10 Best Trails To Hike And Camp Near

You probably don’t realize that most world-class hiking trails were originally created by indigenous peoples or early traders, not modern trail designers. When you’re planning your next backpacking adventure, you’ll want to take into account more than just scenic beauty—factors like permit costs, gear requirements, and seasonal accessibility can make or break your experience. The ten trails we’ve identified offer the perfect balance of stunning landscapes and practical camping opportunities, but each comes with hidden challenges you won’t find in typical guidebooks.

Key Points

• Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains offers 12 designated shelters spaced 5-10 miles apart with $4/night reservations.
• John Muir Trail spans 211 miles through Sierra Nevada with alpine camping requiring bear canisters and permits.
• Wonderland Trail circles Mount Rainier for 93 miles through forests and meadows with mandatory permit lottery system.
• West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island provides 47 miles of coastal camping at designated sites for $128 CAD.
• Torres Del Paine W Circuit features 50 miles of Patagonian camping with refugios costing $40-60 per night.

Appalachian Trail – Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Appalachian Trail’s 71-mile stretch through Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers you some of the most accessible and budget-friendly backcountry camping on the entire 2,190-mile trail. You’ll find 12 designated shelters spaced 5-10 miles apart, eliminating the need for heavy tent gear.

Reserve your spots through the park’s online system ($4 per person nightly) well in advance—this section’s popularity means shelters fill quickly during peak seasons.

You’ll traverse iconic peaks like Clingmans Dome while experiencing Southern Appalachian culture firsthand. The trail crosses from North Carolina into Tennessee multiple times, showcasing diverse ecosystems from hardwood forests to spruce-fir mountaintops.

Stock up on supplies in nearby Gatlinburg or Cherokee before entering, as resupply options within the park are limited.

While the Smokies offer incredible hiking, adventurous backpackers should also consider exploring the world’s top rainforest trails for a completely different wilderness experience.

John Muir Trail – Sierra Nevada, California

Spanning 211 miles through California’s Sierra Nevada range, the John Muir Trail connects Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney’s summit—America’s highest peak outside Alaska.

The John Muir Trail: 211 miles of Sierra Nevada wilderness linking Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney’s majestic summit.

You’ll traverse thirteen passes above 11,000 feet while experiencing some of America’s most pristine wilderness.

Plan for 2-3 weeks and budget $50-80 daily for permits, resupply boxes, and gear.

Secure permits through lottery systems months ahead—they’re extremely competitive.

Most hikers tackle this trail between July and September when snow clears from high passes.

You’ll need bear canisters (required by law) and cold-weather gear for alpine conditions.

Consider resupply strategies at Muir Trail Ranch, Vermillion Valley Resort, or Red’s Meadow.

The trail honors naturalist John Muir, whose conservation efforts helped establish this protected landscape you’ll experience firsthand.

While the Sierra Nevada offers incredible mainland adventures, consider exploring Hawaii’s hiking trails for a completely different but equally stunning wilderness experience.

Torres Del Paine W Circuit – Patagonia, Chile

Five towering granite spires pierce Patagonia’s wild sky along Chile’s Torres del Paine W Circuit, where you’ll trek 50 miles through some of South America’s most dramatic landscapes. You’ll need four to five days to complete this iconic route, passing turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers, and windswept valleys that define Chilean Patagonia’s raw beauty.

Book refugios (mountain huts) well ahead—they’re expensive but essential during unpredictable weather. Budget around $40-60 per night, or camp for $20-30. Pack waterproof gear and warm layers; Patagonian winds can reach 100 mph without warning.

Start from Las Torres Base for the classic sunrise view, then work west through Cuernos del Paine to French Valley. March through April offers the best weather conditions and fewer crowds than peak summer season. If you’re planning water activities after your trek, consider whether renting or buying a boat makes more sense for exploring the region’s pristine lakes and fjords.

Milford Track – Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Thirty-three miles of pristine wilderness await you on New Zealand’s Milford Track, where you’ll journey through temperate rainforest, past thundering waterfalls, and across alpine passes in what locals call “the finest walk in the world.”

This four-day guided experience requires advance booking through the Department of Conservation—spots fill up a year ahead for peak season (October through April).

Budget $200-300 NZD for hut fees plus transportation from Queenstown. You’ll stay in well-equipped huts with bunks, cooking facilities, and flush toilets—no camping allowed on the track itself.

Pack rain gear year-round; Fiordland receives over 200 rainy days annually.

The highlight’s crossing Mackinnon Pass at 3,760 feet, offering panoramic views of surrounding peaks and valleys when weather cooperates.

Since you’ll be preparing meals in the hut kitchens, mastering camp cooking techniques beforehand will help you create satisfying dishes after long days on the trail.

Tour Du Mont Blanc – France, Italy, Switzerland

From New Zealand’s remote wilderness, we shift to Europe’s most celebrated alpine circuit, where the Tour du Mont Blanc weaves 110 miles through three countries around Western Europe’s highest peak.

You’ll traverse French valleys, Italian alpine meadows, and Swiss mountain passes while experiencing distinct cultures and cuisines. The trail takes 7-11 days, with mountain huts (refuges) providing meals and beds for €40-80 nightly. Book accommodations months ahead, especially for July-August peak season.

Wild camping isn’t permitted, but designated areas exist near some huts. You’ll encounter crowds but also incredible alpine scenery and well-maintained paths. Pack layers for unpredictable mountain weather and carry euros for each country.

The circuit’s infrastructure makes it accessible for intermediate hikers seeking European alpine culture without extreme remoteness. Before embarking on this multi-day trek, ensure you pack essential first aid supplies to handle any minor injuries or health issues that may arise along the remote mountain sections.

GR20 – Corsica, France

Corsica’s GR20 earns its reputation as Europe’s toughest long-distance trail, demanding technical scrambling across 112 miles of rugged Mediterranean mountains. You’ll traverse granite peaks, alpine lakes, and ancient forests while experiencing authentic Corsican culture in mountain refuges.

Europe’s most demanding trek delivers 112 miles of technical scrambling through Corsica’s wild granite peaks and authentic mountain culture.

Budget €30-50 daily for refuge accommodation and meals, though wild camping‘s permitted above 1,000 meters. Pack lightweight gear since you’ll carry everything through exposed ridges and steep descents.

The northern section proves more technical with Via Ferrata sections, while the south offers gentler terrain.

Time your hike between June and September when refuges operate and weather’s stable. Book refuges ahead during peak season. Expect 15 challenging days requiring good fitness and scrambling experience.

Local shepherds and refuge guardians share stories that reveal Corsica’s fierce independence and mountain traditions. When hiking through wooded areas and tall grass along the trail, take precautions against tick bites by wearing long pants and checking your body regularly.

Annapurna Circuit – Nepal Himalayas

Nepal’s legendary Annapurna Circuit wraps you around an entire mountain massif across 145 miles, climbing from subtropical rice terraces to the stark beauty of Thorong La Pass at 17,769 feet. You’ll trek through traditional Gurung and Thakali villages, experiencing authentic mountain culture while dodging the commercial chaos of Everest Base Camp routes.

Budget around $30-40 daily for teahouse accommodation and meals—dal bhat provides unlimited refills for sustained energy. Pack layers for extreme temperature variations and book permits online ($30 ACAP plus $20 TIMS card).

Start in Besisahar or Manang depending on your timeline. The circuit takes 12-18 days, though road construction has shortened traditional routes. Hire local guides in Kathmandu or Pokhara for $25-30 daily to support communities directly. Practice responsible camping techniques throughout your journey to preserve the pristine mountain environment for future trekkers.

Wonderland Trail – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Washington’s iconic Wonderland Trail circles Mount Rainier’s volcanic massif across 93 miles of pristine wilderness. It takes you through old-growth forests, alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, and glacier-carved valleys.

You’ll need permits and reservations well in advance since this trail’s popularity among Pacific Northwest hikers creates fierce competition for campsites.

Essential planning considerations:

1. Reserve permits by March 15th – the lottery system fills quickly
2. Budget $200-300 total for permits, food resupply, and gear
3. Plan 10-14 days for the complete circuit with rest days
4. Carry bear canisters – required at designated backcountry camps

Weather windows typically open July through September. You’ll encounter stream crossings, so waterproof boots are essential. Food caches aren’t available, meaning you’ll carry everything or arrange resupply drops at trailheads.

Before embarking on this multi-day wilderness adventure, consider securing comprehensive travel insurance to protect against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or gear loss during your backcountry expedition.

Dolomites Alta Via 1 – Northern Italy

Why settle for ordinary mountain views when Italy’s Dolomites Alta Via 1 delivers some of Europe’s most dramatic alpine scenery across 75 miles of UNESCO World Heritage terrain?

Experience Europe’s most spectacular alpine drama across 75 miles of UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites terrain on Alta Via 1.

You’ll trek through ancient coral reef formations turned towering limestone spires, connecting ten mountain huts (rifugios) over 10-12 days.

Book rifugios well ahead—they’re €30-50 per night with meals available. Summer’s your window (June-September) when snow clears and huts operate.

Pack layers since weather changes rapidly at altitude.

You’ll navigate via ferrata sections requiring basic climbing gear, though most trail segments suit intermediate hikers.

Local Alpine guides offer equipment rentals in Cortina d’Ampezzo or Dobbiaco.

The route showcases Ladin culture through traditional mountain villages where German, Italian, and Ladin languages blend—reflecting the region’s complex Austro-Italian heritage.

For those seeking even more mountain adventure beyond Europe, the Andes mountains offer incredible trekking opportunities across South America’s diverse landscapes.

West Coast Trail – Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Canada’s legendary West Coast Trail stretches 47 miles along Vancouver Island’s rugged Pacific coastline. Here, you’ll traverse ancient rainforests, scramble over slippery rocks, and cross surging rivers via cable cars and ladders.

This challenging trek requires mandatory reservations ($128 CAD) and represents a significant cultural journey through traditional First Nations territories. You’ll need 5-7 days to complete the trail, staying at designated camping areas that cost nothing extra beyond your permit.

Essential preparations include:

1. Waterproof gear – Rain’s inevitable on this coastal route
2. Sturdy boots with ankle support – Muddy terrain demands proper footwear
3. Tide tables – Several beach sections require low-tide timing
4. Physical conditioning – Steep climbs and technical sections challenge most hikers

Budget $300-400 CAD total including ferry transport, food, and gear rentals from nearby Port Renfrew outfitters.

Sum Up

You’ve got a treasure map of trails that’ll feed your soul without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re craving the cultural tapestry of Europe’s Tour du Mont Blanc or seeking solitude in Chile’s windswept peaks, these paths offer more than just miles—they’re doorways to transformation. Pack smart, research permits early, and remember that hostels and local guesthouses near trailheads often beat expensive gear stores. Your next adventure’s calling.