If you want a bucket list of great hikes, we have compiled a list of what we think are the best hikes around the world.
So, without further ado, here are five of the greatest hiking destinations to explore
Inca Trail (Peru, South America)
The Inca Trail is 26 miles in length and one of the most famous hiking trails in the world.
Walking the full length of the trail gives access to grueling paths that incline and decline, but offer stunning mountain scenery, ruins, tunnels, subtropical jungle, and lush cloud-forest.
The preferred time to hike the Inca Trail is May to September and expect to complete the trek in about 4-5 days and arrive at Machu Picchu.
The Ancascocha Trail
The Ancascocha Trail (also referred to as the hidden or super Inca Trail) is similar to the Inca Trail but much less overcrowded. It is noticeably less traveled and a reason for this is the greater difficulty of the course.
Along the course of the Ancascocha Trail it is possible to admire snow-capped mountains, villages, and ruins. The path is about 19 miles in length and its greater difficulty means it can take 5-6 days to complete.
The preferred time to trek the Ancascocha Trail is April to May or September to October.
Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine, U.S.)
The Appalachian Trail stretches some 2,181 miles and one of the longest hiking trails with a continuous footpath in place.
It isn’t easy to complete the entire length of the trail, but it is possible for those with enough stamina and 5-7 months of walking time. By traversing the market footpath it is possible to admire culturally resonant, wild, pastoral, wooded, and scenic lands.
Walking the complete 2,181 miles will take the hikers through fourteen states.
Kilimanjaro (Tanzania, Africa)
Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak (at 19,336 feet) and one of the most accessible summits in the world.
Hiking Kilimanjaro is possible with a lot of determination, proper clothing, and a walking pole. It is possible to climb the mountain using several different routes. A preferred option is to use the services of a guide to help reach the summit and admire the stunning views across the landscape.
The total distance is in the region of 35 miles which can take at least seven days to complete, and the best time to attempt the climb is in January, February, or September.
Kungsleden (Sweden)
Kungsleden (also called King’s Trail) is the most famous and longest trail in Sweden and generally visited throughout the summer months. This wilderness area is perfect to admire big glaciers, open tundra, arctic landscape, and Mount Kebnetaise.
The preferred time to attempt the hike up Kungsleden is August and September.
Grand Canyon Rim to Rim (Arizona, U.S.)
The Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike is one of the most popular trails in Arizona. The hike has breathtaking views and the ability to see waterfalls on the North Kaibab trail while the Colorado River has the last evidence of ancient civilizations.
The vastness of the canyon means the entire trek lasts for 44 miles and can take up to 6 days to complete. Plus, the preferred time to hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim trail is March to May or September to November.
Summary
So there you have it, some of the most iconic and breathtaking trails to try. Yes, some of them are a bit more than a week or two’s worth of holiday, but boy are they something to tell people about!
So why not start making those plans now?