The 5 Longest Hikes in the World

For adventurers who thrive on long, immersive journeys through nature, the world’s longest hiking trails offer the ultimate test of endurance, resilience, and connection with the natural world. These epic trails span continents, countries, and ecosystems, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of our planet. Here, we delve into the five longest hikes in the world, detailing what makes each of them a unique challenge and experience for the intrepid explorer.

1. The Great Trail (Trans Canada Trail) – Canada

Length: Over 24,000 kilometers (14,912 miles)

Highlights: Spanning the entirety of Canada, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and the Arctic, the Great Trail is the longest recreational trail network in the world. It connects urban, rural, and wilderness areas, offering hikers a wide variety of experiences.

The Great Trail is not a single continuous path but a network of over 400 individual trails stitched together to create a transcontinental route. It passes through national parks, provincial parks, cities, and remote wilderness. The diversity of landscapes is staggering, ranging from the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the pristine shorelines of Nova Scotia.

Notably, the trail supports multiple activities beyond hiking, including cycling, paddling, and snowmobiling in designated sections. Completing the entire trail would require years of commitment, but even short sections offer a deeply rewarding experience.

2. Sentiero Italia (Italy Trail) – Italy

Length: Approximately 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles)

Highlights: Winding through the entirety of Italy, from the Alps in the north to Sicily in the south, the Sentiero Italia showcases the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

The Sentiero Italia, or Italian Trail, is a lesser-known gem that offers a comprehensive journey through Italy’s varied landscapes. It traverses the Dolomites, the Apennine Mountains, and the volcanic landscapes of southern Italy, culminating in the stunning beaches of Sicily. Along the way, hikers encounter medieval villages, vineyards, ancient ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Revived in recent years, the trail has been re-marked and improved to cater to modern hikers. While it is not as popular as other European long-distance trails, its combination of scenic beauty and cultural richness makes it an exceptional choice for long-distance hiking enthusiasts.

3. The Appalachian Trail – United States

Length: 3,524 kilometers (2,190 miles)

Highlights: A classic in the world of long-distance hiking, the Appalachian Trail (AT) spans 14 states on the eastern seaboard of the United States, from Georgia to Maine.

The Appalachian Trail is arguably the most famous long-distance hike in the world, attracting thousands of thru-hikers and section hikers every year. Known for its “green tunnel,” the trail weaves through dense forests, offering stunning views from peaks such as McAfee Knob and Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus.

Hikers on the AT face challenges including steep ascents, unpredictable weather, and a high level of physical exertion. However, the trail’s robust community of hikers, shelters, and trail angels makes it a welcoming and social experience. The AT has a rich history, being one of the first long-distance trails conceptualized in the early 20th century.

4. Te Araroa Trail – New Zealand

Length: 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles)

Highlights: Spanning the length of New Zealand, from Cape Reinga in the North to Bluff in the South, the Te Araroa Trail offers hikers a journey through the country’s diverse landscapes.

Te Araroa, which means “The Long Path” in Maori, is a relatively new addition to the world’s long-distance hiking trails, officially opened in 2011. It combines wilderness trekking with urban pathways, offering a mix of rugged mountains, coastal trails, farmland, and native bush. Hikers experience the distinct cultures of New Zealand, from Maori traditions to modern Kiwi lifestyles.

This trail is not for the faint-hearted, as it includes river crossings, beach walks, and alpine routes. Yet, its manageable length makes it an attractive option for those looking to complete a long-distance hike in a single season.

5. The Pacific Crest Trail – United States

Length: 4,270 kilometers (2,653 miles)

Highlights: Stretching from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) traverses the western United States through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country.

The PCT is famed for its diverse environments, including arid deserts, lush forests, and snow-capped mountains. It passes through California, Oregon, and Washington, offering hikers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. Iconic landmarks along the trail include Mount Whitney, Crater Lake, and the Bridge of the Gods.

Popularized by books and movies such as “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed, the PCT has become a bucket-list hike for adventurers worldwide. Hikers face challenges like water scarcity in the desert, snow in the Sierra, and long stretches of solitude, but the rewards are unforgettable vistas and a profound connection to nature.

Challenges of Long-Distance Hiking

Undertaking one of the world’s longest hikes is not a casual endeavor. Hikers must prepare for a range of challenges, including:

Physical Endurance: Hiking for months on end requires peak physical fitness and the ability to recover quickly from daily exertion.

Mental Resilience: The psychological challenges of long-distance hiking—including loneliness, monotony, and mental fatigue—can be as demanding as the physical ones.

Logistics: Planning food resupplies, navigating remote terrain, and adjusting to changing weather conditions require meticulous preparation.

Environmental Hazards: From wildlife encounters to extreme weather, long trails present a variety of dangers that hikers must be prepared to handle.

The Rewards of Long-Distance Hiking

For those who take on these monumental trails, the rewards are immense. Long-distance hiking offers:

Personal Growth: Overcoming the challenges of the trail builds resilience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of one’s capabilities.

Connection to Nature: Spending months immersed in the wilderness fosters a profound appreciation for the natural world.

Cultural Experiences: Many of these trails pass through regions rich in history and culture, offering unique opportunities to engage with local communities.

Lifelong Memories: The sights, sounds, and sensations of the trail create unforgettable memories and stories to share.

The world’s longest hikes are more than just physical journeys; they are transformative experiences that challenge the body, mind, and spirit. Whether traversing the vast landscapes of Canada, the cultural richness of Italy, or the iconic trails of the United States and New Zealand, each of these trails offers a unique adventure that will leave an indelible mark on those who dare to undertake them. For hikers seeking the ultimate challenge and a profound connection with the world around them, these trails are calling.