who likes to do hiking trails is often mocked by adrenaline junkies who see the activity as providing less extreme mountaineering experiences, such as rock climbing or skiing.
But as these challenging trails show, putting one foot in front of the other isn’t always the easiest option. To choose these famous trails, you’ll need more than just a good dose of common sense.
These trails are dangerous and for experienced adventurers only. That means those with the right gear, the ability to get out of sticky situations, the willingness to plan for the worst and pack right.
If you want to experience the classic and dizzying lake district english or tackling the “world’s most dangerous trail” in rural China, this list has everything you need.
Striding Edge, Lake District, England
The Lake District’s famously ever-changing weather can make even the most bucolic outings a challenge.
But Striding Edge – a sharp ridge leading to the summit of Helvellyn Peak, the third highest in the Lake District National Park – stands out in this corner of England.
Hikers can choose to follow the paths that run along the ridge side, but for those who enjoy a thrill, the ridge itself has plenty.
On a clear day, the views are sensational, stretching all the way to Scotland.
This is not for novices or the faint of heart: hikers will need to be prepared to climb, have decent climbing skills for the final push to the top, and know how to behave properly if clouds come.
Ice and snow make the location lethal in winter, so preparation and timing to return are essential.
The Maze, Canyonlands, Utah, United States
The National Park Service gets straight to the point when it comes to The Maze. The department calls the hike here “very challenging,” warning of slippery rocks and steep drops.
It’s the most remote part of Canyonlands, with visitors having to make long journeys on dirt roads before heading into the deep ravines, where landslides and flooding are not uncommon and water from the area’s few springs is hard to come by (take a enough liquids for a multi-day trip is a must).
Rangers require all visitors to share their itineraries and stay in touch whenever possible. Those who decide to go will be greeted by landscapes that seem totally timeless and are unlikely to meet other people on their adventures.
HuaShan, China
This epic trek to the South Peak of HuaShan, one of China’s Five Great Mountains, is often considered the most dangerous trek in the world, and for good reason.
To reach the summit, which sits at 7,070 feet, hikers must climb uneven steps and a series of stairs before attaching themselves to a chain using a harness and carabiners to traverse the famous “plank walk.”
This is exactly what it looks like – wooden planks screwed into the rock face that keep going up and down the mountain.
While many tourists only come in sneakers and t-shirts, this is not a place to arrive unprepared. Proper hiking boots, plenty of food and water, and a decent level of fitness are essential.
Giro del Sorapiss, Italy
The Dolomites are home to a series of stomach-churning “via ferrata” (literally, railways) – metal step paths hammered into the rock during World War I, when Italian and Austrian troops fought fierce battles on the limestone peaks. Of region.
Today, hikers looking for the thrill of climbing without fear of long drops come here during the spring and summer months.
The Giro del Sorapiss offers the biggest challenge of all, starting at Rifugio Vandelli before climbing into the mountains along craggy rocks and passing through three separate via ferrata.
Adventurers will need harnesses to attach themselves to the lines, as well as a helmet and ideally a guide who can provide the necessary gear and show you the way.
Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa and Lesotho
The multi-day trails offer intrepid hikers the chance to test their skills to the limit, considering the changing weather and the need to carry enough supplies, which creates a real challenge.
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse certainly represents one. An epic 230 kilometer journey that can take up to two weeks to complete begins with a climb of stairs up the Drakensberg Escarpment, before crossing the border into Lesotho and eventually back to South Africa.
This long-distance monster can be an experience to try alone, but adventurers should be aware that the trail itself is more of a concept than a visible path, meaning anyone planning to do it will need them all. KZN Wildlife Drakensberg trail maps, a GPS, enough food and water to last the entire trip.
Visits are recommended in spring or autumn, avoiding the lush, hard-to-tread grass in summer and the bitter days of winter.
Cascade Saddle, New Zealand
In the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park on the South Island of New Zealand, Cascade Saddle offers some of the best mountain views in the world.
But having seen several deaths earlier this century due to slippery rocks and treacherous conditions, the country’s conservation department is keen to emphasize that this is a route “only for people with high level navigation skills and experience”, warning those adventurers to come prepared to return if things get rough.
Completed over two days, with the option of camping or staying in mountain cabins along the way, the route includes wild climbs, rocky outcrops and ankle-breaking grassy walks.
The reward is endless views of snow-capped peaks, including the impressive Mount Aspiring, also known by the Maori name of Tititea.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
The 35-kilometer “round trip” along Kauai’s Na Pali coast, the Kalalau Trail isn’t just the most dangerous in Hawaii, it’s one of the deadliest in the entire United States.
The jungle trail opens up to the coast, with the Pacific raging below.
You will need a permit to go beyond Hanakapiai Beach to Hanakoa Valley to camp in the Valley or Kalalau Beach.
While it looks idyllic, the trio of stream crossings here can be brutal in the aftermath of heavy rains, when the water rises to extremely high levels.
Add that to a dizzying path along Crawler’s Ledge and that’s a recipe for disaster for the inexperienced. Only those with adequate knowledge should practice it.
Huayna Picchu, Peru
Anyone who has seen a photo of Peru’s popular Machu Picchu will get a glimpse of Huayna Picchu. It is the imposing peak that stands behind the famous lost city of the Incas, seen in countless Instagram posts and postcards from South America.
Getting to the top, however, requires scaling the “stairs of death” without subtlety, a 500-year-old section of steps with unevenness down to the valley below.
Add in sections of stairs that leave even the most seasoned feeling queasy and this is a route not to be underestimated. While many come unprepared, hiking boots and the help of a local guide are highly advisable. It may seem daunting, but the view of the citadel below is worth the three-hour effort.
Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
At 96 kilometers, the Kokoda Track traces a route from the outskirts of the Papuan capital of Port Moresby to the village of Kokoda, crossing the Owen Stanley Range.
This is isolated terrain, with a hike that takes up to two weeks to complete thanks to afternoon deluges, raging torrents and conditions that can become treacherously slippery thanks to ankle-deep mud and tree roots that become slippery in the tropical heat.
After the death of 13 Australians heading to the trail in an aircraft in 2009, authorities mobilized to make access to the path safer.
Permits are required and all visitors must walk with a licensed operator, in an attempt to help local communities benefit from tourism. To prepare for the sweaty days and bitter nights in this remote corner of the world, organizers recommend training for up to a year.
As you travel this lush and wild route, it is worth remembering that this was the scene of fierce battles between Japanese and Australian and Papuan allied forces during World War II.
Daikiretto Traverse, Japan
Japan’s Northern Alps serve up arguably the best and certainly the most challenging hike in the country. And the Daikiretto Traverse is without a doubt the trail to try for those looking for a suitable adventure – one that is as close to technical climbing as possible without the need for ropes.
The crossing itself covers less than three kilometers but can take hours to complete and is best enjoyed as part of a longer guided hike through this beautiful mountain range.
The path over the lane makes use of chains and stairs, following a ridge that looks like a knife point with drops of more than a hundred meters on each side.
A high level of fitness and a head for heights are essential. A helmet and gloves will make the passage easier, and it should be noted that trying to do it alone, especially in winter, is inadvisable.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire, United States
Mount Washington is known for having the “worst climate in the world” (at least according to the Mount Washington Observatory).
In January 2004, temperatures at the summit dropped to a bitter -44°C, while also setting a record for the strongest wind recorded on land, an almost unbelievable 372 km/h in 1934, surpassed only by Barrow Island, Australia, in 1996. .
All this to say that walking here requires serious preparation. Conditions can change any minute, which means you’ll need to pack winter gear even in the height of summer.
The climb is no joke, with hikers needing to be in great shape to complete it. Yes, it is possible to drive or take the iconic cogwheel train to the summit, but those who are well prepared and interested in a challenge should put on their boots, fill their backpacks and do it on foot.
Source: CNN Brasil
