Lace up Your Hiking Boots and Set Out on 15 of the Best Hiking Trails in the World
Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy and Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc is an epic long-distance hike that circles Mont Blanc. At 110 miles in length, it passes through three countries: France, Italy and Switzerland. It takes 10 to 11 days to complete. However, there are plenty of comfortable accommodation options along the route, so you can break the trail up into sections to suit your fitness level (and enthusiasm!).
The highest point on the trail is 8,743 feet, so you won’t suffer from altitude sickness. Even so, you’ll get some incredible mountain views and be challenged physically!
One of the best things about this hike is the outstanding cuisine of the countries it passes through. Between Swiss, French and Italian goodies, you’ll be well-fueled for this journey.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail is the only way to access a particularly rugged part of Hawaii’s coast by land. That means for 11 spectacular miles you have unspoiled views of lush foliage, rocky coast and azure water. The track crosses five valleys before finishing up on Kalalau Beach.
The Na Pali coastline is undoubtedly a natural wonder, and you’ll be open-mouthed in awe for most of the hike. Isolated beaches, plunging cliffs and sea caves are just a few of the highlights you’ll encounter along the hike.
You can hike the first two miles as a day hike, or attempt the whole 11 miles in one day if you are an experienced hiker. Camping overnight lets you take more time and enjoy the wild views. To do this, you’ll need to obtain an overnight permit from the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Regardless of whether you are going out for the afternoon or multiple days, there are certain pieces of hiking gear you need to keep in your pack.
The Narrows in Zion National Park, USA
The Narrows is the narrowest part of the surreal Zion National Park in Utah. It’s the most popular hike in the whole park, and one of the best canyon hikes in the world. The Narrows is a fun and easy day hike. There is a definite sense of adventure to it as you’ll have to walk in the river that carves through the canyon — there’s no actual trail, so you just follow the river bed.
At times you’ll only be up to your ankles, at other times up to your waist. The shade from the canyon walls and the refreshing water make this a great hike for the summer months. In some parts, the walls of rock soar up to a thousand feet high.
You can combine a walk through the Narrows with any of the other shorter walking trails in Zion National Park. The red-hued canyons and cliffs are so unique you’ll want to spend as much time as possible in the park!
