If you’re the type who is into nature sports and the search for adrenaline, there really is no better feeling than arriving on the top of a mountain after a long walk. That feeling when you’re standing somewhere far from everything, looking out at a view that’s so beautiful it actually makes you stop for a second, it’s hard to beat. The best hiking trails in the world aren’t just good for getting your steps in. They take you to places that completely stop you in your tracks, pass by cultural landmarks that stick with you long after, and give you those calm, quiet moments where you can really soak it all in before heading to whatever’s next.
This list brings together some of the top trails out there for anyone who enjoys the best hiking trails in the world, no matter how fast they go or how much of a challenge they’re looking for. Whether you’re out for a chill walk or something way more intense that spans a few days, every trail here has something that makes it worth it. Some have history built into the path itself, some have views that make you stop and just stare, and some feel like you’re walking through a sea of wildflowers you didn’t even know existed.
Famous Hiking Trails
1. Inca Trail, Peru
The most celebrated South American trek, aptly so, stretches through cloud forests, stone pathways, and Incan archaeological sites to conclude at the magnificent Machu Picchu.
- Length: 26 miles (4-day trek)
- Best time to hike: May to September.
- Highlights: Ancient ruins, lush Andean scenery, arrival at the Sun Gate
Why it is one of the best hiking trails in the world: The trail listens to an epic narrative of human history, nature, and culture- an iconic trek of the earth.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe
You could drive through France, Italy, and Switzerland all at once, with the Tour du Mont Blanc as your grand tour of almost any view in the Alps: the incredible vistas, alpine villages, and glaciers.
- Length: ~ 110 miles (10-12 days)
- Best time to hike: June to September
- Attractions: Chamonix Valley, a few alpine meadows, and some comfy mountain refuges
Reason to go: It is one of the many beautiful and best hiking trails in the world long-distance tracks in Europe – for those hikers who care for cultural diversity as well as grandeur in scenery.
3. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA
The remarkable Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast of Kauai acts as a source of an incredible getaway in the tropics. The ocean goes down so deep, the falling water is so loud that it looks like a whole path, and the vegetation has left the place looking like a dense jungle.
- Length: 22 miles round trip (2–3 days)
- Best time to hike: May to October
- Highlights: Coastal cliffs, beaches, river crossings
Pro tip: Permits are required for overnight stays. Bring good footwear—this best hiking trails in the world gets muddy fast.
4. Everest Base Camp, Nepal
It’s a path of legends that will take you to the Roof of the World, through the Himalayas, passing by the huge Mt. Everest that seems to be so close that you can touch it. It’s not a simple hiking journey, it’s a life goal journey.
- Length: ~80 miles round trip (12 to 14 days)
- Best time to hike: March to May, September to November
- Highlights: Sherpa villages, monasteries, Khumbu Icefall
Why it is iconic: Evidently putting it right out, the Everest trek, with its pronounced altitude, and the 360-degree panorama of the highest mountain range on the earth’s surface is the most unforgettable.
5. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
Over this otherworldly trek, hikers pass by volcanoes, hot springs, and rainbow mountains. This is a prime appetizer for the surreal wilderness experience quintessentially called Iceland.
- Length: 34 miles (3–5 days)
- Best time to hike: July and August
- Highlight: Rhyolite mountains, geothermal streams
Great for: Hikers looking for a unique natural wonder, spiced with geological wonders.
6. The Appalachian Trail, USA
The longest hike-only trail in the world spans the U.S. landscape from Georgia to Maine in 14 states.
- Length: 2,190+ miles (5-7 months of hiking).
- Best time to hike: March to October (varies by region)
- Highlights: Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and White Mountains
Must know: Even day hikes on the AT probably rate among the best hiking trails in the world-most well-maintained paths with that forested serenity.
7. The Overland Track, Australia
This Tasmanian gem takes you through glacial lakes, alpine plateaus, and dense forests and offers a largely quiet, wild walk.
- Length: 40 miles (5-6 days)
- Best time to hike: Oct – May
- Highlights: Cradle Mountain, Lake St. Clair, wombat sighting.
Why it stands out: Indeed, it is one of the beautiful hiking trails which combine raw nature with well-managed trail infrastructure.
8. Cinque Terre Trail, Italy
This trail connecting five scenic coastal villages in the Italian Riviera is ideal for people who would love to hike by day and sit for dinner at sunset.
- Distance: ~7.5 miles (best walked in a day)
- Best hiking months: April-October
- Highlights: Cliffside views, vineyards, quaint towns
Good for: Beginning hikers and cultural tourists who seek gentle views without extreme challenge.
9. The W Trek, Torres del Paine, Chile
Traverse these Patagonian trails to witness some of the most dramatic scenery on earth: glaciers, turquoise lakes, and jagged peaks.
- Length: 50 km (4-5 days).
- Best time to hike: November – March
- Featured Attractions: The Towers, Grey Glacier, French Valley
Epic Factor: This is widely accepted as one of the best hiking trails in the world known for its great raw beauty and wilderness.
10. Trolltunga, Norway
A tiny but steep hike eventually leads you to the majestic rock ledge, which rises over the deep fjord- Trolltunga is one of the most Instagrammable places, well worth visiting.
- Length: 28 to 32 kilometers (17 to 20 miles), round trip, one day
- Best time to hike: From June up to September
- Attractions: Views of the fjords, photos at the edge of the cliff, and visiting alpine lakes
Why it’s worth it: It surely puts your stamina to the test, but at the top is one of Europe’s most spectacular views. It is surely one of the best hiking trails in the world.
Tips for Hiking Abroad
A few useful tips, which should be obtained before getting started with any of these renowned best hiking trails in the world, are as follows:
- Get information on the necessary permits ahead of time.
- Take the right clothes according to the region’s weather and terrain.
- Do some workouts before you start your trek if you plan a long-distance or high-altitude trek.
- Be polite to locals and nature, and don’t leave any waste.
- Hiring a guide for areas that are more remote or that have more cultural richness is a good idea.
Final Thoughts
The best hiking trails in the world cut across the challenging terrain of Patagonia; besides the coastal pathways of Hawaii being good for exercise, the location fosters an interaction with nature, finding oneself, and happening of unique experiences. If the only thing that is on your mind is looking for peace, the most extreme challenge of your body potential, or a view that is worth catching your breath, don’t worry, a trail is out there for you!
Well, then, put on your hiking boots, fill your backpack, set out, and some of the best trails are one after another to discover.
