10 of the Most Famous Walking Trails in the World

Last Updated on March 24, 2024

I’m no stranger to long-distance hikes, having done a few myself. I absolutely love the simplicity of trail-walking and the magical moments that come with traversing these spectacular hikes. Meanwhile, as I plot my plans to walk more of them, here’s a list of the most famous walking trails around the world.

 10 Famous Walking Trails in the World

1. Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago, or St James Way, is the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried. With over a thousand years of history, this is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes in the world. Today, it draws walkers from around the world – not just for religious purpose – but for the physical challenges and stunning terrain. There are a few routes to choose from, with the most popular being the 800km-long Camino Francé. It starts from Saint Jean Pied de Port and crossing from east to west of northern Spain.

Getting there

Fly into Paris, where you can take a train to Saint Jean. Different routes begin in different cities, refer to my Camino guide for details on the various routes. It’s important to plan ahead and pack as light as possible.

2. Great Ocean Walk, Australia

The Great Ocean Walk stretches 104-km along the southeastern coast of Australia in the Victoria region. From trekking through dense forests to traipsing the edge of coastal cliffs, the walk traverses a wide variety of coastal landscapes. Some of the highlights of the walk include the iconic 12 Apostles, the beautiful and serene Johanna Beach, picnic heaven of Apollo Bay and Cape Otway where koala bears are plentiful.

The walk can be done independently – before setting off, it’s best to stock up on camping gear. This is one of the most famous walking trails in the world for good reason: prepare to be blown away by the spectacular views. Many people drive the Great Ocean Road instead of walking; it makes for one of the best road trips in Australia!

Getting there:

The start of the hiking trails is about two hours from Melbourne, Australia by car. Alternatively, you can take a train on V/Line from Melbourne and get off at Geelong or Warrnambool. There are also bus services operating throughout the area to various stops on the Great Ocean Road, such as Apollo Bay and Warrnambool.

3. Bruce Trail, Canada

As the oldest and longest trail in Canada, the Bruce Trail follows the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It runs for 850km from Niagara to Tobermory, with side trails extending out to 250km.  There are many waterfalls, streams and rivers along the Bruce trail, expect to see a myriad of plant and wildlife. Niagara Falls, by far the most famous watercourse in the area, can be reached by a side trail of the Bruce Trail.

Getting there:

Fly into Toronto, the biggest city in Canada. The Toronto Section of the Bruce Trail is located around 1 hour away by car or bus. Alternatively, you can begin your walk at Niagara Falls. Many participants choose to camp during a walk through the Bruce Trail.

4. John Muir Trail, USA

Running 358km through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the John Muir Trail reveals the wild and primeval nature of North America. The trail starts from the Yosemite National Park and ends at the summit of Mount Whitney. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. The trail was named for naturalist John Muir, who founded the Sierra Club. The best time to visit is from July to September, though snow may still linger on the higher passes.

Getting there: 

From the Reno airport, take the Eastern Sierra Transit Bus to Lee Vinning or Mammoth Lakes. From either of those terminals you can take the YARTS bus to the John Muir Trailhead. Most hikers camp outdoors during their treks.

5. Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan

With 1,200 years of history, the Shikoku Pilgrimage (or Shikoku O-Henro) runs through 88 temples and 200 bangais along the coast of Shikoku. The trail not only puts your determination to the test, but also gives a peek into Japan’s history and tradition. As one of the longest and most famous walking trails in the world, it runs for over 1,400km and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. There are a number of shorter imitative trails in Japan, such as the 150km circuit on the island of Shōdoshima, a 3km course in Ninna-ji, Kyoto and a route on the Chita Peninsula.

Getting there:

Fly into Kansai International Airport in Osaka, then take the bus to Tokushima Eki Mae. The fare is 4,100 yen one-way and it takes just under three hours to arrive. Once you begin your trail there are small, family-owned inns that offer accommodation to trekkers for 4,000-8,000 yen per night (depending on if you’d like food with your stay).

6. Jeju Olle Trail, South Korea

As a newly-developed trekking course on the Jeju island, the Jeju Olle Trail is made up of 22 courses covering a total of 347km in length. The beautiful isle’s craggy coastline is lined with emerald bays and lapping beaches, while further inland hills are studded with oreums (dormant volcanoes), ensconced waterfalls and green prairies. On average, each Jeju Olle Trail is 10-18 kilometers in length and each offers a different side of Jeju.

These quick shifts in topography allow walkers to enjoy farmland and forests, grasses and palm trees, fresh water ponds and ocean vistas, waterfalls and cliffs, often all on a single journey. I personally love the beautiful landscapes along the trail and the opportunity to see a very different side to South Korea.

Getting there:

Fly into the Jeju International Airport, and you can either begin your walk at the airport itself or choose from one of 21 different interconnected routes throughout the island.

7. Cotswolds Way, UK

Cotswold Way is the most famous trail in the United Kingdom, running from Chipping Campden in the north to the city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The course is 162-km long, passing through picturesque villages and scenic views, such as those at the meanders of the River Severn and the Forest of Dean. The distinctive shape of May Hill and the long spine of Malvern Hills can also be seen during much of the route.

Some of the highlights of the trail include the Somerset Monument, the majestic Broadway Tower and the site of the Battle of Lansdowne. The next time you’re in the UK, don’t miss out on walking one of the most famous walking trails in the world.

Getting there:

Fly into Birmingham airport – there are flights from most major cities in the UK – then head to Chipping Campden via taxi. There are also regular trains to Moreton-in-Marsh and Straford-Upon-Avon, and from either city you can take a taxi to the trailhead in Chipping Campden.

8. The Pacific Crest Trail, USA

The Pacific Crest Trail is a hiking trail located in the western United States that stretches 4,286 km bordering the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Famously trekked by Cheryl Strayed in her memoir, Wild, the trail is known for its rigor and stark natural beauty. It starts on the USA/Mexico border and spans all the way to Canada, passing through 25 national forests and 7 national parks. There is also a corresponding bike trail that runs parallel to the Pacific Crest Trail for 4,000 km.

Getting there: 

Fly into San Diego then head to the El Cajon Transit Center via taxi or public bus. Bus #894 runs three times a day from the transit center to the southern terminus, and costs about $5 for the 2-hour ride. Most people camp throughout their trek.

9. The Appalachian Trail, USA

Running through the eastern United States is the Appalachian Trail, a historic walking path that spans approximately 3,500 km and runs through 14 states. This scenic route is home to the famous Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Home to striking bridges, rural towns and over 2,000 species of plant and animal life, this trail offers hikers a diverse set of experiences. The Appalachian Trail, along with the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, comprise the “Triple Crown” of famous walking trails in the United States.

Getting there:

There are multiple points of entry to the Appalachian Trail, with access from most major cities on the East Coast of the US. Atlanta, Washington DC, Richmond, Philadelphia, and New York City are all hub cities that give access to the Appalachian Trail. There are many towns and cities along the Appalachian trail where you can book a hotel, or during the milder seasons you can camp in designated areas. If you’re looking for shorter hikes, here are other great hikes in North Carolina to consider.

10. Inca Trail – Peru

The best way to get to Macchu Picchu – the world famous archaeological site in Peru – many people opt for the 3 or 4-day trek that brings them through sacred ancient sites, rocky paths, and imposing mountain passes. Lauded as one of the best treks in the world, this was said to be the same route that the royal Incas used to take to weave through the Andean mountains.

The trek usually starts from Cuzco and costs around US$350, including all meals, porters and camping facilities. Views of white-tipped mountains and high cloud forest combine with the magic of walking from one cliff-hugging ruin to the next – understandably making this the most famous trek in South America.

Getting there:

Most people sign up for a group trek and they usually include transfers from Cusco by bus. You’ll travel through the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, for the 3-hour scenic trip to kilometer 82 (the start of the classic Inca Trail). Read my detailed guide on how to get to Machu Picchu.

Planning Your Hike Among the Most Famous Walking Trails in the World

Thank you for reading this far! I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the most famous walking trails in the world!

Which of these famous walking trails in the world is your favorite? Did we miss out on any trails that deserve to be on this list?

Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. Read more of our articles to get ideas for your next trip:

• How to Walk the Camino de Santiago
• Hiking the Jeju Olle Trail, South Korea
• Hiking the Jesus Trail in Israel
• Path of the Gods: A Guide to Hiking from Bologna to Florence
• Hiking the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan
• Out And About: Hiking and Biking on the Caribbean Island of Nevis
• 7 Best Hikes in California

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

Inspired? Pin it!