I’ve already shared a few of my hiking stories here. Hiking is probably my number one favorite outdoor activity; cycling is a close second. There’s nothing quite like strapping on your walking boots and heading up a mountain, feeling the rocks underneath those boots and hearing the crunch of sand with every step you take.
So far I’ve done twenty-something serious day hikes in the U.S. and Australia and one magnificent long-distance coast-to-coast hike in England . I’m constantly thinking about doing one of those long distance hiking trails again and next year I may just do one of the following ones. I feel the urge to go see a new country as well, so that’s a potentially great combination.
The following list is meant to serve as inspiration to both you and me, ideas that hopefully will materialize in the near future.
Let’s take a look at five very doable long distance hiking trails from around the world .
5 Doable Long Distance Hiking Trails
Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire, USA
The Presidential Traverse is a 40-kilometer (25-mile) hike to and over more than ten summits in the White Mountains of New Hampshire . Those mountains are notorious for their bad and rapidly changing weather, which makes this seemingly short long distance hike a real challenge. The trail is part of the much longer Appalachian Trail and essentially follows the ridge of the mountains and takes in Mount Washington, the highest mountain in the American northeast. The hike takes two to three days.
Kilimanjaro Summit, Tanzania
This is one of my dream hikes. There are several routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, all of varying difficulty, length and time. The trails to the summit of Africa range between 45 and 85 kilometers in length. The time to complete the hike – there and back again – is between six and eight days. Highlights on route are African wildlife, savanna and the snow-capped summit.
Laugavegur Trek, Iceland
The network of long distance hiking trails in Europe is extremely extensive, but if I had to pick one specific hike, it would be this one. The Laugavegur Trek in Iceland is the ultimate introduction to the land of fire and ice. The hike includes glaciers, roaring waterfalls, volcanoes and natural hot springs, is approximately 55 kilometers long and takes four glorious days.
Overland Track, Tasmania, Australia
Ever since I visited Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park I have wanted to walk the 65-kilometer six-day Overland Track, which basically connects the two highlights that make up the park’s name. It runs through the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness and is high up on my hiking wish list.
Inca Trail, Peru
This one probably doesn’t need an introduction. The Inca Trail in Peru is one of the world’s most famous long distance hiking trails . There are some alternative routes, but the main route measures about 42 kilometers in length. The time to hike is four days and highlights on the way are the majestic Andes Mountains, old Inca pathways and a sunrise over Machu Picchu.
