Mountain hiking has long captured the hearts of adventurers seeking both the physical challenge of vast trails and the breathtaking scenery of nature’s tallest peaks. These trails test the limits of endurance while revealing natural beauty that few get to witness. For those craving an experience off the beaten path, the world’s longest hiking trails offer both a physical and spiritual journey. This list highlights the 10 longest mountain hiking trails, exploring their immense size, captivating landscapes, history, and unique stories that make them legendary.
#1: The Great Trail (Trans Canada Trail) – 16,777 Miles
The Great Trail, also known as the Trans Canada Trail, is an extraordinary network of paths stretching over 16,000 miles, making it the longest recreational trail in the world. Covering Canada from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and extending north to the Arctic Ocean, it features segments across mountain ranges such as the Rockies, the Coastal Mountains, and many lesser-known peaks. The mountainous sections are particularly challenging, demanding resilience from hikers as they climb through rugged trails, dense forests, and steep inclines.
The Great Trail is more than a hiking path—it’s a cultural corridor connecting thousands of communities and landscapes. Hikers experience Canada’s diverse terrain, including alpine passes, glacial lakes, and stunning valleys. This trail was officially completed in 2017 after years of piecemeal construction, originating from an ambitious 1992 plan to unify Canada through trails. Anecdotes of hikers speak to its scale—a few adventurers have spent years tackling sections bit by bit, often sharing stories of wildlife encounters with moose, grizzlies, and eagles.
One particularly gripping story involves a hiker who trekked through the Rockies during peak snowfall, relying on a network of small cabins maintained by communities to survive the freezing conditions. This trail isn’t simply for individual achievement; it is a mosaic of Canada’s culture, history, and wild beauty, encouraging collective connection to the land.
#2: American Discovery Trail – 6,800 Miles
The American Discovery Trail (ADT) spans approximately 6,800 miles, traversing the United States from Delaware to California. This long-distance trail winds through some of America’s most iconic mountain ranges, including the Appalachians, the Rockies, and the Sierra Nevada. Unlike traditional linear trails, the ADT combines several trail systems, weaving a tapestry of paths that offer both mountain challenges and urban explorations.
The ADT was created in the early 1990s with the aim of showcasing the vast diversity of the American landscape. The mountainous sections of the trail are particularly demanding, with the Rockies providing steep ascents, stunning meadows, and panoramic views that stretch for miles. Hikers report traversing high passes where the thin air and unpredictable weather make for an arduous climb.
An interesting fact about the ADT is that it is the only coast-to-coast trail designed for non-motorized travel, incorporating a mix of hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A famous anecdote recounts the story of an early thru-hiker who crossed from East to West, overcoming a blizzard in Colorado’s Rockies, only to finish with a dramatic sunset view over the Pacific Ocean. The American Discovery Trail encapsulates the pioneering spirit of the United States, challenging hikers to test their limits while connecting with landscapes rich in history and natural beauty.
#3: Continental Divide Trail – 3,100 Miles
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is a legendary 3,100-mile trek that follows the spine of the Rocky Mountains, stretching from Canada to Mexico. Known as one of the “Triple Crown” trails in the U.S., the CDT is as unforgiving as it is beautiful. Hikers traverse some of North America’s most remote and rugged mountain terrain, including the Rockies, with altitudes often surpassing 14,000 feet.
The history of the CDT dates back to the National Trails System Act of 1968, which designated it as a National Scenic Trail. Officially mapped in the 1970s, the CDT remains a work in progress, with some sections requiring off-trail navigation. Its remoteness adds to the mystique—hikers often recount weeks spent without seeing another soul. The trail winds through five states—Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico—offering spectacular highlights such as Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and the San Juan Mountains.
An inspiring story comes from Jennifer Pharr Davis, a record-setting hiker who described the CDT as the ultimate test of endurance and mental grit. The unpredictability of weather—with snowstorms in summer and high winds on open ridges—makes each mile an accomplishment. This trail draws in those with a deep love for solitude, high peaks, and the raw power of nature.
#4: Pacific Crest Trail – 2,650 Miles
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spans 2,650 miles, running parallel to the West Coast of the United States from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. The PCT cuts through three major mountain ranges—the Sierra Nevada, the Cascade Range, and the Coastal Mountains. Known for its stunning diversity, the trail showcases everything from arid deserts to snow-covered alpine peaks.
The PCT’s origins date back to the 1930s, when the concept was first proposed by Clinton Clarke. Officially designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1968, it has since become a bucket-list adventure for serious hikers. One of its most famous sections, the John Muir Trail, traverses the high Sierra Nevada, with hikers climbing iconic peaks like Mount Whitney—the highest point in the contiguous U.S.
Hikers often share tales of the PCT’s extreme contrasts—crossing sun-scorched deserts in Southern California before ascending into icy high-altitude passes in the Sierra. A particularly moving anecdote comes from Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild, which recounts her transformative solo hike along portions of the trail. Today, the PCT remains a place of healing, inspiration, and adventure for thousands of thru-hikers every year.
#5: Appalachian Trail – 2,190 Miles
The Appalachian Trail (AT) stretches for 2,190 miles, running from Georgia to Maine through the Appalachian Mountains. As one of the most famous hiking trails in the world, the AT is a rite of passage for long-distance hikers. This historic trail winds through 14 states and is renowned for its rolling green peaks, dense forests, and idyllic small towns along the way.
The AT was the brainchild of Benton MacKaye, who envisioned a continuous footpath in the early 20th century. Completed in 1937, the trail is now maintained by thousands of volunteers. The AT offers stunning highlights such as the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and the iconic Mount Katahdin in Maine, where many thru-hikers finish their journey.
Hikers often recount emotional moments on the trail—one popular story involves a veteran who completed the AT to overcome PTSD, finding solace in its challenging miles. Known for its sense of community, the AT is full of trail angels—locals who provide food, water, and support to weary hikers. The Appalachian Trail remains a symbol of perseverance, community, and the beauty of the eastern United States.
#6: Te Araroa Trail – 1,900 Miles
The Te Araroa Trail stretches 1,900 miles across New Zealand, spanning the length of the country from Cape Reinga in the North to Bluff in the South. Aptly named “The Long Pathway,” it winds through New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, including volcanic peaks, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain ranges. The mountainous sections of the South Island are particularly renowned for their dramatic beauty and challenging terrain.
First envisioned in the 1970s, Te Araroa took decades to complete, officially opening in 2011. The trail reflects New Zealand’s unique geography, passing through Maori cultural landmarks, remote wilderness areas, and scenic towns. Hikers describe the contrasts as astounding—walking from sandy beaches to snow-capped peaks within days. The Southern Alps present some of the trail’s most demanding stretches, with rugged climbs, unpredictable weather, and river crossings requiring caution and skill.
One notable story comes from a thru-hiker who described the emotional journey of crossing the South Island’s mountains alone, surrounded by nothing but jagged peaks and the sound of rushing rivers. The Te Araroa Trail is more than a hike; it is an exploration of New Zealand’s heart and soul, showcasing the country’s untamed beauty and deep cultural heritage.
#7: Greater Patagonian Trail – 1,700 Miles
The Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT) stretches approximately 1,700 miles through the breathtaking wilderness of Chile and Argentina, making it the longest trail in South America. This unofficial route winds through Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes, including towering mountain peaks, volcanic fields, glacial rivers, and ancient forests. Unlike many trails on this list, the GPT is largely unmarked and unmaintained, requiring careful navigation and a true spirit of adventure.
The GPT was pioneered in the early 2000s by Jan Dudeck, a German adventurer who meticulously mapped the region’s routes by connecting paths used by local farmers, gauchos, and indigenous peoples. This trail combines established paths with remote off-trail sections, creating a rugged and challenging experience for hikers. The Andes Mountains provide some of the GPT’s most stunning scenery, with glaciers cascading into turquoise lakes and jagged peaks piercing the sky.
Anecdotal stories from the GPT often involve encounters with Patagonia’s unpredictable weather, where a sunny morning can turn into a fierce storm within minutes. One hiker recounted a harrowing river crossing during heavy rain, only to be rewarded with a rainbow arching over the surrounding peaks. The Greater Patagonian Trail is not for the faint-hearted, but it offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for those willing to embrace its wild beauty and challenges.
#8: Via Alpina – 1,500 Miles
The Via Alpina is a network of five long-distance trails spanning approximately 1,500 miles through the Alps, crossing eight countries: Monaco, France, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. This extensive route takes hikers through some of Europe’s most iconic mountain landscapes, including towering peaks, lush valleys, and charming alpine villages.
The Via Alpina was established in 2000 to promote sustainable tourism and highlight the natural and cultural heritage of the Alps. The trails vary in difficulty, with sections passing through high-altitude regions where snow can linger well into summer. Highlights include the Mont Blanc Massif, the Dolomites, and the Julian Alps, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to explore historic towns along the way.
One fascinating anecdote comes from a group of hikers who completed the Via Alpina over several summers, using it as a means to connect with local traditions and cuisines. They spoke of evenings spent in mountain huts, sharing meals with strangers who quickly became friends. The Via Alpina is more than a physical challenge; it is a cultural journey through the heart of Europe’s mountain heritage, blending adventure with rich history.
#9: Bicentennial National Trail – 3,300 Miles
The Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) stretches 3,300 miles across Australia, from Cooktown in the north of Queensland to Healesville in Victoria. While primarily a multi-use trail for hikers, horseback riders, and cyclists, its mountain sections are particularly noteworthy, traversing the Great Dividing Range, Australia’s longest mountain range.
Originally known as the National Horse Trail, the BNT was established in 1988 to celebrate Australia’s bicentennial year. It follows historic stock routes, logging trails, and indigenous pathways, providing a unique perspective on Australia’s rugged interior. Hikers encounter diverse landscapes, including eucalyptus forests, rocky ridges, and remote wilderness areas teeming with wildlife.
A notable story comes from an adventurer who completed the trail on horseback, enduring extreme heat and scarce water supplies to cross the mountainous terrain. Along the way, he forged a deep connection with the land, recounting encounters with kangaroos, dingoes, and wedge-tailed eagles. The Bicentennial National Trail is a journey of resilience and discovery, offering a glimpse into Australia’s vast and untamed wilderness.
#10: Kungsleden (The King’s Trail) – 270 Miles
The Kungsleden, or “The King’s Trail,” stretches 270 miles through the Swedish Lapland, offering a spectacular journey through Scandinavia’s remote mountain wilderness. Despite its shorter length compared to other trails on this list, the Kungsleden is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, with hikers traversing glacial valleys, tundra, and alpine peaks above the Arctic Circle.
The trail was established in the early 20th century by the Swedish Tourist Association to promote access to the country’s northern wilderness. It runs between Abisko in the north and Hemavan in the south, passing through some of Sweden’s most iconic landscapes, including the stunning Sarek National Park. The midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter make this trail an unforgettable experience.
Hikers often share stories of solitude and tranquility on the Kungsleden, where days can pass without encountering another soul. One traveler recounted camping under a sky ablaze with the aurora borealis, surrounded by silence and snow-draped peaks. The Kungsleden may be the smallest trail on this list, but its unparalleled beauty and remote charm make it a bucket-list adventure for mountain lovers.
The world’s longest mountain hiking trails offer more than just a physical challenge; they are journeys through some of the planet’s most stunning and remote landscapes. From the vast wilderness of Canada’s Great Trail to the rugged peaks of Patagonia and the cultural richness of Europe’s Via Alpina, each trail tells its own unique story. Whether seeking solitude, cultural immersion, or sheer adventure, these trails inspire hikers to connect with the natural world and test the limits of human endurance. For those willing to take the first step, these paths offer experiences that will last a lifetime.
