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

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)

israel/national-cross-country
VS
Route B

Wilderness Coast Walk

australia/nsw-victoria-border

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) vs Wilderness Coast Walk: Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (66 vs 68). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Wilderness Coast Walk's technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+2 Wilderness Coast Walk is harder
Higher Physical Load
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Wilderness Coast Walk
Greater Commitment
Wilderness Coast Walk
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Perfectly Matched Routes
4
Route A
4
Route B
israel/national-cross-country

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is a long-distance route spanning approximately 1,100km (680 miles) from Kibbutz Dan in the north to the Red Sea at Eilat. The trail traverses diverse ecological and historical zones, including the forested hills of the Galilee, the coastal plain, the Jerusalem highlands, and the extensive Negev and Arava deserts. Thru-hiking the full distance typically requires 40-50 days. The infrastructure utilizes ancient caravan roads, Roman routes, and significant desert wadi systems, providing a comprehensive transect of the region's topography and Mediterranean-to-arid climate transition.

australia/nsw-victoria-border

Wilderness Coast Walk

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Wilderness Coast Walk is a remote, point-to-point coastal trek of roughly 100 km, linking the Merrica River trailhead in South East NSW (Nadgee Nature Reserve) to Mallacoota Inlet in Gippsland, Victoria (Croajingolong National Park). The route traverses expansive sand dunes, sandstone headlands, and coastal heathlands along the Tasman Sea, with optional extensions to Green Cape. Navigation relies on tidal windows and topographic cues, as much of the track is unmarked. The walk passes through critical habitats for species such as the White-bellied Sea Eagle. Permits are required from NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and Parks Victoria.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
66
WINNER68
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
80 WINNER
69
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
40
WINNER51
DistanceLonger route
1100 km WINNER
100 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
18,000 m WINNER
800 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,208 m WINNER
150 m
Duration
45 days
5–7 days
Hazard Level
EXPERT // HAZARD
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
2 / 5
WINNER1 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
3 / 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
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
EXPERT // HAZARD
water scarcity in negev: The southern half of the trail (Negev Desert) has almost no natural water sources for days at a time.
extreme heat and flash floods: Daytime temperatures in the desert can exceed 35°C, while narrow wadis can flash-flood instantly during rare rain events.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Wilderness Coast Walk
EXPERT // HAZARD
tidal entrapment and surge: Critical segments require movement along narrow littoral zones and rock platforms that are inundated during high-tide cycles.
hydrological scarcity: Many surface water sources along the coast are subject to salt-water intrusion (brackish) or complete seasonal drying.

Required Gear Comparison

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
High-quality, breathable trekking bootsWater bladder system (minimum 3L)Lightweight tent or tarp for the desert sectionsSun protection (everything from hat to SPF 50+)Small spirit stove or small burner (for desert camping)INT Trail Map or GPS with 'Shvil' trackLightweight down jacket (desert nights are cold in winter)
Wilderness Coast Walk
Full autonomous camping and thermal systemCurrent Bureau of Meteorology tidal dataSatellite-based communication device (PLB/InReach)High-index UV protection and wind-resistant shellWater treatment and high-capacity storage systemCoastal-specific gaiters (sand intrusion protection)

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
Overland Track
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Thorsborne Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD