Best hiking trails
Best hiking trails offer outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to explore and connect with nature while getting in a great workout. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are trails available for all skill levels, from easy, leisurely strolls to challenging, strenuous treks. These trails often wind through diverse landscapes, including forests, mountains, deserts, and coastal areas, providing stunning views and a sense of adventure.
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One of the best hiking trails is the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile footpath that stretches from Georgia to Maine, offering hikers a chance to experience the beauty of the eastern United States. Another top trail is the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington, showcasing the diverse landscapes of the western United States. For those seeking a shorter hike, the Angel's Landing Trail in Zion National Park offers a thrilling and rewarding experience with its steep switchbacks and breathtaking views from the summit. No matter where you are in the world, there are countless best hiking trails waiting to be explored, offering a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the natural world.
Appalachian TrailView AllAppalachian Trail - 2,200-mile hiking trail extending from Georgia to Maine.
Pacific Crest TrailView AllPacific Crest Trail - 2,653 mile hiking trail through western United States.
John Muir TrailView AllJohn Muir Trail - Scenic, 211-mile long hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada.
Inca TrailView AllInca Trail - Ancient Andean pathway to Machu Picchu, Peru.
Camino de SantiagoView AllCamino de Santiago - Pilgrimage route in Spain for spiritual and cultural journey.
Great Wall of ChinaView AllGreat Wall of China - Historic, massive, ancient, iconic, defensive structure in China.
West Highland WayView AllWest Highland Way - Scenic long-distance hiking trail in Scotland.
Tour du Mont BlancView AllTour du Mont Blanc - Hiking circuit around the Mont Blanc massif in Europe.
Torres del Paine CircuitView AllTorres del Paine Circuit - Challenging trek through stunning Patagonian landscapes.
Kalalau TrailView AllKalalau Trail - Scenic and challenging coastal trail in Hawaii.
Best hiking trails
1.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,200-mile long hiking trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine, making it one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world. It winds its way through 14 states and offers hikers the opportunity to experience diverse landscapes, from lush forests to panoramic mountain views. The trail is a popular destination for thru-hikers, who attempt to complete the entire trek in one go, as well as for day hikers and section hikers. The Appalachian Trail is known for its challenging terrain, scenic beauty, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing such a monumental journey.
Pros
Beautiful scenery- physical challenge
- sense of accomplishment
Cons
Long duration- potential for injury
- limited access to amenities
2.
Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail is a long-distance hiking and equestrian trail that spans 2,653 miles from the border of Mexico to Canada, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington. It is one of the most iconic and challenging trails in the United States, traversing through diverse landscapes including deserts, forests, and mountain ranges. The trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, towering peaks, and pristine wilderness. The PCT is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, solitude, and a deep connection with nature.
Pros
- Beautiful scenery
- physical challenge
- opportunity for self-discovery.
Cons
- Long distance
- potential for injury or danger
- limited access to services
3.
John Muir Trail
The John Muir Trail is a famous long-distance hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. It spans over 200 miles, starting in Yosemite National Park and ending at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. The trail passes through some of the most stunning and pristine wilderness in the country, including deep valleys, alpine meadows, and towering peaks. Hikers on the John Muir Trail can experience breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and diverse ecosystems, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Pros
- Stunning scenery
- challenging terrain
- pristine wilderness
Cons
- Long distance
- unpredictable weather
- permit restrictions
4.
Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a famous hiking route in Peru that leads to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. The trail spans approximately 26 miles and takes hikers through stunning Andean landscapes, including cloud forests, mountain passes, and Inca ruins. Along the way, trekkers can experience the rich history and culture of the Inca civilization, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is a popular destination for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
Pros
- Stunning scenery
- historical significance
- challenging trek
Cons
- Crowded
- limited permits
- environmental impact
5.
Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrim routes leading to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain. The route has been traveled by pilgrims for over a thousand years and is a significant spiritual journey for many. It passes through diverse landscapes and cultural regions, offering a unique and enriching experience to those who walk it. The Camino de Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to attract pilgrims from all over the world.
Pros
- Spiritual growth
- physical challenge
- cultural experience
Cons
- Crowded at times
- potential for over-commercialization
- long distances
6.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is an ancient fortification that stretches over 13,000 miles across northern China. It was originally built to protect the Chinese states and empires against invasions and raids from various nomadic groups. The construction of the wall began as early as the 7th century BC, with the most well-known sections being built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most iconic symbols of China's rich history and culture. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
Pros
- Cultural and historical significance
- impressive engineering feat
Cons
- Expensive to maintain
- environmental impact
- controversy over forced labor
7.
West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is a long-distance walking trail in Scotland, stretching 96 miles from Milngavie, just outside of Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The trail takes walkers through a diverse range of landscapes, including rolling lowland countryside, picturesque lochs, and rugged mountain terrain, offering stunning views of the Scottish landscape along the way. The West Highland Way is a popular route for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, attracting visitors from around the world to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Scotland.
Pros
- Stunning scenery
- well-marked trail
- varied terrain
Cons
- Crowded in peak season
- potential for bad weather
- limited facilities
8.
Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a famous long-distance hiking trail that circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif in the Alps, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The trail covers a distance of approximately 170 kilometers and takes hikers through stunning alpine landscapes, including rugged mountain passes, lush valleys, and picturesque villages. The route is popular among outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenging and rewarding trek with breathtaking panoramic views of the highest peaks in the Alps. The Tour du Mont Blanc offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the region while enjoying a multi-day hiking adventure.
Pros
- Stunning scenery
- challenging terrain
- cultural experiences
Cons
- Crowded trails
- unpredictable weather
- logistics and planning
9.
Torres del Paine Circuit
The Torres del Paine Circuit is a challenging multi-day trek through the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. The circuit is a 9-11 day trek that covers approximately 130 kilometers and offers hikers the chance to experience the park's diverse terrain, including glaciers, lakes, forests, and the iconic granite peaks of the Paine Massif. The trek is known for its unpredictable weather, steep ascents and descents, and the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including guanacos, condors, and pumas. The Torres del Paine Circuit is a bucket-list adventure for experienced hikers seeking a truly immersive wilderness experience.
Pros
- Stunning scenery
- challenging trek
- diverse wildlife
Cons
- Weather can be unpredictable
- crowded during peak season
- requires good physical condition
10.
Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail is a rugged 11-mile trail located on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai, Hawaii. It is known for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, lush green cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. The trail is challenging and requires hikers to navigate steep terrain, narrow paths, and sometimes slippery conditions. Hikers can expect to encounter stunning vistas, secluded beaches, and ancient Hawaiian ruins along the way. The trail is popular among experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an adventure in one of the most beautiful and remote areas of Hawaii.
Pros
- Stunning views
- beautiful beaches
- challenging hike
Cons
- Dangerous conditions
- overcrowding
- limited permits