spectacular hiking trails around the world

This round trip hike encircles Mount Ngauruhoe, New Zealand s most active volcano, with 61 eruptions since 1839. About 25 miles, the Northern Circuit takes approximately three to four days and is suitable for those without much experience. Between the lava flows, explosion pits, Emerald Lakes and glacial valleys, the circuit is a once in a lifetime experience.

The southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park offers a 27 mile trail through Bechler Meadows, picturesque mountains and lush forests. The trek is known for its big waterfalls and trailside hot springs, like the famous Mr. Bubbles, in which hikers can enjoy a good soak after a long walk. Another highlight: the Lone Star Geyser, which erupts every three hours.

This 68 mile trail is not for the inexperienced. The terrain is rugged, with steep ups and downs and few hikers. But those who take on the challenge will be rewarded with spectacular views as they hike through sandy beaches along the Salmon River and wildflower covered meadows; pass by shimmering high mountain lakes; and camp out next to Salmon River tributaries. Wildlife are more common than people the area is inhabited by black bears, elk, moose and bighorn sheep.

The ultimate way to visit Machu Picchu, this 27 mile trek combines Andes Mountains scenery with the subtropical Amazon jungle, ending at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain. Only 200 trekkers are allows on the trail each day in order to prevent erosion, so plan ahead and expect a four to five day journey through cloud forests, alpine tundra, settlements, tunnels and Incan ruins.

This three country, 105 mile hike circles the 15,770 foot Mont Blanc Massif, the highest peak in Western Europe. One of the most popular long distance walking trails, the Tour du Mont Blanc takes hikers through mountain passes, snowfields, lush forests, glacial valleys and secluded Alpine villages over a span of about 10 days.

Only the most adventurous backpackers attempt the Presidential Traverse, an extremely difficult and sometimes dangerous climb through New Hampshire s White Mountains. It s so named for the summits of peaks named after U.S. presidents that must be crossed to complete the journey: Mount Madison, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, Mount Monroe, Mount Eisenhower and Mount Pierce. About 23 miles long, most people need two to three days to climb the whole thing and only the luckiest travelers get decent weather. The area is known for unpredictable rain, snow and whiteouts, and the winds exceed 100 miles per hour every four days in the winter.

One of National Geographic s 20 most epic trails, the Israel National Trail crosses the entire country of Israel, clocking in at about 580 to 620 miles. Experienced backpackers generally spend about 45 to 60 days trekking from Israel s northern border with Lebanon to the Red Sea, through major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and through the Israeli desert. The hike passes through mountains, valleys, forests, craters and orchards, varying from very easy to vary difficult, and crosses biblical sites and historic places like Nazareth, as well as archeological sites.

The Zion Narrows, part of Zion National Park, is a gorge carved out by the Virgin River, stretching 16 miles long, reaching about 2,000 feet deep and spanning only about 20 to 30 feet wide in some areas. Ranked No. 5 in National Geographic s America s Best 100 Adventures, the Zion Narrows is no easy feat. The river marks the route, so there really isn t a maintained trail, and at least 60% of the hike involves wading and sometimes swimming in the river. Highlights include natural springs, hanging gardens and ponderosa pines.

Legend has it that a South China tiger once leapt 25 meters across the Yangtze River to escape a hunter, giving this gorge its name. One of the deepest gorges in the world, it clocks in at about 9.3 miles long and 18,360 feet deep in between the snow covered peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Haba Snow Mountain. Backpackers can spend anywhere from three days to a week trekking the narrow winding trails beneath waterfalls and through pine and bamboo forests, visiting quiet rural villages along the way.

The National Trails website for England and Wales describes this breathtaking coastal trek well: From St. Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, the trail covers almost every kind of maritime landscape, from rugged cliff tops and sheltered coves to wide open beaches and winding estuaries. The 186 mile path is an estimated 35,000 feet of ascents and descents, but some 130 shorter circular walks exist for the not so hardcore hikers. The Pembrokshire Coast Path passes through 58 beaches and 14 harbors, giving backpackers views of volcanic headlands, red sandstone coves, flooded glacial valleys, and a plethora of coastal flora and bird life along the way.