Loop And Circuit Style Long Distance Routes

Loop and circuit routes form closed or nearly closed shapes on the map. Instead of moving from one distant terminus to another, hikers return to their general starting area after completing the circuit. These routes can be composed of one dedicated loop trail, a combination of several paths, or a network that naturally connects back on itself.

Logistically, loops can simplify transportation planning because vehicles, stored gear, or other resources remain near the start and finish. This can be particularly appealing for hikers who have limited access to long-distance transport or who prefer simpler arrival and departure plans.

From an experiential perspective, loop routes allow hikers to see landscapes from multiple angles, revisiting general regions from different directions without retracing long stretches of tread. Some loops include short out-and-back segments to reach viewpoints or services, while the main line remains closed.

Loop and circuit formats can be applied at various scales, from several days to multi-week journeys. This article presents the general idea without specifying distances or difficulty, which vary widely across different loop-based long distance routes.