Best Hiking Trails in the World for 2026

Introduction: The Call of the Trail

Hiking connects us to nature, challenges our bodies, and clears our minds. These trails offer unforgettable journeys through the world's most stunning landscapes.

1. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

Distance: 26 miles (42 km) Duration: 4 days/3 nights Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Highlights:

• Ancient Inca ruins along the route
• Cloud forest ecosystems
• Dramatic mountain passes (Dead Woman's Pass at 13,828 ft)
• Sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu through Sun Gate Best Time: May-September (dry season) Permits: Required, book 6 months ahead (limited to 500/day) Tip: Acclimatize in Cusco for 2-3 days before starting

2. Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland

Distance: 110 miles (170 km) Duration: 10-12 days Difficulty: Moderate Highlights:

• Circumnavigates Mont Blanc massif
• Three countries in one trek
• Alpine meadows, glacial valleys
• Mountain refuges with hot meals
• Stunning views of Western Europe's highest peak Best Time: June-September Accommodation: Huts/refuges along the route Culture: Experience three alpine cultures

3. Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Distance: 80 miles (130 km) round-trip Duration: 12-14 days Difficulty: Challenging (altitude) Highlights:

• Khumbu Valley monasteries
• Namche Bazaar (Sherpa capital)
• Views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam
• Kala Patthar viewpoint (18,514 ft) Best Time: March-May, September-November Altitude: Max 18,514 ft—acclimatization crucial Culture: Buddhist monasteries and Sherpa villages

4. Milford Track, New Zealand

Distance: 33 miles (53 km) Duration: 4 days/3 nights Difficulty: Moderate Highlights:

• "Finest walk in the world" (coined 1908)
• Fiordland rainforest
• Mackinnon Pass (3,760 ft)
• Waterfalls including 1,900 ft Sutherland Falls
• Milford Sound at finish Best Time: October-April (NZ summer) Permits: Limited to 40 independent walkers/day—book early Weather: Rain likely—waterproof gear essential

5. Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile

Distance: 50 miles (80 km) Duration: 4-5 days Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Highlights:

• Granite towers (Torres)
• Grey Glacier
• French Valley
• Lago Pehoé turquoise waters
• Guanacos and condors Best Time: October-April (Chilean summer) Weather: Patagonian winds can be extreme Camping: Refugios and campsites available

6. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Distance: 34 miles (55 km) Duration: 4 days Difficulty: Moderate Highlights:

• Geothermal landscapes
• Colorful rhyolite mountains
• Hot springs
• Black sand deserts
• Glacial valleys Best Time: July-August (snow-free) Unique: Otherworldly volcanic terrain Huts: Mountain huts available (book ahead)

7. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA

Distance: 11 miles (18 km) one-way Duration: 1-2 days Difficulty: Challenging Highlights:

• Na Pali Coast cliffs
• Tropical rainforest
• Secluded Kalalau Beach
• Waterfall showers
• Ocean views Best Time: May-September (drier season) Permits: Required for camping at Kalalau Beach Warning: Narrow cliff-side trail, not for those afraid of heights

8. West Highland Way, Scotland

Distance: 96 miles (154 km) Duration: 6-8 days Difficulty: Moderate Highlights:

• Loch Lomond shores
• Scottish Highlands
• Glencoe dramatic valley
• Finish at foot of Ben Nevis (UK's highest peak)
• Pubs and villages for resupply Best Time: May-September Culture: Scottish hospitality, whisky distilleries Weather: Pack for rain at any time

9. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail, Italy

Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km) Duration: 1-2 days (or day hike) Difficulty: Easy to moderate Highlights:

• Five colorful coastal villages
• Terraced vineyards
• Mediterranean Sea views
• Fresh seafood and pesto
• Swimming stops in villages Best Time: April-June, September-October Easy Access: Train connects villages Tip: Hike one direction, train back

10. Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa

Distance: 140 miles (220 km) Duration: 10-14 days Difficulty: Very challenging Highlights:

• Highest mountain range in South Africa
• Chain ladders and dramatic passes
• San rock art sites
• Amphitheatre cliff face
• Remote wilderness Best Time: April-September (dry season) Experience Required: Navigation skills essential Permits: Required for some sections

Bonus Epic Hikes

11. John Muir Trail, California, USA

• 211 miles through Sierra Nevada
• 20-25 days
• Yosemite to Mount Whitney
• Permit lottery system

12. GR20, Corsica, France

• 112 miles north to south traverse
• 15 days
• Considered Europe's toughest trek
• Technical scrambling sections

13. Overland Track, Tasmania, Australia

• 40 miles through Tasmanian wilderness
• 6 days
• Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair
• Pristine rainforest and alpine lakes

Hiking Preparation Guide

Physical Training (3-6 months before)

• Build up weekly mileage gradually
• Include elevation gain training (stairs, hills)
• Backpack training with increasing weight
• Cardio conditioning (running, cycling)
• Strength training for legs and core

Essential Gear

The Big Three:

• Backpack (40-60L for multi-day)
• Tent/shelter (if camping)
• Sleeping bag (rated for conditions)

Footwear:

• Broken-in hiking boots
• Camp shoes
• Moisture-wicking socks (multiple pairs)

Clothing (layering system):

• Base layer (moisture-wicking)
• Insulation layer (fleece/down)
• Waterproof/windproof shell
• Hat and gloves
• Sun protection

Navigation:

• Map and compass
• GPS device or phone with offline maps
• Whistle
• Headlamp with extra batteries

Safety:

• First aid kit
• Water purification (filter/tablets)
• Fire starter
• Emergency shelter/bivy
• Sunscreen and sunglasses

Food Planning

• 2,500-4,000 calories/day depending on difficulty
• Lightweight, high-calorie foods
• Easy-to-prepare meals
• Salty snacks for electrolytes
• Pack out all trash

Trail Etiquette

• Leave No Trace principles
• Yield to uphill hikers
• Stay on marked trails
• Pack out all waste (including toilet paper)
• Be respectful in huts/refuges
• Keep noise down
• Don't feed wildlife

Safety Tips

• Tell someone your itinerary
• Check weather forecast
• Know your limits
• Carry emergency communication (satellite device for remote areas)
• Understand altitude sickness symptoms
• Purify all water sources
• Be bear-aware in relevant regions
• Start early to avoid afternoon storms

Altitude Acclimatization

For high-altitude treks (above 8,000 ft):

• Ascend slowly ("climb high, sleep low")
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol first few days
• Know symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness
• Descend if symptoms worsen
• Consider Diamox (consult doctor)

Budget Planning

Budget Treks: $500-1,500

• Independent hiking
• Camping
• Self-catering

Mid-Range: $1,500-3,500

• Some guided portions
• Mix of camping and huts
• Porter service

Guided/Luxury: $3,000-8,000+

• Full service guided tours
• Porters carry gear
• Comfortable accommodations
• All meals included

Best Seasons by Region

Northern Hemisphere: May-September Southern Hemisphere: November-March Tropics: Dry season varies by location High Altitude: Avoid monsoon seasons

Conclusion: One Step at a Time

The world's great trails await—choose your adventure, train properly, and experience the profound satisfaction of multi-day hiking. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.