These are the best countries for hiking
Hiking takes a lot of grit and a love for adventure to embark on. For hiking enthusiasts and curious adventurers, this article, supported by data from Atlas and Boots, highlights the best places around the world to experience this adrenaline-bursting and thrilling journey.
According to Atlas and Boots, the USA, Chile, Norway, Nepal, and New Zealand stand out as spots for hiking globally.
Here is a closer look at what makes these countries the go-to destinations.
United States
Top Trails:Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail
Highlights: Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Redwood forests, National Park system
The USA is a top hiking destination that offers immense terrain variety from the deserts of the Grand Canyon to alpine meadows in Yosemite and ancient giants in the Redwood forests. The famous “Triple Crown” trails: Pacific Crest, Appalachian, and Continental Divide, are bucket-list long-distance hikes that draw in adventurers worldwide.
Chile
Top Trails: Aconcagua, The W Trek, Mirador las Torres
Highlights: Patagonian wilderness, Great Glaciers, The Andes Mountains
Chile is one of the best countries for hiking due to its epic terrain, growing trail infrastructure, and eco-conscious tourism policies. With national parks like Cerro Castillo and Queulat, plus improved accessibility and remote lodges, Chile delivers unforgettable trekking experiences for adventurers seeking both challenge and natural beauty.
Norway
Top Trails: Besseggen Ridge, Gaustatoppen Summit, Trollheimen Triangle
Highlights: Arctic Circle access, dramatic fjords, Sami culture, wilderness camping
Atlas & Boots rank Norway as one of Europe’s premier hiking nations thanks to its “right to roam” laws, excellent trail infrastructure maintained by the Norwegian Trekking Association, and extraordinary natural beauty from fjords to glaciers. Trails like Besseggen Ridge offer panoramic views unmatched in Scandinavia.
Nepal
Top Trails: Everest Base Camp, Great Himalaya Trail, Annapurna Circuit Trek
Highlights: High-altitude mountaineering, Himalayan panoramas, Sherpa culture
Nepal is home to the world’s most legendary trekking routes, like the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, treks offering both challenge and cultural immersion. According to Atlas & Boots, Nepal’s dramatic landscapes and iconic elevation gains make it unmissable for adventure travellers seeking authentic mountain experiences.
New Zealand
Top Trails: Queen Charlotte Track, Te Araroa Trail, Milford Track
Highlights: Southern Alps, kauri forests, bubbling geysers
New Zealand’s Great Walks, especially the iconic 53 km Milford Track, are regularly cited as among the world’s best single- and multi-day hikes. These trails wind through pristine fjords, ancient forests, and geothermal valleys. Department of Conservation maintains well-marked paths and facilities, making them accessible for a wide range of fitness levels
