Hiking Trends and New Trails to Explore

Hiking offers adventurers a low-cost way to explore. One of the prevailing trends in travel this year is the continued surge in hiking and outdoor recreation. Coupled with beautiful scenery and friendly trail neighbors, it’s a fantastic way to vacation.

As gear improves and new trails open, it’s now even easier to spend long periods of time hiking all over the world. But what’s new in hiking this season? Here’s all you need to know from new trails, to the latest hiking gear and classic trails no one should miss.

New Long-Distance Trails for 2022

As more people head to the trails, new routes are being opened to accommodate trekkers and provide access to natural areas across the globe.

Appalachian High Route: A New Way to Hike the Highest Peaks in the Southeast

If you’re looking for a seemingly endless mountainscape, thick forests and impressive biodiversity, head to the peaks of the Southeast on the new Appalachian High Route. Envisioned by famed speed hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis and Jake Blood, co-founder of the North Carolina High Peaks Trails, the new 343-mile loop connects a series of pre-existing trails in the region for a multi-day hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee.

Thru-Hike Armenia: Hike the Length of Armenia on the Transcaucasian Trail

A new section of the Trans Caucasian Trail offers hikers a 513-mile trekking option through Armenia. Traversing the length of Armenia, the trail passes through unique terrain from volcanic mountains to rolling green hills. Hikers will encounter archeological sites, ancient monasteries, and remote villages along the way.

Montana Trail 406: From the American Prairie Reserve to Glacier National Park

A new 1662-mile route traverses Montana’s distinct terrain. Connecting a series of previously established trails like the Continental Divide Trail, off-roading trails and roads, the Montana Trail 406 offers a new way for hikers to see the best parts of the state.

The trail connects well-known areas like Glacier National Park and the American Prairie Reserve with secluded hot springs, a historic ghost town, and less visited National Forests across the state.

ViaBerna Trail: Showcasing Switzerland’s Natural Beauty

Discover alpine lakes, picturesque villages, and dense forests hiking 186 miles across Switzerland. This new trail offers a physically challenging way to not only experience the country’s dramatic landscapes but also a slew of cultural sites from castles to medieval villages.

The Baltic Trails: Long-Distance Hiking in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

The Baltic Trails offer two new gorgeous long-distance hiking routes in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The two trails are The Baltic Coastal Trail, an 882-mile trek, and the Forest Trail, which spans over 1330 miles. While both traverse all three countries and pass through multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, the topography is markedly different. Head to the Baltic Coastal Trail for maximum proximity to the vividly blue waters of the Baltic Sea or head to the Forest Trail for expansive greenery and sweeping forest views.

Trends in Long Distance Hiking Gear

We spoke with long-distance hiking expert, Tyler “Mac” Fox of Halfway Anywhere, who shared three gear trends in the thru-hiking community.

Sunhoodies: Wearing Long Sleeves to Stay Cool

The sunhoody has become a favored summer attire among hikers. These long-sleeve shirts are crafted with UV protection in mind, offering a lightweight and breathable option to shield exposed skin from the sun.

Fanny Packs: Essential Hiking Gear

This hip pack, waist pack, or fanny pack is the trendy choice for many thru-hikers. Its lightweight construction and comfort allow hikers to easily reach for snacks, water filters, or cell phones without removing a backpack.

Materials Over Brand Names

Hikers are increasingly focused on gear quality and materials rather than just brand names. This shift has led to a cottage industry specializing in unique gear trends, making the selection of hiking equipment more diverse.

Revisiting Classic Trails

It’s not just new trails opening; classic trails are finding renewed popularity this year.

The Great Walks: Experience New Zealand’s Best Landscapes

New Zealand’s reopening to travel brings the Great Walks within reach for international visitors. These famed walks offer miles of wilderness trails through the country’s breathtaking scenery. Choose from one of the 10 Great Walks to explore New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.

The Appalachian Trail: A Classic American Trail

The 2194-mile-long Appalachian Trail stretching from Georgia to Maine is one of the three long-distance hikes considered the “Triple Crown” of US hiking. This year, the trail’s popularity surged, indicating an increasing interest among distance hikers wanting to experience East Coast’s varied landscapes.

The Trans Bhutan Trail: An Ancient Route Reimagined

The 250-mile Trans Bhutan Trail is set to officially open for international visitors this September. This ancient trail, once used for commerce and pilgrimage, is now a recreational route for adventurers to connect with Bhutan’s rich history and stunning scenery.

Trails to Keep Your Eyes On

As long-distance hiking continues to gain traction, new routes are being developed worldwide. Highlights include:

Zagros Mountain Trail: Long Distance Hiking in Kurdistan

Never before has there been a dedicated long-distance hiking route in Iraqi Kurdistan. The 137-mile Zagros Mountain Trail will utilize historic paths, passing by remote villages and natural features.

Lost Sierra Route

The Lost Sierra Route aims to connect wilderness areas to local mountain towns through a 600-mile network of trails, scheduled to begin opening as early as next year.

Tokpegola Heritage Trail: Connecting Trekkers to Community in Nepal

This new route in the Tokpegola region aims to align ecotourism with Indigenous practices, providing trekkers access to high-altitude lakes in a unique ecosystem.

Thru-Hiking Along the Camino Real: A New Long-Distance Trail in Mexico

Zelzin Aketzalli, a thru-hiker, is working on establishing Mexico’s first dedicated long-distance hiking trail. The route will follow the historic Camino Real, showcasing the region’s vibrant landscape.

This article was first published Jan 2, 2021, and updated Jul 13, 2022.