Hiking and traveling go hand-in-hand. You can't reach places in any other way unless you go on a hike and reach it on foot. There are also places you can only enjoy and see from a different perspective by going on a hike as also stay fit while traveling. That's why if you're a hiker, you are often also someone who likes to travel. So, it won't be surprising if you also have a travel bucket list.
Of course hiking should be considered an adventure because it excites your passion. There are also health benefits of hiking and not only that it is risky too. Mostly trekking means walking to the high altitude. There are different types of trekking such as; easy, moderate and difficult. We, all people have different opinion about trekking, likewise, fun, adventure, romance, climbing, exploring, and many other activities.
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Otherwise, we suggest that you start building one and add the following top hiking destinations to your list:
1. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa's continent, which sounds like such an intimidating feat. However, you shouldn't be, especially when you have your trusted pair of the best trekking poles with you. You don't need to be a mountaineer to reach the summit of Africa's highest mountain. However, this doesn't mean it's not going to be tough on you either. It's not impossible, but it's still a challenge.
With that said, it would be a fantastic accomplishment on your part if you were able to say that you hiked the tallest mountain in Africa. It also helps you get to hike a unique natural wonder of the world while you're at it.
2. Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is one of the world's most popular hiking trails. The trail itself is a magical 26 miles or around 42 km of the local mountain scenery, ruins, and jungles of Peru. However, the real magic that everyone's looking forward to is the moment when Machu Picchu starts peaking through the horizon.
The Inca Trail usually takes around four or so days to accomplish. What's great about going to Machu Picchu this way is that you get to access the Sun Gate at sunrise, making the entry to Machu Picchu even grander than ever. That's the reason people love hiking this trail so much and why you should include it in your bucket list as well.
3. Tour du Mont Blanc, France
Have you ever wanted to hike through three countries in one trip? Well, the Tour du Mont Blanc is the hiking trail for you. This hiking trail goes through France, Italy, and Switzerland within its 170 km or around 106-mile trail. The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most popular hiking trails in Europe because of the gorgeous alpine views. It is also beginner-friendly, and did we mention that you get to hike through three countries in one trip?
The highest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc, is something you're going to acquaint yourself with throughout this hike. Since you're in a mountainous area, it's best to prepare for the altitude changes.
4. Fisherfields Round, Scotland
The Scottish hiking trails also offer quite dramatic sceneries, so they're a sight for sore eyes. One particularly noteworthy hiking trail would be the Fisherfields Round. This hiking trail is best when it's dry, so make sure you do your weather research beforehand. It will also get you through five of the most remote Munros there, so you'll get a great view once you reach these peaks. It will feel like you're in fantasy land when you try this hiking trail.
5. Milford Track, New Zealand
Milford Track is one of New Zealand's best trails, and it even calls itself "the world's finest walk." You'll have to see it to believe it, but you'll indeed don't have to twist your arm to come to that conclusion once you try it yourself. This hiking track usually takes about four to five days, depending on your plans. The lush greeneries, firm mountains, and raging waterfalls along the way are some of the things to look out for along the trail.
6. Padjelantaleden, Sweden
In terms of hiking opportunities, there are many exciting locations that you should consider exploring if you visit Sweden. The depths of winter are fairly forbidding outside. With that disclaimer out of the way, there are some truly exceptional hiking routes in this country, both on the beaches in the South (which we will get to below) and, more notably, in the more challenging wilderness inland and to the north.The Padjelanta Trail is perhaps the most quintessentially Scandinavian hike in the country. It is roughly a 150 km trail that takes you through some of the remote northwestern lands of Sweden, through the settlements of the Sami people and alongside rocky lakeside. There is a decent probability of seeing reindeer on this trail, which adds another thrill.
The Padjelanta Trail is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most famous and rewarding trails that the country has to offer. You will be treated to stunning views of gargantuan mountain ranges, lakes, and perhaps even wildlife such as reindeer.
7. Kungsleden, the King's Trail, Sweden
With one of Europe's largest wilderness areas and 29 national parks, there is much untouched nature to experience in Sweden. The most famous hiking trail is Kungsleden which runs through four national parks. But hiking doesn't have to be extreme and far away - hiking is for everyone, everywhere. Take a walk along the coast, in the Kosterhavet National Park, in the forest next to you or hike and explore a new city.
If you're looking to add a longer hiking trail that would take you about a month or so, you should try the Kungsleden or the King's Trail in Sweden. From its gorgeous, green slopes to the chance to observe the Aurora Borealis at night, it's undoubtedly a hiking trail that you wouldn't want to miss.
If the Padjelanta Trail is arguably the most interesting, the Kungsleden Trail is probably the most famous. It is a grueling trek if you do the whole thing, spanning over 400 km far to the north in Sweden. Highlights include several northern villages like Nikkaluokta and Abisko, and you will get a glimpse of Sarek National Park also. It is an otherworldly natural expanse of mountains, valleys, streams, and ponds, well worth going out of your way for.
8. Niagara Glen, Canada
The best views in the area aren’t around the Niagara Falls. They’re the Niagara Glen hiking area, about 7 miles north of the Falls with paid parking (meters) and the Green WEGO bus stops there. The downside, it’s literally not for the faint of heart. It’s a 7 story staircase climb from the top just to the start of the hiking trails (and you have to go back up) plus in a lot of places there are more stairs.
The best free attraction away from the falls is Niagara Glen a hiking area in Queenston. It is very physically taxing, but you can get within about fifty feet of the river and you can watch the jetboats go by on tours. Niagara Glen is north of the falls on the River Parkway. It’s an easy drive (paid parking out front) and the WEGO Green Bus also goes there. Apart from parking or the bus ride, it’s free!
But be warned, it’s literally a hike that starts with going down a seven story metal staircase. After that, it’s a fairly shallow hike down to the river, although climbing back up is a chore. You definitely need to be in decent shape, and bring water or something else to drink.
On the other hand, you literally get within yards of the river and the entire geology of the past several million years is laid out in front of you including pieces of the old location of the falls that are pretty much Borg cubes the size of a house. You can often see the Jetboats going up and down this stretch of the river too. However, it’s not a winter activity - strictly late April to early November.
It’s beautiful, never crowded and it’s near the Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory, which are also worth seeing.
9. Tunnel Bluffs, Canada
Tunnel Bluffs hike is 4-5 hours there and back. It's 3 km from Lions Bay and you will drive over a bridge and the parking lot is on the opposite side of the highway so you will need to drive 1 km past the bridge for a safe turnaround on the south way of the highway. Then cross the highway to the north side safely to reach the trailhead. Tunnel Bluffs is a moderate hike with little elevation gain of 650 m and 7 km total trail distance.
10. Tunnel Bluffs, Canada
Pacific Rim's bucolic national reserve is along the West Coast Trail. Here a windswept ocean meets impressive, unspoiled nature and surfers line up to enjoy the waves.
11. Cabot Trail, Canada
In Nova Scotia, the “Cabot Trail” takes you all around Cape Breton Island. Hike the world-renowned Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia and marvel at the natural beauty of the highlands, the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities such as golfing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and whale watching.
Along the famous Cabot Trail, you can reach the surroundings of one of the most spectacular parks in Canada. The 300 kilometres of this path wind and climb coastal mountains, with stunning views of the sea at each bend. There is the possibility of watching whales that face the coast, elk on the sides of the road and many alternative routes to deviate and explore foot.
The area is also dotted with Celtic and Akkadian communities, and local rhythmic violin music plays in local pubs. You cannot leave Vancouver Island without trying the fish tacos, the cod fish and chips or the salmon burger. The island of Meares is in front of the village is Tofino. From there, you can hire a water taxi to take you to Meares and spend the day touring the island and its trails.
12. Viking Coastal Trail, Canada
The Viking Trail, also called Route 430, connects two declared World Heritage sites in Newfoundland. At one end, at the base, we find the Gros Morne, with its fjord like lakes.
13. Overland Track, Australia
The Overland Track in Australia is a World Heritage site that will help you get into the gorgeous Tasmanian wilderness. From unique wildlife to the beautiful Cradle Mountain, there's much to see along the Overland Track. Give it a try yourself, especially around November and April. These are the months when the weather isn't as punishing.
The above-mentioned hiking destinations have unique elements that make them an excellent addition to your bucket list. If you ever have the time to hike, consider conquering one of the trails on this list.
