Best Hiking Routes for History Buffs
Hiking trails with historical significance has gotten complicated with all the generic travel listicles flying around. As someone who has always been drawn to trails where every footstep follows in the path of ancient civilizations and historic events, I learned everything there is to know about combining outdoor adventure with living history. Here are the routes that deliver on both fronts.
Appalachian Trail, United States
The AT stretches over 2,190 miles through 14 states, and the history woven into this trail is remarkable. Parts of it intersect with the Trail of Tears, and you can visit remnants of Civil War sites along the way. The trail itself was conceived in 1921 and completed in 1937, making it a historic achievement in its own right. Walking through Virginia where battles once raged and then through New England forests that have seen centuries of human history gives you a timeline of America under your boots.
Hadrian’s Wall Path, England
I walked this 84-mile route from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, and it felt like stepping back nearly 2,000 years. Following the remnants of the Roman wall built by Emperor Hadrian in AD 122 is surreal — you are literally walking along the edge of what was once the Roman Empire. Roman forts, milecastles, and museums pop up along the route, and each one adds another layer to the story. That is what makes this trail endearing to us history-loving hikers — every mile teaches you something new.
Inca Trail, Peru
The 26-mile Inca Trail to Machu Picchu needs no introduction, but walking it is something else entirely. This route was part of a vast network of paths the Incas created over 500 years ago, and the archaeological sites you pass along the way set the stage for the grand finale at Machu Picchu. Arriving at the Sun Gate with the ruins spread out below you in the morning mist is one of those moments that stays with you forever.
Kumano Kodo, Japan
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes have been walked for over 1,000 years, and the spiritual weight of that history is palpable. The trails wind through lush forests on the Kii Peninsula, leading to the sacred Kumano Sanzan Shrines. The Nakahechi route is the most popular and historically significant — emperors and pilgrims walked these exact paths seeking spiritual fulfillment. Today, the trails are beautifully preserved, and the combination of nature and sacred history is deeply moving.
Croagh Patrick, Ireland
Pilgrims have climbed Croagh Patrick in County Mayo for over 5,000 years. Early pagan rituals dedicated to the Celtic sun god Lugh happened on this peak long before Christianity arrived. The mountain is named after Saint Patrick, who reportedly fasted there for 40 days in 441 AD. The 2,507-foot climb to the summit rewards you with panoramic views and a tangible connection to millennia of human devotion.
Petra Trail, Jordan
Walking through Petra is walking through time itself. The ancient Nabataean city, carved directly into sandstone cliffs, dates to the 4th century BC. The narrow canyons open into temples and tombs that are staggeringly well-preserved. The 50-mile trek from Dana to Petra takes you through diverse terrain and delivers one of the most visually stunning historical experiences available to hikers anywhere.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
The Camino is not just a trail — it is a network of routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, and pilgrims have walked them since the early Middle Ages. The Camino Frances spans roughly 500 miles through varied landscapes and historic towns. Medieval churches, ancient bridges, and centuries-old cathedrals line the route. The sense of walking in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims over a thousand years gives this trail an emotional depth that pure wilderness cannot match.
Bruce Trail, Canada
Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath follows the Niagara Escarpment for over 550 miles. It passes through Queenston Heights, where significant War of 1812 battles took place, and intersects with ancient Indigenous trails that predate European colonization. The combination of rugged terrain, waterfalls, and layered history makes this a fantastic trail for those who want both physical challenge and historical context.
West Highland Way, Scotland
The 96-mile West Highland Way passes through Glencoe, site of the infamous 1692 massacre, and follows ancient military roads built during the Jacobite risings. The landscape is dramatic — rugged Highlands scenery that tells its own story of geological and human history. Reaching Fort William at the end feels like completing a journey through Scotland’s turbulent past.
Great Wall of China, China
Hiking the Great Wall is walking on one of history’s most remarkable engineering achievements. The Jinshanling to Simatai section offers a less crowded, more authentic experience. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC, with most existing wall dating to the Ming Dynasty. The wall stretches across deserts, mountains, and plateaus — the scale is almost impossible to comprehend until you are standing on it.
King’s Trail (Kungsleden), Sweden
The King’s Trail in northern Sweden runs through 270 miles of landscape rich in Sami culture and history. Ancient Sami settlements and traditional reindeer herding grounds dot the route. Established in the early 20th century, the trail offers a window into the life of Scandinavia’s Indigenous people that you simply cannot get any other way.
Samaria Gorge, Greece
The Samaria Gorge on Crete is a 10-mile hike through one of Europe’s longest gorges, and its history stretches back to Minoan times around 1500 BC. The gorge served as a hideout for partisans during World War II. Walking between the steep walls and through narrow passages, you can see remnants of civilizations that span thousands of years. It is a powerful combination of natural beauty and deep human history.
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