Amazing outdoor hikes can be found all over the globe. Whether you’re looking for a short-day hike or a multi-day backpacking adventure, there’s an amazing trail out there for you.
Here are ten of the best outdoor hiking trails in the world:
- The Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
The Kokoda Track is a 96-kilometer (60-mile) hike that traverses through dense jungle and over rugged mountains in Papua New Guinea. The track is steep and challenging but rewards hikers with stunning views of the Owen Stanley Range.
- The Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is a beautiful and popular trekking route that takes you to the lost city of Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail is 26 miles (42 kilometers) long and includes several sections of stairs that can be challenging for hikers. However, the incredible views of the Andes Mountains and the ancient Inca ruins make the trek worth it.
- The John Muir Trail, California
The John Muir Trail is a 210-mile (338-kilometer) hike that runs through the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. The trail passes by some of the most iconic landmarks in the state, such as Mount Whitney and Yosemite National Park.
- The West Coast Trail, Canada
The West Coast Trail is a 75-kilometer (47-mile) trek located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. The trail winds through dense rainforests and along the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Hikers can expect to find beautiful beaches, old-growth forests, and wildlife along the way.
- The Snowman Trek, Bhutan
The Snowman Trek trail is one of the most challenging and remote hikes in the world. The trek is 220 kilometers (137 miles) long and crosses through three mountain passes that are over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) high. The Snowman Trek takes place in Bhutan, a small country located in the Himalayan mountains.
- The Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile (18-kilometer) hike that leads to the remote Kalalau Beach on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The trail traverses through lush rainforests and along sweeping cliffside views. Hikers can also enjoy swimming and camping at Kalalau Beach.
- The Tongariro Northern Circuit, New Zealand
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is a multi-day trek that encircles Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro in New Zealand’s North Island. The 19.4-mile (31.2-kilometer) trail passes through volcanic landscapes and includes several scenic lookouts.
- The Larapinta Trail, Australia
The Larapinta Trail is a 223-kilometer (139-mile) hike located in the Northern Territory of Australia. The trail winds through stunning desert landscapes and features several Aboriginal cultural sites.
- The Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
The Annapurna Circuit is a popular trekking route that encircles the Annapurna massif in Nepal. The circuit typically takes two to three weeks to complete and reaches altitudes of over 17,000 feet (5,200 meters). Hikers are rewarded with incredible views of the Himalayan mountains throughout the trek.
- The Appalachian Trail, United States
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,180-mile (3,514-kilometer) footpath that runs through the eastern United States from Maine to Georgia. The trail passes through 14 states and is the longest hiking-only trail in the world. Hikers can expect to find beautiful forests, mountains, and streams along the way.
Whether you’re looking for a short-day hike or a multi-day backpacking adventure, there are amazing trails all over the world. These ten trails are some of the best outdoor hiking trails in the world. So, get out there and explore!
