HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics // Comparison Engine
Route A

Circuit des 25 Bosses

france/Ile-de-France (Fontainebleau)
VS
Route B

Overland Track

australia/tasmania-cradle-mountain

Circuit des 25 Bosses vs Overland Track: Intensity Score Comparison

Overland Track is unequivocally more demanding overall (+19 points). While Circuit des 25 Bosses is a serious endeavor, Overland Track pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

Model-based (not a field report) · Evaluates overall route demand, not danger.

Intensity Difference
+19 Overland Track is harder
Higher Physical Load
Overland Track
Higher Technical Seriousness
Circuit des 25 Bosses
Greater Commitment
Overland Track
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Overland Trackwins 7 of 9 metrics
2
Route A
7
Route B
france/Ile-de-France (Fontainebleau)

Circuit des 25 Bosses

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The 'Circuit des 25 Bosses' (The 25 Bumps) is located in the Massif des Trois Pignons, on the western edge of the Forêt de Fontainebleau. Originally established in the 1970s as a training ground for alpinists, this technical 16km loop remains one of the most demanding day hikes in the Île-de-France region. The trail requires hikers to cross 25 distinct sandstone ridges, involving frequent scrambling over boulders and navigating deep sandy paths. It is an intense physical challenge characterized by constant elevation changes and a unique ecosystem of maritime pines and white sand dunes. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

australia/tasmania-cradle-mountain

Overland Track

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Overland Track is a 65km point-to-point alpine traverse through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Running from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, the route passes through dramatic glaciated valleys, ancient rainforests, and high moorlands. Under the management of Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, the trail offers a deep connection to Tasmania's unique natural heritage, including the endemic King Billy Pine and high dolerite peaks. The route consists of a mix of well-maintained boardwalks, exposed rocky ridges, and forested sections that can become muddy during sustained rainfall.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
48
WINNER67
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
40
WINNER67
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
57 WINNER
51
DistanceLonger route
15.8 km
WINNER65 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
850 m
WINNER1,461 m
Highest PointHigher summit
130 m
WINNER1,250 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
6 days
Hazard Level
EXPERT // HAZARD
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER4 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
1 / 5
WINNER5 / 5

HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation

1
LOW // ACCESS
2
STANDARD // RT
3
MODERATE // CHLG
4
EXPERT // HAZARD
5
EXTREME // LETHAL

The HikeMetrics Hazard Scale is a proprietary 5-point classification system that evaluates hiking routes across five dimensions: physical demand, technical complexity, altitude exposure, weather risk, and rescue accessibility.

Unlike generic star ratings, the Hazard Scale is calibrated against altitude profiles, elevation gain per day, and logistical isolation factors — making it the most precise route classification system available.

Full Scale Documentation
Route A // Hazard Verdict
Circuit des 25 Bosses
EXPERT // HAZARD
dehydration: The white sand and exposed rocks act as a sun-trap. There are no water sources, shops, or facilities anywhere on the 16km circuit.
knee and ankle exhaustion: The constant, steep, 850m cumulative 'up-and-down' on polished rock and loose sand places massive, repetitive impact stress on joints.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Overland Track
EXPERT // HAZARD
alpine weather variability: Rapid weather transitions can generate blizzard conditions and strong winds at any time of year on the Cradle Plateau and Pelion Gap.
terrain and traction: Boardwalk sections can be slippery when wet, while forested sectors in the Du Cane range often feature exposed roots and deep mud.

Required Gear Comparison

Circuit des 25 Bosses
Lightweight trail running shoes with sticky climbing rubber (Fontainebleau sandstone is notoriously smooth)Minimum 3L of water (highly recommended in summer)Lightweight daypack (heavy packs destroy your balance on the scrambling gaps)GPS watch or loaded phone app (the red line can be hard to follow in dense sections)
Overland Track
Reliable waterproof outer shell and wind protectionFuel-burning stove (open fires are prohibited)4-season alpine-spec shelterPersonal Locator Beacon (PLB)Waterproof pack liner and dry bagsSub-zero rated thermal layers and sleeping system

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Seefelder Spitze — The Karwendel Crown
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Thorsborne Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Wilderness Coast Walk
EXPERT // HAZARD