Top Hiking Destinations Worldwide

Top Hiking Destinations Worldwide

Hiking offers both a physical challenge and an immersion into nature. Around the world, many trails cater to different experience levels and preferences. Here’s a guide to some of the top hiking destinations worldwide.

1. Inca Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail is iconic. It leads hikers through diverse terrains, including Andean mountains and tropical cloud forests. This historic route ends at the breathtaking Machu Picchu. The journey typically spans four days. Booking in advance is essential due to its popularity.

• Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
• Duration: 4 days
• Trail Type: Linear

2. Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile

This trail in Patagonia is celebrated for its stunning vistas. It offers views of glaciers, mountains, and clear lakes. The O circuit covers approximately 80 miles and takes around 7-10 days. Prepare for unpredictable weather conditions.

• Distance: 80 miles (129 km)
• Duration: 7-10 days
• Trail Type: Loop

3. Appalachian Trail, USA

The Appalachian Trail stretches over 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. It takes five to seven months to complete. Many hikers opt for shorter sections. It’s well-marked and offers shelters along the way. Autumn, with its vibrant foliage, is a popular time to visit.

• Distance: 2,190 miles (3,524 km)
• Duration: 5-7 months
• Trail Type: Linear

4. Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

The journey to Everest Base Camp is among the most sought-after hikes. It requires acclimatization due to high altitudes. Hikers pass through villages and monasteries, experiencing Sherpa culture. The trek takes around 12-14 days.

• Distance: 80 miles (129 km)
• Duration: 12-14 days
• Trail Type: Linear

5. Mont Blanc Circuit, France, Italy, and Switzerland

This trail loops around the Mont Blanc massif. It traverses through three countries. Hikers are treated to alpine meadows and rugged mountain landscapes. The trek takes approximately 11 days to complete.

• Distance: 110 miles (177 km)
• Duration: 11 days
• Trail Type: Loop

6. Overland Track, Australia

The Overland Track is located in Tasmania. It stretches from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. The trail showcases diverse landscapes, from rainforests to alpine plains. It typically takes six days to hike the entire trail.

• Distance: 40 miles (65 km)
• Duration: 6 days
• Trail Type: Linear

7. The GR20, France

The GR20 is known as one of Europe’s toughest long-distance trails. It traverses the mountainous terrain of Corsica. The path is rugged and requires a good level of fitness. Completion usually takes about 15 days.

• Distance: 112 miles (180 km)
• Duration: 15 days
• Trail Type: Linear

8. Laugavegur Trek, Iceland

Iceland’s Laugavegur Trek offers a unique landscape. Hikers can see volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs. The trail runs between Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork. It takes about 3-4 days to complete.

• Distance: 34 miles (55 km)
• Duration: 3-4 days
• Trail Type: Linear

9. Zion Narrows, USA

The Narrows offers a distinct hiking experience. The trail follows the Virgin River through a narrow canyon in Zion National Park. Hikers wade through water for most of the journey. A top-down hike covers 16 miles in one day, though shorter options are available.

• Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
• Duration: 1 day
• Trail Type: Linear

10. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

The Annapurna Circuit provides a diverse trekking experience. It encompasses various landscapes, from subtropical forests to arid high-altitude deserts. The full circuit spans around 128 miles and takes 15-20 days. Hikers often pass through Thorong La pass, the highest point on the trek.

• Distance: 128 miles (206 km)
• Duration: 15-20 days
• Trail Type: Loop

11. Haute Route, France and Switzerland

The Haute Route connects Chamonix to Zermatt. It goes through the heart of the Swiss Alps. It’s well-marked and takes around 12 days. Hikers enjoy views of several high peaks, including the Matterhorn.

• Distance: 125 miles (200 km)
• Duration: 12 days
• Trail Type: Linear

12. Milford Track, New Zealand

Often called the finest walk in the world, the Milford Track leads through the Fiordland of New Zealand. It stretches from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. Forests, waterfalls, and glaciated valleys offer stunning scenery over four days.

• Distance: 33 miles (53 km)
• Duration: 4 days
• Trail Type: Linear

13. West Highland Way, Scotland

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s premier long-distance trail. It stretches from Milngavie to Fort William. Hikers pass through loch shores, moorlands, and highlands. The route takes about 7-9 days to complete.

• Distance: 96 miles (154 km)
• Duration: 7-9 days
• Trail Type: Linear

14. Cinque Terre, Italy

The Cinque Terre offers a scenic coastal trekking experience. The path connects five picturesque villages on the Italian Riviera. It covers varied terrains, with some steep climbs that reward hikers with panoramic views. The full trail can be completed in one to two days.

• Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
• Duration: 1-2 days
• Trail Type: Linear

15. Salkantay Trek, Peru

The Salkantay Trek reaches Machu Picchu via a less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail. It traverses high mountain passes and tropical jungles. The trail spans 46 miles and takes about five days.

• Distance: 46 miles (74 km)
• Duration: 5 days
• Trail Type: Linear

16. Snowman Trek, Bhutan

The Snowman Trek is one of the most challenging trails globally. It traverses the Himalayan ranges of Bhutan. The trek spans 216 miles and takes about 25 days. High altitude makes this trek suitable for experienced hikers only.

• Distance: 216 miles (347 km)
• Duration: 25 days
• Trail Type: Linear

17. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA

The Kalalau Trail offers a rugged and remote hiking experience on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai. The trail stretches over 11 miles one way. It includes steep climbs and descents. The journey takes about two days round trip, and permits are required for camping.

• Distance: 22 miles (35 km) round trip
• Duration: 2 days
• Trail Type: Linear

18. Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa

This trail covers the escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains. It’s a path for the adventurous, requiring navigation skills. The hike extends for 150 miles and can take about 14 days. Hikers witness basalt cliffs and panoramic views.

• Distance: 150 miles (241 km)
• Duration: 14 days
• Trail Type: Linear

19. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a day hike that covers volcanic terrain. Hikers see emerald lakes, craters, and thermal steam vents. The trail is 12 miles long and takes about 7-8 hours.

• Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Trail Type: Point-to-point

20. Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimage routes. The most popular path, the Camino Francés, spans about 500 miles. It takes roughly 30-35 days to walk from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela. It’s not only a physical trek but also a journey imbued with spiritual and historical significance.

• Distance: 500 miles (800 km)
• Duration: 30-35 days
• Trail Type: Linear