Hikers Destinations: The New Bucket List of Places to Climb

The world is a very big place and it can be hard to decide on the next destination to go to. If you’re the outdoorsy type and you love hiking, these are the top 10 hiking places you should consider going.

1. Inca Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail is undoubtedly one of the most popular hiking trails in the world. It takes many days to finish but the experience is worth it as you get to see Machu Picchu. On the way, you will encounter ruins, mountain scenery, jungles, and more.

2. Gros Piton Nature Trail, St. Lucia

This place is not just all beaches; it has wonderful hiking trails as well. If you stay at an all-inclusive resort while hiking in St. Lucia, one trail that we highly recommended is Gros Piton. Its summit boasts some of the best views of the island. Here, you will see neighboring islands St. Vincent and the rest of St. Lucia.

3. Appalachian Trail, USA

This trail is not for the light-hearted. It’s the longest in the world extending for 2,200 miles. If you are up for the challenge, you can plan a DIY hike or hire a company to arrange the accommodation and food for you. The trail is quite popular among many hikers so you will encounter many marked paths and campsites along the way.

4. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii

On your next trip to Hawaii, consider adding this trail to your itinerary. It’s right along the Na Pali Coast and boasts waterfalls, beaches, and lush jungles. The area around it has become quite the tourist trap so there has been limits placed to prevent congestion. For example, only 900 visitors per day are allowed in the trail.

5. Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand

New Zealand has a very diverse landscape and this hiking trail shows you the country’s best as you encounter jungles, alpine ridges, coastal sand, volcanoes, and farmland. If you want a big scenic hike, you should include this one on your bucket list!

6. GR20, France

Another hike trail that boasts diverse landscape is the GR20. On the way, you’ll encounter stretches of ice and snow, glacial lakes, craters, granite moonscapes, forests, and more. It’s quite the demanding hike (15 days) so you must be physically fit and trained before you do this.

7. Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Only a few conquer Mount Everest; the next best thing is hiking the base camp. The scenery here is just as beautiful and you get a cultural experience like no other. You get the chance to encounter Namche Village and the Buddhist monastery Pangboche. Back then, you had to go through 185 miles just to get to the base. But thanks to transportation development, you can now get here via flying and arrive at Lukla village.

8. Mount Toubkal, Morocco

This is North Africa’s highest peak and should be an item on your bucket list. Surely not for the faint-hearted, you will descend starting from Imlil village and continue to Sidi Chamharouch shrine. You will need a local guide and muleteer to help carry your luggage. Thankfully, there are tour companies that can help arrange this for you.

9. Dragon’s Back, Hong Kong

Hong Kong is not all skyscrapers and buildings. Away from the hustle bustle are dozens of hiking trails you can embark on. One special trail you should hike on is Dragon’s Back. It boasts beautiful views of the beach. By the end of your hike, you will be greeted by Big Wave beach where you can take a relaxing swim after that exhausting trip.

10. Tergo La Trek, Bhutan

Part of Bhutan’s allure is its inaccessibility to the outside world. There’s only a few determined tourists who will go here. If you’re one of those, make sure to add Tergo La Trek on your list. The trails are lesser known and it’s quite the exciting being in a place most people have never been. You will be guided on this trek so you don’t get lost along the way.

What was the best hiking trail you’ve come across? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This is a contribution from one of our contributing writers.