Countries With the Best Trail Infrastructure
There are many countries around the world that have great trail infrastructure for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Here are some of the countries that are known for their excellent trail systems:
Switzerland: Switzerland is known for its extensive network of well-marked trails that run through the beautiful Swiss Alps. There are over 65,000 kilometers of hiking trails in Switzerland, with options for all skill levels.
New Zealand: New Zealand is famous for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, and its trail infrastructure is no exception. The country has a vast network of trails that cover a variety of terrains and landscapes, from coastal walks to alpine treks.
Canada: Canada is home to some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world, and the country has an extensive network of trails to help visitors explore it all. The Trans Canada Trail is the world’s longest network of recreational trails, covering over 27,000 kilometers.
Norway: Norway is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, and its trail infrastructure is designed to help visitors make the most of it. There are over 30,000 kilometers of marked trails in Norway, including the famous Besseggen Ridge hike.
Japan: Japan has an extensive network of trails that run through its beautiful mountains and forests. The country’s ancient pilgrimage routes, such as the Kumano Kodo, offer a unique and spiritual hiking experience.
USA: The United States has a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged mountains to coastal plains, and the country’s trail infrastructure is designed to help visitors explore them all. The Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous long-distance trails in the world, covering over 3,500 kilometers.
These are just a few examples of the many countries with great trail infrastructure. There are many other destinations around the world that offer excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
Countries That Should Improve Their Trail Infrastructure
It is difficult to determine which countries invest the least in trail infrastructure, as this information is not always readily available. However, some countries may have less developed trail systems due to a variety of reasons, such as lack of funding, lack of interest or awareness, or challenging terrain.
Countries with high population densities and limited space, such as Singapore or Hong Kong, may have limited opportunities for extensive trail systems. Additionally, some countries may prioritize other infrastructure projects over trail development due to limited resources or competing demands.
That being said, it is important to note that investing in trail infrastructure can have significant economic and environmental benefits, such as promoting tourism and outdoor recreation, preserving natural areas, and supporting local economies. Therefore, it is often in the best interest of countries to invest in trail infrastructure, especially in areas with high potential for outdoor recreation and natural beauty.
Having said that, here are some countries that should begin investing more resources in their trail infrastructure:
- England: England has lots of footpaths and a great system of allowing hikers to utilize both public and private land for recreational purposes. Unfortunately, they do not live up to their potential when it comes to bike paths. England should be the world leader in bike paths. They are a nation of enthusiastic cyclists, and they certainly have the most important requirements for bike paths. As the mother of rail travel, England has an enviable amount of disused rail lines and canal towpaths that could be transformed into bike paths. They currently have the Sustains network of ‘bike routes’ for avid cyclists who are not particularly concerned with safe cycling. But they have not taken advantage of these resources to build a safe and extensive system of bike trails throughout their beautiful countryside.
- Greece: Greece has missed the boat when it comes to the opportunity to improve both their outdoor tourist industry at the same time they improve their transportation system. Greece has one of the lowest per capita bike trail mileage in Europe. If they were to significantly increase their bike path offerings on both their islands and on the mainland, they would quickly become a top destination for outdoor tourism. They would also provide a new, inexpensive and environmentally viable means for their citizens to commute within and between communities.
- Italy: Good luck finding long-distance bike paths in Italy. They are right behind Greece when it comes to miles per capita of bike trails for commuting and recreation. So, just like Greece, they are missing out on a golden opportunity to bolster their outdoor tourism and their environmental stewardship. They are also doing their citizens a disservice when it comes to recreation, transportation and improved health.
