You’ve been dreaming about a scenic hike through challenging yet rewarding national parks and mountains from around the world. You’ve got a dry bag in your shopping cart and you’re already planning on how to ask for that extended time off for your next big trip. You can’t be satisfied with a simple beach vacation — you want to scale a mountain and feel a sense of accomplishment when you finally reach the end of the trail.
We’re talking about a hiking trip. Yes, these are working vacations where you and your friends — or just you — have to work together to make it through challenging trails and beautiful locations that planet Earth has to offer. Whether you opt to stay Stateside, traverse a trail that stretches across the continent, or go for a wheels-up adventure, these are some of the best hiking trails in the world.
North America
The Appalachian Trail
Difficulty Level: Experienced to Expert
If you’ve already mastered simple hikes in your own backyard, the Appalachian Trail is waiting for you. Called AT for short, it runs along the Appalachian Mountains and stretches 2,190 miles from Georgia or Maine. To complete this trek from start to finish it takes five to seven months and isn’t ideal for novices.
The Pacific Crest Trail
Difficulty Level: Experienced to Expert
When you’re ready for an adventure that spans countries, The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spreads 2,653 miles between Campo, California and Manning Park in British Columbia, Canada. This trip winds you through some serious peaks across the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountains as well as 25 national forests and seven national parks. For a complete trek, expect to spend five months on the trail. If you’re an elite athlete, you might be able to complete it in just two.
The Continental Divide Trail
Difficulty Level: Expert
The final big boss in the North American hiking trails is the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). The CDT stretches from Mexico to Canada, covers 3,100 miles of trail and will get you up close and personal with some of the crown jewels in the U.S. National Parks portfolio like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Traversing the full trail takes about five and a half months and requires several permits since you’re also walking through indigenous reservations.
Europe
The Tour du Mont Blanc
Difficulty Level: Beginners and up
Europe is also home to several gorgeous hiking trails including the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). The TMB covers France, Italy, and Switzerland while encircling the Mont Blanc mastiff. In total, you’ll walk 103 miles for a shorter nine to 14-day hike. Thankfully, this trip is definitely beginner-friendly.
The Kungsleden Trail
Difficulty Level: Beginners and up
If you prefer a flatter hiking trail, Sweden’s Kungsleden Trail is gentler and might be a smarter choice for beginners. It’s only 270 miles long and most experts rate it with a moderate difficulty level. Because Sweden has harsh winters, the summer through early fall season is the best time to attempt this trail. The roughly month-long trip stretches between Hemavan to Abisko where you’re treated to gorgeous views of the Vindelfjällen nature reserve, four national parks, and the Laponia World Heritage.
South America
The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)
Difficulty Level: Experienced to Expert
For those genuinely short on time, a vacation to Colombia isn’t complete without a three to five-day roundtrip trek from Santa Marta to The Lost City located within the Teyuna Archeological Park. Of the treks on this list, this is the most ideal for people that prefer guided tours since you have to book a tour operator to take you there. Your fee covers transportation, a guide, accommodations, and meals during your journey. While you only cover 27 miles round trip, just understand that this trek takes you more than 3,500 feet above sea level and is best reserved for more athletic individuals — especially when you hike up those 1,200 stone steps for the final summit.
Torres Del Paine Circuit
Difficulty Level: Experienced to Expert
Chile is another great country to visit if you want to head south to South America but still want a challenging nature experience. In particular, Patagonia, Chile is home to the Torres del Paine National Park which is considered one of the best hiking destinations in the world. This area brings you close to neighboring Argentina. If you’re on an extended trip, opt for the full circle experience which takes eight to nine days to complete and brings you up close with glacial lakes, glaciers, rivers, and gorgeous valleys. Note that depending on your hike, you’ll reach up to 8,200 feet above sea level.
Asia
Goecha La Trek
Difficulty Level: Expert
If trekking through Nepal is too popular, the Goecha La Trek through northeast India is a smart alternative. This is a seven to nine-day expedition that will take you through remote but beautiful scenery along India’s Sikkim state. This is a 55-mile trip that will send you over 16,000 feet above sea level as you work through the Goecha La pass. So, this is not for beginners since you need to watch out for acute mountain sickness. Also, note this isn’t a trip you can do solo — you’ll need to hire a guide.
Jardine’s Lookout
Difficulty Level: Beginners and up
Most people know Hong Kong as a bustling city-state. But it’s also got quite a bit of gorgeous nature to offer its citizens and visitors. If you feel like Victoria Peak is too touristy, then the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park is where you’ll start this journey to Jardine’s Lookout. This is a great option for people that don’t have a lot of time since it’s a simple half-day hike that’s achievable even for less athletic folks. Your total round-trip hike, if you can maintain a comfortable pace, is between three to six hours.
Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro
Difficulty Level: Experienced to Expert
If the motherland is calling you, then you can’t go wrong with a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania. Along with being the highest peak in Africa at over 19,000 feet tall, it’s also a hike you can conquer in about a week. Note that multiple routes exist, including the Machame Route which takes roughly six days to complete and the Lemosho Route which takes about a week and a half. Because you’re passing through different climate zones, come prepared with the right gear to weather the storm — no pun intended.
Mount Elgon
Difficulty Level: Experienced to Expert
Uganda is a gorgeous country that’s often referred to as the Pearl of Africa. Similar to other nations in the continent, it’s home to biodiversity and an array of natural geography. If you skip the safaris, a trip to Mount Elgon is a great alternative. Several routes exist ranging from three to four days, making this another great add-on option for a trip that’s already bringing you to this gorgeous country. Mount Elgon rises more than 14,000 feet above sea level with the highlight being the beautiful Sipi Falls, a three-tiered waterfall.
Australia
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Difficulty Level: Beginners and up
A trip down under usually means you’re headed to one of the country/continent’s coastal cities. If your trip includes Sydney on the West Coast, then you’ll no doubt want to head to Bondi Beach if it’s the summer season. That means you can opt for an easy walking tour along the coast known as the Bondie to Coogee Coastal Walk. This is perfect for hiking newbies since it only takes about two hours, offers minimal obstacles, and brings you scenic views of Australia’s coastline.
Kakadu National Park
Difficulty Level: Experienced to Expert
When you’re ready to head a bit further inland, Kakadu National Park has everything you need to redefine your idea of what Australia looks like. This World Heritage site is located in the Northern Territory and is the biggest national park in the country and also qualifies as an outback adventure. There are multiple hiking trails, many of which you can complete in a day. If you prefer shorter treks, the Boulder Creek Walk takes just 45 minutes and doesn’t require any hiking know how. Meanwhile, more adventurous travelers might want to attempt the Yurmikmik Lookout Walk that takes you through uplands, ridges, and sandstone hills.