Are you an adventure lover? Do you enjoy hiking through rugged areas, scaling high mountains, or walking along narrow ledges on the cliffs? And in case your answer is yes, then this blog is simply made just for you! We have compiled some of the most adventurous hiking trails in the world, which will make your heart race and your adrenaline pump. These are the best trails whether you are an experienced trekker or a person who wants to test him/herself. These are the most unforgettable experiences and amazing views.
10 Places Made for Adventure Lovers
1. The Inca Trail – Peru
Location: Andes Mountains, leading to Machu Picchu
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Visit: May to September
The Inca Trail is a well-known hiking trail in the world. It brings you along the scenic Andes Mountains and ancient Inca ruins and culminates to the mystical Machu Picchu. The 4-day hike includes steep ascents, narrow trails and high altitude and is therefore an ideal combination of culture and adventure. On the way, you will go through cloud forests, stone stairs, and archaeological sites.
Why it’s for adrenaline junkies: The steep slopes and high altitude put your stamina to test. Besides, the last sunrise sight of Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate is just memorable.
2. Kalalau Trail – Hawaii, USA
Location: Nā Pali Coast, Kauai Island
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile (round trip) of hiking along the rough and inaccessible N Pali Coast. It is a trail between Ke’ e Beach and Kalalau Beach providing a dramatic coastal cliff, jungles, waterfalls and sea caves. It is slippery, steep and sometimes dangerous in case of rains, but it is also one of the most beautiful trails in the world.
Why it’s for adrenaline junkies: The trail is narrow and on the cliffside, the crossings are rapid and the heights are mind-blowing, but it is worth the risk.
3. Mount Huashan – China
Location: Near Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
Difficulty: Extremely Difficult
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Mount Huashan is referred to as the most dangerous hike in the world. It has an infamous attraction called the Plank Walk in the Sky, where one walks on wooden planks which are nailed to a cliff, and only a harness and chain are used to hold on to. The scenery is breathtaking at the top, yet the journey is not meant to be taken lightly.
Why it’s for adrenaline junkies: Just think about it, you are walking on a plank that is thousands of feet above the ground, this hike is all about thrill and fear in equal proportions.
4. Drakensberg Grand Traverse – South Africa & Lesotho
Location: Drakensberg Mountains
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Best Time to Visit: April to September
Drakensberg Grand Traverse is a remote and wild hike through the mountain range between South Africa and Lesotho. It normally needs approximately 10-14 days, and it is approximately 200 km. The hiking does not have marked trails or hut,s and the hikers have to use their maps and GPS.
Why it’s for adrenaline junkies: Isolation, steep ascents, river crossings and wild weather make this trek a real survival and adventure test.
5. El Caminito del Rey – Spain
Location: Málaga, Spain
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: March to October
El Caminito del Rey, once called the most dangerous path in the world, remained closed for several years because of the accidents. It was renovated and reopened in 2015, and it is safe yet exciting. The path goes along the sides of a narrow canyon and provides views of steep cliffs and rivers.
Why it’s for adrenaline junkies: Imagine walking on a hanging pathway over a deep gorge with only a helmet on, you will get goose bumps!
6. The Maze – Utah, USA
Location: Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November
The Maze is one of the most inaccessible and hard hiking spots in the United States. It is a massive natural puzzle with curving canyons, dead ends and rocky land. It takes good navigation, lots of water and the attitude of survival.
Why it’s for adrenaline junkies: The name is self explanatory and the real adventure is just to get in and out of it safely.
7. Snowman Trek – Bhutan
Location: Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan
Difficulty: Extremely Difficult
Best Time to Visit: September to October
Snowman Trek is among the longest and most difficult hikes in high altitude. It is a 25 to 30-day event, and it passes through 11 mountain passes above 16,000 feet. You will be hiking to distant villages, mountains with lakes at high altitudes and glaciers.
Why it’s for adrenaline junkies: This trek takes a long time, the weather is freezing and remote locations are the ideal conditions to be an adventure junkie.
8. Trolltunga – Norway
Location: Near Odda, Norway
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Trolltunga, or Troll tongue, is a rock that protrudes 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The hike is 28 km round-trip and takes 1012 hours and has steep climbs and snow-covered tracks. However, when you get to the rock and stand on its edg,e the fear transforms to awe.
Why it’s for adrenaline junkies: Being on the top of a cliff and looking down to the enormous abyss is scary and incredible at the same time.
9. GR20 – Corsica, France
Location: Corsica Island
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Best Time to Visit: June to September
The GR20 is a mythical long-distance path through Corsica, around 180 km. It is completed in about 15 days. The land is rugged and has steep climbs, rocky terrain and erratic weather conditions.
Why it’s for adrenaline junkies: The GR20 is believed to be one of the most difficult long-distance tracks in Europe and a great choice of the people who want to experience a physical and mental challenge.
10. The Knife Edge – Mount Katahdin, USA
Location: Maine, USA
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin is a steep-sided ridge, which is narrow and has steep falls on both sides. The hike is not long (a little bit more than a mile), however, dangerous due to the exposure and the chance of powerful winds.
Why it’s for adrenaline junkies: Standing on a rocky spine that is sharp and has vertical drops is a test of nerves and concentration.
Final Thoughts
Hiking is not merely a walk in the forest, but it may also be one of the most exciting experiences in your life. It can be the highest mountains and the narrowest ridges, the most distant deserts and the deepest gorges; the world can provide you with an unlimited number of trails that can challenge your boundaries and give you something to tell people about forever.
These trails are what you need in case you are an adrenaline junkie. However, do not forget to be well prepared. Study the trail, bring the proper equipment, watch the weather and do not underestimate the power of nature. It is thrilling to have an adventure; however, safety must be the priority.
Are you willing to put on your boots and hike one of the most adventurous hikes in the world? Then, let the adventure begin!