25 Best Hiking Destinations

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the world. It has been proven that hiking can improve our health and well-being by increasing physical activity levels, improving mental health, and reducing stress levels. There are many different types of hikes available, including short walks, long distance treks, and even multi-day expeditions. The most popular hiking destination are given below:

The Top 25 Hiking Destinations

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities around the globe. There are so many amazing destinations for hiking all over the planet. Some of these locations offer spectacular views, and others provide access to some of the most stunning natural landscapes. So, whether you prefer a leisurely stroll through the woods or a more challenging climb, there’s bound to be a trail near you. Check out our list of 23 of the world’s best destinations for hiking below!

1. The Pennine Way in the United Kingdom

Every year, thousands of runners attempt this challenge. It all starts in the village of Stanwix, near Penrith in Cumbria. From there, the route passes through some of England’s most beautiful countryside, including the Lake District National Park. The course finishes in Carlisle.

Camping has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. In fact, more than 30 million Americans camp each year. With so many people enjoying this activity, there’s no doubt that hiking gear is one of the most widely purchased items in the country. This infographic shows how some of the top brands have fared when it comes to sales.

2. Santiago de Compostela Camino, Spain

The Camino de San Juan route was one of the most popular pilgrimages in Europe throughout the Middle Ages.

The Camino, which has its origins in medieval times, is actually a series rather than a single route. There are many different paths leading to the same destination. Each one varies according to local traditions and the availability of resources. However, all pilgrims must follow a strict set of rules and regulations before beginning their journey.

The most common route begins in Lourdes, France, and travels along the Atlantic coast to St. Jean Pied de Port, Perpignan, Narbonne, Montpellier, Nimes, Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard, and Orange before ending near Marseille on the Mediterranean Sea.

Many monks travel by foot, bicycle, bus, or train. Others opt to stay at monasteries along the way. Still others have their own vehicles. Some monks carry only what they can fit inside a backpack.

3. The Appalachian Trail in the United States

For more than a century, the Appalachian Trail has been a popular destination for hikers. Originally intended as a route between New York City and San Francisco, the trail was completed in 1937. Today, there are over 2 million visitors each year who hike along this 1,200-mile path.

The Appalachian Trail is the most famous hiking destination in America. Its 2,000-mile length spans four states (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia). The trail passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the US, including mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. At its peak, the Appalachian Trail is home to around 3 million visitors each year.

For those who have the time and money, this is a wonderful opportunity to hike one of the most famous trails in the world. Those who can’t afford the luxury may still be able to enjoy the trail by doing a shorter version.

4. Japan’s Basho Wayfarer

Japan has many historic paths leading to its famous destinations. These routes were once used by poets and artists who sought inspiration from nature. Today, these same pathways are still used by hikers seeking solitude and tranquility. Here is one example of such a trail.

The six-day hike begins in Sendai and ends in Yamadera. It passes through some stunning landscapes, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi, which has been designated by UNESCO as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. There’s also the ancient Dewa Kaid, a route used by samurai during the Edo period. In addition to these beautiful sights, there are many opportunities for hiking and camping along the way.

5. Argentina’s Refugio Frey and Cerro Catedral

The Refugio Frey hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Hiking through this area gives visitors a chance to see some of Argentina’s natural beauty up close. There are many trails available in this region, so hikers can choose which route suits their needs best. Visitors should be prepared for cold weather during the winter season.

For those who have little time to spend away from their jobs, hiking to Refugio Frey or Cerro Catedral is a good option. Both mountains are located near San Antonio, Texas. They can be reached by car within one day. And because they are close to each other, hikers don’t need to make two trips. Refugio Frey is slightly closer than Cerro Catedral, but it doesn’t matter which mountain you choose.

Bus travel is one of the most popular ways to reach Villa Catedral. There is a marked trailhead just outside of town. From there, it’s a two-hour hike up to the ruins. Camping is allowed in the park grounds.

6. Mount Toubkal, Morocco

Mount Toubkal is the highest point in North Africa at 4,167 feet. This makes it a great place to visit even if you’re not an experienced hiker. There are plenty of trails that lead to the summit of this mountain, making it easy to find your own pace. A well-marked trail leads to the top, where there are fantastic views of the Atlas Mountains.

Hikers must begin their journey at Imlil village, which is about a 30 minute drive south west of Marrakesh. The road takes them past breathtaking scenery with sheer rock cliffs on both sides. After passing through the village, they will enter the High Atlas Mountain Range. Hikers must take care here due to the steep terrain and slippery slopes.

7. Jinshanling section of China’s Great Wall

This wall stretches across northern China and divides the grasslands of Inner Mongolia from the deserts of Gansu Province. Although the path isn’t completely straight, it’s certainly long enough to earn the title “the longest manmade cliff.” Approximately 5,000 people die every year trying to scale the wall. That means that the average life expectancy for a person attempting to climb the wall is only around four months!

There are three sections of the wall: the Mutianyu section, Badaling section, and Jiayuguan section. Each section is separated by a valley that contains lakes and rivers. The Mutianyu section is the easiest to access because it’s right next to the village of Mutianyu. However, the Badaling section is much further away from villages. It’s possible to hire horses to help carry gear over the mountains. The third section, Jiayuguan, is the furthest section of the wall.

8. Dragon’s Back, Hong Kong

The “Dragon’s Back” is a series of hills that stretch along the border between Hong Kong and mainland China. The name comes from the shape of these hills as seen from space. If you’ve ever watched Google Maps while flying over Asia, then you know what I’m talking about. These hills look like a dragon’s back when viewed from above.

These hills are also known as the Big Buddha Hills because of all the Buddhist temples that stand on them. The landscape is beautiful with its red soil and yellow flowers.

9. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in South America. Located in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, the water tumbles off a cliff nearly 3,213 feet high. In addition to looking like a stunning natural wonder, the base of the falls is home to unique plant and animal species.

The area surrounding the falls is relatively small, so finding a good spot to view the falls requires some effort. To get there, visitors need either a boat or a helicopter. Both options cost money. While visiting the falls costs less than a helicopter ride to different locations in the Andes Mountains, a boat tour offers more flexibility.

10. Mont Blanc, France/Switzerland

Mont Blanc is a large peak located in the Alps. At 20,330 feet, it’s the highest elevation in Western Europe. In order to see Mont Blanc, hikers have to traverse glaciers, snow-covered meadows, and alpine forests.

There are several routes up Mont Blanc, but the most popular one is through the Grande Dixence glacier. The trail starts at Chamonix in France, which is approximately four hours by car from Geneva. It takes around seven days to complete the entire trip.

11. The Dingle Way, Ireland

There are lots of different ways to explore Ireland’s Dingle Way Trail! For example, you could hike the entire trail over two weeks, complete shorter sections (such as the section between Ballyvaughan and Killarney), or even tackle some of the more challenging sections at a slower pace.

The Dingle Way is one of the most popular walking trails in Ireland. The route stretches 111 miles through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. The trail begins at Dingle Town and ends at Killarney National Park. It passes by many historic landmarks, including Dunbeg Fort, Dunquin Lighthouse, Ballyheigue Castle, and Kenmare Pier.

Starting in the town of Tralee, the route heads north through Ballyvaughan, then east through Kildorrery, before turning south towards Killarney National Park. At this point, the route turns west through Ballinskelligs, then north again, before arriving at Dingle Town. From there, the route goes up the hillside overlooking Dingle Bay, passes by Inch Beach, and then winds its way down towards the cliffs above Dunquin Harbour.

12. Tergo La Trek, Bhutan

Bhutan has some of the most incredible hiking trails in the world. Most visitors come here to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. They don’t expect anything less than breathtaking scenery and pristine nature. But the country’s remote location makes getting there tricky. Visitors must fly into Paro airport in southern Bhutan before heading north by bus or car. From there, they can hike along spectacular mountain passes and through lush valleys. Or they can opt to stay at one of the many luxury hotels that offer guided hikes.

Bhutan has become a popular destination for adventure travelers over recent decades. There are many options available for those looking to explore the Himalayan kingdom. One of the most popular treks is the Tergo La Trek. Located in the Haa valley, this trek offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can enjoy the rich culture and history of this region during their stay.

13. Tahoe Rim Trail in the United States

The Tahoe Rim Trail spans two U.S. states: California and Nevada. It connects Carson City (Nevada) to South Lake Tahoe (California). The trail is approximately 120 miles long and features stunning views all along the route. Visitors can hike, bike, horseback ride, camp, fish, hunt, and enjoy snowmobiling. Many lodging options are available along the trail, including hotels, cabins, inns, bed & breakfasts, RV parks, campgrounds, resorts, restaurants, cafes, and more.

One of America’s most popular hiking trails, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), has been traversing California and Oregon since 1921. The PCT follows the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains through some of the country’s most scenic terrain. This 900-mile trail extends from Canada to Mexico, with an uninterrupted stretch of the trail passing through Yosemite National Park.

14. Armenia and the Silk Road

Travelers should start planning their trip now to experience the autumn colors in Armenia. Many travel agencies have special packages for tourists who want to visit the country while it’s still warm outside. Travelers will be able to see green hills covered in colorful leaves as well as cool nights full of stars.

Armenia was once part of the vast Persian Empire. Throughout antiquity, Armenians were known for making beautiful pottery and textiles. Armenian silk weaving and embroidery are also famous around the world. After the fall of the Persian Empire, Armenia became part of various empires, such as Rome, Greece, and Persia. During this time, Christianity was introduced to the people by Saint Thaddeus. The majority of today’s Armenians are Orthodox Christians.

15. Lechweg Trail, Austria and Germany

Lechweg is located between Sankt Johann im Pongau and Bad Ischl in Salzburg state, Austria. The trail starts in the village of Lechweg and goes up to the nearby lake of St. Wolfgang. The trail takes hikers past meadows, villages, farmlands, alpine forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains.

In Germany, the Lechweg is located near the town of Berndorf in Upper Bavaria. For those who love hiking, walking, and biking, the Lechwegtrail is a great place to go. The trail is easy to follow but is not always clearly marked. However, signs help guide you through the park. You can expect to see lots of cows, sheep, deer, wild boars, and even chamois.

16. India’s Indus Valley and Himalayas

Himachal Pradesh, a mountainous Indian state, is one of the best places to view the sunrise. The state has several destinations that offer breathtaking sunrise views. One of these locations is the Indus Valley. The Indus Valley is home to the Kullu-Manali highway, where the road descends down to the Solang Valley. From there, you’ll be able to spot Mount Kailash far away in the distance.

The first thing that visitors notice when they arrive at the Indus Valley is its lush greenery. The landscape changes after the sun rises as the vegetation turns orange and yellow. By afternoon, the valley is filled with mist, which creates a mysterious atmosphere. In addition to the morning scenery, travelers can also see monkeys and birds during their stay.

17.Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a World Heritage Site. It’s a truly unique forest that contains the highest density of mountain gorillas on earth. The forest is made up of three sections: Buhoma Mountain; Queen Elizabeth II; and Kahuzi-Biega Mountains. Each section has different ecosystems and therefore offers something interesting to see.

Buhoma Mountain is characterized by bamboo trees and grassland. Buhoma is also known as the “mountain gorilla stronghold.” This area is often visited by researchers because of all the activity that occurs here.

Kahuzi-Biega is a tropical rainforest ecosystem. Kahuzi Biega is home to the eastern lowland gorilla. The region is also rich in biodiversity and supports many rare plants and animals, including elephants, hippopotami, leopards, eagles, hyenas, crocodiles, antelopes, warthogs, golden jackals, waterbucks, bushbucks, gazelle and over 400 bird species.

Queen Elizabeth II Mountain is named after Queen Elizabeth II. The mountain is covered in evergreen trees and plant life. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking around the area. Visitors can also take part in various activities like horse riding or canoeing.

18. West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is an island off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. If you want to explore some of the island’s natural wonders, then you should check out the West Coast Trail. The trail begins at Port Renfrew and ends at Sointulaq National Historic Park.

The trail covers the entire west side of the island. Along the way, hikers will pass old growth forests, rugged coastlines, arctic landscapes, glaciers, mountains, lakes, and rivers. The trail passes through five ecological zones—from the temperate rainforests to the sub-arctic zone.

Hikers have the opportunity to see wildlife such as bears, wolves, caribou, porcupines, bald eagles, salmon, sea otters, orcas, marbled murrelets, black guillemots, puffins, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and more.

19. Percorsi Occitani, Maira Valley, Italy

The Maira Valley is located near the city of Siena in Tuscany, Italy. It’s one of the most beautiful valleys in Europe. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this place just to enjoy the stunning scenery. The valley consists of two main parts: Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana.

The Val d’Orcia is famous for its medieval towns and castles. Some of the places you must visit include Castiglion Fiorentino, San Gimignano, Volterra, and Monteriggioni.

The Val di Chiana is mostly known for its vineyards. You’ll find wine tasting rooms along the main road. Many wineries offer tours where you can learn about the process of making wine.

20. Lares and Royal Inca Trail, Peru

Lares means’ many waters in Quechua. And it’s a very fitting name for this breathtakingly beautiful park. Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Lares was declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1996. It’s now one of the best destinations in South America.

This place is the perfect spot if you’re looking for peace and quiet. You won’t find any crowds here, which makes it easy to relax and unwind. The location is surrounded by lush green hills and high-altitude plateaus.

You can choose between trekking and biking trails within the park. Hiking is definitely the best way to experience the beauty of this place.

If you prefer biking, you can rent bikes and cycle along the river banks. Or, you can hire horses and ride them across the grasslands.

21. Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a nature reserve that protects the last stretch of primary lowland tropical moist forest left on Earth. This is the only place in Central America with a true cloud forest ecosystem.

It’s also one of the top tourist attractions in Costa Rica. Its proximity to the capital city of San Jose makes it easy to reach.

There are several ways to travel around the area. Most people take the bus or drive their own cars.

The reserve is home to over 500 species of plants, including many orchid species. There are also 250 bird species, 400 butterflies and 300 types of reptiles.

22. The Lycian Way, Turkey

The Lycian Way is an ancient trail built during the Roman Empire. Today, it’s considered a symbol of adventure and is often referred to as the Grand Cru Trail.

The trail runs along the western coast of Turkey. In total, it’s 262 kilometers long. That’s about 155 miles. You can do the hike either north to south or south to north. It takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks to complete.

Along the way, you walk through numerous villages and cities. You should plan your trip so that you get some time off at each stop.

Turkey is rich in history and culture. You can spend time visiting various historical sites like Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bodrum, Istanbul, Izmir, Fethiye, Kusadasi, Antalya, Kemer, Olympos, and more.

23. Montenegro and Albania are two Balkan countries

The Balkan peninsula has always been a hotbed for epic adventures. From world-class whitewater rafting to mountain biking, there’s something exciting for everyone.

Both Montenegro and Albania have excellent hiking opportunities. They both boast stunning landscapes, quaint little towns, and friendly locals.

Albania has great beaches too! So even though the country isn’t exactly the easiest to visit, it still ranks among the most beautiful countries in Europe.

24. Cloud Forest trek, Laos

Cloud forests are found all over the planet, but they don’t come much prettier than those in Southeast Asia. Trekking through these dense rainforests will leave you breathless.

Laos is known for its gorgeous scenery, friendly people, and delicious food. But what really sets this country apart is its incredible natural wonders. These include the Phu Hin Bun National Park, the Nam Ou River and the Luang Prabang Valley.

Trekking here will give you a chance to see rare wildlife like elephants, tigers, gibbons, monkeys, and birds. And if you want to make the most of your vacation, try kayaking down the Mekong River.

25. Cape to Cape Track, Western Australia

This is one of the greatest walks in the world. You can go to any point along the entire 2,180 kilometer path.

You start in the busy port town of Fremantle. Then you head inland, where you pass by the charming seaside village of Denmark. Next up is Kalbarri National Park. Here you can explore underground river caves and swim under massive rock arches.

After that comes the pretty fishing town of Manjimup, where you can enjoy the views and fresh seafood. Finally, you finish in the tiny coastal town of Warburton.

Last Word

Hiking is not just for the young anymore. Anyone who wants to stay fit, healthy, happy and active should consider taking on the challenge of going on a hike.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a quick weekend escape or if you intend to take a longer journey. No matter which type of hike you choose, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and ideas in our list.