Category: lists

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Top 10 Hiking Destinations ➙ Australia

We love Australia. Who doesn’t? What’s not to like? It’s paradise Down Under.

What an exotic treat to have kangaroos and wallabies hanging about your campsite!

A.I. generated image

“Stunning rocky headlands and perfect beaches, lush rainforests, sun-sharpened deserts and the muted beauty of the bush waking to the trail in Australia offers a kaleidoscope of colours, terrains and adventures for walkers of all levels.” – LP

You have such a wealth of choices: the Blue Mountains (NSW), Whitsunday Islands (QLD), dense subtropical rainforest in Lamington National Park (QLD), Larapinta Trail (NT) out of Alice Springs, wild Kakadu National Park (NT), the rugged Cape-to-Cape (WA) or pretty Wine Glass Bay in Freycinet National Park (TAS).

More information on our Australia information page.

Our favourite hike in Australia is The Overland Track in Tasmania.

See our Overland Track Information page.

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Superb Hiking Town – Moab, Utah

Moab is a fantastic jumping off point for outdoor adventure, a special mecca for crack climbing.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

But the “strip” can be loud, ugly, hot and aggravating. Once you get away from the highway, the town’s much prettier. They have a good library and great bike trails.

Moab … in eastern Utah … is 233 miles (374 km) southeast of Salt Lake City and 354 miles (569 km) west of Denver, Colorado …

The population was 4,779 at the 2000 census. … Moab hosts a large number of tourists every year, mostly visitors of the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, which are located close by. The town is also a popular base for mountain bikers who come to ride the extensive network of trails including the famed Slickrock Trail …

More interesting photos tagged Moab, Utah.

Arch in the Mountain, Utah

Our favourite hikes out of Moab are:

• Chesler Park
• Devil’s Garden
• Delicate Arch
• Syncline Loop
• Upper Salt Creek
• Murphy Basin
• Gooseberry-Dogleg Loop

There are many, many more. This is Edward Abbey country.

Chesler Park

Click through for more “best hikes” in the S.W. USA.

Hike here Spring and Fall. It’s HOT in the summer.

We got back to Moab in 2024 — with 30 people! Great fun.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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EPIC day hike – Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world

Why?

Reopened in 2019 with sherpa-built steps.

Now much safer and easier.

  • Reinebringen is on the island of Moskenesøya , one of the Lofoten islands in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle
  • infamous for wind and rainy weather
  • famed for dramatic scenery,  rugged peaks, open sea vistas past sheltered bays
  • about 448 meters (1470 feet) above sea level
  • over 1500 stone steps
  • about 2 hours up
  • It’s crowded. Over a thousand people a day in high season if the weather is good.
  • permits not required

World → Europe → Norway → Reinebringen, Lofoten

For details click over to our Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway information page.

Of course BestHike editor Rick McCharles HAD to make a hero video of himself atop the famous vista. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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BestHike #6 – Glacier North Circle, USA

Glacier North Circle in Montana is one of our top 10 hikes in the world. Even better if you add a side trip to Waterton National Park in Canada.

Click PLAY or watch a 1 minute introduction on YouTube.

Glacier North Circle

Of the many great American Rocky Mountain hikes, this is our favourite.

Highline Trail vista

AT A GLANCE

  • 7 days, 6 nights recommended
  • 65miles (104km) plus side trips
  • best months July-Sept
  • well-signed
  • medium difficulty hiking
  • recommended for experienced multi-day hikers

Read more on our Glacier North Circle information page.

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Best hikes near New York City

Surprisingly, there’s plenty of great hiking out of the Big Apple.

  • Pochuck Valley to Pinwheel Vista: Stairway to Heaven, NJ
  • Lemon Squeeze and Eagle Cliff: Mohonk, NY
  • Red and Blue Dot Trails: Mount Tammany, NJ
  • Shore Trail: Palisades Interstate Park, NY
  • Escarpment Trail: Kaaterskill Falls, NY
  • Breakneck Long Loop: Breakneck Ridge, NY
  • Storm King Trail: Storm King Mountain, NY

Click through to Lonely Planet for details:

The best hikes near New York City


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#4 day hike – Laguna de los Tres, Argentina

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Why?

The photos say it all. 😀

  • our pick for best day hike — of many — out of El Chaltén, Argentina’s Trekking Capital in Patagonia
  • the nearest airport is El Calafate
  • November – March are the best months. You might have snow on the trail in November or March, however.
  • 8+ hours round trip depending on route
  • elevation gain 2,300 ft. (700m)
  • option to tent near the lake
  • infamous for bad weather. Be prepared for extreme wind.

World → S America → Patagonian Andes → Argentina → Laguna de los Tres

vista from El Chaltén

For details click over to our Laguna de los Tres information page.

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Top 10 Coastal Hikes ➙ Abel Tasman, New Zealand

Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of our top 10 coastal hikes in the world.

Anatakapau Bay and Mutton Cove

Why?

  • one of the Great Walks
  • most popular multi-day hike in New Zealand
  • 54.4 km easy coastal hike (or kayak)
  • 3-5 days to complete
  • huts and campsites available for a fee
  • tide dependent
  • booking in advance is required
  • access by road or water taxi
  • idyllic multi-hued sand beaches; swim calm crystalline seas; enjoy awesome sea vistas from atop rugged cliffs
  • fascinating & photogenic tidal estuaries
  • stable, warm summer weather
  • open year round. Kiwi Autumn (February, March, April, May) would be our favourite months.
  • easy to access and organize
  • one of the best hiking options in New Zealand for families, children & groups
  • in case of injury, illness, fatigue, etc., you can escape by water taxi
  • you can fish. Check with DOC for permit details.

For details, click over to our Abel Tasman Coast Track information page.

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Dangerous Treks?

Here’s a list of some of the established hikes known to have caused deaths and injuries in the past.

Of course if you are experienced and cautious, I’d call most of them ‘safe’.

Of the list, I’ve done 5 myself and would recommend them.

El Caminito I’d call SUPER safe in 2025.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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#3 day hike – Besseggen Ridge, Norway

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Why?

A stunning and unique walk in Norway’s most popular National Park – Jotunheimen.

  • Jotunheimen National Park has most of the highest mountains in Norway
  • Besseggen … or Besseggi … in Jotunheimen, is a thrilling ridge walk with alpine lakes on either side:  Gjende and Bessvatnet.
  • recommended from the end of June to mid-September
  • 13.3km (8.25mi) plus one-way ferry
  • 6-9 hours
  • 950m elevation gain
  • highest point, Veslfjellet (1743m)
  • dogs on leash allowed
  • trail runners enjoy it

World → Europe →  Norway → Besseggen Ridge

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

For details click over to our Besseggen Ridge information page.