By Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, a project to connect the country’s network of recreational trails is expected to be complete. At 14,000 miles, it will be the world’s longest walk and take about two to three years to traverse.

Don’t have that kind of time? Not to worry—1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die, edited by Barry Stone, has plenty of other options.

This tome takes you on paths of different lengths and trail types around the world.  Each one is rated easy, moderate, or strenuous. For the shortest walk in the book, flip to the entry on Ponte Vecchio. You’ll only have to walk 295 feet to explore the medieval stone bridge. On the other hand, a challenge awaits at Rara Lake in Karnali, Nepal, a 5-day walk where visitors can see diverse flora and fauna including the endangered red panda.

Readers will find rich ecological and historical detail on each page. The Methuselah Trail in California is named for Schulman Grove’s oldest bristlecone pine. Some of the marvelous trees there are said to be more than 5,000 years old. Geology geeks will enjoy the description and stunning photograph of Erta Ale, an Ethiopian shield volcano. You won’t be able to see a molten lake of lava anywhere else, Stone writes.

In sum, 1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die is an excellent guide for hikers of any skill level.

1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die, edited by Barry Stone (Universe, March 2015)