Long-distance trails

Find your long-distance trail

Long-distance hiking is the art of mastering a multi-day hike, covering long distances, typically over several days, weeks, or even months. It’s what hikers love to do the most and combines a physical and mental experience, always with a connection to nature and other hikers. Preparing for long-distance hiking requires careful planning which is not only important but also can be a lot of fun. Long-distance trails are usually defined as anything from hiking for several weeks or months to shorter hut-to-hut treks, some long-distance trails require you to carry your tent, or others have you sleeping in hotels or bed & breakfasts along the trail. Or, a long-distance trail could also be one of the many spiritual pilgrim trails. The choice is yours between the countless beautiful long-distance trails all over the world.

Famous long-distance trails

Some of the most famous long-distance trails in the world attract people globally to hike them. For example, the Tour du Mont Blanc, Alta Via 1, Laugavegur Trail, Fishermen’s Trail, and the West Highland Way are among the most famous long-distance trails in Europe. Not only Europeans, but many other nationalities such as American, Japanese, and Australian people find their way to these trails. The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain on one of the many long-distance pilgrim trails varying in length and difficulty.

In the United States, you’ll find 11 National Scenic Trails that include famous thru-hiking trails: the Appalachian National Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. But they have also shorter trails such as the North Country National Scenic Trail, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, Florida National Scenic Trail, Arizona National Scenic Trail, New England National Scenic Trail, and the challenging Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. These are the most recognized long-distance trails in America.

Last, but of course not least, you’ll find some of the best hiking trails in New Zealand, such as the Great Walks which consist of all these tracks, varying in length and difficulty: Milford Track, Lake Waikaremoana Track, Abel Tasman Coast Track, Rakiura Track, Whanganui Journey, Routeburn Track, Paparoa Track, Kepler Track, Heaphy Track, and the Tongariro Northern Circuit. If you want to cross both of the islands in New Zealand, you can attempt the Te Araroa, New Zealand’s 3000-kilometer thru-hike, for the full experience.

Preparation is key

A successful long-distance hike always begins with preparation. Before you begin, start by researching what food you’ll need to carry, how much water you should take, where there are shelter options, or if you’ll bring lightweight camping gear. Next, you’ll think about which clothing is necessary and, of course, your backpack and type of hiking shoes or boots. The weight of the pack and the physical demands of walking for hours each day can be challenging, which means both your physical fitness and mental strength need to be trained. You’ll also want to be prepared for different weather conditions and potential hazards, learning first aid and how to read the weather will be important for a safe trail experience. Note that the weather can change quickly, especially in mountainous areas, so it’s a good call to always keep an eye on the forecast.

Trail magic

While long-distance hiking not only provides a physical challenge, it also gives you a lot in return. Not only the chance for personal reflection and growth but also making strong bonds and lifetime friendships with others you meet along the way. The journey on such trails is as much about the inner experience as it is about the physical journey, which allows you to disconnect from the routines of your daily life and connect more deeply with the natural world. Plus, you’ll get to know the phenomenon of Trail Magic that can happen at any moment. Trail magic is the spontaneous event of a stranger offering you a free cold drink or maybe even a bed for the night. Or it can be something else that turns your heavy day into a great day.

Happy Trails!