Top hiking trails around the world

All around the world, there are countless trails for hikers—some as ancient as humanity itself, others newly created. We’ve selected twelve of our favorite routes and treks across the continents to inspire your next adventure. From scenic paths to challenging climbs, these picks showcase some of the best hiking destinations to fuel your wanderlust.

Hiking trails around the world

These are our top 12 picks for the best hiking destinations around the world, one unforgettable trail at a time, continent by glorious continent.

Hiking trails in Africa

1. Mount Kenya Trek, Kenya

Standing at a lung-busting 5,199m, Mount Kenya is quite a mountain. In fact, it’s the second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro, though gets a fraction of the exposure and visitors. This is the ideal playground for dedicated trekkers who will appreciate the range of challenges on offer – not to mention the scenery from the top, which includes (on clear days) Kilimanjaro over 300km away. Some of the routes on this dormant volcano are very technical, but for those without all the requisite equipment, aim for the Point Lenana hike – it rises to almost 5,000m but doesn’t require mountaineering experience. The summit is tough and only experienced climbers should attempt it. Allow 4-6 days depending on route, fitness and conditions.

2. The Otter Trail, South Africa

The Otter Trail in South Africa is popular because it is ever-changing. The diversity of landscape and ecosystem along the way make it a really exciting route with something different to see every day, including – you guessed it – otters. The trail hugs the wild and rock-strewn east coast, meandering along the foot of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, above the sea on high bluffs and dips down to wild and lovely beaches. There are jungly stretches too, where you can expect to see some wildlife, and if you are lucky you might catch sight of some whales along this shore. Book in advance to avoid disappointment as this is a hut-to-hut trail with limited spaces. Allow four or five days to cover the 42km of hilly terrain.

Hiking trails in South America

3. Fitz Roy trek, Argentina

Patagonia is a thrilling and superlative destination, and bearing in mind that context, the trek to Mount Fitz Roy is one of the best in the region. The trail up to the 3,360m peak of Mount Fitz Roy affords mesmerizing views across this famous landscape, including glaciers, lakes and mountain peaks aplenty. It takes around four days to reach the summit and trekkers are usually based out of El Chalten, where there are many places to stay and a good tourist infrastructure. Make sure you have checked the weather as it is very changeable in this ‘end of the world’ region.

4. La Ciudad Perdida trek, Colombia

An off-the-radar alternative to the well-trodden Inca trail, this is an adventurous trek that goes deep into the dense jungle of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It’s 44km of tricky and wild trail which takes in some exciting obstacles. You certainly earn your arrival at the ‘lost city’; an overgrown ruined town dripping with greenery and steeped in eeriness. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the city was rediscovered, and although it is not a secret destination, it’s a far cry from the hordes that make their way to Machu Picchu.

Hiking trails in Asia

5. Desert trek to Petra, Jordan

6. Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia 

7. Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Nepal is the ultimate hiking destination, and the Himalayan hike to Everest Base Camp is one of the country’s most iconic routes. Certainly not for the fainthearted, you’ll need to get into training for this one. The 110km route (68 miles) takes around 12 days to complete. The trail starts in Lukla and winds through pine forests, Alpine meadows and rugged glacial moraine to reach the Everest Base Camp at 5,300m. The views of the ‘Roof of the World’ are astounding, and gazing up at Everest’s distant peak is nothing short of awe-inspiring. 

Hiking trails in Europe

8. The Dolomites, Italy 

9. Painters’ Way, Germany

The Painters’ Way is one of Europe’s best hiking destinations and has inspired several artists and filmmakers, from painter Ludwig Richter to the makers of The Grand Budapest Hotel. Located in Germany, the trail winds through Saxon Switzerland National Park and the dramatic Elbe Sandstone Mountains. There are some challenging sections along the 116km trail, including parts where you shimmy up iron ladders to reach rocky outcrops. The route takes hikers to the lovely Lichtenhain Waterfall and through the picturesque spa town of Bad Schandau.

10. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Just sneaking into Europe, geographically speaking, Iceland has some incredible hiking routes. For a challenge, the multi-day Laugavegur Trail is a real Icelandic classic, taking around 4 days to complete and covering a distance of 55km. You’ll be traversing an incredible volcanic landscape of multi-hued Rhyolite mountains, hot spring rivers, lush meadows and snowy high ground. The huts and the trail are open for the summer season only. 

Outback hiking in Australia

11. Overland Track, Tasmania 

Tasmania’s Overland Track is one of the most famous wilderness trails in Australia. The route winds through the UNESCO-protected Cradle Mountain and Lake Sinclair National Park and takes around a week to complete in full. That’s a big walk, of course, but the trail doesn’t include too much elevation, instead meandering through valleys and gorges and avoiding peak climbs (with options for more lofty detours). The trail can be completed year-round, but conditions in winter are challenging, and a snowy hike will be for the experienced only. Hiker numbers are limited to 35 departures a day, so book early and enjoy the serenity of uncrowded trails. 

12. Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory 

This is Oz’s ultimate outback trail leading from Alice Springs through the craggy West MacDonnell Ranges. The full trail is over 200 km long, but it’s broken down into eight stages, each taking 2-3 days to complete. There’s access by road to most of the trailheads and water tanks for topping up supplies. 

Make it happen