The Top 6 Hiking Destinations in the World

Hiking is something so many people enjoy. Whether you’re the adventurous National Geographic type, or you love just taking a simple, scenic walk through the countryside, the world offers amazing hiking destinations.

Here are the top 6 hiking destinations in the world, that will appeal to a broad range of interests:

 

Brighton Lakes Trail (near Salt Lake City, Utah)

Utah is a state where natural beauty abounds, and one of the premier trails is Brighton Lakes. Within about a 20-minute drive from Salt Lake City, when you hike Brighton Lakes you’ll have access to 10,000-foot peaks. One of the favorite areas of the trail is the Big Cottonwood Canyon. In addition to hiking the area offers other opportunities for outdoor adventure including kayaking, skiing and biking. What’s great about the Brighton Lakes Trail is that you get a genuine rugged setting that’s just a short distance from a metropolitan area.

 

United Kingdom National Parks

Great Britain may not automatically be the first place that comes to mind when you think hiking, but it’s great for someone who wants a gentler, less strenuous experience. Particularly significant are the national parks including the Lake District and the Peak District. Also notable is the Coast to Coast Trail, which runs the entire length of England.

 

Queenstown, New Zealand

All of New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise, but perhaps one of the most iconic spots in the country for hikers and adventurers is Queenstown. Queenstown has a number of accommodations designed specifically for hikers, and it’s a great basecamp for a range of outdoor activities. The more daring you are, the better in Queenstown.

 

Zermatt, Switzerland

Switzerland is a country where hiking is essentially the national pastime. On the weekends, you’ll find the trains are packed with residents equipped with hiking sticks, heading to and from their destination for the day. Zermatt is located at the base of the Matterhorn, which, of course, makes it a Swiss hiking favorite. It’s one of the pricier Alps locales but if you love fresh, clean air, a place that’s dedicated to being eco-friendly and stunning hikes, it may be worth the cost. If you’re worried it’s out of your budget, there are lots of camping opportunities nearby.

 

Moab, Utah

Moab is often ranked as one of the world’s top outdoor adventure towns. It offers access to both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. Due to the desert environment it’s best to avoid hiking here in the summer months, and instead opt for a trip in spring or fall.

 

Tasmania, Australia

Although it sounds intimidating, Bay of Fires is a gorgeous beachside hiking route that begins in Mount William National Park. You end at the Bay of Fires Lodge. Your scenery along this hike includes the turquoise water of the Tasman Sea along with white sand and rock formations, creating a dramatic and awe-inspired hiking setting.