The arguments over where in the world you can find the best hiking trails are never ending. Whatever arguments they create I do enjoy reading the suggestions as they often provide inspiration for future travels. This list does pretend to be anything other than a selection of famous hikes that form part of many of such articles; but it does I hope highlight the fantastic variety on offer across the six continents for the eager hiker. Feel free to suggest your favourite trails if I've overlooked them here. 

North America - Grand Canyon

While the Grand Canyon is one of the world's most visited natural wonders, it is an astounding fact that over 98% of visitors fail to set a foot below the Canyon rim. While there are many conclusions that can be made from this, it is great news for those who do venture into the canyon as the stunning landscapes that unfold as you descend can be enjoyed in almost total solitude. The geology you'll see, the species of plants you'll encounter and the animals that scamper across your path all change as you drop nearer to the Colorado river. Be prepared for extreme temperature changes - we started one early morning trek in a couple of inches of snow and within four hours were baking in 90 degree heat. 

South America - Inca Trail

Yes, I know it's very busy and I could have picked the W trail (or many others)  in Patagonia. But for an easily accessible trek for the moderately fit with spectacular climax the Inca Trail is hard to beat. While climbing to the highest point at Dead Woman's Pass can be challenging (particularly if the clouds drop as they did for us), that classic first Machu Picchu view when you reach the Sun Gate makes all the effort worthwhile. 

Africa - Mount Kenya 

The second highest mountain in Africa and a less worn trail than Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya offers many treasures along its varied slopes. An ancient volcano boasting a glacial peak, the climb passes through rainforest and bamboo before ascending to more Alpine landscapes as the temperatures fall away. Reaching the summit of Mount Kenya will require a pre-dawn start in sub-zero temperatures, but these are soon forgotten by the glorious sunrise that greets you as you reach the top. 

Oceania - Routeburn Track

It was a toss-up between this and the Milford Track, so I chose the one I've completed (writer's prerogative). Three days of relatively easy hiking amongst some of the most stunning Alpine scenery. We were there in mid-summer and the snowline had retreated to the tops of the surrounding mountains. There are comfortable lodges along the way that even allow you to shower - a rare luxury for many multi-day hikes. 

Asia - 100 Waterfall Hike, Laos  

Ok, I threw in a personal favourite here for the world's largest continent that is not short on classic treks. Asia is probably home to some of the best hiking terrain on Earth. In any case, the 100 Waterfall Hike: a day hike from Nong Khiaw, around 3 hours north of the tourist mecca that is Luang Prabang. The hike takes you through the jungle and up around 2km of continuous waterfall - the blissfully cool water provides a welcome relief to the midday sun and the views along the way are sensational. 

Europe - The Eagle Trek in Austria

This is a 280km walk through the heart of the Austrian Alps. Well maintained and neatly divided into 23 sections it can be tackled as an end to end hike (around three weeks) or as a series of day hikes. As the name suggests there are even eagles to be seen along the way if you're lucky, although the name of the trail comes from the shape of the route on a map rather than the fauna that is on offer along the way. If you don't catch one of the region's eagles on your way there's a good chance of seeing marmots, capricorns and mountain goats. Regular Alpine huts provide comfortable accommodation and meals during the day. 

 

A small selection of excellent hikes but there are so many great alternatives on offer. What would you have added to this list?