There’s something undeniably powerful about setting out on a journey where the only thing ahead is miles of untamed wilderness, rugged trails, and the promise of the unknown.
The world is full of places that can change you, trails that push your limits, reward you with jaw-dropping beauty, and leave you with stories etched into your soul.
Whether you crave snow-capped peaks, misty forests, or windswept valleys, this list is for the dreamers, the wanderers, the ones who long for more than just a vacation—an adventure. Ready to discover the ultimate multi-day hikes for 2025? Let’s dive in.
1. Pacific Crest Trail (USA)
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is the ultimate dream for any long-distance hiker. Stretching 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, this legendary trek takes you through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the United States. Imagine hiking through the sun-scorched Mojave Desert, past towering Sierra Nevada peaks, and deep into the lush forests of Washington State—each section of the trail offers a completely different experience.
What makes the PCT special is the sheer variety of terrain and the community around it. You’ll meet fellow thru-hikers, lovingly called “trail family,” who share the same goal of making it to the Canadian border. But make no mistake—this hike is brutally challenging. Months of carrying your life on your back, dodging wildfires, and rationing water in the desert test even the most seasoned hikers. Yet, for those who persevere, the sense of accomplishment is unmatched.
If you’re not ready for the full PCT, you can tackle sections like the John Muir Trail, a stunning 211-mile stretch that showcases the best of the High Sierra. Whether you’re in it for a few weeks or the full five-month grind, the Pacific Crest Trail is an adventure of a lifetime.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 2,650 miles
- Time to Complete: 4-6 months
- Best Months to Visit: April – September
- Difficulty: Extremely Challenging (Requires serious preparation)
- Permit Required? Yes, long-distance permits are needed
- Highlights: Sierra Nevada, Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, and Northern Cascades
2. Appalachian Trail (USA)
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is often the first big thru-hike people dream of tackling. Running 2,194 miles from Georgia to Maine, this epic journey cuts through 14 states and offers an immersive, rugged, and deeply rewarding experience.
Unlike the PCT, which has long stretches of wilderness, the AT is rich with history and culture. You’ll hike through old Civil War battlefields, charming small towns, and forests that feel like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. But don’t let the East Coast’s rolling hills fool you—the AT is tough. The trail is often steep, rocky, and unforgiving, with sections like the White Mountains of New Hampshire or Mahoosuc Notch in Maine pushing hikers to their limits.
What makes the AT unique is the community. You’ll meet fellow hikers, be welcomed into “trail towns” with open arms, and experience the legendary trail magic—random acts of kindness from strangers who help hikers along their journey. Whether you’re thru-hiking or section hiking, the Appalachian Trail is a challenge that will change you forever.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 2,194 miles
- Time to Complete: 5-7 months
- Best Months to Visit: March – October
- Difficulty: Very Challenging
- Permit Required? No, but some sections require camping permits
- Highlights: Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, White Mountains, and Katahdin
3. Te Araroa Trail (New Zealand)
If you’ve ever wanted to hike an entire country, the Te Araroa Trail is for you. Running 1,864 miles (3,000 km) from the northern tip of New Zealand to the southernmost point, this hike is pure magic. From lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes to golden beaches and glacier-carved valleys, the scenery changes every single day.
The best part? You get to experience New Zealand’s unique culture and warm hospitality. The trail passes through small Maori villages, charming towns, and untouched wilderness. Hikers often talk about the incredible kindness of Kiwis, who offer food, rides, and even a place to stay for the night.
Unlike the PCT or AT, which are remote wilderness hikes, Te Araroa requires some road walking and river crossings, making it a wild mix of terrain. But for those who crave variety, cultural immersion, and jaw-dropping scenery, this is one of the most rewarding hikes in the world.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 1,864 miles (3,000 km)
- Time to Complete: 4-6 months
- Best Months to Visit: October – April
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Permit Required? No, but some areas require bookings
- Highlights: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Nelson Lakes, Queen Charlotte Track, and the Southern Alps
4. Torres del Paine O Circuit (Chile)
Patagonia is a name that instantly sparks adventure, and the Torres del Paine Circuit is its crown jewel. Unlike the famous W Trek, which is a shorter version, the O Circuit is a full-circle route that takes you deeper into the wild side of Patagonia.
Over 8-10 days, you’ll hike past turquoise lakes, massive glaciers, and towering granite peaks that look straight out of a fantasy novel. The sunrise at the Torres del Paine towers is a sight that will stay with you forever. But Patagonia is also unpredictable—expect crazy wind, sudden snow, and fast-changing weather.
Despite the challenges, this trek is pure magic. It’s one of the best ways to experience the untouched beauty of Patagonia while escaping the crowds of the W Trek. If you’ve ever dreamed of a rugged, remote, and awe-inspiring hike, this one belongs at the top of your list.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
- Time to Complete: 8-10 days
- Best Months to Visit: December – March
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Permit Required? Yes, camping spots must be booked in advance
- Highlights: The Torres towers at sunrise, Grey Glacier, and the John Gardner Pass
5. Continental Divide Trail (USA)
For those who think the PCT and AT are too easy, there’s the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)—arguably the wildest, most remote, and most demanding thru-hike in the U.S. Stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, the CDT follows the Rocky Mountains, cutting through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.
This trail is not fully marked, meaning navigation skills are crucial. You’ll face grueling climbs, extreme weather, and long water carries in the desert, but in return, you get some of the most breathtaking wilderness left in America. The Wind River Range, Glacier National Park, and Colorado’s San Juan Mountains are just a few highlights.
Only a few hundred hikers complete this trail each year—it’s that tough. But for those looking for the ultimate test of endurance, solitude, and wilderness adventure, the CDT is the holy grail of thru-hiking.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 3,100 miles
- Time to Complete: 5-7 months
- Best Months to Visit: April – October
- Difficulty: Extremely Challenging
- Permit Required? Yes, for some sections
- Highlights: Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and the Wind River Range
6. Alta Via 1 (Italy)
If you love alpine scenery, dramatic limestone peaks, and charming Italian mountain huts, then Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites is for you. This 75-mile trek through the Italian Alps is one of the most stunning and accessible thru-hikes in Europe, perfect for hikers who want big views without crazy technical challenges.
The trail takes you through UNESCO-listed landscapes with breathtaking cliffs, turquoise lakes, and flower-filled meadows at every turn. You’ll stay in comfortable mountain refugios, where you can enjoy hearty Italian meals and a warm bed—a luxury compared to tent camping on other long trails. The terrain is a mix of steep ascents, rocky paths, and rolling ridges, keeping things challenging but not overwhelming.
For those who dream of hiking in the Alps but don’t want to commit to the longer, more rugged treks like the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Alta Via 1 is the perfect choice. Every day feels like a new postcard-worthy scene, and the blend of adventure and Italian hospitality makes this one unforgettable.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 75 miles (120 km)
- Time to Complete: 8-12 days
- Best Months to Visit: July – September
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Permit Required? No, but mountain hut reservations are essential
- Highlights: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Cinque Torri, and charming alpine huts
7. John Muir Trail (USA)
The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a 211-mile stretch of pure Sierra Nevada magic. Often considered the most beautiful section of the Pacific Crest Trail, this hike takes you through Yosemite National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
The best part? The entire trail is above 8,000 feet, meaning incredible mountain views every single day. You’ll pass through sparkling alpine lakes, towering granite cliffs, and remote backcountry landscapes that feel straight out of a dream. The final climb up Mount Whitney (14,505 feet)—the highest peak in the lower 48 states—is an epic finale to the journey.
The JMT is perfect for hikers who want a wilderness experience without the massive time commitment of the full PCT or CDT. It’s tough, remote, and requires solid backpacking skills, but the rewards. Worth it.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 211 miles
- Time to Complete: 2-4 weeks
- Best Months to Visit: July – September
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Permit Required? Yes, and they are highly competitive
- Highlights: Yosemite Valley, Thousand Island Lake, Evolution Basin, and Mount Whitney
8. Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
If you want to hike on another planet without leaving Earth, Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail is calling your name. This 34-mile trek takes you through volcanic landscapes, steaming hot springs, neon green valleys, and black sand deserts, making it one of the most surreal and unique thru-hikes in the world.
Starting in the geothermal wonderland of Landmannalaugar, the trail winds through colorful rhyolite mountains, bubbling mud pools, and glacier-carved valleys before ending at Þórsmörk, a lush valley framed by glaciers and rugged peaks. The contrast of fire and ice is simply breathtaking.
Despite its short distance, the Laugavegur Trail can be tough due to Iceland’s wild weather—expect high winds, rain, and unpredictable conditions. But if you’re ready for an adventure in one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth, this trek is unmissable.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 34 miles (55 km)
- Time to Complete: 4-5 days
- Best Months to Visit: June – September
- Difficulty: Moderate (but unpredictable weather can make it tough)
- Permit Required? No, but camping/hut reservations are recommended
- Highlights: Landmannalaugar, Álftavatn Lake, Emstrur, Þórsmörk
9. West Highland Way (Scotland)
The West Highland Way (WHW) is Scotland’s most famous long-distance hike, and for good reason. This 96-mile trek from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William takes you through the rugged and breathtaking Scottish Highlands, past misty lochs, rolling moors, and historic battle sites.
The WHW is perfect for those who want a scenic but manageable thru-hike. Unlike the remote wilderness of the CDT or PCT, the WHW has plenty of small villages along the way, meaning you don’t have to carry a ton of food or gear. You can stay in B&Bs, inns, or a camp, making it one of the most accessible multi-day hikes in Europe.
The scenery is stunning, with highlights like Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and the Devil’s Staircase. And the best part? A pint of beer in Fort William at the end feels like the best drink of your life.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 96 miles (154 km)
- Time to Complete: 6-8 days
- Best Months to Visit: May – September
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Permit Required? No, but camping restrictions apply in certain areas
- Highlights: Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Rannoch Moor, and Ben Nevis
10. Overland Track (Australia)
If you’re looking for a wild and remote hike in Australia, the Overland Track is a must. This 40-mile trail through Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is a mix of ancient rainforests, alpine plains, dramatic peaks, and pristine lakes.
What makes the Overland Track so special is the diversity of ecosystems. You’ll hike through button grass plains, deep valleys, and eerie myrtle forests, all while spotting wombats, echidnas, and maybe even a Tasmanian devil. Side trips, like the climb to Cradle Mountain or Mount Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak), make this trek even more exciting.
The well-maintained huts along the way provide some comfort, and the trail’s strict permit system ensures that it never gets too crowded. If you want a thru-hike that’s wild but not overwhelming, this one is pure Aussie adventure.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 40 miles (65 km)
- Time to Complete: 5-7 days
- Best Months to Visit: November – April
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Permit Required? Yes, and it must be booked in advance
- Highlights: Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff, Lake St Clair, Mount Ossa
11. Kungsleden Trail (Sweden)
There’s something almost mythical about Sweden’s Kungsleden Trail—a route that winds through the Arctic Circle, untouched wilderness, and some of Europe’s last great frontiers. Stretching 270 miles (440 km) across Sweden’s Lapland, this trek takes you through dramatic mountain valleys, sparkling glacial rivers, and vast tundra landscapes that seem to stretch endlessly.
Unlike many rugged, high-altitude hikes, the Kungsleden is gentle in elevation but still full of challenges—especially if you take on the full trail instead of the popular northern section. One of the best things about this trek? Swedish mountain huts. Every 10-15 miles, there’s a cozy place to rest, meaning you can hike with a lighter pack while still enjoying the solitude of the wild.
And then there’s the magic of the Arctic. If you hike in late August or September, you might catch the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. In summer, the Midnight Sun means nearly 24 hours of daylight, making for long, dreamy hiking days. Whether you go for a short section or the full traverse, Kungsleden is a journey into nature at its purest.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 270 miles (440 km)
- Time to Complete: 3-5 weeks for the full trail (or 7-10 days for the popular northern section)
- Best Months to Visit: Late June – September
- Difficulty: Moderate (Easy terrain but remote and weather-dependent)
- Permit Required? No, but hut stays should be booked in advance
- Highlights: Kebnekaise (Sweden’s highest peak), Abisko National Park, Sarek National Park, and the Arctic wilderness
12. GR20 (Corsica, France)
For those who want a thrilling, high-alpine adventure, the GR20 in Corsica is widely considered Europe’s toughest long-distance trek—and one of the most breathtaking. Spanning 112 miles (180 km) from the north to the south of the island, this route is a rollercoaster of jagged ridgelines, deep gorges, and wild mountain plateaus.
The GR20 isn’t for the faint of heart. Unlike the rolling hills of the West Highland Way or the gentle tundra of Kungsleden, this trek is steep, exposed, and physically demanding. You’ll climb nearly 40,000 feet of elevation, scrambling over boulders, crossing rope bridges, and navigating rugged trails that test even experienced hikers. But the reward? Mind-blowing Mediterranean views, stunning alpine lakes, and a sense of accomplishment like no other.
While mountain refuges offer basic accommodation along the way, this is not a hike of luxury—you’ll be roughing it through Corsica’s raw wilderness. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the GR20 is a trek that delivers both adrenaline and awe in equal measure.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 112 miles (180 km)
- Time to Complete: 12-15 days
- Best Months to Visit: June – September
- Difficulty: Extremely Challenging (Steep, technical, and physically demanding)
- Permit Required? No, but hut reservations are recommended
- Highlights: Cirque de la Solitude, Monte Cinto (Corsica’s highest peak), Lac de Capitello, and panoramic coastal views
