Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the natural world—where every trail can lead to breathtaking vistas, hidden waterfalls, and encounters with local wildlife. But not all hiking trails are created equal. Some routes are especially rich in scenic beauty and biodiversity, offering travelers a chance to truly connect with the wilderness around them.
If you’re a nature enthusiast seeking trails that blend sweeping views with incredible wildlife spotting, here’s a guide to some of the top hiking destinations where both scenery and fauna are guaranteed to impress.
1. Banff National Park – Alberta, Canada
This iconic park in the Canadian Rockies features world-famous trails like the Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes Tea House. Along the way, hikers enjoy turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. Wildlife sightings include elk, mountain goats, and occasionally grizzly bears—so bring your camera and stay alert.
2. Great Smoky Mountains – Tennessee/North Carolina, USA
Home to an incredibly diverse range of plant and animal life, the Smokies offer over 800 miles of trails. Favorites like the Alum Cave Trail or Clingmans Dome provide panoramic views and the chance to spot black bears, deer, salamanders, and more than 200 species of birds.
3. Cinque Terre – Liguria, Italy
This coastal trail system offers dramatic cliffside views of the Ligurian Sea, charming villages, and lush vineyards. While wildlife here is less about big mammals and more about birds and butterflies, the views make every step worthwhile.
4. Torres del Paine – Patagonia, Chile
This is one of the most dramatic hiking destinations in the world, where glaciers meet granite towers and wild open spaces. The W Trek is a favorite for those seeking variety—dense forests, ice fields, and wide valleys. Guanacos, foxes, and even pumas inhabit this rugged landscape.
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia
Known for its cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers well-maintained wooden paths and serene forest trails. Wildlife here includes otters, wolves, and numerous bird species, all within a tranquil, protected environment.
6. Sutton, Quebec – Canada
In Quebec’s Eastern Townships, randonnée Au Diable Vert stands out for combining well-marked mountain trails with unspoiled nature and wildlife diversity. Set in a 1000-acre alpine pasture, this destination offers trails with varying levels of difficulty that wind through maple forests, open fields, and streams.
Hikers can expect to see deer, foxes, and an abundance of birds—especially during migration seasons. Plus, the scenic lookouts offer views of the Green Mountains and Appalachian chain, making it ideal for both nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
The beauty of randonnée Au Diable Vert lies in its year-round appeal. In the summer and fall, the trails burst with color and life. In winter, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing offer a totally different but equally majestic experience. It’s not just a hike—it’s a full sensory escape into the natural world.
7. Aoraki / Mount Cook – New Zealand
For those seeking mountain drama, the Hooker Valley Track delivers. Set against New Zealand’s highest peak, this trail includes swing bridges, glacial lakes, and stunning alpine scenery. Kea parrots and other native wildlife add to the uniqueness of the experience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re walking through high alpine meadows, dense forests, or coastal cliffs, the world’s best hiking trails offer more than just physical activity—they’re windows into the soul of the planet. From the Rockies to the Andes, and from the Croatian lakes to randonnée Au Diable Vert in Quebec, these trails deliver a perfect mix of unforgettable views and rich wildlife encounters. Pack your boots, grab your binoculars, and hit the trail—you never know what nature will reveal.
