Top 10 Greatest Hiking Routes in the World
When it comes to long-distance hiking, there are plenty of options. Some traverse yodel-worthy alpine meadows, while others cling to the sides of towering mountains.
We’ve taken the best of the best and ranked the Top 10 Greatest Hiking Routes in the World. Get ready to sweat, savor the scenery and swap smiles with locals in far-off villages.
1. Yosemite Grand Traverse
This legendary hike features some of Yosemite’s most famous landmarks, but it also reveals the park’s stunning backcountry. It’s a tough trek for experienced hikers and requires the use of navigation skills to navigate the steep inclines and narrow ridges.
This epic hiking route takes in all the iconic highlights of Yosemite National Park, including the Mist Trail past Vernal and Nevada Falls, the cable route up Half Dome (permit required), Clouds Rest, Isberg Pass, and a section of the John Muir Trail. Plus, you’ll stay at three of the park’s High Sierra Camps – Vogelsang, Merced Lake, and Sunrise – for a truly incredible backpacking experience.
This trail sneaks away from the crowds of the Yosemite Valley and lets you marvel at some of the largest groves of sequoias in the world. You’ll also get a unique perspective on the Sierra Nevada mountains from Mono Pass.
2. Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk is Australia’s most famous coastal hike and traverses one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world. From the quaint seaside town of Apollo Bay to the massive cliffs of the Twelve Apostles, this trail features pristine beaches and natural highlights including rock pools, craggy outcrops, and lush forests. From the manna gum woodland that is popular with koalas to the subterranean wonder of Naracoorte Caves, the Great Ocean Walk has something for everyone!
Hikers will also find a diverse range of wildlife from kangaroos to black swamp wallabies and echidnas to wedge-tailed cockatoos. And of course, there are dozens of pristine surfing spots where elite surfers come to test their skills. The best time to hike the Great Ocean Walk is in the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring, when the weather is temperate and the wildflowers are abundant.
3. Overland Track
The Overland Track features waterfalls, dolerite mountains, tarns, and diverse ecosystems. It is a hiker’s dream and a test of physical stamina, but it is also an opportunity to experience the incredible wilderness of Tasmania.
The best time to walk the Overland Track is during summer (December to February), although winter walks are possible, too. It is important to remember that this is a remote alpine area, and weather can change quickly from sunny to sleet or snow. Deaths have occurred on the trail, even during summer.
The Overland Track requires serious preparation and good gear. Choosing the right backpack and boots is crucial, as well as planning ahead. The lack of cell phone reception can be a real challenge, but it is a welcome break from notifications. It can also encourage socialising among fellow hikers, with helipads near the Overland Track huts becoming popular gathering points for sunset drinks.
4. Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s ten official Great Walks and is a favourite hiking experience for both Kiwis and visitors alike. It traverses two national parks – Mt Aspiring and Fiordland – and is usually completed in 2 nights/3 days.
It starts on lush beech forest and follows the Route Burn River to Routeburn Flats which are flanked by majestic Humboldt Mountains. Along the way hikers can enjoy sightings of native birdlife – whio paddle in the river while yellowhead, titipounamu and bush robin flitter overhead.
The trail continues to climb up around Harris Saddle where a side track leads to Conical Hill. It’s the highest point on the track and offers spectacular views over the surrounding landscape. The trail is more challenging than the others on this list and requires a high level of fitness and some tramping experience.
5. Camino De Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is one of the world’s most famous pilgrim trails. It features a network of paths across Europe that convene at the cathedral of St James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
The trail attracts people of all ages, genders, and skill levels. Over 200,000 people complete the trek every year and earn a coveted Compostela certificate of completion.
Some routes are more challenging than others, but the Camino de Santiago is accessible to most fit hikers. The Camino Frances, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago, includes sizable mountains and open plains, but is manageable for most.
This route also offers a vast selection of albergues (inns and lodges built for pilgrims), delicious local foods, and communities that are used to international thru-hikers. In Logrono, a popular stop on the trail, you can enjoy world-class La Rioja wines and hearty Castilians meals.
6. Muliwai Trail
Walk along pristine beaches with views of stunning coastline and crystalline blue water. Expect to see wildlife like moose, deer, and sheep in the backcountry, as well as shady forests, cyan blue alpine lakes, and picturesque rock formations.
From the start of this hike, you can look over Waipi’o Valley and beyond to remote Waimanu Valley. The trail offers a different perspective on the valley from that of the Waipi’o Lookout, revealing a tropical rainforest wedged between steep green walls.
After a third of a mile, the trail reaches a viewpoint that looks like a scene from Jurassic Park. Then the hard work begins: The zig-zagging trail, locally known as the Z Trail, starts to climb. This is a strenuous hike for even experienced trekkers.
7. Israel National Trail
The Israel National Trail is a long footpath traversing the entire country of Israel. It features a wide variety of landscapes, from the verdant Galilee to the desert mountains and craters around Ramon Crater. It also includes historic sites from different periods of Israel’s history, including Roman cities and Crusader fortresses.
The best time to hike the INT is in spring, when the route can be enjoyed in comfortable temperatures. Walking from Eilat in the south to Jerusalem in spring allows you to avoid soaring desert temperatures, while enjoying blooming flowers and serene forests. However, the route is challenging, and hikers should be prepared for a variety of conditions. It is important to know your limits and take breaks when needed. You should also be familiar with the culture and politics of the area. Moreover, the INT requires an experienced guide or a local company to ensure your safety and well-being.
8. Pennine Way
The Pennine Way has a reputation for being the most challenging long-distance hiking route in Britain. One guide book describes it as “a 250-mile wet slog up the middle of England.”
The path isn’t all heather-clad moorland and the cry of curlews, though. The trail is also rich in history, connecting prehistoric sites, Roman forts, and medieval packhorse routes.
Walkers can sleep at basic huts along the trail or wild camp in the remote Cheviots, which features big hills and sweeping vistas. The Cheviots’ highest point, Cross Fell, is so windy it has its own name: Helm Wind. This is a hike for adventurous fell runners and determined hikers who are ready for a challenge.
9. Lost City Trek
The Lost City Trek offers hikers the chance to visit some of the most significant ruins in Colombia and see ancient culture at firsthand. It’s also a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, which is rich in wildlife and rivers.
Tour companies usually include visits to local villages and communities to allow hikers to see how the people who live here go about their daily lives. However, it’s important that you only book a tour with a reputable company and check whether or not they support the Kogui community by offering money to them.
The Lost City trek can be done at any time of year, but the months from December to March and July to August tend to have less rainfall. Despite this, there is always a risk of rain on the trail.
10. Hadrian’s Wall Path
Hadrian’s Wall Path is an amazing route that features some of England’s best countryside and important Roman ruins. It also takes hikers through quaint English towns and villages. It’s a great trail for history buffs and a fantastic way to experience Britain’s rich heritage.
However, it’s not without its challenges. For example, the Wall often runs along cliff edges and some sections can be quite steep. Also, the weather can be unpredictable in this part of the world.
Despite these challenges, the trail is still very accessible for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. It’s also important to remember that the Wall is a historic site and should be treated with respect. For example, it’s a good idea to avoid walking on top of the Wall as this can cause damage. In addition, hikers should always walk side-by-side to prevent erosion.
