World's Best Hiking Trails: Epic Treks Across Every Continent
Opt for hiking as a core part of your global travels to immerse yourself in local communities, gain authentic cultural insights at ground level, and stay active and fit along the way.
Before lacing up your boots, discover top destinations. These legendary routes span the globe—from Europe's picturesque alpine villages to New Zealand's stunning glacial vistas, Middle Eastern desert expanses, U.S. grand canyons, and Africa's and Asia's lofty peaks. Suited for day trips, week-long journeys, or multi-week epics, there's a trail for every fitness level and ambition.
Europe
Europe's established paths, demanding ascents, and extensive hut networks make it an ideal hiking launchpad.
On Iceland's wild edge, the 34-mile (55 km) Laugavegur Trail weaves through volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs, with six huts for convenient overnight stays.
Slovenia's premier hikes include the expansive 310-mile (499 km) Slovenian Mountain Trail, complete with 50 huts and 80 checkpoints for passport stamps—a rewarding rite of passage.
Circling the 4,810m Mont Blanc, the iconic 105-mile (170 km) Tour du Mont Blanc crosses Switzerland, France, and Italy. Customize your path through lush forests, high passes, or historic sites.
Africa
Africa's pinnacle trek is Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 5,895m near Kenya's border. This eight-day journey ascends from tropical plains through jungle, alpine meadows, and moorlands to a glaciated summit overlooking endless savannahs.
Other must-dos: Ethiopia's Simien Mountains, South Africa's Blyde River Canyon, Mt. Kenya (Africa's second-highest), and Namibia's 52-mile (84 km) Fish River Canyon trek—the world's second-largest canyon—over four days.
For wildlife immersion, Uganda's Murchison Falls National Park trails teem with birds, primates, reptiles, and the Big Five, including Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, lions, and elephants.
The Middle East
Jordan excels in day hikes amid surreal deserts and ancient ruins. For endurance, follow the 47-mile (76 km) Petra to Dana Biosphere Reserve trail, showcasing the Rose-Red City's wonders, deep canyons, and sandstone cliffs.
The 404-mile (650 km) Jordan Trail traverses the nation from Umm Qais to Aqaba's Red Sea, dividable into eight 4-5 day segments.
Highlights elsewhere: Oman's Grand Canyon of Wadi Ghul (rim hike plus Jebel Shams' 3,009m summit); Israel's National Trail from Dan to Eilat.
Asia
The Himalayas beckon with Everest Base Camp, summit bids, and Bhutan's Snowman Trek across nine high passes. Nepal's classic Annapurna Circuit (15 days) shadows ancient trade routes through prayer-flag-draped villages, stupas, and guesthouses—no tent required.
China's Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan stuns, as does trekking the Great Wall. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia's two-day Mt. Kinabalu ascent reigns supreme.
Australia and the Pacific
New Zealand's nine Great Walks span beaches, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. The challenging 49-mile (79 km) Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park leads; Abel Tasman Coast Track dazzles with turquoise bays.
Australia's options range from urban paths (Sydney's Seven Bridges, Melbourne's Capital City Trail) to Red Centre outback and Tasmania's 29-mile (46 km) Three Capes Track through forests and cliffs.
Papua New Guinea's 60-mile (96 km) Kokoda Track blends rugged terrain, culture, and WWII history.
South America
Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park hosts the 62-mile (100 km) W Trek: jagged peaks, glaciers, lakes, and iconic granite towers. Nearby, Argentina's five-day Mt. Fitz Roy Trek in Los Glaciares National Park awes.
Northward along the Andes to Peru's 23-mile (37 km) Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4-5 days; book ahead) via Sun Gate. Alternatives like the Salkantay Trek provide equally mesmerizing views.
In Ecuador, circle Cotopaxi Volcano or trek the Quilotoa Loop's highland villages.
North America
From Rockies to Sierra Nevada and Appalachians, trails abound. Yosemite's 5.4-mile (8.7 km) Mist Trail features Vernal and Nevada Falls. Grand Canyon's South Kaibab Trail is canyon nirvana; Sedona's Templeton Trail shadows red buttes.
Thru-hike segments of the Continental Divide or Pacific Crest Trails (U.S.-Canada spans). Colorado boasts 58 'fourteeners' over 4,267m.
