Hiking is more than a pastime—it’s a journey into the planet’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. With over 61 million Americans hitting the trails in 2023, it’s clear this outdoor pursuit is capturing hearts and challenging adventurers like never before. But not all trails are created equal.
From alpine ridges to ancient deserts, these 13 extraordinary hikes redefine what it means to explore. Ready to push your limits and embrace the wild?
1. Tour du Mont Blanc
This iconic Alpine trek circles Western Europe’s highest peak, winding through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The 105.6-mile route offers stunning views of glaciers, pristine valleys, and snow-capped peaks while passing through charming mountain villages.
- Duration: 11 days average
- Distance: 105.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 32,808 feet
- Best season: Mid-June to mid-September
- Technical difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Mountain huts and villages
2. Everest Base Camp Trek
This legendary Himalayan journey takes trekkers through the heart of Sherpa country to the foot of the world’s highest peak. The trail winds through rhododendron forests, crosses suspension bridges, and passes ancient monasteries draped in prayer flags.
- Duration: 12-14 days
- Distance: 70 miles
- Maximum elevation: 18,192 feet
- Best season: March-May, September-November
- Technical difficulty: Challenging
- Required permits: TIMS card and national park entry
3. Great Ocean Walk
Australia’s premier coastal trek showcases dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and eucalyptus forests teeming with wildlife. The journey from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles offers constant ocean views and frequent wildlife encounters.
- Duration: 8 days
- Distance: 67.1 miles
- Best season: Spring and autumn
- Wildlife sightings: Koalas, wallabies, whales
- Technical difficulty: Moderate
- Camping options: Dedicated sites available
4. Salkantay Trek
This alternative route to Machu Picchu offers a less crowded but equally spectacular journey through the Peruvian Andes. Trekkers pass glacial lakes, cross high mountain passes, and traverse cloud forests before reaching the ancient Incan citadel.
- Duration: 5-7 days
- Distance: 46 miles
- Maximum elevation: 15,190 feet
- Best season: April-October
- Technical difficulty: Challenging
- Cultural highlights: Remote Andean villages
5. Kungsleden Trail
Sweden’s “King’s Trail” cuts through the last remaining wilderness of Europe, offering pristine Arctic landscapes and the midnight sun in summer. The trail traverses the Scandinavian Mountains, providing access to remote glacial valleys and pristine lakes.
- Duration: 15-20 days (full trail)
- Distance: 273.4 miles
- Best season: June-September
- Technical difficulty: Moderate
- Unique feature: Midnight sun viewing
6. Banff Highline Trail
This Canadian Rockies adventure showcases some of North America’s most dramatic mountain scenery. The route passes through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, offering views of glacial lakes, limestone peaks, and abundant wildlife.
- Duration: 7 days
- Distance: 64 miles
- Best season: July-September
- Technical difficulty: Advanced
- Wildlife: Grizzlies, elk, mountain goats
7. GR20 Trail
Known as Europe’s toughest long-distance trail, this Corsican challenge traverses the island’s mountainous spine. The route features dramatic granite peaks, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and challenging technical sections.
- Duration: 15 days
- Distance: 111.8 miles
- Best season: June-September
- Technical difficulty: Very challenging
- Required gear: Scrambling equipment
8. Milford Track
New Zealand’s most famous walk takes hikers through the heart of Fiordland National Park. The trail showcases dramatic fjords, ancient rainforests, and thundering waterfalls in a pristine wilderness setting.
- Duration: 4 days
- Distance: 33.2 miles
- Best season: October-April
- Technical difficulty: Moderate
- Daily hiker limit: 40 independent walkers
9. Laugavegur Trail
Iceland’s premier trek offers an otherworldly landscape of rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, and steaming geothermal areas. The route connects the highlands of Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Þórsmörk.
- Duration: 4-5 days
- Distance: 34.2 miles
- Best season: Late June-September
- Technical difficulty: Moderate
- Unique features: Hot springs, volcanic landscapes
10. The Jordan Trail
This historic route traverses Jordan from north to south, passing through ancient trade routes and biblical landscapes. Hikers experience dramatic desert canyons, Roman ruins, and the rose-red city of Petra.
- Duration: 40 days (full trail)
- Distance: 403.9 miles
- Best season: February-April
- Technical difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Cultural highlights: Bedouin communities
11. Overland Track
Tasmania’s premier wilderness trail takes hikers through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The journey features ancient rainforests, alpine plateaus, and opportunities to spot unique Australian wildlife.
- Duration: 6-8 days
- Distance: 40.4 miles
- Best season: October-May
- Technical difficulty: Moderate
- Endemic wildlife: Wombats, platypus
12. Pekoe Trail
This newly established route through Sri Lanka’s tea country offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The trail winds through verdant tea plantations, colonial-era estates, and traditional villages.
- Duration: 16-22 days
- Distance: 186.4 miles
- Best season: January-March
- Technical difficulty: Moderate
- Cultural highlights: Tea estates, temples
13. K’esugi Ridge Trail
Alaska’s spectacular ridge walk provides continuous views of Denali and the Alaska Range. The trail traverses alpine tundra and boreal forests while offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and berry picking.
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Distance: 36 miles
- Best season: June-September
- Technical difficulty: Intermediate
- Wildlife viewing: Moose, bears, caribou
These extraordinary hiking trails represent just a fraction of the world’s outdoor adventures, each offering its own unique blend of natural wonders and physical challenges. As hiking continues to grow in popularity, these trails serve as gateways to both personal achievement and environmental appreciation.
The key is to choose a trail that matches your experience level while challenging you to explore the world’s most magnificent landscapes.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.