Hong Kong is known for its stunning hiking trails that wind through lush green mountains, across scenic beaches, and past historic villages. For avid hikers looking to spend a day or more on the trial, Hong Kong’s longest hiking trails offer days of adventure.
Overview of Hong Kong’s Longest Hiking Trails
Hong Kong’s hiking trails vary greatly in length and difficulty. The table below summarizes the longest official hiking trails in Hong Kong that are mapped and maintained by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
| Trail Name | Length | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacLehose Trail | 100 km | Moderate to Difficult | Crosses 8 country parks over 10 sections |
| Lantau Trail | 70 km | Easy to Difficult | Circles Lantau island over 12 sections |
| Wilson Trail | 78 km | Moderate | Winds through diverse scenery in 9 sections |
While the official trails above are clearly marked and mapped, some hikers prefer to link up sections of various trails to create their own ultra-long routes. Popular options include connecting the MacLehose, Wilson, and Hong Kong trail sections.
The Longest Official Trail: MacLehose Trail
The longest official and mapped trail in Hong Kong is the 100 km MacLehose Trail. Named after former Hong Kong governor Sir Murray MacLehose, the MacLehose Trail crosses 8 different country parks over 10 sections.
Overview and Highlights
- Length: 100 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Duration: 5+ days for full trail
- Highlights: Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, Ping Shan Heritage Trail, High Island Reservoir
The MacLehose Trail showcases some of Hong Kong’s most spectacular and diverse scenery. From the pristine beaches of Sai Kung to the mountains of the New Territories, the trail offers challenging climbs rewarded with sweeping views. Historic highlights include the Ping Shan Heritage Trail with its 600-year-old buildings.
The trail is divided into 10 sections that can be tackled individually for day hikes. But to complete the entire 100 km, most hikers plan at least 5 days to allow for rests and overnight stays. Camping is allowed at designated campsites along the route.
Challenging Sections
The most challenging sections of the MacLehose Trail are:
- Section 3: Needle Hill to Shing Mun Reservoir. This section climbs over the formidable Needle Hill, the highest point of the trail at 565m.
- Section 5: Shing Mun Reservoir to Tate’s Cairn. The trail ascends multiple peaks with steep stone steps.
- Section 7: Tai Po Road to Shing Mun Reservoir. A long 25km section with ascents and descents over many hills.
Transportation and Logistics
The main logistical challenges for hiking the entire MacLehose Trail are the transportation to/from the start/end of each leg and arranging overnight accommodation.
If hiking one section at a time, public transportation including buses and the MTR can be used to access different trailheads. Many hikers also arrange private transportation like taxis or hire cars.
For multi-day hikers, accommodation options include:
- Camping at designated campsites along the trail
- Staying at guesthouses or rural village homes
- Booking hotel rooms close to the trailheads
Careful planning is needed to map out the locations, transportation, and accommodations for a multi-day MacLehose Trail hike. Guided tour packages are also available.
The Second Longest Trail: Lantau Trail
Although shorter in length at 70km, the Lantau Trail offers equally scenic views as it circles Lantau Island.
Overview and Highlights
- Length: 70 km
- Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
- Duration: 4 days for full trail
- Highlights: Sunset Peak, Ngong Ping Plateau, Tai O Fishing Village
The Lantau Trail winds through 12 different sections across Lantau, Hong Kong’s largest island. The diverse route includes city streets, remote beaches, and steep mountain slopes. Highlights include climbing Sunset Peak and Ngong Ping Plateau. The historic fishing village of Tai O offers a scenic resting spot.
As with the MacLehose Trail, the Lantau Trail can be divided into day hikes by tackling individual sections ranging from 3 to 11 km. Through hikers should plan at least 4 days to complete the full 70 km.
Challenging Sections
The toughest sections include:
- Section 3: Ngong Ping to Sham Wat. This 11km leg involves a steep 6km ascent up to the highest point at Sunset Peak.
- Section 5: Yi O to Shap Long. A remote 9km trail with uphill climbs and few exit points.
Transportation and Logistics
Reaching the Lantau Trailhead and traveling between sections again requires careful coordination. Public buses and ferries can access parts of Lantau, but taxi hire is often needed to reach more remote trailheads.
Overnight options consist of camping at picnic sites, basic guesthouses, or hotels and hostels in towns like Mui Wo and Discovery Bay.
Despite the logistical challenges, the scenic and diverse scenery of the Lantau Trail makes it one of Hong Kong’s premier long-distance hikes.
Third Longest Trail: Wilson Trail
Slightly shorter at 78km, the Wilson Trail offers a convenient route through Hong Kong’s New Territories starting from urban Kowloon.
Overview and Highlights
- Length: 78 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 4 days
- Highlights: glimpses of urban life in rural villages, Tai Lam Country Park
The Wilson Trail connects Lam Tsuen in the north down through the New Territories to Stanley in the south. The trail is named after Sir David Wilson, former governor of Hong Kong.
The route offers great diversity from urban Hong Kong to open forests and country parks. There are 9 sections that can be hiked individually, with the whole trail taking about 4 days to complete. Highlights include the historic walled villages and mountain landscapes of Tai Lam Country Park.
Challenging Sections
The most challenging parts of the Wilson Trail include:
- Section 3: Hiking up Jardine’s Lookout and Mount Butler
- Section 5: High peaks around Grassy Hill
Transportation and Logistics
A benefit of the Wilson Trail is the convenient access to the northern trailheads by MTR and other public transport. The southern end at Stanley also has buses and taxis.
Campsites along the route allow for overnight camping. There are also accommodation options in villages including Plover Cove, Yuen Leng, and Tai Po. Overall, the Wilson Trail provides a rewarding long-distance hike with relatively straightforward logistics.
Choosing the Right Trail
When selecting which of Hong Kong’s long trails to hike, factors like difficulty, scenery, and logistics should be considered:
- MacLehose Trail – Longest at 100km but more remote and challenging
- Lantau Trail – Stunning island scenery with some steep sections
- Wilson Trail – A more convenient yet diverse route through the New Territories
Making sure to choose the right trail based on distance, difficulty, and experience will ensure you get the most out of Hong Kong’s world-class hiking opportunities.
Conclusion
Hong Kong offers many exceptional hiking trails, but its longest trails provide unique multi-day adventures:
- MacLehose Trail – Hong Kong’s longest at 100km through 8 country parks
- Lantau Trail – Circumnavigates Lantau over 70km and 4 days
- Wilson Trail – Convenient yet diverse 78km route from urban to rural Hong Kong
Completing one of these trails accomplishes a rewarding hiking challenge. Careful preparation and logistics are needed to coordinate transport, supplies, and overnight accommodation. Sections can also be tackled as day hikes. Whichever way these epic trails are attempted, they showcase Hong Kong’s incredibly diverse scenery from beaches to mountains, city to remote country. Any hiking enthusiast visiting Hong Kong should have these longest trails on their bucket list!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiking Hong Kong’s Long Trails
What is the longest hiking trail in Hong Kong?
The longest complete and waymarked trail in Hong Kong is the 100km MacLehose Trail. It spans 10 sections over 8 different country parks across Hong Kong.
What is the total length of the Lantau Trail?
The Lantau Trail circles around Lantau Island for 70 kilometers total over 12 sections. It is Hong Kong’s second-longest trail.
How long does it take to finish the Wilson Trail end-to-end?
The total length of the Wilson Trail is 78km. To hike the entire length takes approximately 4 days.
Which Hong Kong trail is the most difficult?
The MacLehose Trail is considered the most difficult long trail, with steep ascents on sections like Needle Hill. The Lantau Trail also has challenging uphill sections around Sunset Peak.
Does the Wilson Trail go through urban areas?
Yes, the Wilson Trail goes through a mix of urban and rural areas. The northern sections pass by Lam Tsuen while the southern end is in the popular Stanley district.
How are the long trails divided?
All three trails are divided into sections ranging from 3 to 11km. This allows hikers to tackle them in parts as day hikes. The MacLehose has 10 sections, Lantau 12 sections, and Wilson 9.
Where does the MacLehose Trail begin and end?
The 100km MacLehose Trail starts at Pak Tam Chung and ends at Tuen Mun. It crosses Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tai Po, and other New Territory regions.
What is a highlight of the Lantau Trail?
A highlight is the stunning sunrise views on the Ngong Ping Plateau and along the mountainous Stage 3 to Sunset Peak.
Are permits required to hike the long trails?
No permits are required. However, due to limited camping facilities, reservations are needed for camping at designated campsites along the trails.
What transport is available to access the trailheads?
Public transport like buses, the MTR, and ferries can access some trailheads. But taxis or private hire cars are often needed to reach the more remote starting points.
Where can you stay near the long trails?
Accommodation options include designated campsites along the trails, village guesthouses, and hotels in towns near the stages like Mui Wo, Yuen Long, and Sai Kung.
What supplies are recommended to bring?
Sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, sun protection, flashlight, first aid kit, travel documents, ample water, and food supplies for each day. Camping gear is required if camping.
Do the trails have to be completed all at once?
No, all three have marked stages that allow hiking one section at a time. But permits should be obtained for camping if staying overnight at any designated sites.
Are guided tours available for the long trails?
Yes, many tour companies offer guided hiking tours ranging from single-day trips to full 5+ day guided itineraries of the MacLehose, Lantau, and Wilson Trails.
Is there an ideal season to hike the long trails?
The best time is October to early December when the weather is cooler and drier. But the trails can be hiked year-round by preparing properly for Hong Kong’s sub-tropical climate.
What is the earliest record time for the 100km MacLehose Trail?
The fastest known time to complete the 100km MacLehose Trail is 13 hours 51 minutes, set in 2021 by runner Tony Chiu. Most hikers take 5 to 7 days.
Do cell phones work along most of the long trails?
Some sections of the trails have limited cell phone reception like Lantau’s remote beaches. But reception is available in many parts. Phone battery life may be an issue over multiple days.
Is camping allowed anywhere on the trails?
No, camping is only permitted at the designated campsites along each trail. Camping permits must be reserved in advance due to limited spaces.
What is the minimum age recommended for the long trails?
There are no age restrictions but 10 years old is a reasonable minimum. Children must have the stamina for long days and be able to carry supplies. Adult supervision is a must.
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My name is David James I am an adventurous hiker based in California. Through this weblog, I percentage my passion for exploring nature’s wonders, documenting breathtaking trails and hidden gemstones.