Exploring the great outdoors on foot is one of the most rewarding travel experiences. From rugged mountain paths to serene coastal walks, the world is filled with incredible hiking trails that offer breathtaking views and unforgettable adventures.
Here are some of the best hiking trails around the globe that should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
1. Inca Trail, Peru- The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world, leading adventurers through stunning Andean scenery and ancient Incan ruins to the iconic Machu Picchu. The four-day trek covers approximately 26 miles (42 km) and reaches an altitude of 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). Along the way, hikers pass through diverse landscapes, including cloud forests, alpine tundra, and subtropical jungle.
2. Torres del Paine W Circuit, Chile- Located in Patagonia, the Torres del Paine National Park is home to the renowned W Circuit. This challenging trek typically takes about five to seven days to complete and offers spectacular views of the park’s granite towers, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. The 50-mile (80 km) trail winds through some of the most dramatic landscapes in South America.
3. Milford Track, New Zealand- Known as “the finest walk in the world,” the Milford Track in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park takes hikers through lush rainforests, over alpine passes, and past cascading waterfalls. The 33-mile (53 km) trail usually takes four days to complete and culminates at the stunning Milford Sound, a fjord renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife.
4. John Muir Trail, USA- The John Muir Trail spans 211 miles (340 km) through the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Named after naturalist John Muir, the trail offers some of the most scenic wilderness in America, including granite cliffs, pristine alpine lakes, and dense forests. The hike typically takes about three weeks to complete.
5. Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland- The Tour du Mont Blanc is a classic long-distance hike that circles Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. This 105-mile (170 km) trek traverses three countries—France, Italy, and Switzerland—and takes about 10 to 12 days to complete. Hikers are treated to spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and charming alpine villages.
6. Overland Track, Australia- Tasmania’s Overland Track is a 40-mile (65 km) hike that takes about six days to complete. The trail runs through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, offering stunning views of Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair, ancient rainforests, and alpine meadows. It’s a must-do for anyone looking to experience Australia’s wild and rugged beauty.
7. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland- The Laugavegur Trail is Iceland’s most famous trek, stretching 34 miles (55 km) from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk. This four-day hike showcases the country’s dramatic and otherworldly landscapes, including colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, black sand deserts, and lush green valleys. The trail is typically hiked in the summer months when conditions are most favorable.
8. Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa/Lesotho- The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is an epic hike that spans about 150 miles (240 km) along the Drakensberg Mountains, forming the border between South Africa and Lesotho. This challenging trek takes about two weeks to complete and offers hikers the chance to see towering peaks, dramatic cliffs, and diverse flora and fauna. It’s one of the most remote and rewarding hikes in Africa.
Whether you're seeking breathtaking landscapes, challenging terrains, or a chance to immerse yourself in nature, these hiking trails offer something for every adventurer. From the ancient pathways of the Inca Trail to the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg Grand Traverse, these trails provide an unforgettable journey through some of the world’s most spectacular natural beauty.
Wwritten By: Cha Rae Smith
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