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

Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)

argentina/nahuel-huapi-national-park-bariloche
VS
Route B

St Nectan's Glen Waterfall

united-kingdom/Cornwall, England

Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios) vs St Nectan's Glen Waterfall: Intensity Score Comparison

Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+81 points). While St Nectan's Glen Waterfall is a serious endeavor, Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+81 Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
Greater Commitment
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)wins 8 of 10 metrics
8
Route A
2
Route B
argentina/nahuel-huapi-national-park-bariloche

Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

The Nahuel Huapi Traverse is a multi-day hut-to-hut route that circumnavigates the mountain ranges adjacent to San Carlos de Bariloche. The trail follows a high-alpine path, connecting four distinct mountain refugios via ridgelines, loose scree slopes, and granite passes. The terrain is characterized by a mix of Andean forest and exposed high-altitude terrain, where route-finding and stability on loose rock are primary requirements. The system of stone huts (refugios) provides a logistical framework for the journey, though hikers must be prepared for sustained physical output in an exposed mountain environment.

united-kingdom/Cornwall, England

St Nectan's Glen Waterfall

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

St Nectan's Glen is an enchanting, atmospheric woodland valley deeply cut into the Cornish slate near Tintagel. This short, easy 1.9-mile (3km) circular walk follows the tumbling River Trevillet through ancient, moss-draped oak trees and ferns. The destination is a spectacular 60-foot waterfall that has punched a flawless circular hole directly through the rock basin, creating a deep pool below. The glen has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rare flora and is considered by many to be one of the most spiritual and magical places in the UK.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
93 WINNER
12
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
68 WINNER
10
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
95 WINNER
18
DistanceLonger route
45 km WINNER
3 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
3,400 m WINNER
60 m
Highest PointHigher summit
2,050 m WINNER
120 m
DurationShorter commitment
4 days
WINNER1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXTREME // LETHAL
WINNERLOW // ACCESS
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5 WINNER
5 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
4 / 5 WINNER
1 / 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
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
technical scrambling and exposure: Portions of the route, particularly the section between Jakob and Laguna Negra, involve steep terrain with significant fall potential and Class 2-3 scrambling sections on loose rock.
mountain weather variables: The ridgelines are fully exposed to regional weather systems. High winds, temperature drops, and sudden precipitation can occur regardless of the season.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
St Nectan's Glen Waterfall
LOW // ACCESS
slippery rocky tree roots: The path follows the riverbank closely. It is constantly damp, littered with smooth slate fragments, and heavily crisscrossed with massive, exposed tree roots.
river flooding: The path is safe, but entering the waterfall pool area after very heavy rain is dangerous due to the immense volume of water blasting through the rock.

Required Gear Comparison

Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
High-cut trekking boots with rigid solesTechnical backpack (40-50L capacity)Waterproof hardshell and synthetic insulation layersSleeping bag liner for refugio staysTrekking poles for stability on loose screeRedundant navigation (GPS with offline maps and paper backups)Gloves and headwear for exposed ridge sections
St Nectan's Glen Waterfall
Walking shoes or wellies (wellies are essential if you want to enter the shallow pool to stand in front of the waterfall—these can be borrowed onsite)Waterproof jacket (spray from the falls permeates the air)OS Explorer Map 111 (Bude, Boscastle & Tintagel)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
LOW // ACCESS
Compare Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios) vs St Nectan's Glen Waterfall | Intensity & Difficulty