The longest hiking-only trail in the world: Super Guide 2024

North America is home to the longest hiking-only trail in the world. However, the topic of my research is the biggest designated hiking trails in the entire globe. There are a number of the world’s longest hiking trails.

However, farther north, in Canada, is where the longest trail in the entire globe is located. The Great Trail, formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail, is currently the world’s longest hiking trail.

Are the longest hiking trails something you’re interested in? And what is the longest trail in the world? What about long-distance hiking?

This Great Trail, located in Canada, is indeed the world’s longest hiking trail. Both the American Discovery Path and the Great Western Loop are tied for the title of the longest hiking trail in the U.S.

They are among the priciest hiking trails in the world. The Appalachian Trail seems to be another super route that ranks among the greatest in America.

There are numerous really long, constant hiking trails available worldwide. The following paths are among the world’s longest hiking trails, covering countless miles. Users could be curious to discover which routes are the best around the globe.

Walkers often have wishlist objectives that include organizing an adventurous hiking trip through one of the greatest trails in the world and ultimately visiting a number of the longest trails in the world.

There is absolutely no greater method to increase the efficacy of a nice trek for the soul than taking over one of the longest trails in the world.

Your journey along one of the greatest trails in the world will provide you with more than just a means of bringing out the best in yourself.

There are multiple hiking trails. Additionally, solitary trails that do not really need numerous links to other trails are the longest hiking trails anyone will find.

Anyone can complete the world’s longest hiking trail.

Listed below are some of the longest hiking-only trail in the world to take into account if users enjoy taking long walks. Here are the top 14 longest hiking trails in the entire globe:

1. The Great Trail, Canada

The Great Trail, once called Trans Canada, is the pinnacle of lengthy hiking trails. This is essentially a system of several additional routes, similar to the majority of lengthy hiking trails.

Some portion of The Great Trail is now within half an hour of 4 out of every 5 Canadians’ homes.

Near St. John’s, Newfoundland, this trail starts in front of the Railway Coastal Museum. It all then ascends across British Columbia to the Yukon. This route is about 16,777 miles long overall (27,000 km).

In 2016, “The Great Trail” was formally adopted as the new symbol for the Trans Canada Trail. This initiative is responsible for a large portion of the Great Trail’s miles. Despite the fact that Trans Canada Trail, a non-profit organization, provides the majority of the Great Trail’s funding,

By eliminating temporary highways and incorporating green infrastructure just beside hazardous road portions, the Great Trail is being renovated and expanded.

The Great Trail is made up of more than 400 distinct neighborhood routes, which are all maintained by local conservation groups.

2. The Great Western Loop, USA

Many people might be shocked that the Pacific Crest Trail doesn’t appear on my chart; however, thanks to the Great Western Loop, it somewhat does.

This Great Western Loop connects five additional lengthy hiking trails in the Intermountain West: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Arizona Trail. It’s about 6,875 miles in total (11,064 km).

3. The American Discovery Trail, USA

The American Discovery Trail is another super route. Northern California as well as Cape Henlopen State Park serve as the route’s endpoints. This contains a Great Plains circuit. 6,800 miles overall (10,944 km).

Throughout Cape Henlopen State Park, animals may be expected to be seen. Cape Henlopen State Park lies close to the route’s terminus.

Visitors may tour Colorado’s Argentine Pass once they approach the hiking trail. The route travels across several national parks.

Chicago is a stop on the northern route. The Pacific Ocean coast of northern California serves as the route’s destination after the trail starts in Delaware.

The Appalachian Mountains, the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains peaks are all crossed by walkers along the American Discovery Trail before they reach the West Coast.

4. The Eastern Continental Trail, USA

You may travel the whole length of the Eastern Continental Trail from Key West to Cape Gaspé, Canada.

This International Appalachian Trail, which travels across Maine, New Brunswick, Quebec, and then Newfoundland, as well as the Pinhoti Trail, a section of the renowned Appalachian Trail, are just two of the extremely long-distance trails it takes as it traverses sixteen states.

5. Appalachian National Scenic Trail

There are around 2,200 miles in all on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. From Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin, it runs straight across America. The world’s longest hiking trail is found there. Some of these routes pass along the Eastern Continental Trail to the south.

The National Park Service, US Forest Service, and Conservancy have all overseen its management.

One of the longest hiking paths available in America is just for hiking. This 339-mile Pinhoti trail, which travels to Georgia’s south, is a possible diversion. Wild areas and woods make up the majority of its surface.

Everything just travels through states, including West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Distance Covered: 5,400 miles (8,690 km).

Approximately 2,200 miles of America’s East Coast traverse the Appalachian National Scenic Trail from border to border. Beginning with Springer Mountain in Georgia, it continues to Mount Katahdin, where it stops.

This portion of the Eastern Continental Trail continues straight south. Thru-hikers like it very much. This is the world’s longest designated hiking trail.

6. The North Country Trail, USA

The North Country Trail, sometimes known as the NCT, runs from Middlebury to Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota. This links the Lewis and Clark Trails, the Long Trail, and the Appalachian Trail.

National Wooded Sections and 4 National Parks, including 2 National Wilderness Regions, may be found on the route.

Distance Covered: 4,600 miles (7,400 km). This then spans eight US regions and links the two greatest and longest US trails, the Lewis and Clark Trail and the Appalachian Trail. This starts in North Dakota and then moves on to the western part of New York.

Numerous parks, woods, and sports sites may be visited when trekking around North Dakota. There are few provisions on a hiking trail. The particular meteorological circumstances must be taken into account.

7. The Sentiero Italia, Italy

The Sentiero Italia often referred to as the “Grand Italian Trail,” crosses the entirety of the country’s continent and continues on to the archipelago. 3,831 miles of distance overall (6,166 km). It is a European long-distance path. One of the longest trails in the world.

This 3,831-mile-long route running across Italy is known as the Grand Italian Trail. Starting in Trieste in northern Italy, the route leads trekkers throughout the entire Apennine mountain chain, then Sardinia, until ending near Santa Teresa.

Then it goes through the entire Alpine Arc. In my opinion, any part of the Grand Italian Trail should be hiked. The Grand Italian Trail may not have all of its portions labeled; therefore, use caution when trekking.

8. The Continental Divide, USA

The Continental Divide Trail is a journey through American heritage and environmental awareness, including preservation. This goes between Chihuahua and Alberta but instead traverses the Continental Divide of the Americas across the Rocky Mountains.

The Chama River Canyon Wilderness throughout New Mexico is noteworthy. 3,100 miles overall (5,000 km).

9. Hokkaido Nature Trail, Japan

The Hokkaido Nature Trail was very recently constructed and is one of the greatest trails in the world. This is one of the world’s biggest wildlife pathways. A well-known territory in Japan is Hokkaido, and a substantial portion of it is covered by trails.

The total distance traveled is 2,848 miles (4,585 km). It is located on Japan’s archipelago in the north (the main northern island). Numerous national parks throughout the country are connected by the Hokkaido Nature Trail. The Hokkaido Nature Trail is a wonderful trail.

10. Pacific North West Trail

It’s indeed approximately 12,000 miles long. The greatest national scenic trail in America is another name for it. This spans the chasm here between the Continental Divide and the Pacific Ocean.

There are several national forests, three national parks, and seven mountain ranges inside it. Throughout the journey, trekkers have the opportunity to visit trail towns, including waterfront settlements.

11. Pacific Crest Trail 

It can go 2,653 miles in a single direction. This trail passes through many types of stunning wilderness areas. One of the most well-traveled transoceanic trails in the world, particularly for thru-hikers, is the Pacific Crest Trail.

It runs the entire length of the West Coast. Everything just begins at Manning Park, British Columbia, close to the borders with Mexico, the US, and Canadian border.

Although President Johnson authorized it in 1968 under the National Trails System Act, it wasn’t finished until 1993. The Pacific Crest Trail Association is the organization in charge of updating and maintaining the Pacific Crest Trail nowadays.

12. Continental Divide Trail  

There are 3,100 miles of trails. Out of all the other trails that wind over the Rocky Mountains, this one is the tallest. Given that it cuts through but also splits the Rocky Mountains, it is referred to as the “great divide.”

A nearly overwhelming majority of the trail’s sections are found in open areas like national parks. This divides the US and extends 3,100 miles from the borders of Mexico and New Mexico to the Canadian border.

This passes via Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail comprise this long-distance hiking trio. These three routes are popular among thru-hikers who want to complete them.

13. Te Araroa Trail

The Long Pathway is another name for the Te Araroa Trail. This is roughly 1,900 miles in length and stretches anywhere along the coastlines of the two significant regions in New Zealand.

Its construction incorporates historic older railroad tracks, sidewalks, and modern rails. Road segments will eventually make up less than 5% of the entire trail, according to projections.

14. South West Coast Path National Trail

In Britain, the largest natural route is the South West Coast Path National Trail. This route spans the nation’s coastline for roughly 630 miles, from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbor.

Other well-known long-distance trails

Here is a list of some of the less notable long trails and journeys.

• The North Country Trail
• The Great Himalayan Trail
• Chilean Trail
• The Great Western Loop

Last but not least, commencing the journey at the ideal period allows visitors to trek throughout spring and fall due to the length of such long trails.

Visitors may have to trek through difficult circumstances if they leave very early or very late. During day hikes, such routes are frequently divided into several portions.

FAQ

My final thoughts

These 14 longest hiking trails, which are the best, are listed in this guide above. These routes provide exciting natural scenery in every entire trail. Because of the paths’ remote settings, the environmental variables seen there are distinct from each other. Many hiking trails all over the world are super exciting. Enjoy the longest trails!

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