Hiking is a recreational activity which walking on trails or paths. We created a list of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. Earth is a global village with virtually no boundaries at all. And when we have that access to the beautiful countryside of nature, who doesn’t want to escape from the city life and all those skyscrapers. To spend time with mother nature, we all have our preferences. Some would find peace in camping, and others feel serene just by being around the beach. But few of us are adrenaline junkies too. And nothing can beat hiking when it comes to feel that little rush while exploring. If you are also one of those few hiking lovers, let’s get exploring a few top picks for our next hiking trail together.
Top 10 Best Hiking Trails
1. West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island
Built-in 1907 around the southwestern edge of Vancouver Island in Canadian province British Columbia, it was formerly called the Dominion Lifesaving Trail. Being part of the Pacific Rim National Park, it offers a spectacular oceanic view at Bonilla Point. The sea cave formations at Owen Point are another attraction. There is a major campground at Tsusiat Falls on the trail. This trail is completely a backpacker’s delight while passing through the forests and beaches, and treading along the muddy tracks and scaling the moss-covered ladders.
Distance: 75 Km
Wildlife: Sea lions, Whales, Eagles, Hummingbirds, Black bears, and Wolves
Time to Visit: May 1 to September 30, by reservation only
2. Lycian Way Trail, Turkey
If you want the best of both the beach and the mountain world, hiking this trail would make your dream come true along with magically unfolding the secrets of ancient ruins and rich Turkish culture. This well-marked trail starts from Fethiye and takes you through Levissi, the ghost town; the beautiful Butterfly Valley, known for being home to the colorful Jersey tiger-moths; Kabak, the resort town; Patara, credited to be the seat of world’s first Parliament; Kalakan, famous for its terrace restaurants overlooking the spectacular views; and finally ends at Sunken City in Antalya, home to spell-binding ancient ruins.
Distance: 50 Km
Best time to Visit: Spring or Autumn
3. Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Australia
This Rim Walk is for the more fit hikers as it starts with 500 steep steps to conquer first. Once you are up at the top, the trail will be the magical one while passing through the Priscilla’s Crack. It presents a beautiful view of the Lost City’s sandstone Domes. From here on, you can either choose to go up to conquer the top or take the stairs down to the Garden of Eden.
Distance: 6 Km
Best Time to Visit: May to September
4. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
Laugavegur isn’t a single trail but a storehouse of many trails itself. Whether you have a single day hiking time slot or a multi-day holiday plan chartered out, the trek will keep you busy exploring incredible spots like black sand beaches, lava fields, hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers, vibrant mountains of orange, pink and grey hues.
Distance: 8-10 Km
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to early September
5. Mount Toubkal, Morocco
If you’re a faint heart, conquering North Africa’s highest peak is not for you. The steep and long path starts from the village Imlil to take you to the shrine at Sidi Chamharouch. After an overnight stay, hike to the snow-clad Atlas Mountains can be started after strapping the crampons.
Distance: 16 Km
Best time to Visit: Summers
6. The Basho Wayfarer, Japan
This self-guided hiking trail starts at Sendai and finishes at the temple of Yamadera. But that is not all. It passes through Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cherry and beech forests along the Dewa Kaido Path, and the mountains of Natagiri-toge. Although it is not a hard-to-hike trail, the trek does include some steeper sections and a few forest terrains along the way. Entsuin, Chusonji, and Zuiganji are some temples worth paying a visit due to their rich history.
Distance: 14 Km
Best Time to Visit: May to November
7. Appalachian Trail, United States
The longest hiking-only footpath in the whole world, the Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states of the United States. The range starts from Mount Katahdin in Maine and takes you to Springer Mountain in Georgia. With 3 million hikers attracted each year, the paths are well-marked. The trail is home to rich flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered animal species and sensitive plants.
Distance: 3500 Km
Best time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
8. Puez-Odle Altopiano, Dolomites, Italy
Starting the hike from Selva di Val Gardena, the rise gives you the view of the fields of blooming wildflowers and alpines. Though the climb is 500 meters, the effort is cut by the chairlift. Once you reach the summit, the rocky formations start leaving the greenery behind. The view from the top is breathtaking after a lot of walking.
Distance: 20 Km
Best time to Visit: Summers
9. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Famous for its Gorilla Trek, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a delight for wildlife enthusiasts. Home to the rarest species called mountain gorillas, the trek gives you one-of-a-kind experience of seeing and interacting with them live. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the hike is covered with dense trees and stays damp throughout. The rolling volcanic slopes and green steep-terraced hills are surely not for the faint-hearted. Don’t miss the Yellow Zebra Safari to get up and close with the gorillas.
Hiking Trails: Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga
Best Time to Visit: All year round
10. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
Called as the world’s best one-day hike by one and all, the volcanic terrain of Tongariro breaks the monotony of greenery of New Zealand. Situated on New Zealand’s North Island, the hike takes you through the old lava fields, giant calderas, and a recently exploded smoking and steaming volcano. Enjoy the black soil and volcanic boulders scattered all over the trail.
Distance: 19.4 Km
Best Time to Visit: December to May
Final Words
With so many options, there are plenty of options for us all. From terrain freaks to greenery lovers, wildlife enthusiasts to the ones who simply enjoy snow dust, nature has a lot to offer. Your very own hike-of-lifetime is just a step away.
