You can say the longest hike in the world isn’t just one trail, really. It’s more like a collection of routes that test the limits of those who choose to walk through them. These supertrails stretch across countries, ecosystems, and climates. They’re not the quick “weekend in the woods” type of hike. They’re the kind you plan your year around. But they’re out there, and they’re doable. Before we dive in, it’s worth saying: no one just stumbles into the longest hiking trail in California or suddenly finds themselves halfway through the Appalachian Trail. These routes take prep, patience, and probably more than a few blisters. But if you're the type who finds peace in repetition, joy in discomfort, and a weird thrill in eating oatmeal out of a bag every morning… read on.
The Triple Crown of long-distance hiking
North America takes its hiking seriously. Three of the most iconic and longest hiking trails in the US are part of what’s known as the Triple Crown: the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Each of these would qualify on their own as a supertrail.
💡Supertrail is a term used for epic, ultra-long trails that often take months to complete.
The Appalachian Trail (AT) runs over 2,190 miles through 14 states, from Georgia to Maine.
It's forest-heavy, has a ton of elevation changes, and is possibly the most social of the big three. You'll see other hikers daily, especially during peak season.
The culture on the trail is a big part of the appeal: trail names, hiker hostels, and unexpected generosity from locals (aka ‘trail magic’), which are all part of the experience.
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), often referred to as the longest hiking trail in California (though it goes far beyond), stretches over 2,650 miles from the Mexican border through California, Oregon, and Washington, up to the Canadian border.
A good chunk of it does, in fact, cut through California, making that portion one of the most iconic long-distance hikes in the US.
Expect a lot of variety: deserts, the Sierra Nevada, volcanic peaks, and lush forests. It’s breathtaking, and occasionally foot-breaking.
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is the most rugged of the three, with around 3,100 miles of terrain from New Mexico to Montana, tracing the spine of the Rocky Mountains. It's less defined than the AT or PCT, meaning you’ll need solid navigation skills and a tolerance for solitude.
You might go a day or two without seeing anyone, which, depending on your personality, is either heaven or horror.
Together, these trails form the longest continuous network of hikes in the United States. Completing all three means over 7,900 miles of hiking, enough to circumnavigate the continental US.
Some hikers actually do it… just don’t expect your knees to be grateful.
Trans Canada Trail: Longest trail in the world
Let’s get to the big one. When it comes to official distance, the longest hike in the world is the Trans Canada Trail, also known as The Great Trail.
It stretches a mind-numbing 24,000 kilometers (over 14,900 miles).
Almost 15,000 miles of interconnected trails, greenways, waterways, and roads from the Atlantic to the Pacific and to the Arctic Ocean.
To be fair, not all sections are hikeable in the traditional sense. Parts of the trail are best tackled by bike, paddle, or snowshoe.
But for someone determined to walk it all, yes, it’s possible. Just not fast.
The first person to complete the whole thing on foot, Dianne Whelan, took six years. She wasn’t racing, as she was soaking it all in, but even moving fast, you'd need well over a year to hike it end-to-end.
You’ll pass through every type of environment Canada has to offer: prairie, tundra, boreal forest, coastal paths, and cities.
If you’re chasing the longest hiking trail in the world, this is it. Just be ready to commit. And pack for literally everything.
Te Araroa: Longest trail in New Zealand
New Zealand might look small on the map, but its Te Araroa Trail proves size isn’t everything when it comes to adventure. At 3,000 kilometers (about 1,864 miles), it’s New Zealand’s longest hike and stretches from Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island to Bluff at the southern tip of the South Island.
It cuts through everything that makes the country iconic: volcanic landscapes, farmland, native bush, dramatic coastline, and alpine mountain tracks. You’ll also pass through a lot of small towns and communities where resupplying becomes part of the rhythm.
Te Araroa translates to "The Long Path," and it lives up to the name. It’s relatively new as trails go (it officially opened in 2011), and though some sections use pre-existing routes, others have been specifically developed for long-distance hiking. Weather, like in much of New Zealand, can be unpredictable - so bring gear for all seasons even if you start in summer.
It’s challenging, but not as remote as some North American supertrails. You’ll meet other trampers (what New Zealanders call hikers), and you’ll come out with stories that sound made-up unless you’ve been there.
The Sentiero Italia: Supertrail through the Alps
Italy doesn’t always spring to mind when thinking about long-distance hikes, but the Sentiero Italia should. At over 7,000 kilometers (around 4,350 miles), it’s among the longest hiking trails in Europe. It links the Alps to the Apennines, weaving through all 20 of Italy’s regions. There’s Roman history, alpine villages, coastal views, and some seriously underappreciated mountains.
It’s not a polished trail like the AT or PCT. In many sections, you’ll need maps, GPS, and a bit of stubbornness. But if you want a long walk with a side of cheese, wine, and medieval ruins, this is probably the most culturally rich supertrail out there.
Other (very long) trails worth a look
There are other contenders for the longest hike in the world, depending on how you define “trail.”
The E1 European Long Distance Path runs from Norway to southern Italy, covering about 7,000 kilometers. The Hokkaido Nature Trail in Japan logs over 4,500 kilometers and passes through an island full of bears, volcanoes, and onsens (hot springs, for the uninitiated).
And there’s talk of a possible Pan-American Trail, a continuous footpath from the Arctic to the southern tip of South America.
Parts of it are hikeable already, but it’s more concept than marked trail. Still, there are people out there trying to piece it together, step by step.
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