If scenic drives don’t quench your thirst for adventure and if day hikes leave you longing for more, perhaps a long-distance backpacking trip is what you truly need to experience the great outdoors. Backpacking trips can last for a few days or even several months, with varying levels of intensity and a wide variety of challenges. They require both physical and mental preparation and training, but the overall experience is something that will last a lifetime.
Although long-distance hiking journeys are associated with some regions more than others, each one of the seven continents offers some amazing backpacking opportunities. Here are the best backpacking trips to add to your bucket list right now.
Appalachian Trail – Eastern United States
There are two hardcore backpacking trips in the U.S., and the one on the eastern side of the country is the Appalachian Trail. From north to south, this hiking trail passes through the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. Whether you start at the north end or the south end (which is the most popular route), the total trail length is approximately 2,193 miles and the average hiking time is five to seven months. Most hikers start at Springer Mountain in Georgia in the early spring and reach the endpoint in Maine by early October. Long-distance hikers will pass Civil War battle sites, small woodland animals, and quaint towns while traveling this route.
Pacific Crest Trail – Western United States
Head west across the United States to experience an entirely different coast and an entirely different hike. This route travels from Mexico to Canada, passing through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. It takes the average hiker over five months to complete this journey, which spans approximately 2,650 miles long. The best time to start this hike northbound is in mid-April, and in late-June to travel southbound. This is an amazing hike to experience canyons, national landmarks, and state and national parks in some of the most beautiful places in America.
Fitz Roy Trek – Patagonia, Argentina
Patagonia is already on the bucket list for most outdoor adventure seekers, but a journey along the Fitz Roy Trek makes a Patagonia experience just that much more memorable. The highest point on the trek is Lago del los Tres, which stands at an elevation of 2,900 feet, and the total trail is about 36 miles long. It takes most experienced hikers between five and seven days to complete the trek; however, there are plenty of ice fields and steep cliffs to provide dangerous obstacles. The best time to set out on this hike is February or March. Fortunately for long-distance trekkers, there are many places to camp along this route and even some local guide companies that accompany groups and solo travelers along the breathtaking cliffs and remote natural scenery that can only be experienced in this region.
GR-20 – Corsica, France
Corsica, France is one of the most unbelievable places to set out on a long-distance hike, and GR-20 is the most classic hike in the region. GR is an abbreviation for Grande Randonnée, which translates to “great trek,” which this most certainly is! This hike reaches a max elevation of 7,300 feet, and the total trail distance is 112 miles. This is an extremely difficult hike that takes most experienced hikers at least 15 days to complete. Set out on this hike in either late-June or early-September and be prepared for diverse terrain, including forests, lakes, snowy peaks, and craters.
Simien Mountains – Highlands of Ethiopia
Africa might not be the first place that comes to mind when adding long-distance treks to your bucket list, but there are some unbelievable hikes here that are definitely worth mentioning. One such trek extends through the Simien Mountains and the highlands of Ethiopia, spanning 83 miles and lasting about 10 days. This trek is marked by boulders, foliage, and gorges and is best hiked between the months of September and March. This hike is a great way to experience Ethiopia’s national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a unique and respectful way. It is possible to see different kinds of primates in their native habitat on this hike; however, most hikers choose to hire a guide for safety reasons.
North Drakensberg Traverse – South Africa
Another great hike in Africa is the North Drakensberg Travers, which spans 40 miles across South Africa. It takes most experienced hikers about five or six days to complete this journey, and the best time to do it is in March, April, or May. This hike is a great way to see the KwaZulu-Natal escarpment, the Mnweni Cutback, and Cannibal Cave. It’s a mostly backcountry-style hike with very few marked trails and plenty of wilderness to explore. The ascent to Cathedral Peak and the chain-ladder climb to the amphitheater are also highlights of this wilderness adventure.
Snowman Trek – Bhutan
The mystical land of Bhutan offers one of the most iconic long-distance hikes: the Snowman Trek. It got its name from the abundance of snow, ice, and rock that cover the surface of the terrain and make trekking very difficult. The months of October and April are most ideal for this trek, which spans over 200 miles and takes at least 25 days to complete. Since the country requires visitors to pay hefty fees to enter its borders, this trek can take its toll on your wallet, and less than half of people who attempt the trail actually complete it. Then again, all of this adds to the mystery and intrigue of this amazing journey!
Overland Track – Tasmania, Australia
Australia has several well-defined treks, and one of the best is the Overland Track on the island state of Tasmania, just south of the Australian mainland. This hiking trail extends for about 40 miles and has an elevation gain from 2,360 feet to 4,100 feet. The best time to hike this route is between November and April, and the entire trail takes most hikers about six days to complete. This is a wonderful way to see the mountains of Australia between Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair. To make the route even more challenging, many hikers choose to do one of several side trips to explore surrounding areas and stay overnight at huts along the way.
Shackleton's Route – South Georgia Island, Antarctica
For many hardcore trekkers, Antarctica is the last and ultimate frontier. Shackleton’s Route was named for the early 1900s explorer, Ernest Shackleton, who got stranded in South Georgia and used this route to find his way home. The only safe way to attempt this intense ice and glacier trek is to hire an experienced guide who knows the area well. Consider hiking this route to see rare Antarctic wildlife species, including penguins, elephant seals, and albatross.
