Discover 7 Exceptional New Long-Distance Hiking Trails Worldwide
Exciting new long-distance, multi-day hiking trails have opened worldwide, offering exclusive access to remote, pristine landscapes and unique cultural experiences.
These routes transport adventurers through historical sites, glacier-sculpted valleys, and remote mountain passes rarely visited by humans. Avid hikers seeking standout adventures should prioritize these seven exceptional trails.
1. Juliana Trail
Slovenia, a mountainous Balkan gem, launched the Juliana Trail in October 2019 to encourage visitors to explore beyond Ljubljana and Lake Bled. This 270km (168-mile) loop starts in adventure hub Kranjska Gora—a popular ski resort near the Italian border—and circles the Julian Alps, passing turquoise rivers and glacier-carved lakes. Divided into 16 stages, hikers can select shorter sections or complete the full trail, staying in charming alpine villages.
Read more: 8 epic hikes of the world
2. Red Sea Mountain Trail
Egypt's first mainland long-distance hiking path, the 170km (105-mile) Red Sea Mountain Trail, connects ancient trade routes into a 10-day circuit created by the Maaza Bedouin tribe and opened in January 2019. With Bedouin guides and cameleers, trekkers navigate vast plains, deep gorges, barren peaks, crumbling Roman towns, and prehistoric rock art. Shorter circuits are available at six hiking hubs.
Read more: Hiking your way around the world
3. Liechtenstein Trail
Celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2019, Liechtenstein unveiled a 75km (47-mile) trail spanning all 11 municipalities, showcasing three centuries of history across 147 sites. This north-south route over peaks and pastures takes about three days with ascents up to 2,000m. Download the LIstory app for immersive history lessons along the way.
Read more: 10 best treks in the world
4. Paparoa Track
New Zealand's Department of Conservation added its first Great Walk in 25 years: the 55km (34-mile) Paparoa Track, opened in December 2019. This one-way trail near Pancake Rocks weaves through South Island rainforests, taking three days on foot or two by mountain bike, with two huts en route. Highlights include mossy gorges and Tasman Sea vistas.
Read more: 8 magnificent mountains that are perfect for first-time climbers
5. Coast to Coast Trail
Singapore revealed its greener side with the 36km (22-mile) Coast-to-Coast Trail in April 2019, linking Jurong Lake Gardens to Coney Island Park via urban oases like Bukit Batok Nature Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and MacRitchie Reservoir. Use the trail app to scan 10 checkpoints for augmented reality experiences.
Read more: Italy's 7 best hikes
6. Great Trail
Completed in 2017 after 25 years, Canada's 24,000km (14,912-mile) Great Trail—the world's longest recreational path—spans 13 provinces and territories from Nova Scotia's lighthouses to Yukon's wilds. Crossing east to west (St. John's to Victoria) at 30km daily takes over two years.
Read more: The best bushwalking routes in Australia
7. Transcaucasian Trail
The ambitious 3,000km (1,865-mile) Transcaucasian Trail along the Caucasus Mountains unites diverse biology, cultures, and languages. Recently opened sections include Svaneti, Georgia (10 days); Dilijan National Park, Gegham Mountains, and Vayots Dzor in Armenia (5-7 days). Join summer trail-building programs to contribute.
