With all of the amazing hikes that are out there, it can be difficult to choose which one you want to go on first. But not to worry! We’ve compiled a list of 14 places that we think should be high up on your bucket list. So whether you’re looking for an adventure in Africa or something closer to home, this article will offer some great ideas for getting outside and exploring new terrain!
Contents
- 1 The Drakensberg
- 2 –The Hwange National Park.
- 3 –Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan.
- 4 -The mountains of New Zealand.
- 5 -The Rocky Mountains.
- 6 -The Appalachian Trail.
- 7 –Uluru (aka Ayers Rock) in Australia.
- 8 -The Great Wall of China.
- 9 -Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador.
- 10 Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii
- 11 -The Torres del Paine National Park in Chile
- 12 –Fjords may be one of Norway’s
- 13 –Vangsvatnet.
- 14 -Salto Chico Falls
The Drakensberg
Is home to some of the most scenic hikes in South Africa. This region offers hikers around 400 miles of trails, varying from easy strolls to steep climbs and technical scrambles. One popular hike that’s worth mentioning is Lion Sands Game Reserve which has a relatively flat trail for those who want an easier experience.
–The Hwange National Park.
Also has plenty of options for hiking enthusiasts as well as regular visitors looking to explore more on foot than by car or bike. It features many different terrains including forested hillsides, open savannahs, wetlands and rocky outcrops so there are definitely trails perfect for any type of hiker here!
–Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan.
the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan. It’s not your traditional place for hiking, but it does offer an incredible setting with beautiful rock formations and oasis villages that are often passed through along the way.
-The mountains of New Zealand.
Are well-known by hikers throughout the world because they’re just so breathtaking! The South Island is dotted with trails like Routeburn Track which winds its way through forests after crossing alpine passes or Mount Aspiring National Park where you can experience wildflower meadows in bloom during springtime followed by snow-capped peaks during winter months.
For those who love a good challenge, check out Tasmania’s Overland Track, just “across the ditch” in Australia — this ultra long hike requires 43 days (yes, days) and covers a distance of just over 300 km.
-The Rocky Mountains.
Are home to some of the most popular hiking trails in North America, like Alberta’s Banff National Park which is famous for its easy access and terrific views.
If it sounds more your speed, head on down to Arizona where you can hike through Joshua Tree National Park — known as one of the best places in Southern California for rock-climbing enthusiasts because these boulders offer stability that other rocks don’t provide.
Or take a trip out West to Yosemite Valley with El Capitan looming overhead during your journey while avoiding coyotes who might be interested in joining you! The park offers so many different terrains that hikers have their pick between flat trails or more rugged, mountainous paths.
-The Appalachian Trail.
Is one of the most famous hiking trails in America and stretches from Springer Mountain at Georgia’s northern border to Mount Katahdin on Maine’s northeastern boundary – with a total length of r 300 km.
But if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten path — try Nashville Tennessee where hikers can explore new territory as they wind their way around Percy Priest Lake.
–Uluru (aka Ayers Rock) in Australia.
For those who want sweeping views without all the work that comes along with it, just head straight to Uluru (aka Ayers Rock) in Australia which offers stunning panoramas but yields no physical benefits! If you love living life on your own terms then make sure not to miss out on this one.
-The Great Wall of China.
Is, unsurprisingly, one of the most famous landmarks in the world and it serves as a testament to what man can achieve when we set our minds to something that’s seemingly impossible. Hikers on this trail will experience all types of terrain including steep slopes with rock steps, flat stretches with grassy fields and even wetlands — be warned though: you’ll need some good ankle support for this trek!
-Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador.
Trek through mountains in Ecuador at Cotopaxi National Park where there are more than 40 volcanoes (yes, seriously!) or head north from Los Angeles up into San Gabriel Valley only 18 kilometers away but they might just feel like miles apart given how inaccessible many parts of this area are due to heavy vegetation.
Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii
is in the heart of “Volcano Country” on Hawaii’s Big Island and is home to five active volcanoes, one still-active lava lake (yes, that’s a thing), a rainforest with 400 different species of birds living there, and even an extinct volcano. -The Grand Canyon
Offers hikers three options for seeing it: either you take two days to hike around only part of it or you spend five days hiking from rim to rim at which point your feet will probably be screaming by then; alternatively, if you’re looking for something more accessible but no less challenging try scrambling down into Havasu Canyon where waterfalls are abundant and diverse wildlife can also be found.
-The Torres del Paine National Park in Chile
Is an area of great natural beauty with its turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains and acres of wild Patagonian forest. It also has the distinction of being home to some of the most unspoiled wilderness in South America which makes it a very popular destination for those interested in combining hiking and adventure travel. While not as large or famous as Yosemite, there are plenty more trails here on offer too so hikers will have no problem finding their own favourite spot.
–Fjords may be one of Norway’s
Best kept secrets but don’t tell anyone else because this dramatic landscape offers some spectacular nature hikes from exploring secluded forests filled with wildlife to following ancient paths that lead to the edge of a sheer cliff overlooking spectacular views.
–Vangsvatnet.
Is often overlooked by hikers in favor of its more popular neighbor Sognefjord but this lesser-known location has plenty to offer as well including rafting, birdwatching, and wildlife watching opportunities – not to mention some very scenic hiking trails that will take you past picturesque villages and vast mountain landscapes all with stunning panoramic vistas.
-Salto Chico Falls
One of the most unique and less-visited locations is around Salto Chico Falls which lies on the border between Argentina and Bolivia – but this area has plenty to offer those who make their way here too as it includes waterfalls, dense forests that feel like Jurassic Park (without any man-eating dinosaurs thankfully) and clear rivers perfect for swimming.
It’s hardly surprising when one considers how many great natural wonders there are here such as the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park or Zion National Park which makes these three parks an absolute must for anyone who enjoys getting out into nature on foot while being rewarded with awe-inspiring scenery. For those looking for something a little different, there are also some more unusual options including the Huaraz Ice Park in Peru or even a hike through Jotunheimen National Park where you can admire Norway’s famous mountain peaks.
Hike enthusiasts will find something to suit them among these 14 amazing places so pick one for your next adventure!