Cross-country hikes offer some of the most breathtaking and challenging adventures for long-distance trekkers. Whether you’re seeking stunning mountain views, remote wilderness, or a test of endurance, there’s a trail for every type of hiker. These hikes span across diverse terrains, from rugged deserts to lush forests. Each trail comes with its own set of challenges, making them perfect for those looking to push their limits. If you’re ready for an epic journey, here are must-do cross-country hikes to add to your bucket list.
Appalachian Trail (USA)
The Appalachian Trail spans over 2,190 miles, stretching from Georgia to Maine. It’s one of the most iconic long-distance hikes in the world. Hikers can take anywhere from 5 to 7 months to complete the full trek, depending on pace and weather. The trail offers a rich mix of dense forests, mountain ridges, and scenic views. Along the way, you’ll cross through 14 states and experience both tranquil woodlands and challenging climbs.
Pacific Crest Trail (USA)
At 2,650 miles long, the Pacific Crest Trail connects Mexico to Canada, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington. This hike takes approximately 5 months to complete and offers a diverse range of landscapes, from dry deserts to snowy mountain peaks. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and Cascades mountain ranges. It’s known for its remote and challenging sections, where resupply points can be far apart. It’s a dream for hikers seeking both solitude and adventure.
Continental Divide Trail (USA)
Stretching over 3,100 miles, the Continental Divide Trail follows the spine of the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada. It’s one of the longest and most rugged trails in North America, and completing it typically takes 4 to 6 months. The trail offers high-altitude hiking, with plenty of wildlife encounters and alpine lakes. The terrain can be harsh, with deep wilderness areas and a mix of weather conditions. It’s less crowded than the PCT and AT, providing an epic sense of isolation.
Te Araroa (New Zealand)
Te Araroa is New Zealand’s longest trail, covering 1,864 miles from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island. This hike takes around 3 to 6 months to complete and showcases the country’s diverse ecosystems, from beaches to rainforests. Hikers will pass through volcanic landscapes, remote river valleys, and rugged coastal cliffs. The weather can be unpredictable, with the trail presenting both wet and dry challenges. The hospitality and culture of the locals add an extra touch to this incredible journey.
Camino de Santiago (Spain)
The Camino de Santiago isn’t one trail but a network of routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The most popular route, the Camino Francés, is about 500 miles long and typically takes 30 to 40 days to complete. This pilgrimage route combines spiritual reflection with physical endurance. Along the way, trekkers pass through picturesque Spanish towns, medieval architecture, and lush farmlands. The sense of community among hikers is one of the trail’s most rewarding aspects.
The Great Trail (Canada)
Canada’s Great Trail is a collection of hiking, cycling, and water routes that stretches over 15,000 miles across the country. Hiking it in its entirety is a monumental challenge, taking several months or even years to complete. The route goes through diverse landscapes, from the rocky mountains to boreal forests and scenic lakes. It’s one of the longest networks of recreational trails in the world, offering both solitude and breathtaking scenery. Completing the Great Trail offers a truly immersive experience in Canada’s natural beauty.
GR20 (Corsica, France)
The GR20 is considered one of Europe’s toughest long-distance hikes, stretching 112 miles across Corsica. It typically takes 12 to 16 days to complete and is known for its demanding terrain, including steep ascents and descents. Hikers are treated to views of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. It’s a physically intense trek with high-altitude sections that can be challenging even for experienced hikers. Despite the difficulty, the GR20 rewards trekkers with an unforgettable adventure in one of Europe’s most rugged landscapes.
Lycian Way (Turkey)
The Lycian Way is a 310-mile trail that runs along the stunning Turkish coast, offering a combination of mountains, forests, and seaside cliffs. It typically takes around 3 to 5 weeks to complete. This trail is packed with historical ruins, including ancient cities and Roman theaters, providing both a scenic and cultural experience. The route is well-marked, though some sections can be steep and demanding. Hikers can look forward to beautiful Mediterranean beaches and dramatic coastal views.
The Overland Track (Australia)
Australia’s Overland Track spans 40 miles through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It usually takes 6 to 8 days to complete and offers a deep dive into one of the most pristine regions in Australia. The trail takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and past glacial lakes. Wildlife is abundant, with the chance to see platypuses, wallabies, and various bird species. The weather is unpredictable, so hikers need to be prepared for anything, from sunshine to snow.
John Muir Trail (USA)
The John Muir Trail is a 211-mile trek through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Typically taking 3 to 4 weeks to complete, this trail offers some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the United States, including towering peaks, alpine lakes, and expansive meadows. It’s known for its serenity and beauty, passing through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. The trail is challenging, with significant elevation gain and high-altitude sections. Its remote setting makes it perfect for those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience.
Kungsleden (Sweden)
The Kungsleden trail is a 270-mile hike that runs through Sweden’s Lapland. It typically takes 7 to 10 days to complete and offers a wonderful introduction to Arctic landscapes, with snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and expansive tundra. The trail is well-marked and provides huts along the way for shelter, making it a good option for those who want an accessible but challenging trek. Despite the short duration, hikers are treated to a sense of remoteness that’s hard to find elsewhere in Europe. Summer is the best time to hike, but even then, temperatures can be cold.
W Circuit (Chile)
Located in Torres del Paine National Park, the W Circuit is one of the most scenic hikes in the world. It’s a 50-mile trail that typically takes 5 days to complete. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including glaciers, towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and golden pampas. The park is known for its striking beauty and challenging weather conditions, where sudden winds and rainstorms are common. Trekkers often encounter wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, and condors along the route.
Sentiero Italia (Italy)
The Sentiero Italia is a 3,400-mile trail that stretches from the north to the south of Italy. It typically takes several months to complete, depending on pace. The trail offers a variety of landscapes, from the rugged Dolomites to the rolling hills of Tuscany. Hikers will pass through charming villages, vineyards, and ancient ruins. Along the way, trekkers can experience the rich cultural heritage and delicious food that Italy is known for.
The Drakensberg Traverse (South Africa)
The Drakensberg Traverse is a rugged, 200-mile trek through South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains. This challenging route usually takes 10 to 14 days to complete. The trail offers dramatic mountain landscapes, with towering cliffs, rolling valleys, and alpine meadows. It’s famous for its varied terrain, which includes rocky paths, river crossings, and some exposed ridges. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including baboons and eland, and the views are some of the best in southern Africa.
Rim-to-Rim (Grand Canyon, USA)
The Rim-to-Rim trail takes hikers from the South Rim to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, covering about 24 miles. It can be completed in one day by experienced trekkers, though most take two days to complete. The trail takes you from the high desert into the canyon’s depths, with the change in elevation providing unique views of the canyon’s layers. The weather can be extreme, with intense heat at the bottom and cold at the top. The challenge is steep but rewarding, with spectacular views that are hard to beat.
Great Wall of China Trek (China)
Trekking along the Great Wall offers a unique adventure that covers more than 1,000 miles of ancient structure. The trek can take several weeks, depending on the route chosen. Hikers will experience a mix of well-preserved sections and more rugged, overgrown parts of the wall. The hike offers not just a physical challenge but a cultural journey, with centuries-old history at every turn. The views from the wall are spectacular, stretching across the northern Chinese countryside.
Zion Narrows (USA)
The Zion Narrows hike is one of the most stunning and unique in the world. It takes you through the Virgin River, wading and sometimes swimming through narrow, towering canyon walls. The hike is around 16 miles if done as a point-to-point trek and typically takes 1-2 days. The trail features dramatic rock formations and lush vegetation along the riverbanks. Due to flash flood risks, this hike should be done with caution and proper planning.
Mt. Rinjani Trek (Indonesia)
The Mt. Rinjani trek in Indonesia offers a challenging 4- to 5-day hike to the summit of a dormant volcano. The trek is known for its steep climbs and beautiful views of crater lakes and volcanic craters. Hikers need to be prepared for variable weather conditions and high altitudes. At the summit, trekkers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the island of Lombok. The experience is both physically demanding and awe-inspiring.
Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 110-mile circuit around Mont Blanc, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The trek typically takes 10 to 12 days and offers hikers breathtaking alpine scenery. The route passes through picturesque villages, rolling meadows, and glaciers, making it one of Europe’s most popular long-distance hikes. The hike is moderately challenging, with plenty of ascents and descents. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a balance of difficulty and beauty.
The Tatra Mountains (Poland/Slovakia)
The Tatra Mountains offer a variety of scenic and challenging trails across the border of Poland and Slovakia. The region is known for its dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forests. Some of the longer treks can take 5 to 7 days to complete. The weather is highly variable, so hikers should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and storms. The area is rich in wildlife, with the chance to see brown bears, wolves, and golden eagles.
Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)
The Annapurna Circuit is a classic trekking route that takes about 15 to 20 days to complete. The trail covers 128 miles, passing through diverse ecosystems, including subtropical forests, high-altitude deserts, and glaciers. The highlight is the crossing of Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world at 17,769 feet. The trail provides stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Along the way, trekkers pass through traditional villages and experience Nepali culture.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
More from UnifyCosmos
21 Breathtaking Road Trips Through Canada`s National Parks
Canada’s national parks offer some of the most breathtaking road trips in the world. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the serene coastal vistas of the East, these scenic routes showcase the country’s natural beauty at its finest. Read More
22 Iconic European Road Trips You Need to Experience
Discover the timeless charm of Europe’s most iconic road trip routes. From winding coastal drives to scenic mountain passes, these classic journeys offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Read More
21 Creative Ways to Stick to a Healthy Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t have to be all about strict rules and cutting out your favorite foods. Sometimes, it’s the unconventional tips that can make the biggest difference. Read More
Leave a Reply