Hiking is an incredibly popular pastime for people all around the world. In the US alone, 42.13 million people joined in the trend in 2017. Many of them stayed close to home for their hikes, heading out to local trails in city and state parks.
But the world is full of spectacular views, and sometimes it’s worth traveling to experience them. So what if you want to go a little off the beaten path to hike somewhere truly awe-inspiring?
You’ve come to the right place—these hiking trails deserve a spot on every trekker’s bucket list.
1. Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Nowhere on planet Earth will you find a hiking trail as whimsical as Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye. What this Scottish wonderland on the Trotternish Peninsula lacks in difficulty, it makes up for in magical sights.
Scotland has a rich history of faeries and other mythical creatures. When you walk through the mossy green hills and winding roads of Fairy Glen, it’s easy to understand where these tales came from. Gaze deep into the fairy pools along the way, and climb up to the basalt formation known as Castle Ewen.
If you can, arrive at Fairy Glen early in the morning before the tour groups get there, and you just might have the place to yourself. And after you’re done, hop over to the 3-mile path around the Quiraing’s rugged cliffs for another fantastic adventure.
2. Hike to Machu Picchu in Peru
If you want to follow a path that’s full of both nature and history, look into a Machu Picchu hike through the beautiful Peruvian countryside. The remains of Machu Picchu’s ancient Incan temples sit nestled between the peaks of the Andes, so be prepared for some climbing.
The fabulous thing about these hiking trails is that there’s one for every trip length and skill level. If you’re a committed backpacker and interested in the local wildlife, the Salkantay Trek may be the choice for you. This 5-day hike leads you through fewer ruins but dives deep into Peru’s gorgeous bromeliad-filled forests and ends at Aguas Calientes.
For people with a tighter schedule or less hiking experience, the Inca Trail offers both 4-day and 2-day hiking excursions.
3. Tergo-La Trek, Bhutan
Unless you’re from the surrounding area, Bhutan is a notoriously difficult country to enter. But if you’re willing to go through the red tape, hiking through the mystical landscape is entirely worth it.
The Tergo-La Trek takes you through the lesser-known Haa Valley and through wild, forested mountain paths. You’ll have spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, the third tallest mountain peak on earth. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient Buddhist monasteries and traditional Yak herding camps.
These Hiking Trails Will Make You Fall in Love with Nature All Over Again
While you don’t have to search far and wide to find hiking trails worth taking, these ones should definitely make your bucket list. The views you’ll see and the culture you’ll experience along the way make them three of the best in the world.
For more great travel suggestions, make sure to check out the other articles on our site.
