Whether you’re lacing your hiking boots up for the first time or you’re more experienced on the trails, below you’ll get a chance to read about 12 of the most beautiful, jaw-dropping, and awe-inducing hikes in the world. From the rugged mountains of the Americas to the ancient paths of Europe and the diverse landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, each trail weaves its own story, combining natural beauty, cultural richness, and a sense of adventure. Join us as we delve into the unique allure of each path, from the legendary Appalachian Trail to the historic Camino de Santiago, and the majestic Annapurna Circuit. Make your hiking getaway happen with the click of a mouse with the help of Tripmasters.
Let’s start close to home (for quite a few of you), on the expansive Appalachian Trail. It spans nearly 2,200 miles from Maine down to Georgia, and is a popular destination for those who want to experience outdoor recreation, beautiful scenery, and national parks. Going through the trail, you pass through 14 states in total, and the landscape, which starts out jagged and rocky in Maine and New Hampshire, slowly but surely transitions to rolling hills by the time the trail winds its way down to the South. The beauty of the Appalachian Trail is that it’s suitable not only for seasoned hikers but also for day-trippers who want to hike (or drive) through and see the numerous majestic vistas that dot the trail.
Even longer and, depending on who you ask, more scenic, is the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches on for 2,650 miles, and for those who wish to traverse its entire length, you have to start at the beginning of the melting of the last snow if you want to complete it in time before the next winter! Great for hiking and horseback riding, the Pacific Crest Trail takes travelers through mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades, each of course with its own unique terrain and climate to contend with. For those who are up for the challenge, for those who absolutely love nature, and for those who love the solitude the “Old West” evokes in the minds of many, this is a trip that will pay off in large dividends, whether you tackle California, Nevada, Oregon, or British Columbia.
Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks are already popular tourist attractions in their own rights, and if you want to explore the legendary John Muir Trail while you’re in California, it passes through all three parks, winding through valleys and mountain passes of the breathtaking Sierra Nevada. This trail, 211 miles in length, includes alpine vistas, hikes next to crystal-blue lakes, and the mighty sequoia, seen in abundance throughout the journey. The end of this famed trail takes you up Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states. The finale is for more experienced climbers, although you can tackle a mini-version that takes you up only part of the way. Book your next trip to California and see the trail named for the famed conservationist yourself.
The Inca Trail through the Andes to Machu Picchu is the shortest of the treks we’ve discussed so far (just 26 miles), but don’t let that fool you. It’s extremely steep, and it is typically done in stages over four days. For those who are invested and are physically able to make the trek, it’s truly a step back into a time when the Incas ruled this land, which in the grand scheme of the history of the Earth really wasn’t that long ago. The highest point in the trek is Dead Woman’s Pass, approximately 14,000 feet above sea level. From there it is a slow and rolling descent to Machu Picchu, at 7,400 feet above sea level. For those who can handle the altitude and the journey, you are treated to beautiful mountainscapes, cloud forests, and of course, the lost city at the very end of the trail.
The first hiking trail that I want to explore with you all in Europe is the Tour du Mont Blanc, which is a 105-mile circuit around Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe. On this track, you see and experience the landscapes and cultures of France, Italy, and Switzerland. This trail is very famous and thousands of hikers of moderate skill level and higher attempt it each year, typically taking 7 to 10 days to complete the entire 105-mile journey. The alpine views are unparalleled, especially as they are paired with meadows and streams straight out of a movie or a picture postcard. The great outdoors, wonderful food and wine, the stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif…do you have what it takes to go on the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The Camino de Santiago, known in English as the Way of St. James, is one of the most famous Roman Catholic pilgrimages in the world. The most-traveled of the pilgrimage routes is called the Camino Francés, or the French Way. Stretching for over 500 miles from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, near the Spanish border, to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in northwestern Spain, the trail takes pilgrims and other travelers through mountains which lead to rolling hills, vineyards, rustic countryside scenes, and beautiful Medieval towns that dot those countrysides. There are many ways one can tackle the French Way, so don’t feel discouraged if you can’t do 500 miles. To read more about the French Way, including the “baby pilgrimage”, click here.
If you’ve ever wanted to visit the French island of Corsica and experience its natural beauty, exploring the GR20 trail is the way to go. It cuts through the island for 112 miles from north to south, and the journey takes you through so many diverse landscapes, from jagged mountain peaks to lush, verdant forests to beautiful sparkling lakes. While the hike might be physically demanding in spots, it’s worth it just for the anticipation of what you’ll see next around the next hill or mountain. Is it a secluded lake? Is it a colorful grove? Yes, and yes, and it’s so much more as well. It’s as easy as booking your next Tripmasters vacation to the beautiful island of Corsica.
Now we head to Israel to explore the diverse beauty that can be found in this corner of the world. The Israeli National Trail spans the entire length of the country, running for 680 miles from Lebanon down to Eilat. Portions of the Israeli National Trail run through the hills of the Galilee and the Carmel, through Israel’s two largest cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and even through two deserts, namely the Negev and the Judean! Not only are you experiencing so many different landscapes but you’re experiencing a multitude of histories and cultures that have converged on this beautiful land. If any trail is meant for reflection and introspection, it’s this one. Physical, emotional, spiritual, this trail checks all the boxes.
Beginning just 100 miles outside of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu and ending outside Pokhara, the Annapurna Circuit takes you through the width and breadth of diversity that can be found in this small Himalayan nation. Traditionally, this 130-mile trek that explores the Annapurna massif started in Besisahar and ended in Nayapul, but this area has undergone development and construction. Those who wish to experience pristine landscapes tend to avoid certain parts of the traditional route, so they can experience what they truly came for: a route where mountains and forests lead to jungles and rice paddies, and then to deserts. Yes, Nepal has deserts! One great thing about this trail is that it totally redefines Nepal for the visitor. Yes, it’s a country of mountains, but it’s also so much more.
Hiking, or what people in the antipodean lands call “tramping”, is a very popular pastime in Australia and New Zealand. The last three trails I’m going to tell you about are located in this part of the world. In Tasmania, you can find Australia’s Overland Track, which is a 40-mile stretch that cuts through the Tasmanian Wilderness UNESCO World Heritage Area. A wealth of ecosystems can be found here, ranging from alpine scenes to rainforests to valleys that were carved out hundreds of thousands of years ago by melting glaciers. The most popular sights along this trail are Cradle Mountain and the country’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St. Clair. In a country where there’s no shortage of vacations where you can experience remote wilderness, Tasmania’s Overland Track stands out. Where else can you see the Tasmanian devil in the wild?
Head north across the Bass Strait to Victoria and you’ll find Australia’s Great Ocean Walk, the length of which is roughly 60 miles and takes hikers along the southeastern coast up to the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles are limestone stacks that are positioned just off the coastline, and they are a popular tourist attraction all on their own. This trail takes you on a journey for the senses, as you walk parallel to the dramatic cliff faces and note a number of historic lighthouses and sightings of indigenous wildlife. The Great Ocean Walk is one that is recommended for all skill levels, as there are smaller journeys that are suitable for those who don’t hike often. If tranquility by the sea is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with flying from Hobart to Melbourne and making it down to the Great Ocean Walk in Victoria’s southeast.
New Zealand’s Milford Track is described by those who traverse it as “the finest walk in the world”, and we’re confident that once you see it, you’ll wholeheartedly agree. Milford Sound is just one of many fjords carved into the Southland of New Zealand, now nationally protected in Fiordland National Park. The 33-mile Milford Track, departing from Te Anau Downs, allows “trampers” to see alpine vistas, rainforests, lakes and meadows, and of course the main reason why you’re here: fjords. The Milford Track is great because it’s so well-maintained. Rest huts along the trail allow for those of all activity levels to enjoy the beauty of this area. Make a point to stop at Sutherland Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. If you book your trip to Milford with us at Tripmasters, you’re just that much closer to a trip that’s filled with awe and wonder.
These are just 12 of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world, but I don’t have to tell you that there are countless others for you to explore as well. Visit Tripmasters.com where you can book your next slice of heaven in the great outdoors. Choose from over 130 countries and territories. Bon voyage!
