Laugavegurinn Trail — Iceland

If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, then this is one hiking trail that you’ll definitely want to experience. Why you ask? It’s rumored to be the spot that J.R.R. Tolkien visited right before penning his LOTR trilogy! Hence it might be the closest you’ll get to Middle Earth.

The Laugavegur hiking trail might be Iceland’s most popular, and for good reason. It’s one of the few routes that offer pure, unadulterated wilderness, passing through desolate valleys, cascading waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes that will make you think you might actually be on a different planet.

 

Queen Charlotte Track — New Zealand

This south island trek between the Marlborough Sounds is considered one of New Zealand’s most popular “tramping” tracks. It’s a wonderland for those interested in New Zealand’s greenery, offering access to the lush beech forest, nikau palm groves, and other native foliage.

The path itself is well-maintained with only minor climbs but offers spectacular views of the glassy water and skyline ridges…Definitely a must do!

 

John Muir Trail — California, U.S.

Winding through the Sierra Nevada, this sunny route is considered to be one of the best segments of the Pacific Crest Trail.

It runs from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney, passing through some of the country’s most magnificent national parks: Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, as well as the John Muir Wilderness and Inyo and Sierra national forests.

(Images courtesy: country-magazine.com, aboutaustralia.com, philippegatta.fr)