Buzz
From adventurous youth to retirees seeking new horizons, people worldwide are strapping on their toughest boots and embracing nature on lengthy trails. Thru-hiking, a continuous long-distance journey often spanning months, became popular in the late 1940s with the Appalachian Trail in the U.S. and has grown in popularity ever since. Discover 10 of the longest trails globally, many of which cater to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. These trails, a mix of time-honored favorites, demand thorough preparation and training.
1. The Great Trail, Canada (14,912 miles/24,000 kilometers)
Canada's Great Trail, previously called the Trans Canada Trail, connects numerous local routes spanning the nation. Conceived in 1992, this trail traverses 13 provinces and territories, stretching from St. John’s in Newfoundland to Vancouver, British Columbia, with a northern detour through the Yukon. Officially launched in 2017, the multi-use trail has been celebrated for uniting communities and repurposing old railway lines into pathways. However, it has faced criticism due to only 30 percent of the trail being off-road.
2. The American Discovery Trail (6800 miles/10,944 kilometers)
The American Discovery Trail stands as the nation's first and longest non-motorized route stretching from coast to coast. It welcomes hikers, equestrians, and skiers, guiding them from the Atlantic to the Pacific through states like Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and finally California. Officially inaugurated in 2000, the trail saw its first completion by the power-walking duo Ken and Marcia Powers (known as GottaWalk), who covered 5000 miles in October 2005. The entire loop, including both parallel routes, was first achieved by hiker Mike “Lion King” Daniel, who completed all 6800 miles in November 2008.
3. E1 European Long Distance Path (4960 miles/7980 kilometers)
The E1, the longest among the 12 European Long Distance Paths managed by the European Ramblers Association, runs vertically from Norway's northernmost regions to Sicily, Italy. While the trail lacks signage in northern Norway out of respect for the indigenous Sami people, it is marked with cairns from Nordkapp onward. After passing through Norway, Finland, and Sweden, the path extends into Denmark via a ferry, then continues through Germany, Switzerland, and finally spans the length of Italy.
4. The Grand Italian Trail (4455 miles/7170 kilometers)
For those who enjoy long-distance hikes powered by pasta, this trail is a perfect match. The Grand Italian Trail, or Sentiero Italia, comes with a dedicated food blog recommending regional dishes to savor as you journey through various areas, ensuring you experience the finest local flavors and natural treats. You’ll need the energy, as this trail is mostly mountainous, traversing the Alpine Arc and the Apennine Chain before reaching Sicily and concluding in Sardinia. Conceived in 1983, the trail saw its first completions in 1995 and 1999, though interest waned in later years. The organization managing the trail now offers a free online guide in both English and Italian.
5. The Continental Divide Trail (3100 miles/5000 kilometers)
This demanding five-month trail runs vertically through the U.S., from Montana in the north to New Mexico in the south. Designated a National Scenic Trail in 1978, the CDT is famed for its rugged, unfinished sections—the coalition overseeing it describes it as “a living museum of the American West.” It’s strictly a hiking trail, as the rough landscape is unsuitable for bikers and challenging for equestrians. By 1995, only 15 people had officially completed it; today, approximately 150 people attempt it annually. The CDT is part of the “Triple Crown of Hiking,” alongside the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
6. The Great Himalayan Trail (2800 miles/4585 kilometers)
If Nepal’s demanding treks aren’t enough, the yet-to-be-finished Great Himalayan Trail might be your next challenge. This proposed route spans the entire Himalayan range, crossing Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The extreme terrain and high altitudes are not for the faint-hearted, with the highest point at the Sherpani Col Pass in Nepal reaching a daunting 20,210 feet (6160 meters). For those seeking a less perilous option, a lower “cultural route” winds through mid-altitude hills and villages.
7. Hokkaido Nature Trail (2848 miles/4585 kilometers)
Japan’s longest nature trail encircles Hokkaido, the northernmost island in the Japanese archipelago. Unlike most of the country’s trails, which were established by the government in 1970, this extensive hike was conceptualized in 2003. It unites the trails of Hokkaido into one massive loop. Although some sections remain unconnected, it’s estimated that dedicated hikers would need 230 days to finish the entire route.
8. England Coast Path (2795 miles/4500 kilometers)
This ambitious initiative, underway since 2014, aims to trace England’s entire coastline to create the world’s longest coastal trail. Inspired by the success of the Wales Coast Path, the route winds through cliffs, moors, beaches, harbors, marshes, and farmland. Originally slated for completion in 2020, the project was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant portions of the Coast Path are already accessible, with Natural England collaborating with local communities to finalize the remaining sections.
9. Pacific Crest Trail (2653 miles / 4270 kilometers)
This trail spans the entire Pacific coast of the U.S. and typically requires about six months for a continuous thru-hike. First envisioned in the 1930s, the PCT has been overseen by the Pacific Crest Trail Association since 1977. It gained widespread recognition after Reece Witherspoon’s 2014 film Wild, based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir. As a result, it’s now a highly popular hike, far from the solitary experience depicted in the movie. Renowned as one of the nation’s most scenic trails, the PCT continues to attract adventurers.
10. Te Araroa (1894 miles / 3000 kilometers)
Te Araroa (The Long Pathway) is a stunning yet demanding trail that stretches across New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Managed by the Te Araroa Trust, the trail officially opened on December 3, 2011. Completing Te Araroa typically takes around six months, with hikers able to stay in a network of huts maintained by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. These huts can be rented nightly or accessed with a six-month pass. The fastest completion record belongs to British marathon runner Jez Bragg, who finished the trail in 53 days in 2013.
