Right across the world, hiking can let you explore and see things that to some would seem unimaginable. Here are some of the best places for you to go walking.
Hiking is a popular outdoor activity all over the world. Walking outside and enjoying beautiful scenery is a fun way to spend time, but there are also many health benefits.
Going hiking helps improve balance, core strength, and blood pressure, and it can even lower your risk of heart disease.
Cliff Walk – Newport, Rhode Island, USA
Newport is known for its impressive mansions worth millions of dollars. This unique hike gives you a glimpse into the lives of the other half while showing hikers spectacular sunsets overlooking the cliffs.
The 5.6km (3.5 miles) hike is mostly flat and paved but also has some rocky sections that require a bit of a climb. It is best enjoyed at sunset, but it’s always spectacular.
Mount Batur Hike – Bali, Indonesia
Sunsets get all the attention, but sunrises can be even more magical. Tourists and locals who enjoy an early rise can witness a one-of-a-kind view from the peak of Mount Batur.
This active volcano offers a mildly challenging 6.7km (4.2 miles) hike up to the top.
Since it stands 1,717 meters (1 mile) above sea level, it can offer an above-cloud view of the rising sun and the nearby active volcano, Mount Agung.
Tianmen Mountain Hike – Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China
The name of Zhangjiajie National Park may be hard to pronounce, but the views are well worth the tongue twister.
As the inspiration for James Cameron’s Avatar, you can expect some spectacular mountain views.
However, this park is also home to several glass-floor bridges, cable cars, elevators, and so much more.
Of course, the best way to explore is by foot, and there are many different lengths and difficulties of hikes that you can take.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park – Děčín, Czech Republic
Bohemian Switzerland National Park has peaceful trails and unique views, offering the perfect mix of man-made and natural beauty.
There are several trails you can take, but make sure not to skip Bastei bridge. The bridge connects the jagged rocks of the sandstone mountain and stands 305 meters above sea level.
Sahara Desert Hiking – Egypt
For those up to an epic adventure, consider venturing out into the Sahara Desert. There are parts of the desert that aren’t safe or legal for hikers to take on, so make sure to do your research and consider going on a guided hike tour to stay extra safe.
There are several places you can hike the desert in Egypt; just make sure not to miss the Valley of the Whales.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a 40 million-year-old whale skeleton, the Valley of the Kings from Luxor, and the tomb of Alexander the Great.
Isla del Sol – Copacabana, La Paz, Bolivia
When most travelers think of hiking South America, Machu Picchu comes to mind. However, there are countless other beautiful hikes to enjoy all over the continent!
Isla del Sol is on an island with a lake, so it offers unique views of two bodies of water. The most popular hike is a 17km (10.6 miles) loop.
The Rhebok Trail – Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa
If you are looking for a challenging hike worth every drop of sweat, head over to the Rhebok Trail and begin the 27km (16.7 miles) trek.
The hardest parts of the hike include two climbs, so consider this a full-body workout.
Like many national parks worldwide, Golden Gate Highlands is unfortunately not pet-friendly, so leave your four-legged friends at home to rest while you do the grunt work.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park – North Island, New Zealand
Lord of the Rings fans, look no further. Tongariro Alpine Crossing will give you flashbacks of the fantastic movie and will make you feel like you, yourself, are traveling to Mount Doom, aka Mt. Ngauruhoe.
While you will not encounter Gollum or enormous spiders, it does involve making your way through almost 10km (6 miles) of lava fields.
Snæfellsjökull Glacier Summit Hike – Iceland
Most hikes are all about the greens of plants, blues of bodies of water, and the various tints of beautiful rocks.
Snæfellsjökull, on the other hand, is all about the whites of snow! This glacier-volcano hike is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Iceland and is treacherous, taking you up to the glacier’s peak which stands 1,446 meters (4,744 feet) tall.
This is not a hike for everyone as it ranges between 6-9 out of 10 depending on weather conditions.
Secret Staircase Hike – Musandam Mountains, Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a popular tourist hotspot, drawing visitors from all over the world to see the wealth and architecture of the United Arab Emirates.
Although there are man-made wonders in the city, you can also enjoy the beauty of nature; just a 30-minute drive from the metropolitan city.
The Secret Staircase hike will only take three hours but will take you up natural staircases hand-built by Pakistani goat herders up to two villages known for their ancient Petroglyphs and gravestones.
It was hard to pick just ten beautiful hikes, but I tried to include gems from every corner of the world.
These are just a handful of hikes out of millions of beautiful trails of different difficulties, lengths, and environments that one can explore.
Don’t forget that hiking isn’t just about exercise and breathtaking views; it is also great for the mind and soul.
Photos: Shutterstock
Over the last couple of months, we have compiled travel guides for countries all over the world – like this one to Vietnam.
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