Explore the World Through Hiking Movies and Books About Walking
I love hiking. There’s magic in finding a new trail, pushing my body, and being in nature’s beauty. Hiking is a great way to connect with nature and ourselves. It offers rugged terrain, a serene forest path, and a sense of accomplishment at the end. And even if you can’t hit the trails right now, you can still experience the adventure through hiking movies and books about walking.
In fact, these books and movies can be a great way to plan for a hike, especially if you’re planning a thru-hiking trip—reading about someone else’s experience can help you figure out what to expect, or watching a movie about a specific trail can help you see what you’re going to be facing. (I did this before walking the Camino last year–check out my recommended list of Books about the Camino de Santiago and Movies about the Camino de Santiago.)
So below is a list of ten books and ten movies about hiking from around the globe. Of course, some cover the iconic Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails in the U.S., but I’ve also included hikes from Canada, Scotland, Sweden, Australia, and more. Whether you prefer memoirs, thrillers, heartwarming dramas, or inspiring documentaries, hopefully you’ll find something to spark your wanderlust.
These will help you travel the world from the comfort of your couch or feel inspired to lace up your hiking boots. These books and movies remind us that every step we take can lead to a new you. Which trail are you headed out to next?
Books About Walking
A Walk Across America
Author: Peter Jenkins
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir
Places Featured: United States
In A Walk Across America, Peter Jenkins takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the heart of the United States, blending personal discovery with a vivid exploration of America’s diverse landscapes. In the 1970s, disillusioned with society, Jenkins sets off on a life-changing trek from New York to Louisiana with his loyal dog, Cooper. Along the way, he encounters the untamed beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the small-town charm of the rural South, and the dynamic cultures that define the American experience. Peter Jenkins has actually written several books about his walking journeys including The Walk West, Looking for Alaska, and Along the Edge of America.
A Walk in the woods
Author: Bill Bryson
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir
Places Featured: Appalachian Trail, United States
Bill Bryson is a popular travel writer known for his sense of humor and insight, and A Walk in the Woods might be his most popular book (and one of the most popular books about walking ever). It’s the story of his journey along the Appalachian Trail, one of America’s most famous hiking routes. Stretching from Georgia to Maine, the trail spans over 2,000 miles of lush forests, mountainous terrain, and remote wilderness. Bryson blends personal stories with fascinating tidbits about the trail’s history, ecology, and challenges. His encounters with eccentric hikers, wild animals, and the physical demands of hiking bring the experience to life. This is as much a tale of perseverance as it is a love letter to the Appalachian landscape.
Becoming Forrest: One Man’s Epic Run Across America
Author: Rob Pope
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir
Places Featured: United States
So this one may not really be about a hike, but it’s an impressive long-distance run: inspired by the movie Forrest Gump, Rob Pope decided to replicate Forrest’s iconic run across America, completing five crossings of the U.S. His journey captures the country’s diverse geography—from bustling cities to remote deserts and lush forests. Pope’s reflections on the people he meets, the challenges of extreme endurance, and the environmental issues he sees offer a unique perspective on the United States. It ends up being an uplifting story that emphasizes the connection between running and the landscapes it traverses.
The Roads to Sata: A 2,000-Mile Walk Through Japan
Author: Alan Booth
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir
Places Featured: Japan
In 1977, Alan Booth, a writer who originally moved to Tokyo to study classical Japanese theatre, spent about four months walking from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south of Japan. With humor and sharp observations, Booth’s book about walking captures Japan’s diverse landscapes, including the bustling cities, serene rural villages, and majestic mountains. Along the way, he also encounters locals who give him a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, history, and traditions. His engaging writing paints a detailed picture of a hard-to-understand country. It blends the physicality of hiking with a keen sense of place.
The Salt Path: A Memoir
Author: Raynor Winn
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir
Places Featured: South West Coast Path, England
After losing their home and getting a terminal diagnosis, Raynor Winn and her husband, Moth, had nowhere to go. So, they decided to walk 630 miles along England’s South West Coast Path. This memoir captures the wild beauty of the rugged cliffs, sweeping beaches, and quaint villages they pass through. As they navigate the challenges of the trek and life issues, the couple finds healing in the rhythm of walking and the wild, untamed landscapes. After losing their home and getting a terminal diagnosis, Raynor Winn and her husband, Moth, had nowhere to go. So, they decided to walk 630 miles along England’s South West Coast Path.
Spirit Run: A 6,000 Mile Marathon Through North America’s Stolen Land
Author: Noé Álvarez
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir
Places Featured: North America (Canada to Guatemala)
In Spirit Run, Noé Álvarez recounts his transformative experience joining Indigenous runners on the Peace and Dignity Journeys, a 6,000-mile relay run from Canada to Guatemala that takes place every four years. As the son of immigrants, Álvarez brings a unique perspective to the journey–and what the journey teaches him. He captures the varying landscapes of North America, from snow-capped peaks to arid deserts, all while weaving in the history and culture of Indigenous peoples. Álvarez’s views on community and identity stress the link between running and the land. He believes colonization harmed that bond. It’s inspiring and offers a unique perspective on endurance and resilience–and it’s a great way to learn about Indigenous culture.
Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home
Author: Heather Anderson
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir
Places Featured: Pacific Crest Trail, United States
Heather Anderson is a fairly well-known hiker. She’s the second woman to complete the “Double Triple Crown of Backpacking,” meaning she’s hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Scenic Trail…twice. In this book about walking, she shares stories from her record-breaking solo trek along the Pacific Crest Trail (she beat the previous man’s record by four days), a 2,600-mile route from Mexico to Canada. Her descriptions of the trail’s stunning views—snowy Sierra peaks, volcanic craters, and dense forests—transport readers to the American West. She doesn’t shy away from delving into the mental and physical challenges of ultralight backpacking, from blistering heat to freezing nights, highlighting the grit required for such an endeavor. This memoir celebrates both the trail’s raw beauty and the resilience required.
Tracks
Author: Robyn Davidson
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir
Places Featured: Australia
Robyn Davidson’s memoir chronicles her 1,700-mile trek through the Australian Outback with only camels and her dog for company. The Outback’s red sand dunes, rocky terrain, and endless skies are desolate yet awe-inspiring and they form the backdrop to this extraordinary journey. She links the trek’s physical challenges to thoughts on Australia’s indigenous culture, conservation, and her quest for solitude. The book offers an intimate look at the harsh beauty of Australia’s wilderness. (This book is one of a few on this list that is also included on my list of Books About Travel and Self-Discovery.)
Waking Up on the Appalachian Trail: A Story of war, brotherhood, and the Pursuit of Truth
Author: N.B. Hankes
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir
Places Featured: Appalachian Trail, United States
When Nate Hankes returned home from Iraq, he knew he needed to take some time to process his experiences–and he decided a hike along the Appalachian Trail with his brother might be just what he needed. In this book, he describes his journey blending humor, introspection, and vivid descriptions of the trail’s natural beauty. By walking through the misty forests of the Smokies to the rocky outcrops of New England, Hankes experiences the transformative power of hiking. His encounters with fellow hikers, and personal revelations, add to this tale of adventure, endurance, and self-discovery. Anyone interested in hiking the AT will especially enjoy it.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Author: Cheryl Strayed
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir, Self-Discovery/Change
Places Featured: Pacific Crest Trail, United States
You’ve probably heard of this book about walking as it received a lot of attention when Oprah Winfrey selected it for her famous book club AND it was turned into a movie starring Reese Witherspoon. In this memoir, Strayed recounts her solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail where she used the time to confront grief, addiction, and loss. She vividly describes the trail’s stunning landscapes—snowy peaks, desert plains, and dense forests—while highlighting the physical and emotional challenges of long-distance hiking. Strayed’s journey is both a tribute to the transformative power of nature and an exploration of personal healing. It’s a deeply moving story that celebrates the beauty and ruggedness of the PCT. (Check out my Wild Book Review for more about my thoughts on the book.)
Honorable Mention Books about Walking
- The World Walk: 7 Years, 28,000 Miles, 6 Continents by Tom Turich
- Becoming Odyssa: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Pharr Davis
- The Couples Trip: A Thriller by Ulf Kvensler
Children’s Books About Walking
- The Hike by Alison Farrell
- Let’s Go on a Hike! by Katrina Liu
- Out of Range by Heidi Lang
- Walk on the Wild Side by Nicholas Oldland
Hiking Movies
Gerry (2002)
Rating: R
Genre: Thriller/Adventure/Drama
Places Featured: Wilderness Trail (filmed in Death Valley, California)
I hadn’t even heard of this hiking movie until I started researching this post and I’m surprised: in Gerry, two friends (played by Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, who both also helped write the script) become lost while hiking in the desert. It’s a “minimalist film” with little dialogue which highlights the isolation and mental strain of navigating an unforgiving environment. I won’t spoil the plot, but the story is actually loosely based on the real-life murder of David Coughlin and is actually the first in the “Death Trilogy” of three films based on real deaths directed by Gus Van Sant.
Tell It on the Mountain: Tales from the Pacific Crest Trail (2009)
Rating: N/A
Genre: Documentary
Places Featured: Pacific Crest Trail, United States
This documentary follows the stories of hikers–some experienced thru-hikers, some brand on their first journey–tackling the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, weaving their journeys through the diverse terrains of California, Oregon, and Washington. The film captures the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada’s snowfields, the arid Mojave Desert, and the lush Cascade forests. Personal interviews reveal the physical and emotional challenges of thru-hiking, showcasing the camaraderie and solitude experienced on the trail.
The Way (2010)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Action-Adventure
Places Featured: El Camino, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
In The Way, Tom (Martin Sheen) embarks on the Camino de Santiago after the unexpected death of his son, who was attempting the pilgrimage. The film immerses viewers in the beauty of the 500-mile trail through Spain, showcasing picturesque villages, rolling vineyards, and misty mountain passes. As Tom treks from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela, he meets a diverse group of travelers, each with their own reasons for walking the Camino. It’s a meaningful film and one I watched before my own walk of the Camino…and one I included on my list of Movies about the Camino de Santiago.
Tracks (2013)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Action/Adventure, Self-Discovery/Change
Places Featured: Australia
Based on Robyn Davidson’s memoir included above, Tracks follows her 1,700-mile solo journey across the Australian desert with her dog and four camels. The hiking movie shows the Outback’s stark, mesmerizing beauty, with its seemingly endless red sands, rocky ridges, and star-filled skies. As Robyn (Mia Wasikowska) navigates the harsh terrain, she’s forced to deal with isolation, physical challenges, and everyone she meets along the way, including some Indigenous communities.
Mile…Mile and a Half (2013)
Rating: N/A
Genre: Documentary, Health & Fitness/Sports & Recreation, Nature/Outdoors
Places Featured: John Muir Trail, California, United States
This documentary follows a group of artists and hikers completing the 211-mile John Muir Trail through California’s Sierra Nevada. It shows the breathtaking landscapes of granite peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. Through stunning cinematography and creative projects inspired by the trail, the hikers bring the region’s natural beauty to life. The challenges of high altitudes and unpredictable weather are met with humor and resilience, making this a love letter to one of America’s most scenic trails.
Wild (2014)
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Action/Adventure, Health & Fitness/Sports & Recreation, Self-Discovery/Change
Places Featured: Pacific Crest Trail, United States
Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir included above, Wild follows Reese Witherspoon who plays Cheryl on her 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. The film vividly portrays the trail’s diverse landscapes, from arid deserts to snowy mountains and lush forests. As Cheryl confronts her grief and demons, the PCT heals her. The stunning cinematography captures the beauty of the trail, emphasizing the spiritual connection between hikers and the land. (See my Wild Movie Review for more about what I thought about this particular hiking movie.)
The Ritual (2017)
Rating: R
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Places Featured: Sweden (though it was filmed in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania)
To add some variety to this list, here’s a supernatural horror movie about four friends who take a hiking trip into the Scandinavian wilderness to honor a friend who was killed. The dense, foreboding forests of Sweden become an oppressive and haunting presence, with ancient symbols and eerie ruins adding to the unsettling atmosphere. As the group veers off the trail, the stunning yet sinister landscapes amplify the film’s tension (as does a mysterious force present in the forest). The Ritual explores how nature’s beauty can also conceal danger, turning the wilderness into a place of psychological and physical trial. It is definitely a horror film with some graphic scenes, so pretty far from your typical hiking movie.
Edie (2017)
Rating: N/A
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Places Featured: Scottish Highlands/Mount Suilven, Scotland
Edie, played Sheila Hancock, is an 83-year-old woman who has just lost her husband. Looking for solace, she sets out to climb Scotland’s Mount Suilven. The film captures the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands—misty lochs, steep cliffs, and rolling green hills. And it shows Edie’s determination and emotional journey, as she confronts a lifetime of regrets and reclaims her independence. It’s another story of personal empowerment and the transformative power of wild places.
Happiness for Beginners (2023)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Places Featured: Appalachian Trail, United States
In this Netflix adaptation of popular romance writer Katherine Center’s novel, newly divorced Helen (played by Ellie Kemper) joins a wilderness survival course on the Appalachian Trail..and struggles a bit along the way. Helen’s quirky fellow hikers and her growing confidence create a heartwarming tale. The film shows the lush greenery, steep climbs, and serene vistas of the trail, highlighting its restorative and challenging aspects. It’s another great movie about personal growth.
Beyond the Tree Line (2024)
Rating: N/A
Genre: Documentary
Places Featured: Appalachian Trail, United States
Yes, this is another documentary about the Appalachian Trail, but this one is slighty different: it’s about Josh and Cassie Sutton who are hiking the Appalachian Trail…with their four-year-old son, Harvey, aiming to complete the trail before he starts Kindergarten(!). Throughout their adventure, the family faces numerous physical, mental, and emotional challenges, from navigating rugged terrains to enduring harsh weather conditions. The documentary offers an intimate look into their daily experiences, highlighting the determination required to keep young Harvey engaged and motivated on such a demanding expedition. It’s a compelling watch.
Honorable Mention Hiking Movies:
Hiking Movies for Children:
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