The Best Hiking Trails Around the World: A Journey Through Nature’s Masterpieces
There’s something magical about lacing up your boots, shouldering a pack, and setting off on a trail that winds into the unknown. Hiking is more than just a pastime—it’s a way to connect with the planet’s raw beauty, challenge your limits, and immerse yourself in landscapes that leave you breathless. From mist-shrouded peaks to ancient forests and deserts that stretch to the horizon, the world’s greatest trails offer adventures that linger in your soul long after you’ve returned home.
Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or a weekend wanderer, this guide to the best hiking trails around the world will inspire your next journey. We’ve curated iconic routes across six continents, each with its own unique allure. Let’s dive in!
1. Inca Trail, Peru
Location: Andes Mountains to Machu Picchu
Distance: 26 miles (42 km) | Duration: 4 days
Best Time to Hike: May–September (dry season)
The Inca Trail isn’t just a hike—it’s a pilgrimage through history. This legendary path winds through cloud forests, past Incan ruins, and over stone-paved passes before culminating at the Sun Gate, where Machu Picchu emerges like a mirage. The trail’s climax at sunrise, as golden light spills over the Lost City of the Incas, is a moment you’ll never forget.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (high altitude)
Permits Required: Yes—book 6+ months in advance.
Pro Tip: Acclimate in Cusco for 2–3 days to avoid altitude sickness.
2. Appalachian Trail (AT), United States
Location: Georgia to Maine
Distance: 2,200 miles (3,540 km) | Duration: 5–7 months (thru-hike)
Best Time to Hike: March–September (northbound)
The AT is the granddaddy of long-distance trails, stretching across 14 states. Thru-hikers endure grueling climbs, knee-jarring descents, and the infamous “Virginia Blues,” but they’re rewarded with camaraderie, Appalachian folk culture, and vistas like the Roan Highlands’ grassy balds. Only 1 in 4 who attempt the full trail finish—but every mile teaches resilience.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah’s wild ponies, Maine’s Hundred-Mile Wilderness.
Pro Tip: Trail names are a rite of passage—embrace yours!
3. Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Location: Khumbu Valley
Distance: 80 miles (130 km) round-trip | Duration: 12–14 days
Best Time to Hike: March–May or September–November
Walking in the shadow of the world’s highest peak is a humbling experience. This trek winds through Sherpa villages adorned with prayer flags, across suspension bridges over glacial rivers, and into the stark beauty of the Himalayas. The final push to Base Camp (17,598 ft) offers a glimpse into the lives of climbers daring to summit Everest.
Difficulty: Challenging (altitude is the real test)
Cultural Gem: Visit Tengboche Monastery for a blessing from a Lama.
Pro Tip: Pack Diamox for altitude and savor endless cups of ginger tea.
4. Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), Europe
Location: France, Italy, Switzerland
Distance: 110 miles (170 km) | Duration: 10–12 days
Best Time to Hike: July–September
Circling Western Europe’s highest peak, the TMB serves up a buffet of alpine wonder: wildflower meadows, glacial valleys, and villages where you can refuel on fondue and espresso. The trail crosses three countries, each with distinct flavors—literally. Stay in rustic refugios and wake up to cowbells echoing across the hills.
Difficulty: Moderate (well-marked but steep sections)
Must-Do: Detour to Lac Blanc for mirror-like reflections of Mont Blanc.
5. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Location: Northern Tanzania
Distance: Varies by route (Marangu: 44 miles) | Duration: 5–9 days
Best Time to Hike: January–March or June–October
Africa’s rooftop, Kilimanjaro, is a non-technical climb that takes you from rainforest to arctic tundra. The “Coca-Cola Route” (Marangu) is popular, but the Lemosho Trail offers quieter trails and better acclimatization. Summit night—a grueling 6-hour ascent under stars—ends with sunrise at Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), where the African plains unfurl below.
Difficulty: Strenuous (altitude + endurance)
Pro Tip: Choose a reputable guide company—safety is key.
6. Torres del Paine “W Trek,” Chile
Location: Patagonia
Distance: 50 miles (80 km) | Duration: 5–6 days
Best Time to Hike: November–March (summer)
Patagonia’s crown jewel, the W Trek, is a symphony of jagged peaks, electric-blue glaciers, and emerald lakes. Highlights include the granite spires of Las Torres, the roaring Grey Glacier, and the French Valley’s amphitheater of peaks. Campsites like Refugio Paine Grande offer warm meals and camaraderie.
Difficulty: Moderate (wind is the wildcard—hold onto your hat!)
Permits: Reserve campsites early—spaces fill fast.
7. Milford Track, New Zealand
Location: Fiordland National Park
Distance: 33 miles (53 km) | Duration: 4 days
Best Time to Hike: November–April (“Great Walk” season)
Dubbed “the finest walk in the world,” the Milford Track is a rainforest fairy tale. Waterfalls cascade down cliffs, moss drapes ancient beech trees, and the Mackinnon Pass offers a panoramic payoff. The trail ends with a boat ride across Milford Sound, where Mitre Peak pierces the sky.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (well-maintained paths)
Pro Tip: Waterproof gear is non-negotiable—Fiordland is one of Earth’s wettest places.
8. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), United States
Location: Mexico to Canada
Distance: 2,650 miles (4,265 km) | Duration: 4–6 months
Best Time to Hike: April–September (northbound)
Made famous by Wild, the PCT traverses deserts, volcanoes, and the High Sierra. Thru-hikers face scorching heat, snowpack, and the mental marathon of daily miles. But magic exists here: trail angels, wildflower blooms in the Mojave, and the euphoria of reaching Canada’s monument.
Difficulty: Extreme (physical + mental endurance)
Trail Magic: Look for coolers of soda left by kind strangers in the desert.
Final Thoughts: The World Awaits
Hiking is more than a hobby—it’s a lens through which to see the world. These trails remind us of nature’s grandeur and our own resilience. Whether you spend days or months on the path, remember to tread lightly, respect local cultures, and savor every step. The mountains, forests, and deserts are calling. Where will your boots take you next?
Gear up, grab your map, and let the adventure begin. 🌍🥾
