Gran Canaria Traverse, Spain The volcanic landscape of the Canary Islands makes for an interesting hike. Photo: Getty. If you are an expert hiker, then you've probably challenged yourself on one or a few of these hikes that can last for days and even months. One of the most popular hikes in the world is the Inca Trail in Peru, lasting for four days, where you’ll hike through jungles, explore ruins and end your hike at the stunning Machu Picchu, one of these most amazing urban creations of the Inca Empire. For the proficient and skilled hiker, the Appalachian Trail, which stretches through 14 states, from Georgia to Maine takes approximately 5 to 7 months to complete. This hike takes careful planning, but this scenic trail will no doubt, take your breath away. These mountains are vast and untamed; you’re far more likely to bump into a troop of bleeding-heart Gelada baboons than other trekkers.

The 50 Most Epic Places to Hike Around the World

Read more: 5 Great Routes up Mount Triglav 8. The Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia Hiking near the Caucasus Mountains in northern Georgia.When it comes to hiking in Europe, this mother of all treks circumnavigates the mighty slopes of the highest mountain in the Alps: Mont Blanc. Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) introduces the ambitious trekker to some of the most dramatic and versatile scenery in the world. It's one of the most famous hiking tours in Europe, up there with the likes of the Camino de Santiago, and one of the best European walking holidays. With its 170 kilometres, it is certainly a long-distance trek - and you'll be walking on high mountain trails with a lot of elevation gain (around 10,600m/35,000ft) over the course of the 11-day hike. When to go: Any time of year is open season for the hike, as temperatures seldom drop below 60 F, though October to May can bring unpredictable rain showers. There’s no shortage of fine walking near the Tre Cime, but a loop walk that takes you up to the best vantage points away from the crowds, before drawing you in close to the base of the towers to see them from all perspectives? That’s the best way to see this beautiful scene. Europe is made up of over 40 countries and each boasts its own unique culture, as well as a distinct and diverse landscape. Add in its 10 major mountain ranges and 504 national parks, and you've got a whole lot of hiking territory to explore.

Best Hikes in the World Right Now - Outside Online The 25 Best Hikes in the World Right Now - Outside Online

The sights: Summit views are beyond spectacular. Meru lies on a nearly 200-mile axis of Africa's most famous national parks, extending from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east.

And there’s far more to hiking around Sion than enticing strolling between grape-heavy vines. What makes trails in this part of the Rhône Valley unique are the bisses, miniature canals built in the 13th century to irrigate these vertiginous terraced vineyards hemmed by stone walls. This half-day hike between Sion and St-Léonard is a treat, shadowing the Bisse de Clavau, a 550-year-old irrigation channel that carries water to the thirsty, sun-drenched vineyards and commanding grandstand views of hilltop chateaux, the snaking River Rhône and the not-so-distant Alps. The Himalayas are a haven for trekking opportunities, from Everest Base Camp to the mountain’s peak itself and Bhutan’s famed Snowman Trek, a high-altitude hike across nine passes. The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is a classic high-alpine trek that follows ancient trade routes and passes through quaint mountain villages, with fluttering Buddhist prayer flags, stupa, prayer wheels and sturdy stone homes dotting the path. The circuit takes around 15 days and can be extended with side treks off the main route. Many guesthouses can be found along the trail, so you don’t need to carry a tent, sleeping bag or food for more than a day. A day walk of epic proportions. The Walk of the Gods is deservedly popular: a winding walk along Amalfi’s majestic cliffs overlooking the crashing waves, picturesque fishing villages and gnarled olive and lemon groves that make up this beautiful section of Italian coastline.

Epic Hikes of the World (Paperback) - Lonely Planet

This could be Italy’s most iconic viewpoint, the three silver-grey shards spearing skywards in a landscape that is shaped by history – this was once the front line in a vicious battle of attrition during the Great War, and that legacy still lingers along these routes. When to go: The best time for spotting whales is from June through November, with peak sightings occurring from mid-August to mid-October. There are a few ways to summit, the easiest of which is using the Tramway du Mont Blanc to the Nid d’Aigle, then up the Aiguille Gouter and the Bosse ridge. Along the way, stay in Refuges, which must be booked in advance. Try an extended 7-day experience starting off with a dazzling training climb to Gran Paradiso.When to go: The maritime hiking season is best November through March, when Austral temperatures hover between 55° and 75° F Following a wide path that shadows the old Scheidegg Railway, this wheelchair- and stroller-accessible ridge trail from Rigi First to Rigi Scheidegg beautifully opens up the surrounding lakes, cow-grazed pastures and mountains, with plenty of options to pause for a picnic or barbecue en route.

Epic Hikes of the World (Paperback) - Lonely Planet Epic Hikes of the World (Paperback) - Lonely Planet

Deep in the heart ofmountainous South Island, in the fantastically named Mount Aspiring National Park, your trek begins in style: onboard a helicopter! Soar over the mountains for a birds-eye view before your landing inthe excitingly named Siberia Valley. Here the trekking begins, with an adventurous ascent to the Siberia Hut – but that’s only the base camp. The full length of the Jordan Trail traverses 400 miles in a country-crossing route that runs north-south across Jordan; we’ve selected the best bit, the finest eight days of desert trekking across the Wadi Rum towards the Rose-Red City of Petra.Dramatic silver-grey mountains, spearing upwards towards the sky. Gnarled, fairytale forests swirling with mist, their eerie twisted silhouettes emerging with each footstep forward. Wind-blasted viewpoints jutting out over iceberg-dotted lakes. Begin your South America trekking adventure in Patagonia, where you can set your sights on the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. The 62-mile (100km) W Trek takes in craggy mountain ranges, glaciers, lakes and the famed three torres – three soaring spires behind a turquoise lake. The five-day Mt Fitzroy Trek, located in Argentina’s Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, is another classic trek in southern Patagonia. The best hikes in Europe take you through the high passes of the Swiss Alps and around the dramatic volcanic coastlines of the Canary Islands. They lead you through the boreal forests and glaciers of Sweden, and across the windswept highlands of Scotland. The Kungsleden (King's Trail), Sweden Camping in the valley surrounded by mountains on the Kungsleden. Six high passes with views so spectacular they cross into neighbouring countries, seven idyllic valleys echoing with cowbells, and ten perfect days amongst the fine alpine landscapes that have captured the imagination of mountains and walkers for generations.