The Best Hiking Routes for Summer
The Best Hiking Routes for Summer
Summer is the perfect time to explore nature and embark on memorable hiking adventures. With so many trails available, it can be tricky to find the best ones. Here’s a guide to some of the best hiking routes to consider this summer.
Appalachian Trail, USA
One of the most famous hiking routes in the world, the Appalachian Trail stretches over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. Each section offers a unique experience. The Shenandoah National Park segment in Virginia is known for its rolling hills and easy accessibility. Alternatively, the White Mountains in New Hampshire offer more challenging terrain and breathtaking vistas.
West Coast Trail, Canada
The West Coast Trail is a rugged, 47-mile journey along Vancouver Island’s southwestern coast. This trail is known for its diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, cliffs, and beaches. It’s not for the faint-hearted; expect challenging terrains, ladders, and cable cars. However, the stunning scenery makes it worth the effort.
Haute Route, France and Switzerland
The Haute Route connects Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland. Spanning approximately 112 miles, it takes around two weeks to complete. Hikers will traverse high mountain passes, experience alpine scenery, and see famous peaks like the Matterhorn. This route is best for seasoned hikers due to its length and elevation.
Torres del Paine W Circuit, Chile
Located in Patagonia, the Torres del Paine National Park is home to the W Circuit. This 50-mile trek lets you explore glaciers, lakes, and mountain ranges. Highlights include the Grey Glacier and the French Valley. The best time for this hike is from November to early March, summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
John Muir Trail, USA
The John Muir Trail runs through California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range. It stretches over 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. The trail showcases scenic beauty, including waterfalls, granite cliffs, and alpine meadows. Most hikers take about three weeks to complete the journey.
Overland Track, Australia
The Overland Track is one of Australia’s premier walking trails. Located in Tasmania, it covers 40 miles from Cradle Mountain to Lake St. Clair. The route passes through diverse landscapes, such as eucalyptus forests, alpine lakes, and grasslands. Expect to spend about six days on this trail.
Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is a historic route leading to Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city. This famous trek spans about 26 miles and typically takes four days to complete. The trail passes through diverse environments, including cloud forests and alpine tundras. Securing a permit in advance is essential, as the trail is highly regulated.
GR20, Corsica
The GR20 is considered one of Europe’s most challenging long-distance trails. It stretches roughly 112 miles across the French island of Corsica. The route is known for its rugged terrain, rocky landscapes, and high peaks. The trail is divided into two parts: the northern section is more difficult, while the southern part is slightly easier.
Fitz Roy Trek, Argentina
The Fitz Roy Trek is a rewarding journey in Argentine Patagonia. The trail offers stunning views of the Fitz Roy mountain range and surrounding glaciers. The trek can be completed in five days, covering about 37 miles. The town of El Chaltén serves as a good starting point, offering various amenities for hikers.
Routeburn Track, New Zealand
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s great walks. Located in the South Island, it connects Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. The 20-mile trail takes around three days to complete. Hikers will encounter diverse landscapes, from beech forests to alpine lakes. The weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared for all conditions.
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
The Annapurna Circuit is a classic Himalayan trek. It covers around 128 miles, encircling the Annapurna Massif. The trek passes through villages, rice paddies, and high-altitude terrains. Thorong La Pass, at 17,769 feet, is the highest point on the trail. The journey takes about three weeks and requires acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.
West Highland Way, Scotland
The West Highland Way is a 96-mile trail that runs from Milngavie to Fort William. This scenic route passes through the Scottish Highlands, offering views of Loch Lomond and Ben Nevis. The trail is well-marked and can be completed in about a week. Accommodation options vary, from campsites to bed and breakfasts.
The Narrows, USA
The Narrows is a unique hike through the Virgin River in Zion National Park, Utah. This route involves wading or swimming through water, with towering canyon walls on either side. The hike can be up to 16 miles long, depending on the chosen starting point. Water levels can vary, so it’s essential to check conditions before heading out.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, standing at 19,341 feet. Several routes lead to the summit, with the Marangu and Machame routes being the most popular. The trek generally takes five to nine days, depending on the chosen route. Proper acclimatization and a good fitness level are essential for this high-altitude hike.
The Enchantments, USA
The Enchantments are a stunning alpine region in Washington’s Cascade Range. The main hiking route is about 18 miles long, taking you through lakes, peaks, and forests. Permits are required, and limited, so planning ahead is crucial. The best time to hike is from July to October, when the snow has melted.
Sentiero Azzurro, Italy
The Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail, is part of Italy’s Cinque Terre National Park. It connects the five coastal villages, offering stunning sea views and picturesque landscapes. The trail is about 7.5 miles long and can be completed in a day. Each village provides opportunities to rest, eat, and enjoy the local culture.
Bright Angel Trail, USA
Located in the Grand Canyon National Park, the Bright Angel Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike. The trail descends 9.3 miles from the South Rim to the Colorado River. Hikers will experience dramatic elevation changes and stunning views. Due to the extreme heat, it’s best to attempt this hike in the early morning or late afternoon.
Queen Charlotte Track, New Zealand
The Queen Charlotte Track is a 44-mile trail in New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds. It takes about four days to complete and offers coastal views, native forests, and secluded bays. The trail is well-maintained, with multiple accommodation options along the way. Water taxis are available for those who wish to only hike certain sections.
Kalalau Trail, USA
The Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful hikes. The trail spans 11 miles from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach. Hikers will encounter lush valleys, steep cliffs, and challenging terrains. Permits are required for overnight stays. The best time for this hike is during the dry season, from May to October.
Snowman Trek, Bhutan
The Snowman Trek is one of the most difficult and remote hikes in the world. This 200-mile journey through the Himalayas takes about 25 days to complete. Hikers will traverse high passes, remote villages, and pristine landscapes. Due to its difficulty and altitude, only experienced trekkers should attempt this route.
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland spans approximately 34 miles from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork. Known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and glaciers, this trail offers a unique hiking experience. The best time to hike is from June to September, when the trail is accessible and the weather conditions are favorable.
Pilgrim’s Way, Japan
The Pilgrim’s Way, or Kumano Kodo, is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes in Japan’s Kii Peninsula. The Nakahechi route is the most popular, covering about 25 miles. This trail leads through forests, valleys, and sacred sites, providing a deep cultural and spiritual experience. The journey can be completed in two to three days.
Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand
The Te Araroa Trail is an epic long-distance trail spanning 1,864 miles from the top of New Zealand to the bottom. The trail traverses diverse landscapes, including beaches, forests, and mountains. It typically takes three to six months to complete, making it a significant commitment for dedicated hikers.
Jordan Trail, Jordan
The Jordan Trail is a 400-mile route that takes hikers from the north of Jordan to the Red Sea in the south. Highlights include historical sites like Petra, Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes, and the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The trail takes about 40 days to complete. It’s a great way to experience Jordan’s rich history and varied geography.
Chiltern Hills, England
The Chiltern Hills offer a variety of shorter hiking routes. Located near London, they provide a perfect escape into nature. Trails such as the Ridgeway and the Chiltern Way offer rolling hills, woodlands, and picturesque villages. These routes can be enjoyed in a day or over a weekend, making them ideal for both casual and experienced hikers.
Caminito del Rey, Spain
The Caminito del Rey is a renovated walkway pinned along the walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Malaga. Originally built for hydroelectric workers, it now offers hikers a thrilling experience. The route is about 5 miles long, featuring cliff-side paths and a suspension bridge. Despite its dramatic setting, it’s accessible for most hikers with a head for heights.
Alta Via 1, Italy
The Alta Via 1 is a high-altitude route in the Italian Dolomites. Spanning 93 miles, it usually takes around 10 days to complete. The trail offers stunning mountain scenery, including jagged peaks and alpine meadows. Refuges along the way provide meals and accommodation, making it easier to plan each day’s hike.
Fisherman’s Trail, Portugal
The Fisherman’s Trail is part of the Rota Vicentina network in Portugal. It runs along the southwestern coast, offering rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and traditional fishing villages. The trail covers approximately 47 miles and can be completed in about five days. It’s best hiked in spring or autumn when the weather is milder.