If you love stunning landscapes, epic adventures, and connecting with nature, lace up your boots, these 10 most beautiful hiking trails in the world offer unforgettable experiences for every outdoor enthusiast.

1. Torres del Paine "W" Trek – Patagonia, Chile 🇨🇱

Named for the W-shaped route it traces across the stunning Torres del Paine National Park, the W Trek is an epic multi-day hike that takes you through glaciers, granite spires, lakes, forests, and wild Patagonian landscapes (you can read our full guide here). The trek is a moderately challenging hike, taking around 4-5 days and can be walked in a variety of different ways. Highlights along the way include the Base of the Towers (Torres del Paine), iconic vertical spires rising dramatically from a glacier lake. You will also come across turquiose lakes like Lake Nordenskjöld, and Grey Glacier, a massive electric-blue glacier extending from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Accomodation options include refugios which are cosy mountain lodges with beds, meals, and hot showers. You can also stay in various budget-friendly campsites or treat yourself to a hotel or cosy cabin. Wherever you decide to stay make sure to book months in advance as they book up fast! The W Trek isn’t just a hike, it’s a Patagonian rite of passage and should be added to your South America hiking trips bucket list. From the roar of calving glaciers to the silence of star-lit campsites, this trail will sear itself into your memory.

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

2. Kalalau Trail – Kauai, Hawaii, USA 🇺🇸

The Kalalau Trail is a jaw-dropping, 22-mile round-trip journey along Kauai’s rugged Nā Pali Coast. This legendary trail delivers emerald cliffs, hidden beaches, and waterfalls straight from a Jurassic Park movie (literally—it was filmed here!) It may be one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world but it is not for the faint hearted, it is a challenging hike not recommended for beginners! During the trail you will encounter Hanakāpī‘ai Beach, a stunning but deadly stop due to the violent waves. Another 2 miles inland will take you to Hanakapi'ai Falls, a 300-foot cascade where you are able to cool off.

Kalalau Beach is also a must-see highlight of the trail, this pristine, mile-long beach allows you to camp overnight under the stars but make sure to book early as permits are required to stay here. The hike itself takes 2-3 days if you do the full trail, however there is an option to do a day hike to Hanakāpī‘ai Beach which is a 4 mile round-trip hike starting at Kēʻē Beach. Even just a 4-mile day hike on the Kalalau Trail will give you a taste of Nā Pali’s legendary beauty. Whether you trek to a hidden waterfall or just soak in the first jaw-dropping mile, Kauai’s Na Pali Coast will leave you speechless.

Difficulty: Challenging (narrow paths, slippery surfaces, river crossings)

3. Tour du Mont Blanc – France, Italy, Switzerland 🇫🇷 🇮🇹🇨🇭

As far as hiking trips in Europe go, Tour du Mont Blanc is Europe's ultimate alpine adventure. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170 km trek circling Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, through France, Italy, and Switzerland making it a bucket-list hike for adventure seekers. Throughout the trail you will come across breathtaking scenes from alpine meadows to glacial valleys, charming villages, and rugged mountain passes.

The traditional full circuit takes 8-10 days depending on the pace and route you take. During this trek you will go through charming villages like Chamonix (France), Courmayeur (Italy), and Champex-Lac (Switzerland) each with their own unique features. You will also come across a variety of mountain passes like Col du Bonhomme, Grand Col Ferret, and Fenêtre d’Arpette. You can take either a self-guided or guided tour, either way make sure to plan ahead of time as there are many different routes depedning on time, fitness, and adventure level. So

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

4. Overland Track – Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺

The Overland Track is a spectacular 65km (40-mile) wilderness trek through through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It’s world-famous for its diverse landscapes, from alpine peaks and ancient rainforests to glacial lakes and button-grass moorlands. This 5-7 day trek starts at Cradle Moutain and ends at Lake St Clair going from North to South, but can also be done the opposite way. Along the way you will encounter waterfalls like D’Alton and Fergusson Falls as well as an abundance of wildlife including wombats, wallabies, echidnas and Tasmanian devils.

For overnight stays camping or huts are your main options on the Overland Track. From October to May permits are required which costs $200 for adults and $160 for children and seniors. During winter months there is no permit required. The Overland Track is more than a hike, it’s a journey through one of Earth’s last true wildernesses. From misty mornings in mossy forests to golden sunsets on alpine plains, this trek is pure magic, making it one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world.

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

5. The Wonderland Trail – Mount Rainier, USA 🇺🇸

The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile (150 km) loop that completely circles Mount Rainier, Washington’s iconic 14,411-foot (4,392-meter) stratovolcano. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and challenging multi-day hikes in the U.S., showcasing glaciers, wildflower meadows, alpine ridges, and lush old-growth forests. Due to the nature of the hike, it is recommended for skilled and trained hikers as there are lots of elevation changes along the way, as well as ridges and valleys.

The trail takes roughly 9-13 days, where you will witness dramatic landscapes along the way such as alpine lakes and glacier-fed rivers. Along the trail you will find designated campsites which requires a wilderness permit which is crucial for all overnight stays in the National Park. Hiking trips in the USA are always memorable experiences, especially the Wonderland Trail as it is one of the only trails that completely encircles a massive volcano. So don't miss out on this epic adventure, it is the ultimate physical challenge paired with constant scenic rewards.

Difficulty: Strenuous

6. Laugavegur Trail – Iceland 🇮🇸

Iceland’s most famous trek is a 55 km (34 mi) journey from Landmannalaugar’s geothermal valleys to Þórsmörk’s mossy forests. With otherworldly landscapes, colorful rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, and steaming hot springs, it’s a dream trail for adventurers. Taking 3-5 days to complete, the trail starts at Landmannalaugar, a stunning region in Icelands highlands, where you will witness multi-colored rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs.

As you continue on the trail, you'll climb the Hrafntinnusker, a mountain with snowfields, obsidian lava fields, and geothermal vents. This will then eventually lead to the final point Þórsmörk, also known as ‘The Valley of Thor’, here you will be surrounded by lush birch forests and towering volcanic peaks. These are just a few higlights of the Laugavegur trail and if you are feeling adventurous and want to continue from from Þórsmörk then you can hike to Skógar via the Fimmvörðuháls Trail (additional 25 km), making it a 4–6 day trek in total. The Laugavegur is easily one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world due to stunning landscapes you will witness along the way.

Difficulty: Moderate (weather can make it challenging)

7. Kumano Kodo Trail – Japan 🇯🇵

The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that weave through the verdant mountains of the Kii Peninsula, linking sacred shrines and historic villages. It is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes in the world. If you are looking for a Japan hiking trip then the Kumano Kodo Trail offers a spiritual trek through cedar forests, misty mountains, and tranquil rivers. There are a vareity of routes you can take such as the popular route of Nakahechi Trail. This culturally significant route starts from Takijiri-oji and leads to Hongu Taisha, taking 2-5 days. It offers hikers a powerful mix of spiritual depth, natural beauty, and traditional hospitality. On the way you can stay in traditional inns with tatami mats and local meals, most offering half-board. The Kumano Kodo Trail is ideal for nature lovers spiritual seekers, and hiking enthusiasts so don't miss out!

Difficulty: Moderate (well-marked, but with steep climbs and descents)

8. Annapurna Circuit – Nepal🇳🇵

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most legendary multi-day hikes, offering a stunning journey through diverse landscapes, from lush rice paddies and alpine forests to arid high-mountain deserts. Stretching around 160–230 km depending on your route, the trek takes adventurers around the massive Annapurna range, culminating at the breathtaking Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the world’s highest trekking passes. Along the way, trekkers experience vibrant Himalayan culture, cozy teahouses, sacred temples, and jaw-dropping views of peaks like Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. It’s a physically rewarding and culturally immersive trek that truly showcases the magic of the Nepalese Himalayas.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (due to altitude)

9. The Drakensberg Amphitheatre – South Africa 🇿🇦

The Drakensberg Amphitheatre in South Africa is one of the most dramatic natural landmarks on the continent, a colossal, cliff-faced wall stretching over 5 kilometers and rising up to 1,200 meters high. Located in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to the famous Tugela Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Hikers can explore breathtaking trails like the Sentinel Peak hike, which leads to the top of the Amphitheatre via chain ladders and offers panoramic views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and sweeping mountain vistas. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers alike.

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steep ascents, altitude, and ladders)

10. The Jordan Trail, Jordan 🇯🇴

The Jordan Trail is a long-distance hiking route that stretches over 650 kilometers from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba on the Red Sea in the south, showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural history of Jordan. Passing through diverse landscapes, from rolling olive groves and dramatic canyons to vast deserts and ancient ruins, the trail includes highlights like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. The trail is divided into 8 regions, each offering a different terrain and difficulty level. Whether you hike a section or the full route which takes around 40 days, the Jordan Trail offers an unforgettable adventure through one of the Middle East’s most hospitable and awe-inspiring countries.

Difficulty: Varies from moderate to challenging, with some rugged terrain

From the icy landscapes of Patagonia to the sun-scorched canyons of Jordan, the world’s most beautiful hiking trails offer far more than just a walk in nature, they’re immersive journeys into the heart of a region’s landscape, culture, and spirit. Whether you're chasing high-altitude thrills in the Himalayas, exploring ancient ruins in Peru, or wandering through alpine meadows in Europe, each trail on this list promises unforgettable adventure and inspiration.

Starting from Skratch? Here are some links to help you get started:

• The 50 Best Hikes in the World | muchbetteradventures
• 19 Epic Hikes of the World | exodustravels‍
• Top 10 best hiking trails around the World | nnormal

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