Hiking is an outdoor activity that consists of walking in natural and in some cases urban environments. Hiking could be a short 20 minute hike up a dirt road to fish a creek, or it could be a 20 hour day, hiking to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite. We’ve all hiked, whether we realize it or not, because despite what the gear companies would like you to believe, in reality, there’s little difference between hiking and walking, except perhaps hikers seem to wear darker-looking more hard core looking shoes. For specificity, we’re defining hiking here as “day hiking.” For overnight hiking, see our pages on backpacking and on trekking.

We could go into a long-winded definition of etymology of the word “hiking” and bore you to tears, but hey, we’re not Wikipedia, and chances are you’re on this page because you’re looking for some ideas on equipment and on places to hike. You’ve come to the right place.

Your hiking gear doesn’t need to be complex or state of the art to have fun on a hike, but you should know that there’s some great innovative hiking gear our there. At the least make sure you have happy feet, water, and understand the concept of layering:

Happy feet: Whatever you do, when you hike make sure you’ve got good footwear that’s neither too much nor too little for what you’re doing. Make sure you’re using clean socks, and be prepared with moleskin to treat blisters at the first sign of a hot spot.

Water: Make sure you’ve got hydration figured out before you leave to go hiking. Plastic bottles may be the best solution in a desert environment where puncture would mean disaster, but hydration packs can be incredibly convenient.

Layering: Conditions on many trails can change drastically. You need to understand the concept of layering and be prepared with the right outerwear for hiking. A light weight, breathable, shell jacket is almost mandatory at the bottom of almost every hiker’s pack.

Best Hikes

You spend enough time guiding treks and hikes all over the world and some themes begin to emerge. There are some great hiking spots out there, paths that are very special.

None of the paths on this list of the best hiking trails in the world are off the beaten patch, for that check out our page on Best Hike List, but still the hiking on this list, no matter how full of tourists, is full for a reason, they’re great hikes!

Here’s the list:

Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Tongariro National Park, New Zealand: Dramatic scenery and strange geography combine to make the Tongariro Alpine Crossing a world-renowned one day hike.

Half Dome Trail – Yosemite National Park: The trail to the top of Half Dome is climbed by more than 10,000 hikers annually. There’s a reason. It’s freaking awesome.

The Sentiero degli Dei, the Pathway of the Gods – Amalfi Coast, Italy: Not so much a trail, but a shelf, the Sentero degli Dei from Praiano to Positano, is chiseled into the limestone cliffs 2,000 feet above the azure blue Mediterranean.

Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon National Park: The best trail to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Perito Moreno Glacier – Patagonia, Argentina: The three miles across the icy Perito Moreno Glacier, dodging deep sinkholes and blue crevasses is unforgettable.

Mount Whitney Trail, High Sierras, California: – The Trail to the Summit of 14,505 foot Mount Whitney is done by thousands every year, but it’s an extraordinary hike.

Kandersteg Circuit – Switzerland: The classic hike in switzerland starts with a cable car ride and then winds 7 miles down meadows around Oeschinensee, a beautiful mountain lake.

The Samaria Gorge – Crete: Follow a 10 mile long trail through a 4,000 foot deep gorge with 1,600 foot sheer walls on the beautiful island of Crete in the Mediterranean.

Angel’s Landing Trail, Zion National Park, Utah: It’s a tough grind up the Walter’s Wiggles switchbacks 1,700 feet to the top of Angels landing, but the extraordinary 360 degree desert red rock view from the summit is worth it.

Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii: Hike out 11 miles across improbable jungle cliffs and deserted beaches and get a boat pick up at the end of the day.

The World’s Great Hiking Trails

We’ve put together a few lists to inspire you, our Best Hikes list is rundown of must-do best hikes around the world. Our Best Hike List is a list of little-known or unknown hikes in far flung places around the world that are every bit as good as the must-do famous ones.

You’ve heard people say, “Be careful when hiking alone, and tell someone where you’re going” Ok, here’s why. Hikers get stuck, for example like Aron Ralston in Blue John Canyon in Utah, a few years ago. Hikers slip and fall, for example like the 12 year old American boy recently fell from a Swiss trail or the many hikers who routinely fall off slippery, steep, muddy Hawaiian trails. Do a search for missing hiker, and you’ll be surprised how many people die hiking. A surprising number of hikers die every year. Hiking doesn’t have to be dangerous, be smart.

Use multiple sources in your hiking research. Google earth is an amazing resource for hikers. You can get a bird’s eye view of almost any hiking area in the world. We’ve used Google earth to actually discover some of the trails on this page. However, be careful and remember that some topography can be horribly distorted on Google earth and something that may look passible, actually is not.

What better way to experience the outdoors than to join one of our country inn/guided hiking holidays. Does an active, outdoor vacation that doesn’t mean giving up life’s little luxuries appeal to you? If it does, you’ll love a New England Hiking Holiday!

We have done all the research for you. We have sought out the best trails, both long and short, challenging and gentle. We have walks for you, we have hikes. Whether it’s five miles along rolling carriage roads you desire or a steeper ascent to a rocky peak, we have both.

We always have two guides per trip to accommodate both slower and faster walkers and to appeal to the casual but enthusiastic walker as well as the experienced hiker. Our groups are small and personal (around 16 people per trip) and our experienced guides are always eager to share their love and knowledge of the natural world.

NewZealand’sTopHikingTrails

New Zealand holds the top spot for hiking trails whether they are long, short and everything in between. Every one of their trails is breathtaking and best of all, rarely busy. Some may see more traffic during peak season and require reservations for lodging accommodations, but if that does not appeal to you there are many more quieter alternatives. So, pack your rucksack, grab all your necessities, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to hit the trails.

If you are wondering which New Zealand’s magnificent hikes are right for you, take a look of this comprehensive list and see which one sounds the best.

Routeburn Trail
It will take your breath away with dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls, birds and the bush. It covers thirty two kilometres over three days across an alpine saddle. A South Island vision.

Abel Hike
If you love the coast, this is the right choice for you. It can go from three to five days and covers fifty one kilometres. Forested hills, unspoiled beaches, easy terrain, it is beauty you will never forget. Bookings for cabins and campsites are an absolute must during the summer.

Milford Trail
This trail could easily be called the world’s most wondrous walk. It generally takes about four days with a fifth added, but with no walking required. It is fifty three kilometres of unguided stunning scenery. Booking is a must for hut accommodations.

Keplar Trail
Sixty kilometres, three to four days and fairly easy terrain. Gorgeous alpine scenery, beech forest, bush, birds, Lake Te Anau and dramatic glacial valley await you on this trek. Campsites and huts are available but bookings are essential during October through April as it is peak season.

Lake Waikaremoana
Fifty one kilometres, three to four days of classic North Island mountain splendor. Unspoiled bush, wildlife and lake scenery. Bookings are necessary year round for this gem.

Rakiura
Thirty seven kilometres and three days of picturesque beauty on Stewart Island. It is an easily made trip from Bluff or Invercargill. It is the southernmost trail available and it is a must.

Cape Brett
You may want to pass on this walk if you are afraid of heights. But, if you are not be prepared for eight hours and sixteen kilometres of gorgeous views. There are some tough sections over forested hills, cliffs and ridges and all with stunning coastal views.

Tongariro Crossing
This is a one-day walk located in central North Island, and may very well be the best one available on this green earth. The scenery is astounding and includes three active volcanoes, breathtaking views and gorgeous lakes. There are guided walks available for this one. You do need to be in fairly good shape as it is twenty kilometres and requires a full day.

Queen Charlotte Trail
This trek takes you to the opposite region to northern South Island and takes you through the fantastic Marlborough Sounds landscapes. Seventy one kilometres long covering three to five days with both private accommodations and campsites available en route.