Nature lovers understand that nothing compares to the experience of venturing deep into the wilderness on foot. Whether it’s scaling a high mountain ridge, wandering through ancient forests, or admiring crystal-clear alpine lakes, hiking allows adventurers to reconnect with the environment in its purest form.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, hiking has become one of the most popular outdoor activities, with over 59 million participants in the U.S. alone in 2023 (source). Globally, this number is expected to grow even further as eco-tourism and outdoor wellness trends continue to rise post-pandemic.
This comprehensive guide explores the world’s most stunning hiking trails for nature enthusiasts — covering North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania — while offering essential tips, updated travel advice, and resources for 2024.
Benefits of Hiking for Nature Enthusiasts
Physical and Mental Health Advantages
Studies by Stanford University indicate that walking in natural environments reduces rumination (repetitive negative thinking) by 29%, improving overall mental health (source). Hiking offers a unique mix of cardiovascular exercise and mindfulness, helping reduce anxiety, depression, and even lowering the risk of heart disease.
Ecological Awareness
Hiking exposes individuals to diverse ecosystems — from tropical rainforests to alpine tundras — fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of conservation efforts.
Sustainable Travel
Unlike motorized tourism, hiking has a significantly lower environmental impact. Responsible hikers contribute to sustainable tourism by supporting local communities, national parks, and protected areas.
Best Hiking Trails in North America
Appalachian Trail – United States
Overview
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a 2,190-mile (3,524 km) footpath stretching from Georgia to Maine, making it one of the longest hiking-only trails in the world.
Highlights
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Traverses 14 states
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Passes through Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park
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Dense forests, open meadows, and rugged mountains
Travel Tips
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Thru-hike typically takes 5–7 months
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Best season: Late spring to early fall
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Permit required for certain sections (e.g., Smokies)
Useful Link
John Muir Trail – California, USA
Overview
Named after conservationist John Muir, this 211-mile (340 km) trail traverses California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks.
Highlights
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Mount Whitney summit
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Iconic granite cliffs and alpine lakes
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Remote backcountry wilderness
Best Season
July to September when snowfields are minimal.
Banff National Park Trails – Alberta, Canada
Overview
Banff, part of the Canadian Rockies, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for breathtaking landscapes.
Top Trails
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Plain of Six Glaciers: Glacial views
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Lake Agnes Tea House: Accessible day hike
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Sunshine Meadows: Wildflowers and panoramic vistas
Travel Tips
July through September offers the best conditions; spring and fall can still have snow at higher elevations.
Best Hiking Trails in South America
Torres del Paine “W” Circuit – Chilean Patagonia
Overview
Located in Torres del Paine National Park, this W-shaped route is among South America’s most famous treks.
Highlights
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Towers of Paine granite spires
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Grey Glacier
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Lago Nordenskjöld
Distance
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Around 80 kilometers (50 miles)
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4–6 days trek
2024 Travel Update
Due to increasing visitor numbers, campsite reservations are mandatory (Parque Nacional Torres del Paine).
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Peru
Overview
The historic Inca Trail leads to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — Machu Picchu.
Highlights
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Ancient Incan ruins
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Cloud forests and high passes
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Spectacular sunrise at the Sun Gate
Distance
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26 miles (42 kilometers)
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4-day trek
Permit Information
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Limited to 500 permits daily (Peru Tourism Board)
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Book 6–12 months in advance.
Best Hiking Trails in Europe
Tour du Mont Blanc – France, Italy, Switzerland
Overview
Circling the Mont Blanc massif, this trail covers 170 kilometers (106 miles) and crosses three countries.
Highlights
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Stunning alpine vistas
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Quaint mountain villages
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Wildflower-strewn meadows
Duration
7–11 days depending on pace and route chosen.
Laugavegur Trail – Iceland
Overview
The Laugavegur Trail offers one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth.
Highlights
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Multi-colored rhyolite mountains
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Hot springs and rivers
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Black sand deserts
Best Time
Only accessible from mid-June to early September.
West Highland Way – Scotland
Overview
Scotland’s 96-mile (154 km) trail from Milngavie to Fort William showcases rugged beauty.
Highlights
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Loch Lomond shoreline
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Rannoch Moor wilderness
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Ben Nevis nearby
Travel Tip
Best hiked in late spring to avoid midges and rain.
Best Hiking Trails in Asia
Annapurna Circuit – Nepal
Overview
One of the most diverse treks in the Himalayas, featuring everything from subtropical forests to high alpine deserts.
Highlights
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Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters)
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Panoramic mountain views
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Buddhist monasteries
Distance
100 to 145 miles depending on start/end points.
Tiger Leaping Gorge – China
Overview
Among the world’s deepest gorges, this trail winds along the cliffs of the Jinsha River.
Highlights
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Vertiginous views
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Traditional Naxi villages
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Moderate multi-day trek
Best Season
April–May and September–October.
Best Hiking Trails in Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
Overview
Africa’s highest summit offers multiple routes to suit various skill levels.
Popular Routes
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Marangu: “Coca-Cola” route (easier but more crowded)
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Machame: More scenic
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Lemosho: Best for acclimatization
Duration
5–10 days depending on route.
Travel Tip
Choose reputable operators accredited by Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP).
Simien Mountains – Ethiopia
Overview
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers dramatic escarpments and endemic wildlife like the Gelada baboon.
Highlights
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Ras Dashen summit (4,550m)
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Deep valleys and cliffs
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Walia Ibex sightings
Best Hiking Trails in Oceania
Overland Track – Tasmania, Australia
Overview
A 65-kilometer (40-mile) trail through Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Highlights
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Cradle Mountain summit
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Pristine rainforests
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Button grass plains
Permit Information
Mandatory booking system (Parks Tasmania).
Milford Track – New Zealand
Overview
Dubbed “The Finest Walk in the World,” Milford Track covers 53.5 kilometers (33.2 miles) in Fiordland National Park.
Highlights
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Rainforests and waterfalls
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Mackinnon Pass
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Milford Sound fjords
Travel Tip
Extremely popular; limited permits available.
Essential Tips for Hiking Safely and Sustainably
Training and Preparation
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Regular cardio and strength training pre-trip
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Practice hikes with loaded backpacks
Gear Checklist
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Waterproof boots
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Layered clothing
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Navigation tools (maps, compass, GPS)
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First-aid kit
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Emergency shelter
Safety Best Practices
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Inform someone of your route and expected return
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Bring extra food and water
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Watch weather reports daily
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Know local wildlife precautions
Leave No Trace Principles
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Stay on trails
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Pack out trash
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Respect wildlife
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Minimize campfire impact
Conclusion
Hiking is one of the purest ways for nature lovers to immerse themselves in the beauty and majesty of the planet. From the grandeur of the Himalayas to the colorful wonders of Iceland and the serene forests of the Appalachian Trail, there’s a trail for every type of adventurer.
Proper planning, respect for the environment, and a spirit of exploration will ensure that each trek creates lasting memories — and leaves the world’s wild places better protected for future generations.
Whether you’re tackling a day hike or a multi-week expedition, the trails covered here represent some of the most incredible hiking experiences Earth has to offer. Happy trails!
Feranmi Nureni