The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking Trails in the World

The call of the wild is a universal language, spoken in the rustle of leaves on a forest path, the crunch of gravel underfoot on a mountain ridge, and the awe-inspiring silence at the summit of a peak. For those who listen, the world offers an unparalleled network of paths that lead to the very heart of our planet’s most stunning landscapes and ancient cultures. Hiking is more than just a walk; it is a journey of discovery, a physical challenge, and a profound way to connect with nature and history.

This guide is your passport to these extraordinary adventures. We will journey across continents to explore the best hiking trails the world has to offer, from iconic pilgrimages to remote wilderness treks. We’ll delve into what makes each trail unique and provide you with the essential knowledge to plan your own unforgettable expedition.

The Crown Jewels of Hiking: A Continental Breakdown

The definition of the “best” trail is deeply personal. For some, it’s about raw, untouched nature. For others, it’s the cultural immersion or the physical achievement. This list celebrates a variety of trails that consistently top bucket lists for their unparalleled beauty and transformative power.

The Ancient Pathways of Asia & South America

The trails of these continents often weave through millennia of history, leading hikers to lost cities and through sacred landscapes.

• The Inca Trail, Peru: No list of the best hiking trails is complete without this legendary path. This 42-kilometer (26-mile), 4-day journey is far more than just a means to reach Machu Picchu; it is an integral part of the experience itself. You’ll walk in the footsteps of the Inca, passing through cloud forests, climbing steep stone steps, and exploring lesser-known ruins like Wiñay Wayna. The final arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at dawn to see the mist-shrouded citadel of Machu Picchu laid out before you is a moment of pure magic that justifies its status as one of the world’s most sought-after hikes.
  • Key Highlights: Machu Picchu, diverse ecosystems, Incan archaeological sites.
  • Need to Know: Permits are mandatory and sell out months in advance. Book with a licensed tour operator.
• Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal: The journey to the foot of the world’s highest mountain is arguably more accessible than the summit, but no less epic. This 12-14 day, 130-kilometer (80-mile) round-trip trek immerses you in the heart of Sherpa culture and the breathtaking grandeur of the Himalayas. The trail winds through suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, bustling Namche Bazaar, and ancient monasteries, all set against a backdrop of colossal peaks like Ama Dablam and Lhotse. The ultimate goal is Everest Base Camp itself, a surreal landscape of ice and rock, but the climb to Kala Patthar (5,645m) for a sunrise view of Everest’s summit is the true visual highlight.
  • Key Highlights: Himalayan vistas, Sherpa culture, Tengboche Monastery, personal accomplishment.
  • Need to Know: Acclimatization is critical to avoid altitude sickness. Tea houses provide basic lodging and meals along the route.
• Annapurna Circuit, Nepal: Often called the “Apple Pie Circuit” for the cozy tea houses and delicious treats along the way, this trek is a classic for a reason. While road development has changed parts of it, the core experience remains. Over 14-17 days, you’ll circumnavigate the Annapurna Massif, passing through terraced rice paddies, rhododendron forests, and arid high-altitude landscapes reminiscent of Tibet. The climax is crossing the Thorung La Pass, one of the world’s highest trekking passes at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). The descent into the Kali Gandaki Valley, the world’s deepest gorge, is a dramatic and rewarding finale.
  • Key Highlights: Incredible ecological diversity, Thorung La Pass, Muktinath Temple, rich cultural interactions.
  • Need to Know: The traditional circuit is now often combined with the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek to avoid long road walks.

The Alpine Majesty of Europe

Europe’s best hiking trails are renowned for their impeccable waymarking, rich history, and the opportunity to experience multiple cultures on a single journey.

• Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland: This is the ultimate European alpine hike. Circling the Mont Blanc massif, the TMB covers roughly 170 kilometers (105 miles) and typically takes 7-10 days to complete. You will traverse three countries, each with its own distinct flavor—savory French cuisine, vibrant Italian culture, and the pristine valleys of Switzerland. The trail offers non-stop panoramic views of glaciers, rugged peaks, and green valleys. Hikers can choose to stay in rustic refuges (mountain huts) or descend to stay in charming villages, making it adaptable to different preferences and budgets.
  • Key Highlights: 360-degree alpine views, three-country experience, excellent food and refuges.
  • Need to Know: July to September is the prime hiking season. Huts must be booked well in advance.
• Camino de Santiago, Spain: While not a wilderness trek, the Camino is undoubtedly one of the world’s best hiking trails for spiritual and cultural seekers. This network of pilgrimage routes all leads to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The most popular, the Camino Francés, stretches nearly 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the Pyrenees. It’s a social and introspective journey where you’ll walk through medieval villages, vast mesetas (plains), and forests, sharing stories and meals with pilgrims from all over the world. The destination is important, but the transformative power is in the daily rhythm of the journey itself.
  • Key Highlights: Pilgrim camaraderie, Spanish culture and cuisine, historical sites, spiritual reflection.
  • Need to Know: You don’t have to walk the entire route. Many people do sections. A credential (pilgrim’s passport) is needed to stay in albergues (hostels).
• GR 20, Corsica, France: Frequently dubbed the most challenging long-distance trail in Europe, the GR 20 is not for the faint of heart. It runs north-south through the rugged heart of the Corsican mountains, covering about 180 kilometers (112 miles) in 15 days. This trail demands respect, with steep, rocky ascents and descents, chain-assisted sections, and unpredictable weather. The reward is raw, unspoiled mountain scenery: glacial lakes, granite peaks, and forests that feel a world away from the island’s famous beaches. It’s a true test of fitness and resilience.
  • Key Highlights: Extreme challenge, remote and rugged beauty, sense of accomplishment.
  • Need to Know: Requires excellent fitness, sure-footedness, and proper gear. Best hiked from June to September.

The Wild Frontiers of the Americas

From epic thru-hikes to otherworldly landscapes, the Americas offer some of the most diverse and dramatic best hiking trails on Earth.

• The W Trek / O Circuit, Torres del Paine, Chile: Patagonia is a pilgrimage site for serious hikers, and Torres del Paine National Park is its crown jewel. The famous “W” Trek (5-7 days) covers the park’s essential highlights: the towering granite pillars of the Torres del Paine, the ferocious winds of the French Valley, and the breathtaking blue glow of Grey Glacier. For those seeking more solitude and a complete circuit, the full “O” Trek (7-9 days) adds a remote backside journey under the immense Patagonian Ice Field. It’s a windswept, unpredictable, and utterly magnificent landscape.
  • Key Highlights: The Torres, Grey Glacier, Patagonian steppe, guanacos.
  • Need to Know: Book refugios or campsites months in advance. The weather is extremely volatile—prepare for all four seasons in one day.
• Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), USA: The stuff of legend, popularized by books and films, the PCT is the ultimate long-distance adventure. Stretching 4,265 kilometers (2,650 miles) from the Mexican border to the Canadian border through California, Oregon, and Washington, it takes 5-6 months to complete. Thru-hikers experience an incredible cross-section of American wilderness: the deserts of Southern California, the snow-covered passes of the Sierra Nevada, and the volcanic Cascade Range. It’s a monumental physical and mental challenge that fosters a unique and supportive community.
  • Key Highlights: Incredible diversity, thru-hiker culture, lifelong achievement.
  • Need to Know: Thru-hiking requires meticulous planning, physical preparation, and a long-term time commitment. Most people attempt smaller sections.
• The Narrows, Zion National Park, USA: This hike stands out because the trail is the river. There is no path—you wade and walk through the Virgin River as it carves through a stunning slot canyon up to 300 meters (1,000 feet) tall. You can do the top-down version as a long, permit-required overnight trip or the bottom-up as a demanding day hike. The play of light on the narrow canyon walls, the cool water, and the sheer uniqueness of the experience make it one of the most memorable and best hiking trails for adventure.
  • Key Highlights: Unique river hiking, narrow slot canyons, stunning light.
  • Need to Know: Check for flash flood warnings! A walking stick and waterproof gear are essential. Permits are required for the top-down hike.

The Remote Wonders of Oceania & Africa

These continents offer hikes defined by their isolation, unique ecosystems, and raw, powerful landscapes.

• Milford Track, New Zealand: Known as “the finest walk in the world,” this 53-kilometer (33-mile) trek in Fiordland National Park lives up to the hype. Over four days, you are immersed in a pristine wilderness of immense waterfalls (including the mighty Sutherland Falls), ancient rainforests, crystal-clear lakes, and dramatic mountain passes. The journey culminates with a boat ride out through the stunning Milford Sound, a fjord of sheer cliffs rising from dark water. It’s a managed experience with limited departures, preserving its sense of untouched beauty.
  • Key Highlights: Sutherland Falls, Mackinnon Pass, rainforests, Milford Sound.
  • Need to Know: Bookings open months in advance and sell out quickly. The Great Walks season is from late October to April.
• Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: As the highest free-standing mountain in the world and Africa’s tallest peak, “Kili” is a powerful draw. Reaching the “Roof of Africa” at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) is a non-technical climb, making it accessible to determined hikers with no mountaineering experience. The 5-9 day trek takes you through five distinct ecological zones, from cultivated farmland and lush rainforest to alpine meadows and a barren arctic summit. The final push to Uhuru Peak for sunrise over the clouds is an emotionally and physically exhausting achievement that few forget.
  • Key Highlights: Summit sunrise, ecological zones, standing on the top of Africa.
  • Need to Know: Success is highly dependent on proper acclimatization. Choose a longer route for a better chance of summiting. You must go with a licensed guide.

Planning Your Journey on the World’s Best Hiking Trails

Turning your dream hike into reality requires careful planning. Here’s how to prepare for an adventure on one of these iconic paths.

1. Choose Your Trail Wisely: Be honest about your fitness level, time constraints, and interests. Do you seek culture or solitude? Are you prepared for high altitude? Research thoroughly to find the best hiking trails that match your goals.
2. Understand Logistics and Permits: Many of these premier trails have strict permit systems to manage crowds and protect the environment. The Inca Trail, Everest Base Camp (TIMS card), PCT, and hikes in Torres del Paine and New Zealand’s Great Walks all require advance planning—often six months to a year.
3. Time It Right: Seasonality is everything.
   • Himalayas (Nepal): Post-monsoon (October-November) and pre-monsoon (March-May).
   • Alps (Europe): July to early September for snow-free passes.
   • Patagonia (South America): Their summer (November to early March).
   • Desert Southwest (USA): Spring and Fall to avoid extreme heat.
4. Train and Acclimatize: Don’t underestimate the trails. Train with weighted packs on inclines. For high-altitude hikes like Kilimanjaro or Everest Base Camp, understand the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and choose itineraries with built-in acclimatization days.
5. Pack Smart: Your gear is your lifeline. Invest in quality, broken-in hiking boots. Use a layering system for clothing (base layer, insulation, rain shell). Essential items include a reliable navigation system (map, compass, GPS), headlamp, first-aid kit, and plenty of high-energy food.
6. Choose Your Style: Guided vs. Independent:
   • Guided: Essential for technical or remote trails (Kilimanjaro, some sections of the GR 20). Also great for logistical ease and cultural insight on trails like the Inca Trail.
   • Independent: Perfect for well-marked trails with good infrastructure (TMB, Camino de Santiago, most US National Park trails). Offers more freedom and flexibility.
7. Hike Responsibly: The popularity of these best hiking trails puts them at risk. Always follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, stay on designated paths, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other hikers. Support local communities by using their services and respecting their customs and cultures.

The Trail Awaits

The world’s best hiking trails are more than just dirt paths; they are gateways to transformation. They challenge our bodies, calm our minds, and open our eyes to the staggering beauty of the natural world and the warmth of its people. Whether you are drawn to the historical steps of the Inca Trail, the alpine heights of the Tour du Mont Blanc, or the river-carved depths of The Narrows, your adventure is out there.