Off the Beaten Path Archives - The Backpacking Site

The Best Long Distance Hikes in Ireland

Are you planning a trip to Ireland in the near future? If so, you should consider adding one of the many long-distance hikes in Ireland to your bucket list.

The best time to go hiking in Ireland is between May and October, as temperatures are slightly warmer, and you can enjoy pleasant weather during your hike. However, it’s important that you pack the right gear, should random rainfall occur.

Many of the long-distance backpacking trails in Ireland will allow you to enjoy Ireland off the beaten path. During a hike, you may come across quaint villages which are definitely not on the average tourist’s radar.

To ensure you have a great hiking experience in Ireland, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has an extensive list of the best trails for hiking in Ireland, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

There is a wide range of long-distance hikes in Ireland, where you can either camp along the way or find accommodation in the middle of your chosen route. As there are so many long-distance hiking trails to select from in Ireland, we have narrowed down some of the best treks available to explore.

1. Kerry Way (214 km)

Torc Waterfall which stands at the base of Torc Mountain within the Killarney National Park.

Torc Waterfall in the Killarney National Park

Kerry Way is one of the longest signposted hiking trails in Ireland which begins and ends in Killarney, a popular coastal town in the Republic of Ireland. Killarney is known for its brightly coloured 19th-century architecture, including St Mary’s Cathedral.

This hiking trail is a circular route that typically takes around 7 to 10 days to complete. Despite the length of the hike, it is a fairly easy route that is accessible to all levels. Although the terrain does differ, with everything from sturdy tarmac roads to boggy national parkland and farm areas.

Along the way, you will discover interesting castle ruins and ancient Celtic monuments, as well as stunning mountain landscapes. At the start of the hike, you can also enjoy the beautiful Torc Waterfall, which stands at the base of Torc Mountain within the Killarney National Park.

2. The Wicklow Way (128 km)

Wicklow Mountains National Park along the Wicklow Way - one of the best long distance hikes in Ireland

The J. B. Malone memorial above Lough Tay in the Wicklow Mountains National Park

The Wicklow Way is one of the most challenging backpacking trails in Ireland. The trail takes around 7 days in total, starting in the Dublin suburb of Rathfarnham and crossing 26 peaks throughout Dublin and the Wicklow mountains. The hiking trail ends in the small village of Clonegal in County Carlow.

The most popular route along the Wicklow Way is the north to south route, however, you can also take the south to the north route if you wish to start on low terrain and work your way up.

Whatever route you take, you will be able to enjoy a wide range of sights including Marlay Park, Fairy Castle, the Powerscourt waterfall, the peaks of Djouce, and more.

3. The Irish segment of the E8 Long Distance Trail (650 km)

Walk the start of the E8 Long-Distance Trail - one of the best long distance hikes in Ireland

Walk the westernmost portion of the E8 Long-Distance Trail in Ireland

The E8 trail was established as Europe’s first long-distance hike, and it starts in Ireland in Cork’s Dursey Island – the westernmost tip of Europe. The whole trail stretches to Istanbul, Turkey, although the Irish section begins at Dursey Island and ends in Dublin City.

Part of the route overlaps with some of the best long-distance hikes in Ireland including the Wicklow Way, the Kerry Way, the South Leinster Way, and the Blackwater Way.

The Irish segment of the E8 trail goes from coast to coast and allows you to see all of rural Ireland including the bogs, mountains, windy country roads, old castles, and even ancient burial sites.

4. Dingle Way (183 km)

Cliffs along the Dingle Way towards Slea Head

Ireland’s Dingle Way is a circular backpacking trail that covers the Dingle Peninsula and takes around 6 to 8 days to complete. This is an easy to moderate walk with well-maintained terrain throughout.

The Dingle Way starts and ends in Tralee, in the South-west county of Kerry. Tralee is known for its yearly Rose of Tralee International Festival, which is held every August. This is a contest that celebrates Irish women all over the world.

The Dingle Way offers stunning views of beautiful beaches, lively towns, and mountains. When you get to the foot of Mount Bradon, the difficulty of the trail increases, however, it’s nothing the average hiker can’t handle.

5. The Beara Way (206 km)

Beara Peninsula countryside on the Beara Way

The Beara Way is a circular long-distance hike in Ireland that begins and ends in Glengarriff, a tiny village in the Beara Peninsula of County Cork. It takes about 8 to 12 days to complete the entire backpacking trail, however, you can start the hike at various points.

Most of the backpacking trail is dry, there are parts of the walk that are boggy, so it’s advised that you bring waterproof shoes. There are also various steep climbs and rough terrain, so it’s important you stay focused while you walk.

During the walk, you will come across spectacular Atlantic views, as well as plenty of wild mountainous land. You will also have the pleasure of visiting Bere Island during the trail, where you will find historic military buildings, plenty of heritage, and even the opportunity to go whale watching.

The collection of long-distance hikes in Ireland does not stop here, as there are plenty more backpacking trails and sights to explore on The Emerald Isle.

For more facts on travel in Ireland, take a look at our Backpacking Ireland guide, which uncovers everything you need to know about Ireland including where to stay. It also discusses things to do while you are there, as well as Republic of Ireland visa requirements and work permit information.

May 2, 2025

10 Best Things To Do In El Gouna, Egypt

Off the Beaten Path

Despite being a relatively small resort on the Red Sea, El Gouna still impresses travelers everywhere with its never-ending list of attractions. And, if you live in, or near, Egypt, and want to escape the COVID-19 pandemic mess for a while, then try out some (or all) of these 10 fun things to do in El Gouna this summer season.

1. Visit The Tamr Henna Square

“The Tamr Henna Square is located in the heart of Downtown El Gouna,” says Sophie Hanson, a travel writer at OXEssays and Essay Help. “This popular square is not only lined with palm trees, but also has a wide array of shops and cafes with outside seating. Whether you’re there just to chill out to kill time, or looking for a great souvenir to take back home with you, you’ll have a great time at Tamr Henna.”

2. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a fun way to explore the shallow reefs, deep walls, and a shipwreck here and there and is one of the best things to do in El Gouna. And as you dive, chances are, you’ll spot the local residents of the sea: leopard sharks, turtles, dolphins, and tuna.

Although scuba diving takes skill, interested parties can take lessons to become a PADI-qualified diver. Or, divers can opt for renting a snorkel and mask from the local beach store.

3. Spa Treatment

Need a break? Try the Thai-themed Angsana Spa at the Movenpick Resort!

Having expert staff, as well as soothing massage sessions, you’ll be able to de-stress for 90 minutes and enjoy every single minute of it.

4. Horseback Riding

Wouldn’t it be cool to ride off into the sunset on a horse? Now, you can!

Anyone of any skillset can ride on a horse. For novice riders, they’ll be assigned a guide who will hold the reins, while training the rider for most of the trek. By taking the back roads out of El Gouna, and riding through remote beaches, riders will enjoy the trip on horseback.

5. Stand Up Paddling (SUP)

When stand up paddling (or SUP, for short), you have to actually stand on the board, in order to make it work. Plus, you’ll be working on shallow water, as you paddle. However, it’s still a fun experience, regardless of skillset. Think of it as a suitable intro to surfing. Once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to get off the board!

SUP is not only an activity that can be mastered with practice, but is also a great workout for your arms, core, and abs.

6. Golfing

Golfers of all ages can take advantage of the stunning golf courses in El Gouna. From simple putting to hitting at long-range – expert or novice – El Gouna is just the place for you to get away from the busy streets, and enjoy some peace and quiet on the green.

7. Aquarium

What’s not to like about sea life? El Gouna has a small aquarium, where you’ll see lots of sea life up close without getting wet. Simply walk around, and look at these creatures live there, and then learn more about them and their habitat.

8. Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is similar to SUP; however, instead of paddling to move the board, you hold onto a kite, and let the wind do the rest! As you explore the remote beaches in El Gouna by kitesurfing, you’ll take in the beautiful sights of the ocean and the brilliant sunshine.

Of course, El Gouna offers lessons in kitesurfing. Or, if you prefer, you can always watch kitesurfers at a safe distance.

9. Ride A Segway

Want to practice balancing – but NOT in the water? And, would you rather be window-shopping than being in the water? Then look to riding a Segway.

Segway tours are one of the most popular things to do in El Gouna, and there is almost no shortage of Segways for visitors and tourists to zoom around town on – from off-road areas, to over roads, to around the marina.

10. Organic Farm

“Believe it or not, El Gouna holds the prestigious title of being Egypt’s most environmentally-friendly travel destination,” says Louis Dixon, a lifestyle blogger at Paper Fellows and Boom Essays. “Therefore, they don’t tolerate any littering, and or harming plants.”

In addition, fresh organic produce is sold in the farm’s shop.

Conclusion

So, whether you’re looking for adventure, searching for the best souvenir in Egypt, or want to get away from today’s hard times for a while, then El Gouna is your go-to destination! With countless things to do in El Gouna – especially these 10 described above – you’ll have fun at this resort on the Red Sea! And if you’re planning a longer trip in Egypt, be sure to check out our Egypt Backpacking Guide for helpful tips!

May 2, 2025

The Best Hikes in Seoraksan National Park

Off the Beaten Path

Seoraksan National Park in Korea is one of the most impressive sites to visit, both for its nature and its hiking possibilities. Considered the best national park in Korea by many, there are a range of trail options from beginning to advanced. Keep reading to learn all about the best hiking trails in Seoraksan National Park.

To ensure you have a great hiking experience in Seoraksan National Park, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has an extensive list of the best trails for hiking in South Korea, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

While it’s possible to explore the National Park on your own, if you’re interested in booking a private tour and hiking guide, there are plenty of options on Viator.

Gwongeumseong Fortress Trail: The Easiest Hiking Trail in Seoraksan

Exploring the summit of Gwongeumseong Fortress Trail in Seoraksan National Park

The name of this place and trail is confusing – there is no actual fortress. The rocks along the Gwongeumseong Fortress Trail themselves are meant to create the image of a fortress. And it certainly is beautiful!

You can get a view of Ulsanbawi (the most famous ridgeline consisting of 6 peaks in the park) in the distance from this trail.

Gwongeumseong is part of a 1.5 km path (one-way) which you can take the cable car up to or down from. This makes it a very flexible option and great for families with small children which might have just begun learning to hike. It’s considered the easiest hiking trail in Seoraksan National Park and should be fairly easy for most hikers.

From the top, there are also views of Sokcho, a beachside vacation city that’s a great place to base your trip out of.

Biryong Falls Trail

Biryong Falls at the end of the hike in Seoraksan

Biryong Falls at the end of the famous hike in Seoraksan National Park

Difficulty: A Small Challenge

So, I would not say these are the most impressive waterfalls in Korea. However, if you are used to the typical Korean hike, then these falls suddenly become very impressive indeed. When hiking in Korea, you’re not often faced with a big reward at all at the end of your giant trek (simply more trees)!

Luckily, the Seoraksan National Park hiking trails all feature great views and experiences.

Even if the falls are not necessarily Instagram-worthy, the journey to them is absolutely beautiful. Your value for views is maxed out on the Biryong Falls trail, especially if you can visit during the autumn season.

Do note, the end of the trail is technically Towangsang Falls Observatory (expect an additional 600 stairs beyond the falls to get here).

The Biryong Falls Trail is a 2.9 mile in & out path. For someone fairly new to hiking in Korea, this trail should be a small challenge, but for the experienced individual, it will be a simple walk in the park.

Ulsanbawi Trail: The Most Popular Hike in Seoraksan National Park

Exploring the 6 granite peaks of Seoraksan on the Ulsanbawi Trail

Exploring the 6 granite peaks of Seoraksan National Park on the Ulsanbawi Trail

If you want to see the iconic 6 granite peaks of Seoraksan National Park, the Ulsanbawi Trail is the path to take. Even though it is the most popular hiking trail in Seoraksan National Park, it is one of the more difficult ones. It’s essentially all stairs.

The beginning will take you through easy wooded paths and over beautifully carved bridges. You will pass some small temples and shrines along the way. Once you reach Heundeulbawi, with a view of the iconic Ulsanbawi, your real challenge begins.

Make sure you are wearing shoes that have good grip, the stairs are made of a variety of materials (uneven stone or slippery metal). However, the stunning views of the countryside once you complete the 3.8 km – one-way – will have been worth the effort!

This hiking trail in Korea is challenging, and you can expect it to take around 4+ hours to complete. There will be many others on the same path, so if you are expecting peace and quiet, then the Ulsanbawi Trail is not the trail for you.

Daeseung Waterfall Trail

Difficulty: Challenging

If you want to hear rushing water while you hike, the Daeseung Waterfall Trail is a fantastic option. Daeseung Waterfall is the third-biggest waterfall in Korea, so it’s certainly a step up from the Biryong trail.

It is important to note that the waterfall is not always impressive due to its dependence on seasonal rainfall. Make sure you check whether the hike will be worth it before going, or make sure you’re going during or just after the rainy season.

An absolutely stunning place to hike, the Daeseung Waterfall Trail was a favorite of Korean kings throughout history. Getting there, however, is going to be a challenge. The path is very steep and can take the average hiker around 6 hours.

It’s an 11.3 km round-trip and not recommended for beginners. It’s important to note that Korea is over 85% mountainous, so if Koreans consider something to be difficult to climb – it really is! But the path will go by fascinating rock formations, burbling streams, and lingering ponds, making it well worth the effort.

Daecheongbong: The Highest Peak in Seoraksan National Park

View over the landscape from Daecheongbong

Difficulty: Incredibly Challenging (Consider turning it into a multi-day hike)

If you like heights, consider giving the tallest point in Seoraksan National Park a try. It’s also the 7th highest peak in South Korea, so if you’re planning to tackle more, then this is a good warm-up. There is a shelter to stay in overnight called the Heeungak shelter.

This is the only multi-day hike option in Seoraksan National Park, but it can be done in one day if you are highly experienced. Since it can be a more challenging hike, it might be worth booking a tour with a mountaineering guide.

And those are the best hiking trails in Seoraksan National Park that you should consider on your next vacation in South Korea! Interested in living or working in South Korea? Check out my post on Why Teaching English in South Korea is a great opportunity!

The Best Hikes in Seoraksan National Park in Korea

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May 1, 2025

Hidden Gems in Munich Off the Beaten Path

Off the Beaten Path

When planning a trip to Munich, there are the obvious famous spots, like the Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall, Marienplatz, or the vast English Garden. But if you’re looking for something more off the beaten path, there are plenty of hidden gems in Munich!

I have lived in Munich for four years, and have grown to love it. The city checks a lot of boxes: lots of nature, charming neighborhoods, and a great selection of cultural events year-round. Discover what makes Munich so great with this list of my favorite places in Munich off the beaten path.

The Seehaus Biergarten

The Seehaus Biergarten, my favorite Biergarten hidden gem in Munich!

Munich is well known for its Biergarten culture, and you’ll find them scattered throughout the city. But my favorite Biergarten is in the middle of the English Garden next to the Seehaus. From the Biergarten tables, you have a beautiful view over a small lake and into the dense green that makes the English Garden an oasis in the middle of the city.

Not only is the scenery unbeatable, but they serve a variety of classic Biergarten food, including Hax’n and Steckerlfisch. And of course, you can pick up a fresh beer right from the tap. Or, if you’ve had your fill of beer, they have an area where you can enjoy cocktails and wine under the Linden trees.

Gärtnerplatz

Hang out at Gärtnerplatz while exploring Munich off the beaten path in the alternative Glockenbachviertel

Nestled between the Viktualienmarkt and the Isar River is the neighborhood known as Glockenbachviertel. While Munich has a reputation for being conservative, Glockenbach is a welcoming and lively neighborhood full of hidden gems in Munich.

Here you can find swanky cocktail bars, grungy dive bars, and hip boutiques. The center of Glockenbachviertel is the circular Gärtnerplatz – grab a drink at a nearby kiosk and hang out with the locals.

Gans Woanders

Even from the funky exterior, it’s clear that Gans Woanders is one of the best hidden gems in Munich. Its name is a play on words from the phrase ‘Ganz woanders’ (somewhere else) but with a twist of using the German word ‘Gans’ which means goose.

A whimsical building houses a unique space that serves as a café during the day and a bar at night. It’s a great place if you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Munich and are looking for something different from the typical beer halls and Bavarian food.

Rosengarten

$Just a small fraction of the many roses you'll see at the stunning Rose Garden$

Just a small fraction of the many roses you’ll see at the stunning Rose Garden

I lived in this city for 3 years before discovering the beautiful rose garden. In fact, my first visit there prompted me to write this article about the best hidden gems in Munich!

Located near the Isar river, this manicured garden offers a great place to take a stroll and relax. There are plenty of lounge chairs and hundreds of blooming plants. After enjoying the Rosengarten, you can walk along the banks of the Isar river, where the locals love to take a dip in summer.

Neues Schloss Schleissheim

Venture to the north of Munich to explore Neues Schloss Schleissheim

Inspired by Versailles, and serving as a summer residence to the Wittelsbacher royals, the Neues Schloss Schleissheim castle is well worth a visit! It’s a little outside the center of Munich, well off the beaten path. The castle features Baroque architecture at its finest and is surrounded by spectacular gardens. I’m surprised this place isn’t more famous – it took 3 years of living here before I even heard about it!

View of the Glockenspiel from Galeria Kaufhof

While the Marienplatz Glockenspiel is arguably the #1 tourist attraction of Munich, there is a viewpoint over the famous square that is a true hidden gem. The café in Galeria Kaufhof overlooks the square and gives you a perfect view of the famous Glockenspiel.

Grab a front-row seat to Munich’s most famous attraction without dealing with the crowds. Side note – if you happen to be in Munich during a heatwave, the Galeria Kaufhof is one of the few places in the city that has coveted air conditioning!

Alte Utting

The Alte Utting boat sits atop a bridge and functions as a restaurant and bar

A scene that looks like it belongs in the more edgy Berlin, Alte Utting is one of the best hidden gems in Munich and my favorite place to take out-of-town guests. It’s an old ship that has been elevated onto an old set of railway tracks, a cool place to grab a drink with friends.

The Lost Weekend

The Lost Weekend is a café and event space in the middle of the student district. It serves great coffee and snacks, and will occasionally have a book reading or poetry slam. Check the schedule of events to see if something sparks your interest.

The Jaded Monkey

With a prominent beer culture, it’s no wonder that great cocktail bars in Munich are few and far between. But there are some great hidden gems, like the Jaded Monkey. Serving up inventive cocktails in a swanky setting reminiscent of a New York bar, you’ll love getting a little more off the beaten path while visiting Munich.

Café im Vorhoelzer Forum

Café im Vorhoelzer Forum – Munich’s best rooftop hang out

As a university town, Munich is full of great restaurants and bars that cater to the student crowd. This rooftop bar is a true hidden gem in Munich because it’s hard to find!

Located atop one of the University buildings, you’ll need to find your way to a back elevator. Once you emerge on the top floor, you’ll find one of the best views in Munich. On a clear day, you’ll even catch a view of the Alps!

Note: Café in Vorhoelzer Forum closed during the pandemic and re-opening is TBD. In the meantime, you can still access the rooftop and BYOB to enjoy a drink with one of the best views in Munich.

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April 19, 2025

How to Train for a Thru Hike: A Beginner’s Guide

Off the Beaten Path

Are you ready to embark on the challenge of hiking the Appalachian Trail, or want to know how to prepare for hiking up Kilimanjaro? In this article, we will talk about fitness tips, gear recommendations and more information for how to train for a thru hike for beginners.

What Is Thru-Hiking?

Thru hiking is hiking an established long-distance trail end to end within one hiking season. The term thru hike can also be used more generally to refer to any hiking trip where you are carrying your own gear on your back for overnight trips. In comparison with camping, you’ll be using the power of your own legs to arrive at your destination, and often with a large backpack in tow.

On a thru hike, you will usually go for multiple nights in a row, and you will have to bring everything with you: your shelter, clothing, food, and cooking equipment.

Thru-hiking is an amazing experience. It will allow you to test your limits and challenge yourself in ways that might surprise you. You may be hiking for days or weeks on end, and you will need to stay focused. It is also important that you take the proper safety precautions and prepare yourself physically and mentally.

How to Physically Train for a Thru Hike if You’re a Beginner

There are a few hiking fitness tips that can help you train for your first-time thru hike. On a typical thru-hike, you’ll be hiking for at least 5 days in a row, so you will need to build up some stamina in order to get to the appropriate fitness level.

Focus on Overall Fitness

Taking part in various forms of aerobic fitness like cycling, swimming, running and group fitness classes will not only give you a solid aerobic base, but will also help you gain confidence and momentum as well.

Targeted Exercises to Train for A Thru Hike

In addition to overall physical fitness, there are certain muscle groups that you should train before embarking on a long hike. Large muscle groups like your quads, glutes, and core will need to be in tip-top shape to ensure you have the endurance and condition for your long hike. The most efficient way to train a muscle group is through resistance training, but luckily most of the reps can be done with minimal equipment. The Thru Hikers Workout from REI gives some good exercises that can help beginners get in shape for your thru hike.

Start with Short Hikes

To start out, you should try going for shorter hikes in order to see if this is the hobby for you. Gradually add more and more distance until you work your way up to the typical distance covered on a thru-hike.

Hike with your Pack

Eventually, you’ll want to try hiking with a pack on in order to train your body for the extra weight. As much as you can, you should simulate the true conditions for your hike, which means either hiking with your full pack of gear, or adding weights to your pack.

Prepare for diverse scenarios

You should also practice hiking in different weather conditions to test out your gear and your pack set-up. You want to make sure that you’re prepared for the worst case scenario, so try hiking when it’s raining or snowing. If your pack starts getting wet, take out everything and stuff it into dry bags (waterproof bags). Practice what you would do if you get caught in a sudden rain storm, or if the weather suddenly becomes much colder.

Safety Precautions for Beginner Thru Hikers

There are certain safety precautions you should take if you’re a beginner to thru hiking. You should always have an emergency first aid kit with you. You should tell someone where your hiking trail is, and when to expect you back.

The Best Gear for Thru Hiking

As a beginner, part of how to train for a thru hike means preparing your gear ahead of time. Make sure you have all of the hiking essentials so that you are safe on the trail, and so that your hiking experience is enjoyable.

When thru hiking, you will need to be hyper-focused on keeping your pack ultralight. Every tiny ounce adds up over time. With the right hiking gear, you will be able to hike further each day with miniml physical discomfort.

Here is a list of some of the most essential gear for a first-time thru hikers, but the specific gear will depend largely on which trail you are hiking and which weather you may be faced with.

The right hiking boots – be sure to take a few long hikes in them beforehand to break them in
A hiking backpacking – Your pack will become like an extension of your body, and choosing the right pack is one of the most crucial decisions during trip preparation.
Ultralight backpacking tent
Ultralight sleeping bag
Ultralight cooking gear
Water purification tablets or a water filter
Safety equipment like a knife and a first aid kit
Trekking poles – Even with the best training, trekking poles are essential on thru hikes. They can help save your hips and back from unnecessary aches and pains. Trekking poles are said to take 25% of the strain off of your knees, which means you will be able to go further distances with minimal physical discomfort. They might also be critical if you will be crossing streams or treacherous terrain.

The Best Thru Hikes in the World

You have probably heard of the famous PCT and Appalachian Trail thru hikes, but there are plenty of established thru hikes found all over the world. Each of these hikes come with their own particular characteristics, so the packing and training will vary slightly for each thru hike.

Here are the most famous thru hikes from around the world:

The Appalachian Trail (United States) Distance: 3,510 kilometers (2,180 miles)
The Pacific Crest Trail (United States) Distance 4,265 kilometers (2,650 miles)
The South West Coast Path (UK) Distance: 1,016 kilometers (630 miles)
Te Araroa (New Zealand) Distance: 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles)
Continental Divide Trail (United States) Distance: 4,990 kilometers (3,100 miles)
Grand Italian Trail, Sentiero Italia (Italy)Distance: 6,166 kilometers (3,830 miles)
Great Himalayan Trail (Nepal) Distance: 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles)
Hokkaido Nature Trail (Japan) Distance: 4,585 kilometers (2,849 miles)
Trans Panama Trail (Panama) Distance: 800 kilometers (497 miles)
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail United States) Distance: 1931 kilometers (1,200 miles)

These are all high on the list for avid thru-hikers. If you don’t have a ton of spare time to do one of these thru hikes in a full season, some people choose to do portions of the trail a little bit at a time. Over a few years, you will be able to complete the entire thru-hike.

We hope you are equipped with the knowledge you need in order to train for your very first thru hiking adventure. Covering vast distances on your own two legs with everything you need on your back is an incredibly rewarding experience. Enjoy!

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April 17, 2025