12 Spectacular Hiking Trails in the World for Every Trekking Enthusiast
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Hiking is one of the best ways to connect with nature and sweat it out actively. For the best experience, select a hiking trail that offers precisely what you want. Scenery, the right amount of difficulty and distance, tranquility, and cultural immersion are just some things to look for.
We have you covered with this list if you are a hiking enthusiast looking for a spectacular hiking trail to venture into. This list has it all when it comes to spectacular hiking trails: history-filled, dramatic landscapes, breathtaking scenery, weeks-long adventures, or just a few hours-long hikes.
Inca Trail, Peru
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Hiking the Inca Trail is an adventure every explorer should have on their bucket list, primarily because it leads to the iconic Machu Picchu but also because of the scenery it offers. The typical four-day trip starts at Kilometer 82 and ends at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the main entrance to Machu Picchu.
The hiking trail offers views of Incan ruins and mines, subtropical forests, and Andean Mountain ranges. It is an opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery and learn about the ancient Incas as the trail passes through some archaeological sites. This is one of the best hikes any history enthusiast could ever take.
Read also: Otherworldly Landscapes Across the Globe
West Coast Trail, Canada
Your trip to Vancouver Island is never complete without hiking the West Coast Trail. The trail runs between Pachena Bay and Gordon Rover near Port Renfrew; you can start from either point.
The trail goes through the remote coastline of Vancouver Island, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, tidal pools, and dense forests.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will love the pristine wilderness and the rich biodiversity this trail offers. It is also an excellent opportunity to marvel at the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Beware: While it is a scenic hike, it is also challenging, involving mud pits, steep ladders, rugged terrain, and sometimes unpredictable weather. The 4-5 day-long trip is perfect for hikers and backpackers who prefer backcountry hiking, not amateurs.
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Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, Arizona, USA
All avid travelers should have the Grand Canyon on their bucket list; it is one of the most phenomenal geological wonders ever. If you ever visit, ensure to hike from the North Rim to the South Rim or vice versa; it is one of the best ways to witness the dramatic scenery of the canyon, towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, and the winding Colorado River far below.
Come prepared for steep descents and ascents and sometimes extreme summer temperatures. Depending on their pace and itinerary, many hikers complete the trail in 1-3 days.
Read also: Best Scenic Hikes in the US
Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc involves going around the small, charming villages surrounding the mountain. Depending on your itinerary, your hike could start at Les Houches in France or Courmayeur in Italy.
This trail offers unbeatable, close-up views of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. It also offers breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, forests, and charming mountain villages.
Tour du Mont Blanc is not just an opportunity to explore stunning scenery. This 7-10 days-long hike would let you explore the rich cultural heritages of 3 countries, including rich cuisine styles and charming village life.
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Pacific Crest Trail, USA
Pacific Crest Trail is popular among backpackers looking to take months in nature or any adventurer looking to take a sabbatical in a tranquil wilderness; it typically lasts 4-6 months.
The trail begins at the U.S.-Mexico border near Campo, California, and ends at the U.S.-Canada border in Manning Park. This means it takes hikers through California, Washington, and Oregon, which almost always feature in the US’s most scenic state ratings, so you’re in for a treat.
Some of this trail’s highlights include the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges and Crater Lake.
Read also: Must-Visit Outdoor Spots in the US
The Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
The Laugavegur Trail is an excellent opportunity to experience Iceland’s dramatic wilderness at its best. This hike runs between Landmannalaugar, a geothermal area in the southern highlands of Iceland, and Thórsmörk, a valley and nature reserve nestled between glaciers in South Iceland.
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The trail takes hikers through some of Iceland’s most breathtaking and diverse landscapes, including colorful mountains, steaming hot springs, glacial rivers, deserts, and lush valleys.
The hike is typically 34 miles (55 kilometers) long. While it is a thrilling trek, come prepared for Iceland’s unpredictability, which may include snowfall even in summer.
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Kumano Kodo, Japan
Kumano Kodo is popular among outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with their spirituality or seek natural tranquility.
The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network begins at various points in the Kii Peninsula of Japan, including the cities of Tanabe, Kii-Katsuura, and Shingu. It then passes through sacred sites and shrines such as the famous Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha.
The trail winds through verdant forests, ancient cedar groves, rice paddies, and picturesque villages, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and coastline.
This hike offers more than scenery. It is also a deep dive into Japan’s rich cultural heritage as trekkers get to traverse routes that emperors, samurais, and pilgrims traversed over thousands of years in search of spiritual healing.
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Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA
While Hawaii is generally stunning, some of its most beautiful landscapes are secluded; you have to explore deeper actually to experience the best Hawaii has to offer. One of the best ways to experience Hawaii’s hidden gems is to hike on the Kalalau Trail. This trail begins at Ke’e Beach on the north shore of Kauai and goes to Kalalau Beach, located on the Na Pali Coast.
This route traverses the remote Na Pali Coast of Kauai, offering breathtaking views of towering sea cliffs, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches, and the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean.
This trail is approximately 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) one way and typically takes backpackers two days. Some take longer if they decide to camp along the way. Come prepared to hike through steep terrain, narrow pathways, exposed cliffs, and river crossings; this is perfect for hikers who love a good challenge.
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The Haute Route, France-Switzerland
The Haute Route starts at Chamonix, a renowned alpine resort town located at the base of Mont Blanc. It ends at Zermatt, a picturesque mountain village dominated by views of Matterhorn Peak.
This is one of the most scenic hikes in Europe. It offers unbeatable views of the Alps, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and charming mountain villages.
The 112-mile (180-kilometer) hike takes approximately 10 to 14 days and involves steep ascent and descent and sometimes harsh alpine weather conditions. Overall, the views, experience, and charming mountain huts that serve as hotels along the route will be worth everything.
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Overland Track, Australia
Overland Track starts at Ronny Creek, traversing Tasmania’s wilderness and ending at Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake.
The trek takes you through ancient rainforests, alpine moors, rugged mountains, glacial valleys, and tranquil lakes. This hike is a great chance to experience the unique flora and fauna typical of Tasmania.
The 40-mile (65-kilometer) hike is moderately challenging, with well-defined paths and moderate ascents and descents; beginners can manage this path well.
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Trolltunga Hike, Norway
This trail is one of Norway’s most iconic and Instagram-worthy hiking destinations. It offers unparalleled views of fjords, towering peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and stunning vegetation. The trail takes hikers to Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue), a rock formation 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet Lake.
The trail is approximately 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) long and takes roughly 8 to 12 hours, depending on the trail conditions and hikers’ pace.
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Madeira Coast to Coast Trek, Portugal
There is no better way to explore Madeira Island than to take this scenic route that cuts through it. The trek begins on the northern coast of Madeira in São Vicente or Porto Moniz and ends on the southern coast in Machico or Funchal, the island’s capital city.
This trail lets you enjoy this island’s diverse landscape, such as lush forests, high cliffs, rugged mountains, terraced hillsides, and panoramic ocean views. The hike also passes through charming villages, letting tourists experience the culture and traditions of the people of Madeira.
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