10 of the Best Hikes in the World

Whether you’re a serious hiking enthusiast or you simply love getting out in nature now and again and consider yourself a beginner [m1] when it comes to hiking, going for a hike is a great way to enjoy your surroundings and have an adventure! If you love to travel, maybe you’ve considered choosing a destination where you can experience some out-of-this-world hiking. But where should you go to take advantage of some of the best hikes? There are so many amazing places, so it can be hard to choose. That’s why, we’ve created a list of 10 of the best hikes in the world. Hopefully this will be a great place to start as you’re trying to choose ones of the best hikes for you!

Gear up for Hiking!

Before you head out on one of these best hikes in the world, be sure you have all of the proper gear so that you can stay safe and make your hike go as smoothly as possible!

Start by making sure you have the proper hiking shoes and clothing. For shoes, be sure that you wear a pair that has already been broken in to avoid getting blisters. Check the weather prior to your hike so that you can get an idea of what temperatures and conditions to dress for.

Next be sure you have a hiking backpack where you can store all of the essentials you need for your hike, such as a water bottle, sunscreen, bug repellent, extra clothing, food, a map, first aid kit, and more.

Some of what you pack will depend on the type of hike you’ll take. Are you planning on going for one that’s short or are you anticipating spending a full day in the great outdoors? In our list of 10 of the best hikes in the world, we’ve ordered them from easiest to hardest, giving a variety of options depending on the type of hiking you’re hoping to do!

10 of the Best Hikes in the World

1. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail – O’ahu – Hawaii, US

Difficulty: easy

Length: 2.5 miles

Route Type: out & back

Elevation: 505 ft

Starting off our list of best hikes in the world is this trail on the island of O’ahu. This paved trail is a great option for those who are newer to hiking, traveling with children, or less physically able, and leads you to an observation deck and lighthouse. The views of the ocean and surrounding scenery are stunning! Be sure you bring your sunscreen, a hat, and your water bottle so that you can stay hydrated, since this trail is not shaded.

2. Zion Canyon Overlook Trail – Zion National Park – Utah, US

Difficulty: easy-medium

Length: 1 mile

Route Type: out & back

Elevation: 442 ft

This short hike is another great one to start with and is in the majestic Zion National Park. It’s kid-friendly and features some spectacular views as well as beautiful wildflowers. Again, be sure you bring your water bottle and apply sunscreen as this trail also does not provide shade.

3. Charles Bunion via Appalachian Trail – Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee, US

Difficulty: medium 

Length: 8.6 miles

Route Type: out & back

Elevation: 1,981 ft

The Great Smoky Mountains are a breathtaking place to hike! This trail is over 8 miles long with more significant elevation changes, making it better suited for those who are a little more experienced. Parts of this trail are shaded, and there is also a shelter you can reserve through the park service if you want a place to stay. This trail is best to hike from April until October.

4. Samariá Gorge Trail – Samariá Gorge National Park – Crete, Greece

Difficulty: medium

Length: 8.9 miles

Routh Type: point to point

Elevation: 8,772 ft

This moderate-level trail at Samariá Gorge National Park in Greece is perfect for those who want a little bit more of an adventure but aren’t ready for something too difficult! Enjoy views of the river, mountains, and wildflowers. With multiple water stations, you’ll be able to fill up your water bottle as you go.

5. Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail – Yosemite National Park – California, US

Difficulty: hard

Length: 8.8 miles

Route Type: loop

Elevation: 2,191 ft

If you love waterfalls, you’ll want to explore this trail in Yosemite National Park. This trail is best suited for experienced hikers, and you may want to wear something waterproof as you’ll be hiking near two gorgeous waterfalls and may get a little wet! This trail is best to hike from May until October.

6. Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona, US

Difficulty: hard

Length: 6 miles

Route Type: out & back

Elevation: 2,112 ft

The Grand Canyon had to make it onto our list of 10 of the best hikes in the world! With countless gorgeous views, this trail is a great choice for those who are up for the challenge. It’s best to hike from September until May due to how hot it gets during the summer months.

7. Grinnell Glacier Trail – Glacier National Park – Montana, US

Difficulty: hard

Length: 11.2 miles

Route Type: out & back

Elevation: 2,181 ft

Another challenging trail on our list of best hikes in the world, this trail in Glacier National Park is one that experienced hikers won’t want to miss! You’ll get views of numerous lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and more! This trail is best to hike from June until October. Make sure you’re stocked up on water, bug spray, and just in case – bear spray.

8. Inca Trail – Cusco, Peru

Difficulty: veryhard

Length: 24.3 miles

Route Type: point by point

Elevation: 10,170 ft

The famous Inca Trail in Peru is a 4-day trek if you choose to hike the entirety of it. You’ll wander through jungle, mountains, countryside, and get to stop by some world-famous archeological sites. If you want to take on the whole trail, be sure you’re prepared for significant altitude changes and have a pair of hiking poles to help you out.

9. Torres del Paine “W” Circuit – Torres del Paine National Park – Chile

Difficulty: very hard

Length: 43.1 miles

Route Type: point to point

Elevation: 8,956 ft

This is the longest trail on our list of the best hikes in the world and only recommended for very experienced hikers. Keeping altitude in mind, you’ll get beautiful sweeping views and crystal blue water. Plan on backpacking and camping as you hike through the wilderness and along the lake. This trail is best to hike from November until March.

10. Milford Track – Fiordland National Park – New Zealand

Difficulty: very hard

Length: 37.4 miles

Route Type: point to point

Elevation: 9,458 ft

From glaciers to rainforest, this trail in New Zealand is unlike any other and had to make our list of best hikes in the world with stunning mountains views and pristine waters! The ideal time to hike this trail is October until April. Keep in mind that camping is not allowed, but there are huts you can reserve if you plan on hiking the entirety of it.

That tops off our list of 10 of the best hikes in the world! We hope you’re feeling inspired to try something new by hiking one of these fantastic trails sometime in the future!