Strap on your hiking shoes and get moving on one of these challenging yet beautiful hiking trails around the world. Whether you’re hoping for snowy terrain, a tropical route, or a path through the mountains, there are some amazing long distance hiking trails that take varying lengths of time to complete. However, most of these treks aren’t for the casual walker and take a lot of preparation and endurance to complete. Get ready for an adventure!
Grand Italian Trail (Sentiero Italia)
While tourists swelter under the Italian sun in cramped and overcrowded cities, you could be heaving a backpack through the Italian alps all in the name of good fun. The Grand Italian Trail comprises 3,832 miles of trails from thr port city Trieste and into the Alps, then down the Apennine Mountain range through the Italian peninsula. From there the trek includes island hopping to Sicily and Sardinia. Enjoy Italy’s spectacular scenery and eat as much good food as you want along the way knowing those calories will be put to good use.
Hikers in the know have the famous Appalachian Trail on their “must do” lists. This trek courses through 14 states in the eastern United States for about 2,198 miles. Those who are daring enough may prepare to take on the entire route, which takes about five to seven months to complete, while others may hike parts of the trail. Either way, it takes you through small towns, remote wilderness, and to some of the most scenic overlooks in America.
Perhaps considered the West Coast alternative to the Appalachian trail, the Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada and offers incredibly scenic views of the natural beauty and stunning landscapes in this part of the world. This trail is divided into 30 sections with a majority in California. On average, each section is about 91 miles in length.
For the more experienced hikers, the Greater Patagonian Trail is known for being difficult and remote. So if you’re a hiker looking for a route less traveled, you’ll need to study up for this 800 mile route. According to Sea to Summit, this trail is comprised of horse trails, local paths, and country roads, and even includes some pack-raft river sections across the Patagonian Andes along the borders of Chile and Argentina. Those who dare take this path should be warned that it is not an officially recognized route.
The beautiful country of Wales in the United Kingdom offers a 870 miles of trails, and the world’s only footpath that spans the entirety of any country’s coastline. Here you will see amazing views of rolling hills, cliffs that drop steeply into the sea, and misty hillsides where medieval structures provide visual delights. This trek is sure to provide hikers with a renewed appreciation of the seaside and the wonders of Wales.
Featured Image: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (Photo by Pelo Blanco Photo)
