One of the best ways to get to know a place is by setting off on foot and enjoying every little surprise it gives you along the way. So if you are an adventure seeker who enjoys hiking mountains, rivers and volcanoes, this list is perfect for you. Here are 10 of the best hiking trails in the world that are sure to offer you some of the most spectacular and memorable experiences of your life!
Top 10 Best Hiking Trails in the World
Up for a challenge? Here are 10 of the best hiking trails in the world that are naturally breathtaking and perfect for every adventure seeker.
1. Te Araroa Trail (New Zealand)
First on our list of the best hiking trails in the world is the Te Araroa Trail, also known as “The Long Pathway”.
The Te Araroa Trail belongs to New Zealand and measures 3,000km (1,850 miles) in length. It passes through the country’s most diverse landscapes, from forests and beaches, to volcanoes and national parks. In fact, it stretches all the way from Cape Reinga in the North of New Zealand, to Bluff in the South.
The best time to hike Te Araroa is from October through to April and takes 3 to 6 months to be completed on foot.
2. Tour Du Mont Blanc (Italy, Switzerland and France)
The next amazing hiking trail on our list is Tour Du Mont Blanc, which passes through 3 different European countries – Italy, Switzerland and France.
Tour du Mont Blanc or TMB is one of the most popular long distance trails in the world, covering a distance of about 180 kilometers (116 miles) with 10 kilometers of ascent/decent. It will take between 3 to 10 days to complete the trail on foot, depending on how long you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience all that the trail has to offer.
The best time to hike TMB is during the summer months when you don’t need to worry about being snowed on.
3. Pacific Crest Trail (California, Oregon and Washington)
Pacific Crest Trail or Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail is next on our guide to amazing hiking trails around the world. Passing through three states – California, Oregon and Washington – this long distance hiking trail spans about 2,653 mi (4,270 km) in length.
Completing the Pacific Crest Trail will take around 5 to 6 months on foot with incredible routes that pass through 25 national forests and 7 national parks. To avoid the snow, the best time to start is in April.
4. Everest Base Camp Trek (Nepal)
Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is one of the best hiking trails in the world and a favorite among backpackers. A steep 40 mile trek, this trail gives you the opportunity to experience the “Goddess Mother of the World”, Mount Everest.
Witness breathtaking views, challenge yourself like never before and immerse yourself in the fascinating local culture surrounding the highest point on the earth.
The best time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek is from March to May (before the monsoons move in) and September to November (after the monsoon season). Typically, the trek to Everest Base Camp takes 12 days to be completed – 8 days to reach the camp and 4 days to go back down.
5. Overland Track (Australia)
Overland Track is one of the most popular hiking trails in Australia, and one of the best in the world. Located in Tasmania, the track runs from Cradle Mountain to Lake St.Clair at about 65 kilometers (40miles) in length.
The trail passes through terrain ranging from mountains and alpine plains to temperate rainforest and wild rivers – all in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Usually, it will take around 5 to 6 days to finish the track with the best time to go from October 1 to May 31.
6. Franconia Ridge Loop/Traverse (New Hampshire)
Franconia Ridge Loop in New England is one of the best hiking trails in the world, measuring around 9 miles in length. This is a short trail that can be completed in as little as 7 hours.
Traversing through Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack, you’ll get a breathtaking glimpse of the White Mountains and the alpine world.
The best time to go is every midweek, especially in fall.
7. Sierra High Route (California)
Sierra High Route, also known as the Roper Route or the High Route, is a cross-country route in the Sierra Nevada.
At 324 kilometers (195 miles) long, trekkers consider the Sierra High Route to be one of the most spectacular and challenging routes in North America.
The best time to hike this trail is during summer or early fall, when the snow has melted or before it begins again. It will take around 5 to 8 days to complete the route on foot.
8. Dosewallips to Lake Quinault in Olympic National Park (Washington)
Next on our list of incredible hiking trails you should add to your bucket list is the Olympic National Park in Washington, US.
This 34 mile journey will give you the opportunity to enjoy wildlife, history and serenity in a manageable 3 day hike. Just be prepared with the weather as it can be challenging for hikers.
The best time to hike this trail is from July through the end of September.
9. Caribou Tracks (Alaska)
Coming towards the end of our top picks of the best hiking trails in the world is the Caribou Track, which is about 120 to 140 miles long.
This is a dream trail for hikers, traversing through the Gates of the Arctic National Park or Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.
The best time to do this hike is during spring and fall, when the caribou undertake their great migrations.
10. Long Range Traverse (Canada)
Finally on our list of the most incredible hiking trails around the world to complete in your lifetime is Long Range Traverse, located in Canada. At 35 kilometers long, this route takes around 3 to 4 days to be completed.
This trail traverses from Western Brook Pond to Gros Morne Mountain, one of the highest in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The route offers an unforgettable journey with impressive views of the wilderness that’ll take your breath away.
The best time to do this hike is Mid-June through to September. You will need to secure a permit from the Parks of Canada before setting off.
Conclusion
While these 10 amazing hiking trails around the world will take your breath away, there are lot more for you to discover! These are just ideas to help you decide where and how you are going to spend your next trip.
Even if you’re not an adventure seeker, it is time to challenge yourself and do something that will measure your strength and stamina whilst collecting memorable, life-changing experiences. After all, there’s a lot more to discover beyond the horizon.
