state highways, should they discover that or even local roads. Even if you aregoing long distances, if you aren't concerned about making good time, getting off the interstates can be a very rewarding experience. This log Local highways will be visible to any guard who subsequently checks your immigration statusgrant you a better picture of what local life is like in that area, and typically offer a greater variety of drivers and scenery. If you decide To hitchhike on these highways, it is best to leave and enter stand at the edge of town right before the USA againspeed limit picks up, it may make your entry back into even walking on the highways also helps as shoulders most of the USA more difficult way are pretty wide. Standing at stop lights outside of towns along these highways is also a great way to catch a ride, even if it the speed limit is not a hitchhiker friendly statequite high.
Being in a state which permits An alternate method to hitchhiking does not guarantee that the police will not harass you. Most police don't know the laws and will tell you it within urban areas is illegal to hitchhike walk up to cars stuck at red lights and ask them in that state. [[User:Thewindandrain|Thewindandrain]] argues with cops on person if you can have a regular basis and refuses to stop hitchhiking where it is legalride in the direction they are going. He has been innocently arrested for this twiceThis works best if they already have their window down, but has remained confident and never been taken usually people will roll their window down to talk to jail even after being cuffed and you if you stand in the front of their car and continuing trying to stand up for his rightsget their attention. They are usually bluffing right to the very end. If you know the law in that state, don't be afraid to tell the police they are wrong!
Frequently when confronted with your response, law enforcement officers will react unprofessionally and occasionally aggressively. They may call you names or threaten Another way is to arrest you if they see you hitchhiking again and then leave the scene. This is usually a bluff. They may even cuff you then give you pay a ride out of their jurisdiction. Occasionally they may admit small amount for public transportation to their mistake and leave drop you alone. If you are uncomfortable and feel threatened by off outside the officer, you may request to speak to hiscity(check your map/her supervisor. Supervisors will show up to talk with you about the law openly and professionallyGPS).
== Car License Plate ==You may also wish to try asking for rides at smaller local gas stations, but you are unlikely to make as much progress doing this.
Every state issues its own specific car plates. For example=== Getting out of big cities ===You may find yourself in very sprawled out cities like LA or Phoenix, a car from Alabama will have be specifically [then try your luck on Craigslist! I (http://en.wikipediahitchwiki.org/wikien/License_plates_of_the_United_States Car license] tagged User:Nora) crossed the US and found a few rides on Craiglist, messaging people who offer rides and asking if they would take me for free. Probably works best as such. In some Statesa foreigner and a girl, the license plate will also show the county of residencebut is worth a try. This And maybe you can be helpful if you spot a car that might be going in the same direction as you. It might also be helpful to write down the license plate number 'pay' in case of foul play.stories or music!
If you are friendly, people who pick you up will offer to buy you food quite a lot. Additionally, a lot of people will throw you some bucks to eat. From change up to $100. An anonymous hitchhiker has been given $100 dollars twice, and they have been given $60 dollars several times as has [[User:Zenit|Zenit]]... If you are looking for monetary gifts, the key is the right type of answer when they ask, concernedly, what you do to eat - "Naw, we're pretty much all right, we got *some* money." (emphasizing the "some" slightly)- if they've asked this question and you answer this way you'll basically always get a friendly handout - for which you should thank them profusely, of course. :)[[File:ChaelUSwalking.jpg|thumb|350px|[[User:Chael777|Chael]]<small><sup>[http://www.velabas.com/ site]</sup></small> crossing a bridge in Oregon, August 2009]]=== Police ===
For vegetarians and especially for vegans traveling between citiesMany police in this country have arrest quotas, times can be hardnot to mention many police (not all!) are assholes. [[User:Zenit|Zenit]] for one has sustained himself mostly on chips and granola bars for weeks at That being said, you may encounter an officer of the law who is a rather enthusiastic about giving you a hard time . Keep in mind that even foreigners have rights, such as the right to refuse being searched. For good information about dealing with the Mid Westpolice, check out [flexyourrights.org].
Once Being in a state which permits hitchhiking does not guarantee that the police will not harass you open your mind . Most police don't know the laws and will tell you it is illegal to hitchhike in that state. [[User:Thewindandrain|Thewindandrain]] argues with cops on a regular basis and refuses to stop hitchhiking where itis legal. He has been innocently arrested for this twice, there are actually many opportunities but has remained confident and never been taken to jail even after being cuffed and in the car and continuing to stand up for dumpster diving in urban areashis rights. Port cities They are especially goodusually bluffing right to the very end. Note, however If you know the law in that dumpster diving is in a similar sort of gray area as hitchhikingstate, with local legality depending on the particular statedon's laws, and t be afraid to tell the prevalent attitudes of local law enforcement officers.police they are wrong!
Grocery stores Frequently when confronted with your response, law enforcement officers will react unprofessionally and occasionally aggressively and even in a discriminatory way if you are prime targets for food not their race ([[sad but true:trash:Trader Joe's|Trader Joe's]] or Starbucks are especially likely to white people will have an unlocked dumpstereasier time than blacks or latinos). They may curse, call you names, and has lots /or threaten to arrest you if they see you hitchhiking again and then leave the scene. This is usually a bluff. They may even cuff you then give you a ride out of organics)their jurisdiction. Grocery stores cannot sell packaged foods past Occasionally they may admit to their expiration datemistake and leave you alone. If you are uncomfortable and feel threatened by the officer, you may request to speak to his/her supervisor. Supervisors will show up to talk with you about the law openly and so throw them away still wrapped in dumpsters behind the storeprofessionally.
Another great place to dive === National laws ===The only nationwide law (Code of Federal Regulations) that prohibits hitchhiking is food distribution centers36 CFR 4. As they supply restaurants31 which states that hitchhiking is illegal on any property under jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior: National Park Service. This includes but is not limited to National Parks, National Scenic Byways, their food comes in bulk and they throw out their food sometimes days before National Recreation Areas. This law is often amended to allow hitchhiking at the expiration datediscretion of each park. Google Maps can help you turn up locations. 'Check with the park'Check Trashwiki s respective state article for detailed information on [[:trash:United States of America|dumpster diving in the United States]].''
== Hitchhiking Books ==In most states it's illegal to hitch from the interstates ([[highway|motorways]]) themselves (though enforcement of this rule varies), but you can typically stand at [[on-ramp]]s (highway entries). That being said, understand that the ramps are still technically considered interstate property and are illegal for pedestrians to be on, although it is almost without exception permitted if you stand in front of the "no pedestrians" sign.
Rather than a genre of its ownIn some areas (such as certain towns or municipal areas) hitching is illegal everywhere, however, it is still allowed de facto. In most cases, hitchhiking books probably fit better in a genre of alternative travel books, is legal or tolerated. There are also many limited-access highways (i.e. with Jack Kerouac’s On The Road, Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods and Robert Pirsig’s Zen on-ramps and [[off-ramp]]s) that are not part of the Art interstate system which prohibit pedestrians as well. [[California]] is notorious for prohibiting pedestrians on many of Motorcycle Maintenanceits controlled access highways.
To Even in states where hitchhiking is illegal, the law is rarely enforced. Wyoming Highway Patrol reports that list in 2010, they approached 524 hitchhikers but only cited eight of fun and funny and moving and important books, we should add Colin Flaherty’s Redwood to Deadwood, a 53-year old dude hitchhikes across America. Again.them (note that hitchhiking is no longer illegal in Wyoming as of 2013!)
Redwood If the police pass you walking or sitting by the side of the road without soliciting in any way, they may still stop to Deadwood describes Flaherty’s hitchhiking trip across Americacheck IDs, but you are not required to identify yourself unless there is suspicion that you could have committed a crime. You may wish to hide your thumb or sign when a police car is approaching to avoid being hassled.
"''Before I tucked my thumb in Often, particularly close to major cities, the [[police]] will ask you for the final timephoto ID, I'd run but as long as you have one with wild horses. Visit you (such as a pot farm. Hunt big game. Poach big game. Get by passport) there shouldn't be a police helicopterproblem. Get info family feuds. Ride in cop cars. Reconnect with old friends. Make new ones. Get tired Most of the time they will be polite when you come up clean, and exhilarated. Lost and found. Kicked not too rarely they'll give you a lift out and invited in''of their area to get rid of you."
"I know how Especially in smaller towns and in the countryside, the officer stopping you is likely to cook muskratnever have seen a passport before. If that's your form of ID, bear with the delay caused, squiirrel help the poor guy out by point out which is your name and your birth date and enjoy the confusion and rockchuck. And oh yea, I almost got killedthe hilarious misconceptions that arise.”
Book reviewer Janet Jay said Tourists who intend to cross into the book is [“the best USA by hitchhiking I should note that the US immigration department will log that you have ever read or even heard aboutbeen hitchhiking, should they discover that you are. My friend heard about it when she was sitting next This log will be visible to a guy on an airplane any guard who was reading itsubsequently checks your immigration status. He was laughing out loud. So she asked about If you decide to leave and enter the USA again, it. He said that was how he heard about may make your entry back into the USA more difficult if it too. So books hitchhike as well as peopleis not a hitchhiker friendly state.”]
* Analyses of hitchhiking in the USA by [http[User:Korn|Korn]] on warmroads.de [https://thebplot.wordpresswarmroads.com/2011/09de/29en/6249hitchhiking-in-19-the-usa/]* {http://www.RedwoodtoDeadwoodbook- Hitchhiking in the USA.com]
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|language = English (de facto), Spanish widely spoken in southwest and Florida
|capital = [[Washington D.C.|Washington DC]]
|pop = 303317,893791,000
|currency = American Dollar ($)
|BW = US
|map= <map lat='39.44525647027036' lng='-98.6623687744132' zoom='3' view='0' />
|hitch = <rating country='us' />
}}
:'''''For specific information on each state please check the links at the bottom of this page.'''''
[[File:Kasper-hitch-nh.jpg|thumb|250px|[[User:guaka|guaka]]<small><sup>[http://guaka.org/ site], [[User talk:guaka|wikitalk]]</sup></small> hitching in New England, taken by [[User:Amylin|amylin]], September 2007]]
'''The United States of America''' as , commonly called '''The U.S.A.''', or simply '''America''' is a country is divided up into consisting of 50 states; for . For the convenience of the common hitchhiker , these states are discussed in detail along with their capitals at the following in their individual pages (see below). The US is bordered by [[Canada]] to the North north and [[Mexico]] to the Southsouth.
Hitching, like everything else in America, varies greatly depending on what type of area and what part of the country you are passing through. In general you can get rides fairly easily if you hitchhike the right way; in fact, often you can find more than just rides, such as offers for free meals, invitations to homes and parties, etc.
== Methods for catching rides Culture == Many Americans have a limited worldview. (I can say this because I am one.) We think there are two places in the world: America and other places. Don't waste your time explaining that "American" is an incorrect demonym. And get used to our senseless system of measurement. It's a part of our culture.
==Transportation system = Urban and Suburban Short Distance ===If you are hitchhiking within a large metropolitan area and trying to get to another part of the city, it is best to stay on the interstate on-ramps unless you want to do a lot of walking. Most larger cities have interstates passing through them and often have one or more spur or circumferential interstates surrounding them. These spur and circumferential interstates are designated by a three-digit highway number with signs that look just like normal blue interstate signs. When hitchhiking on these roads, it is best to accept every ride, even if they are only going a mile, as each exit you get to is closer to your destination and you are unlikely to get stranded on any of these ramps due to the amount of traffic.
=== Interstates ===[[File:2006-interstate-map.png|right|A map of the interstate system in 2006. ]]An alternate method to hitchhiking within urban areas 'interstate', also known as an '''expressway''', '''freeway''', or (confusingly) '''highway''', is to walk up to cars stuck at red lights a large, multilane road that covers vast distances, and ask them in person if passes through major cities. If you can have a ride in aren't planning on going to the direction they are going. This works best if they already have their window downcountryside, but usually people will roll their window down to talk to you if you stand in front of their car trying probably won't need to get their attentionstray far from the interstate system.
=== Overview License plates ===The legal status of hitchhiking in the United States is a bit of a difficult topic; laws and their enforcement differ greatly from Every state to state as does the information available online issues its own specific car plates, and in general knowledgemost states have several different styles. Many people (including police officers) mistakenly believe hitchhiking is illegal anywhere in In some states, the US; sometimes you'll get away with holding a cardboard sign but not with holding out your thumb, and sometimes nobody license plate will hassle you even also show the county of residence. This can be helpful if you stand right on spot a car that might be going in the interstatesame direction as you. The specific articles on states will give you more information on this topicIt might also be helpful to write down the license plate number in case of foul play.
=== Nationwide =Methods for catching rides ==The only nationwide law If you're going for speed over a long distance (Code of Federal Regulations3+ hours) that prohibits hitchhiking , then the best bet is 36 CFR 4.31 which states that hitchhiking is illegal to stay on any property under jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior: National Park Serviceinterstates. This includes but is not limited to National Parks, National Scenic Byways, and National Recreation Areas Highways are better for shorter or more senic trips. This law is often amended to allow hitchhiking at the discretion of each park. Check with the park's respective state article for information
=== State and Local Interstates ===Look '''Thumbing it on on-ramps''' is sometimes the best way to hitchhike the map pictured above which indicates each state's lawsinterstates. Most often, Standing along the laws state that the hitchhiker may not "solicit shoulder with a ride" "on thumb or sign can take a roadway"few hours so bring something to read. The word roadway is usually defined in state statute books as "exclusive of a shoulder" Try to stick to exits that large towns, truck stops, [[rest area|rest stops]] or "the traveled portion of the highway"any other reason for drivers to stop there (restaurants, [[petrol station hitchhiking|gas stations]], hotels, making these statutes easy etc.). Ask a driver to circumventdrop you off at on on-ramp with plenty of traffic.
=== Ignorant Police Officers Urban and Suburban Short Distance ===If you are hitchhiking within a large metropolitan area and trying to get to another part of the city, it is best to stay on the interstate on-ramps unless you want to do a lot of walking. Most larger cities have interstates passing through them and often have one or more spur or circumferential interstates surrounding them. These spur and circumferential interstates are designated by a three-digit highway number with signs that look just like normal blue interstate signs. When hitchhiking on these roads, it is best to accept every ride, even if they are only going a mile, as each exit you get to is closer to your destination and you are unlikely to get stranded on any of these ramps due to the amount of traffic.
== Food Police/Laws ==[[File:Unitedstateslaws.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Overview of hitchhiking laws by state.<br> Green: Hitchhiking legal while on the shoulder of the road <br> Yellow: Hitchhiking legal while off the traveled portion of the road, stay in the grass to be safe. <br> Red: Hitchhiking is completely illegal.<br> Gray: Specific laws, check the respective state article(s).]]
The legal status of hitchhiking in the United States is a bit of a difficult topic; laws and their enforcement differ greatly from state to state as does the information available online and in general knowledge. Many people (including police officers) mistakenly believe hitchhiking is illegal anywhere in the US; sometimes you''' Eat: '''ll get away with holding a cardboard sign but not with holding out your thumb, and sometimes nobody will hassle you even if you stand or walk right on the interstate. The specific articles on states will give you more information on this topic.
=== State and local laws ===Look to the map pictured above which indicates each state''' Drink: '''It is s laws. Most often possible to retrieve used cups from , the laws state that the trash at fast food restaurants with hitchhiker may not "free refillsolicit a ride" "on a roadway" policies and refill them. Otherwise, American water The word roadway is just usually defined in state statute books as free and healthy as any other country "exclusive of a shoulder" or "the traveled portion of the worldhighway", making these statutes easy to circumvent.
== Personal Experiences ==
''Haven't hitched extensively there, but where I have, the experiences have been unique. I've hitched Oregon to Mexico along the famous highway 101. I also hitched from Oregon to Chicago on i90 in the dead of winter. Lots of clothes for that one, and a warm place to retreat to at every stop. The most remarkable thing about hitching in the States is that you get picked up by REALLY interesting people. Not all the time. But our beloved weirdos are more common in the US than anywhere else I've hitched. Regardless of what you think about the States, it's easily one of the most interesting places to hitchhike, especially if you LIKE adventure.'' - [[User:Chael777|Chael]]
''Have hitchhiked moderately in US, about 9,000 miles(including ferries and train hopping). Its a diverse country so generalizing a state or even a county(as I have been picked up in the most conservative counties) would not be right. I have been picked up by really awesome people(some of them are now my friends), Friendly cops(who offered me water and money) to discriminatory cops(who just wanted to get rid of me), people who turned out to be gay(asked sexual favors), bored people looking for a good conversation(what you have to do is just listen and and ask question to acknowledge that you are listening), people who saw me as a curious and tired foreigner etc. It was a great experience and helped me learn a lot about the culture here. One thing I learned is that if you are having fun then you get picked up easily as compared to when you are not. My personal favorite states are [[Alaska]] and [[Missouri]].'' - [[User:Keep_trying|Tarun]] ''I have hitchhiked over 50100,000 miles in the United States, been through every state, and while I have nothing to compare it to other than Canada, I would say in general that it is easy and fun to hitchhike here. Each state varies greatly in geography and ease of hitchhiking. In the south, for example it is easier to hop freight trains since the hitching is so difficult. My personal favorite states are [[Colorado]], [[California]], [[Texas]] and [[Arkansas]]. I have hitched alone, and with any number of other people. Hitchhiking with two people seems to be the ideal scenario with the shortest waits.'' [[User:Thewindandrain|Thewindandrain]] ([[User talk:Thewindandrain|talk]]) 04:42, 28 October 2012 (CET) ''I hitchhiked from Panama to the US, intending to go through the whole of the US by hitchhiking with my little brother. I cannot recommend to hitchhike in pairs. It takes _days_ to find rides. We looked like regular guys, did 20k+ miles in more than 10 countries. If you do it, do it alone.'' Summer '14 ''I crossed the US from Boston to San Francisco the southern way. The north east is tough, prepare for some waits and looks as if you were not worth anyone's attention. Luckily it gets better soon! Texas was the best state for me, lots of rides even from women, and basically no waites. Also California is pretty good to hitchhike, though more tourists. To all girls - it's definitely safe enough in my opinion, though I was asked for sex a few times by people not understanding hitchhiking much. And in general - for me waites for longer than in Europe (when alone I have to hardly wait longer than 10 minutes ever), but still the longest wait during the whole trip were ~2 hours at a bad spot. [[user:Nora]]''
== Links ==
[[trash:United States of America]]
[[nomad:United States]]
[[Category:United States| ]]
