Great Hikes Around the World

Without a doubt, one of the best hikes in North America is the West Coast Trail. This hike offers visitors with the opportunity to experience the true pristine beauty of the Canadian Wilderness. Due to the fact that a strict quota system places limits on the number of people who are able to hike the trail, you can be assured that it is not overcrowded nor is the beauty of the wilderness disturbed.

Be sure to take your camera along because you will certainly come across many breathtaking photo opportunities. From the beauty of the coast and beaches to the variety of caves and coves you will encounter, this is definitely a trek that will leave you with plenty of memories. Points of interest include Sandstone Creek, Tsusiat Falls and Thrasher & Owen Point. Although this is a challenging hike, the large majority of people who start it do complete it.

When most people think of Nepal, Everest immediately comes to mind. If you are looking for a wide range of both cultural as well as natural diversity, Annapurna offers much more interest. The maximum hiking elevation rises to nearly 18,000 feet. The best months to hit the trail for this hike are during October and November. The trail is approximately 186 miles long and takes approximately three weeks to hike with plenty of time for rest. From lush sub-tropical regions to some of the highest mountains in the world, this trail truly provides you with an experience that you will never forget. Due to the fact that there are numerous lodges located along the trail, there is no need to pack a tent.

This is easily one of the most popular treks in Africa, not to mention the highest mountain on the entire continent. Kilimanjaro is an extremely challenging hike due to the altitude. The best times to make this hike are from January through mid-March. The prospect of reaching the summit of the tallest free-standing mountain in the world is just one of the reasons this is such a sought after hike. The variety of unique and stunning sights also certainly inspires many to attempt this hike.

If you are a history fan, you will certainly enjoy the prospect of striking out on the Inca Trail in Peru. This 27 mile hike takes approximately four days to complete and will not only take you through the famed Andes Mountains, but will culminate in the historical and famous city of Machu Picchu. Much of the actual trail runs parallel with the Urbamba River along a granite trail that was constructed by the Incas some 1,000 years ago.

During the hike you will pass through almost one dozen archaeological sites, including worship sites, cities and farms. Access to the trail is limited to 500 people per day in order to minimize the amount of environmental impact to the trail.

In most cases, hikers travel the trail in guided groups. Groups planning to hike the trail frequently meet in the town of Cuzco and then travel by bus to the trailhead. The end of the trail provides hikers with an opportunity to spend time in the "Lost City of the Incas." From there, hikers have the option of returning via a train.

The outback of Australia often calls to many adventurers. The best way to experience the unique beauty of the outback is to take a hike along the Larapinta Trail. This 130 mile hike passes through the Northern Territory and includes a portion of West MacDonnell National Park. The majority of the hike is desert, but it is not lacking in natural beauty. Some of the spectacular points of interest you will encounter along the trail include Glen Helen, Elleery Creek Big Hole, Simpsons Gap and Ormiston Gorge. Unlike many trails in which lodging is available along the way, that is not the case with Larapinta, so do be sure you bring along a tent. The trail culminates at Mount Sonder. Reaching some 4,500 feet, this is the second highest peak in the territory.

From one of the highest mountains in the world to some of the most spectacular coastal hikes you could hope to encounter, there are numerous great hikes around the world just waiting.