5 Long Distance Hiking Trails Around The World
I've been thinking about all the long-distance trails across the world after getting hooked on some beautiful creators thru-hiking on YouTube. After some deep diving into the world of thru-hiking, I have found some absolutely incredible trails to inspire your hiking adventures.
Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail & Central Divide Trail | USA 2650, 2180 & 3100 miles : The holy grail of US long-distance hiking is the Triple Crown - the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. These three hikes will each take between 4 to 6 months to walk, leading you through some of the best wilderness the US has to offer. But these are no easy tasks, steep ascents, river crossing, deserts, and hiking through the snow are just some of the challenges these three trails will throw at you. There is a huge community spirit on the trails and you'll become hiker trash and learn the kindness of trail angels in no time.
Pacific Crest Trail Association has all the practical information you'll need to prepare for your hike.
Great Himalaya Trail | Central Asia - 2849 milesGreat Himalaya Trail | Central Asia - 2849 miles : This epic trail takes you across the greatest mountain range in the world, including the iconic Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit. As of 2019, only 93 hikers have registered as completing the full trail! There are many multi-day trails that make up the Great Himalaya Trail, so there really is something for every ability. From city walks around Kathmandu to the incredible Everest hike and everything in between. Explore cities and temples, rural villages and mighty mountains. Hiking in this part of the world is much more expensive and will require higher insurance premiums as many of the hikes are at high altitudes, which also means generally a higher level of fitness is required for some of the harder routes.
For more information have a look at the Great Himalaya Trail website.
Te Araroa | New Zealand - 1864 miles : Completed over the warm months of summer in New Zealand, this long distance trail combines everything from beaches to mountains, cities to volcanoes, farmers fields to national parks. The trail is best tackled from south to north, walking on average 15 miles each day for 4 months. If that is too long for your hike, there are many multi-day section hikes for all abilities to enjoy.
Head over to the Te Araroa website for up-to-date information.
South West Coast Path | UK - 630 miles : The South West Coast Path is a gem, and while it may not have the extreme landscapes or terrain of other trails, it certainly does deserve a place on this list. The UK's longest trail takes you through some of the best seaside towns England has to offer such as Weymouth, St Ives and Falmouth as well as some areas of outstanding beauty including Exmoor National Park, Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and Lands End. Taking just 2 months to complete, this can easily be fitted into the summer months.
There are maps, itineraries, accommodation options and much more on the South West Coast Path website.
Greater Patagonia Trail | Chile & Argentina - 1864 miles : One of the most beautiful trekking regions on the planet has got to be Patagonia. The Greater Patagonian Trail takes you through the diverse and challenging Andean mountains. Much like the Great Himalaya Trail, this South American trail is made up of more than 9,000 miles of smaller trail, including the world-famous W-Circuit in Torres Del Paine National Park and the Fitzroy Massif. These trail systems are some of the least developed in the world and should only be attempted by the most experienced hikers. Outside of the national parks, trails become vague, and very few are signposted, so wilderness trekking, navigation, and survival techniques are all needed if you are undertaking this incredible challenge. There are many tour companies which will take you on the more accessible routes and show you the most beautiful mountains that Patagonia has to offer.
Although there is no one organization that cares for the trail, this page on wikiexplora has the most in-depth information available.
What long distance trail would you like to hike? I'd love to know your favourites.
Pin this blog post for the future...
