Global Hiking Adventures: Best Trails Around the World

Choosing to hike and walk during your global travels allows you to experience the world through a unique lens. You will connect with local communities, learn about diverse cultures from the ground level, and maintain physical fitness while enjoying the great outdoors.

However, before you lace up your boots and hit the trail, it is essential to know where to go. These routes span across the globe, from Europe’s quaint alpine villages to New Zealand’s glacial landscapes, including desert vistas in the Middle East, the USA’s majestic canyons, and some of the highest peaks in Africa and Asia. Whether seeking a short day hike, a week-long trek, or a multi-week journey, there’s an epic adventure catering to all abilities.

Europe

With its well-established routes, challenging treks, and excellent network of huts and cabins, Europe stands out as an exceptional destination for hiking adventures.

At the northern edge of the continent, immerse yourself in Iceland’s spectacular volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs. The 34-mile (55km) Laugavegur Trail showcases a plethora of diverse landscapes, complete with six huts along the route for convenient camping.

Moreover, Slovenia offers some of Europe’s finest hiking trails, including the sprawling 310-mile (499 km) Slovenian Mountain Trail, featuring approximately 50 huts en route to accommodate weary walkers. Be sure to stamp your special passport book at the 80 checkpoints along this scenic journey.

Furthermore, the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc, a trek circling the 4,810m-high mountain, takes hikers 105 miles through Switzerland, France, and Italy. This trail allows for customizable routes that capture dense forest scenery, mountain passes, and historical sights, appealing to various preferences!

The Middle East

Jordan provides a multitude of day-long hikes among remarkable desertscapes and ancient archaeological sites. For a more extended journey, trek the 47-mile (75.6 km) trail from Petra to the Dana Biosphere Reserve while taking in the mesmerizing architecture of ancient civilizations, plunging desert canyons, and towering cliffs.

Alternatively, discover the newly-established Jordan Trail, spanning 404 miles (650 km) along the country’s entirety, from Umm Qais to the Red Sea at Aqaba. If a 36-consecutive-day hike seems daunting, this trail can be segmented into eight distinct legs, each requiring around four to five days to complete.

Asia

The Himalayas serve as an adventurer’s paradise, presenting fantastic trekking opportunities from Everest Base Camp to Bhutan’s famed Snowman Trek—a high-altitude hike across nine passes. The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is a classic high-alpine hike following ancient trade routes through charming mountain villages, featuring fluttering Buddhist prayer flags and traditional stone homes along the way.

In China, don’t miss the trek through the picturesque Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan province. Additionally, Northeast offers the Great Wall, perfect for those who wish to hike atop or along the trails bordering this historic monument. Thailand’s hiking experiences present stunning views worth exploring as well.

Australia and the Pacific

Known for its exceptional trekking opportunities, New Zealand boasts ten ‘Great Walks’ showcasing diverse landscapes, from beaches to majestic mountains, shimmering glaciers, and fantastic waterfalls. The 49-mile (79 km) Heaphy Track in South Island’s Kahurangi National Park represents the longest and most challenging of these trails, while the Abel Tasman Coast Track offers breathtaking views of turquoise bays.

For outdoor lovers, Australia’s variety of hiking routes ranges from city trails to wild adventures in the Red Centre. Notably, the iconic Three Capes Track in Tasmania unfolds through 28.5 miles (46km) of varied landscapes, combining dense forest, dramatic cliff edges, and coastal beauty.

South America

Your South America trekking adventure begins in Patagonia, particularly within the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. The 62-mile (100km) W Trek takes you through craggy mountains, glaciers, and beautiful lakes while the renowned three towers soar behind a turquoise lake. From here, the journey continues north along the Andes mountains to Peru, where the sacred Inca Trail leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu.

Additionally, Ecuador impresses with hiking opportunities around Cotopaxi Volcano and through the Quilotoa Loop, which allows a multi-day trek through picturesque rural villages.

North America

Featuring a myriad of hiking trails, North America showcases the stunning Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and the Appalachian range. Yosemite National Park offers various hiking experiences, including the 5.4-mile (8.7 km) Mist Trail. The charismatic South Kaibab Trail in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park stands out for canyon enthusiasts, providing iconic vistas on an epic scale.

Moreover, long-distance treks like the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail extend thousands of miles across the US and Canada, welcoming ambitious backpackers with a passion for scaling peaks.

Embarking on these incredible hikes worldwide not only fuels your adventurous spirit but also promotes awareness of diverse cultures and environments. Each trail invites exploration, promising unforgettable experiences in nature.

This article was first published July 1, 2019, and updated January 25, 2022.