Long Path landscape

Photo by Craig Thomas on Unsplash

Long Path

26 days · 638.3 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance638.3 mi
Days out26
Elevation gain86,421 ft
Gain / mile135 ft
High point3,917 ft
Difficulty index77/100

What the Long Path is known for

Long Path is a 21-30 (thru)-day backpacking route in New York.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Long Path on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 141 ft to 9,472 ft over 638.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 151.5 mi · 24%
  • Downhill 144.2 mi · 23%
  • Flat 341.9 mi · 54%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Long Path?

77 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Long Path scores 77/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How much elevation gain is on the Long Path?

The Long Path climbs roughly 86,421 ft total — about 135 ft per mile, topping out near 3,917 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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