The World's Greatest Long-Distance Walking Trails: Epic Hikes for Adventure Seekers
Forget airplanes, trains, and automobiles—the most sustainable and immersive way to explore the world is on foot. Walking deeply connects you to landscapes and cultures like no other mode of travel. With adequate time and fitness, you can cross countries or even continents. Discover these premier long-distance trails to fuel your wanderlust.
Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica
Start/finish: Scotts Head to Cabrits
Length: 184km
The Caribbean's inaugural long-distance trail traverses Dominica from tip to toe, showcasing its rugged rainforests where nature dominates and parrots outnumber people. Split into 14 sections, select highlights like the Boiling Lake or bird-filled Morne Diablotin, or complete the full route via homestays.
St Paul's Trail, Turkey
Start/finish: Perge to Yalvac
Length: 500km
Lesser-known than the coastal Lycian Way, this inland route near Antalya winds through wild terrain, Roman ruins, and tortoise habitats, tracing St Paul's first missionary journey into Asia Minor. Fully waymarked but sparsely signposted—pack a compass and embrace the adventure.
Baekdu-Daegan Trail, South Korea
Start/finish: North Korea border to Cheonwang-bong
Length: 735km
Following the spine of the Korean Peninsula's Baekdu-Daegan ridge—a sacred symbol of national identity—this spiritual path features shrines amid dramatic mountains. South Korea's section offers profound cultural immersion, though the full 1,400km route is truncated by geopolitical borders.
Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia
Start/finish: Kalamunda to Albany
Length: 964km
Guided by the Aboriginal rainbow serpent Waugal on trail markers, this epic crosses granite peaks, tingle forests, and Southern Ocean shores. Campsites every 20km provide essentials—stay vigilant for snakes in this pristine wilderness.
South West Coast Path, UK
Start/finish: Minehead to Poole
Length: 1,008km
Originating from 19th-century anti-smuggling patrols, the UK's longest National Trail hugs the dramatic coastline of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. Spanning coves, villages, and 35,000m of ascent, it demands 8 weeks—perfect for savoring local pasties.
Via Francigena, Europe
Start/finish: Canterbury, UK to Rome, Italy
Length: 1,700km
The 'other Camino,' this historic pilgrimage route from medieval times links England, France, Switzerland, and Italy en route to Rome's St Peter and Paul. Walkable in about 80 days, it revives ancient paths trod by pilgrims.
Great Himalaya Trail, Nepal
Start/finish: Kanchenjunga to Humla
Length: 1,700km
Traversing the world's highest mountains since 2010, the GHT weaves through rhododendron forests, high lakes, 8,000m peaks, and remote villages. Complete in 160 days or select from ten sections, supporting local communities.
Continental Divide Trail, USA
Start/finish: Antelope Wells, New Mexico to Glacier NP, Montana
Length: 4,960km
This backbone of the Rockies links Mexico to Canada through deserts, ghost towns, geysers, and massifs. About 70% complete; sample sections like Yellowstone or San Juan Mountains for an unforgettable taste.
Trans Canada Trail, Canada
Start/finish: St John's, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia
Length: 22,000km
The ultimate coast-to-coast (and Arctic) odyssey comprises 400 interconnected trails across provinces. From Nova Scotia blueberries to Yukon gold-rush history, it's ideal for multi-year adventurers with durable boots.
