If you’re a hiker and a music fan who is visiting “Music City”, a.k.a. Nashville, Tennessee, you might be surprised about how many memorable hikes you can take just near Nashville alone. Seriously, Nashville is a great place for hiking.  

It comes complete with beautiful natural scenery and nigh-year-round pleasant weather. There are many hiking trails in the Nashville area that are reportedly perfect for hiking enthusiasts of all skill levels. So lace up your hiking boots and prepare to enjoy exercise and outdoor adventures in Nashville, Tennessee, USA! Here then, thanks to our staff and a few Tennessee locals, are the 12 best hikes near Nashville. 

12 Best Hikes Near Nashville

1. The Radnor Lake Trail Hike

Radnor Lake State Park is said to be a “local favorite.” It’s a free and easy trail that’s only 2.4 miles long and roughly 20 minutes from the city. The trail is also comparatively flat which makes it a good choice for folks who like to bring their dogs with them and families traveling with their kids.

Keep a lookout for lots of local wildlife too! Remember though, this trail’s popularity can translate to difficult parking. The best thing to do is get there a bit early or wait for the morning hikers to start leaving to get a parking place. As always, when day hiking, be sure to pack your sunscreen! Even a short hike can result in a sunburn.

2. The Twin Falls and Downstream Trail Hike

Rugged Rock Island State Park is located an hour and 45 minutes from Nashville and offers travelers a free, moderately easy hike with beautiful twin waterfalls and a distance of less than two miles. The Downstream Trail takes you over easy terrain to twin waterfalls. Twin Falls is undoubtedly the park’s biggest draw and yet there is more to experience than just the trails. This park is definitely one of the best places to see in the entire state. Enjoy a brief hike to the falls when you arrive in the morning and then follow it up with an afternoon of fishing, kayaking, or swimming.

3. The Burgess Falls Hike

Burgess Falls State Park is situated approximately 1.5 hours from Nashville. The free hike within this park is worth the time and effort too because, unlike the other hikes, this is the only one that offers hikers a view of four stunning waterfalls. The River Trail will take you to four individual waterfalls.

Veteran visitors to Tennessee say that each one is more memorable than the previous one. The final fantastic falls drop down more than 135 feet. If you plan on visiting on a weekend or in the summer be aware that this place is quite popular then so arrive early if you would like to have the falls all to yourself.

4. The Narrows of the Harpeth Hike

Harpeth River State Park is located about half an hour from Nashville. It offers visitors a free, easy, one-mile hike that not only features a historic tunnel waterfall but combines a striking natural landscape with local history. Here you follow the Narrows Trail alongside the rushing Harpeth River.

The plunging waterfall coming out of a man-made tunnel is the trail’s major attraction. This tunnel was constructed in 1819 to utilize the power of the water to run a nearby ironworks operation. Although the iron forge has been gone for many years, the pool and waterfall born of this tunnel remain a popular place. This part of the Harpeth is also a great place for kayaking and canoeing. You might just want to stay here for the whole day.

5. The Shelby Bottoms Greenway Hike

The Shelby Bottoms Greenway hike is an easy, free, albeit longer one with a length of over eight miles. Nevertheless, this paved pathway in one of the city’s best neighborhoods, East Nashville, makes it a good one for hikers of varied abilities. The adventure begins at the popular Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and follows the mighty Cumberland River. (Stop in at the Nature Center for a helpful list of kid-friendly local activities too!)

It includes a good nature play area for children and a significantly shady spot that is home to a variety of local wildlife. In fact, if you wander onto a side trail or two you are sure to spot a few four-legged residents. Spend time with Mother Nature without actually leaving the city.

6. The Cummins Falls Hike

This hike in Cummins Falls Park in Cookeville about one and a half hours out of Nashville is just three miles. Nevertheless, it is rated as difficult and you will need to purchase a Gorge Access Permit for $6.00. Here you will hike The Downstream Trail through nigh-tantalizing terrain to the beautiful base of a waterfall.

Keep in mind, the topography changes more than once here. You will need to traverse big boulders, rough riverbeds, and other assorted obstacles. Essentially, this is no hike for children and your hiking boots will get wet. After your hike, go for a dip in the pools at the waterfalls’ base. Park staff strongly suggest wearing a lifejacket.

7. The Mossy Ridge Trail Hike

Percy Warner Park offers visitors a free scenic hike at the Mossy Ridge Trail. It is rated as moderately challenging due largely to the multiple changes in terrain. It is less than five miles and provides hikers with memorable views of hills and hardwood forests in Nashville.

This pretty park offers travelers other activities too like horseback riding and golfing. It’s a notably nice place to take a break from the hubbub of the city and, better yet to dog owners, dogs are allowed here so you can explore with your four-legged friends.

8. The Volunteer Trail Day Loop Hike

If you need an athletic break from Nashville’s hustle and bustle, take this free day hike around the Percy Priest Lake shoreline at Long Hunter State Park. This free hike is under half an hour’s drive from Nashville and rated easy to moderate and is less than four miles. You will see quiet coves, rough bluffs, and hardwood trees too. Be sure that you stick to the well-marked trail. If you ignore the numerous signs you will end up lost or at the local overnight campsite and have to hike almost six miles back to your vehicle.

9. The Fiery Gizzard Trail Hike

This adventurous free day hike in South Cumberland State Park is just under 10 miles and is considered to be difficult. The park is roughly a 90-minute drive out of the city. To complete this trek you need to hike the Fiery Gizzard Trail to Raven Loop.

Interestingly, Backpacker magazine deemed this hike to be “one of the best 25 hikes” in the country. The trail runs along a little creek and the scenery is beautiful. Again though, it is generally only for experienced hikers.  

Portions of this trail are said by some to be “a natural obstacle course” and crawling over big boulders is par for the course. Be patient. Stick with it. In the end, it is worth the trouble.

10. The Foster Falls Climber’s Loop Hike

If you’re looking for a free hike near Nashville, that is not quite as difficult as the previously mentioned Fiery Gizzard Trail, South Cumberland State Park is also the home of the near-famous Foster Falls Climber’s Loop. It is a shorter, less difficult, two-mile hiking trail that is only rated as moderately difficult but arguably equally beautiful. The trailhead is located at the viewing platform that overlooks the famous falls.

From there you hike down to the falls’ base. There you will discover a pretty plunge pool that also serves as a super swimming hole on hot, sunny days. Even though this hike is officially rated as “moderately difficult”, you can manage it with small kids if you’re capable of helping them over some of the more challenging spots.

11. The Fall Creek Falls Trail Hike

Last but not necessarily least, this final free hike is offered in the Fall Creek Falls State Park a good two hours drive out of Nashville. It is rated a moderate hike that takes you to the highest free-fall waterfall east of the mighty Mississippi River.

This hike, and other offered activities and attractions, help to make this park one of the state’s “most visited.” Perhaps the top attraction here is the park’s incredible namesake falls. If you need more of a challenge, you will also find other hiking trails including one popular trail to Cane Creek Falls.

You can even camp here and hike to both falls. Whether you choose to make it a day trip or stay overnight, it’s an exceptional place for not only hikers but all outdoor enthusiasts.  

12. The Beaman Park Nature Center Hike

The well-known Beaman Park Nature Center is nestled in northwest Nashville. It’s free to visit and less than 15 miles from the downtown area. Here you’ll find a number of hiking trails from easy to moderately difficult.

The total length of these trails is reported to be over 12 miles and you could hike them all within a day if you are up for it. However, if you would rather focus on the best trail there, hike the Cooks River Cycleway. It’s rated highly by those in the know and is a moderately challenging route as it has an elevation gain of 456 feet. Give yourself a good four hours to complete it.  

FAQs About Hiking In And Around Nashville, Tennessee

Are there any really big mountains to hike and climb in Nashville?

As you may already suspect, Nashville is not exactly known for its majestic mountains. The closest mountains to the city would be the popular Smoky Mountains. Nevertheless, the city does include some hills and lovely landscapes that have memorable elevation changes that are great for hiking.

What are the closest mountains to Nashville, Tennessee?

As previously noted, the closest mountains to Nashville, Tennessee are actually the Great Smoky Mountains. They are about 242 miles away from the city. Various online sources can confirm that if you drive straight from Nashville to the mountains in normal traffic conditions without speeding, it will probably take you almost four and a half hours to get there.

Are there any official US National Parks to hike in the area?

Yes. As a matter of fact, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself is less than 242 miles from Nashville. Oddly, some online sources report you can reach the park itself in under four hours’ drive.

Perhaps they know a good time to beat the traffic. After all, this national park in Tennessee is the most visited one in the nation. The park spans two states, Tennessee and North Carolina, and includes 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail and an additional 850 miles of noteworthy backcountry trails.  

On a more personal note, your rovin’ writer and his parents once hiked a good 50-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail with a small group of scouts. The terrain is not overly taxing for experienced hikers. Covering the distance in a specific amount of time, however, is a challenge regardless of your level of expertise especially when you’re camping outdoors. 

As previously reported, you are hiking in the Fall Creek Falls State Park when you complete the favored Fall Creek Falls Trail Hike. The park is roughly 119 miles from the city and you will need almost two hours to drive there. If you want to do more hiking there, camp outdoors there or rent a cabin and try your hand (or foot?) at hiking the remainder of the 50+ miles of hiking trails there.

Is it true that you can hike part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail around Nashville? 

In Tennessee, you can hike to several places featured on the well-known 15-state-spanning U.S. Civil Rights Trail. You can find the educational National Museum of African American Music and the Civil Rights Room in Nashville at the Nashville Public Library. 

The Dolomites in Italy are a paradise for hikers and come complete with high peaks and vivid viewpoints. Each of the hikes here can be completed in a single day. Don’t worry about any special equipment since there are no via ferratas.  

Some of the less lengthy hikes can be hiked together and completed in one day. Unless otherwise noted, hike distances are round trip. The hiking season here in the Dolomites is from the month of June through the month of September, the trails are clear of snow. 

However, by the middle of October, the first snow can already start to fall, thus ending the hiking season. Having noted all that, get ready to take notes. Here are the 15 best day hikes in the Dolomites.

15 Best Day Hikes In The Dolomites

1. The Tofana Di Mezzo Hike

Tofana di Mezzo is one of the best places to get a view of the Dolomites from the shortest hiking trail. This easy trail is only 0.3 kilometers in length, still, it scales a cliff edge and includes a slippery ascent of 55 meters to the mountain’s peak. In order to reach the hiking trail, you will need to climb staircases that begin at the area’s highest cable car station, Cima Tofana.

You can scramble up the short but steep hill to Tofana di Mezzo from the hiking trail and enjoy incredible 360° views of the impressive Dolomites. Give yourself half an hour. Remember, if you have a fear of heights, you might want to forget this one. 

2. The Seceda Hike

Take the local cable car to Seceda, in Val Gardena to complete this 1.3-kilometer loop trail. You simply hike uphill to the viewpoint. The total ascent here is 110 meters.  

Hike down the trail along the ridgeline towards the peaks. When you arrive at the trail junction, head back to the station. You will need between half an hour to 45 minutes.

3. The Cinque Torri Hike

Take the convenient, quick chairlift in Cortina d’Ampezzo to the well-known hiking and rock climbing spot, Cinque Torri. Hike around in this open-air museum complete with bunkers and trenches from WWII. The chairlift and this educational area make it great for kids as it’s an easy, 1.9-kilometer loop with an ascent of 130 meters and everyone learns a bit about history here too.  Give yourself an hour for this one. If you have the time and energy, combine this hike with the Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau hikes and make a day of it.

4. The Cadini Di Misurina Hike

This is a gorgeous, short, and easy hike not far from the Tre Cime Naturepark and Cortina d’Ampezzo. It begins at the well-known Rifugio Auronzo and ends at the popular Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. It has a length of 3.2 kilometers.  

Along with enjoying the view of the Cadini di Misurina, hiking this trail also allows you to see the beautiful “backside” of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This trek has a total ascent of 210 meters. You will need between one and two hours to complete it. What’s more? If you enjoy short hikes but don’t like crowds, this is yet another reason to hit the trail here.

5. The Lago Di Braies Loop Hike

The lovely Lago di Braies is a lake located in Fanes-Sennes-Brais Nature Park, South Tyrol. It is nigh-famous for its majestic mountain backdrop and its clear aquamarine water. Camera bugs and hikers both enjoy this short, easy hike. 

This hike has a total ascent of 100 meters. It can be completed in between one and a half and two hours. The loop around the shimmering, aquamarine lake is also considered family-friendly. The distance of the loop is 3.7 kilometers and offers incredible views of the lake from all angles.

6. The Lagazuoi To Falzarego Pass Hike

This easy hike in Cortina d’Ampezzo starts with a cable car ride from the historic Falzarego Pass to the Lagazuoi, one of the many mountain peaks here. The view from the upper cable car station is phenomenal. There are a number of hiking trails that run through Lagazuoi.

You hike downhill from the mountain peak to your vehicle which you have hopefully parked at the Falzarego Pass. The distance is a total of four kilometers from point to point. The elevation loss is 650 meters.

Allow yourself between two to three hours to complete this attractive trek. From the trail, you will see Averau, the Cinque Torri, Croda da Lago, Gran Diedro, and Nuvolau. It’s family-friendly too. The best time to go is from June through September.

7. The Rifugio Averau And Rifugio Nuvolau Hike

If you’d enjoy a hike in Cortina d’Ampezzo that comes complete with a drink or meal with an unforgettable view, this hike is for you! The hike is 4 kilometers long and is rated easy. The total ascent is 335 meters and it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete plus count on some additional time at the rifugios.

The hike starts at Rifugio Averau which reportedly serves some of the best pasta dishes in the Dolomites. From here, you hike past Rifugio Nuvolau which sits atop Mount Nuvolau. Here, at an impressive elevation of 2,575 meters, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the mountain peaks. Hopefully, you’re lucky enough to complete the hike on a clear day. Have lunch on the outdoor terrace, and make a meal a memory! 

8. The Piz Boe Hike

This hike in Val Gardena starts at Passo Pordoi. From there you ride the cable car to Sass Pordoi. From there, it is a comparatively short yet nevertheless moderately strenuous hike with a total ascent of 430 meters. Remember, this summit of Piz Boè is the highest peak in the Sella Group. Enjoy the panoramic views from here. They are said to be breathtaking and well worth the effort. Allow yourselves between two and four hours for this noteworthy hike.

The best time to take this hike is always early in the day when there are fewer chances of any crowds. The best time of the year to do it is between the end of June and the end of September. If you wish to avoid any remaining snow, wait until September, for sure!

9. The Cinque Torri And The Rifugio Averau And Rifugio Nuvolau Hikes

Combine two of arguably the best day hikes here into a slightly long but more epic hiking adventure. This combo hike in Cortina d’Ampezzo is an exceptionally good idea if you only have a single day here in the Dolomites. Despite the fact that you are combining two treks, the total distance is still relatively short at only six kilometers so it’s still workable.

Rated easy to moderate, this two-trek hike has a total ascent of 465 meters. Allow yourself between two and a half to three hours to complete this hike and don’t forget to plan on spending additional time at the popular rifugios. The views are no less than gorgeous, you get a great meal and can enjoy memorable views of the Dolomites.

10. The Alpe Di Siusi Hike

Alpe di Siusi in the Dolomites is Europe’s highest alpine meadow. It offers travelers wonderful views and plenty of natural beauty. With cabins, hotels, and rifugios scattered ‘cross the landscape, there are several options in terms of accommodations.

Perhaps the best way to enjoy the area is to take this hike from comfy Compatsch to striking Saltria. The total distance of this adventure is under seven kilometers. This easy, downhill hike includes a 260-meter descent.    

You will need between two and three hours here plus whatever time you wish to spend at the local rifugios. Saltria is the lowest point, and you can take a bus ride back to the starting point at Compatsch and avoid a lengthy, unnecessary hike up again. Need more? The hillsides here are rife with more biking and hiking trails.

11. The Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Hike

One of the best hikes in the Dolomites is the loop around the triple peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. These peaks are the symbol of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike is an essential one in the Dolomites and is 8.8 kilometers long with a total ascent of 425 meters. It takes about 2.5 to five hours to complete and is rated as moderate in difficulty. The hike is located near Cortina d’Ampezzo.

This is a loop hike that takes you around the trio of huge rock pillars. What’s more, you can only see the nigh-iconic north faces from this specific hiking trail. Visit in the summer and you’ll also enjoy seeing a landscape carpeted with wildflowers. This trail also offers numerous detours to alpine lakes and additional viewpoints.

12. The Adolf Munkel Weg To Geisler Alm Hike

The Adolf Munkel Weg Trail is a point-to-point hiking trail in Val di Funes that runs right along the base of the awesome Odle-Geisler mountain group. The hike is actually almost 10 kilometers with a total ascent of 440 meters and is officially rated as moderate in difficulty. Give yourself between four and six hours for this one so you can take a break at the huts.  

To make the trek more manageable, some hikers have shortened it and actually turned it into a loop hike. They start and end the hike from one parking lot. While you will be privy to some incredible views of the mountains and can visit a couple of rifugios, some veteran visitors claim the major drawing point here is just enjoying lunch at a mountain hut.

13. The Lago Di Sorapis Hike

Also known as the Lake Sorapis hike, you will discover the trailhead just a short drive away from Cortina d’Ampezzo. However, if you plan to hike it in the summer, be prepared to deal with crowds. While most hikers go out and back on the popular main trail, you can actually make this a much quieter loop trail hike–Lago di Sorapis and Forcella Marcuoira–if you wish.  Thus, depending on your choice, the distance fluctuates between 11.6 to 12.7 kilometers and the total ascent of will be between 460 meters to 775 meters. Thus, the hike can be between moderate and strenuous and require between three to seven hours to complete.

14. The Lago Federa And Croda Dal Lago Circuit Hike

The Croda da Lago Circuit hike is possibly one of the most underrated and interesting hikes in all of the Dolomites. This loop trail in Cortina d’Ampezzo leads you around the Croda da Lago mountains, has a total distance of 12.8 kilometers and a total ascent of 900 meters. Pencil in between 4.5 and six hours for this moderate to strenuous trek.

The trail takes you through verdant woods and on your way to the alpine lake, Lago Federa, you will also enjoy both panoramic and close-up views of Croda da Lago. This hike is essentially a much less crowded hike that offers stunning views. During the summer months, the Dolomites can be a busy place to visit, but this trail is an exception.   

15. The Puez-Odle Altopiano Hike

This point-to-point hike has a total distance of 17 kilometers along some of the Dolomites’ highest mountain peaks. Your journey begins with a comfy cable car ride that takes you up into the mountains, shaving off a good portion of your climb. This hike in Val Gardena includes a total descent of 1,500 meters and 850 meters of climbing.  

Count on spending between six to nine hours on this one. It is rated as strenuous but some say that both the amount of climbing and the length of the trek are “just enough” to make the adventure welcomingly challenging. Additionally, the jaw-dropping panoramic views while you hike in these high peaks are an ample reward for the effort. Some hikers say this is not only one of the best day hikes in the Dolomites but in the entire country. 

]]> https://listorati.com/15-best-day-hikes-in-the-dolomites/feed/ 0 12221 https://listorati.com/10-most-dangerous-hikes-in-the-world/ https://listorati.com/10-most-dangerous-hikes-in-the-world/#respond Wed, 08 Mar 2023 23:27:18 +0000 https://listorati.com/10-most-dangerous-hikes-in-the-world/

Hiking is great exercise that gets you outside exploring new areas! While hiking is generally considered a pretty peaceful, tame hobby, some people like to take it to extremes. From the Philippines to Guatemala, Egypt to Alaska, join me on an adventure through the most dangerous hikes in the world.

There are easy, “walk in the park” type hikes worldwide, but we aren’t focused on that type of hike today (because what fun would that be?). Instead, we are looking around the world at some especially extreme trails.

All the trails below have beautiful views, sure. But they are also treacherous and can sometimes be fatal. All the hikes on our list would take serious guts even to attempt. Make sure you have proper hiking boots, hydration, and a good compass along the way as we navigate the 10 most dangerous hikes in the world!

10 Angel’s Landing (Zion National Park, Utah, USA)

The first hike on our list comes to us from the beautiful state of Utah, in Zion National Park. Angel’s Landing is the shortest hike on our list, coming in at just over half a mile (0.8 kilometers). Angel’s Landing is an offshoot of the West Rim trail. Because Angel’s Landing is such a popular trail (and so short), some parts of the trail get heavily congested. The congestion near the upper point of the trail has led to several people falling, typically at least once a year.

When starting on the Angel’s Landing trail, you may think it is not a big deal; most of the trail is relatively harmless. Once you reach the last ascent, you must climb up a steep staircase to reach the top. This part of the trail is so narrow that hikers must go one at a time. When hikers pass one another in this area, it is extremely hazardous. Beyond the stone staircase, hikers must be supported by chains to climb higher (reaching a peak of more than 5,700 feet or 1,737 meters). Yikes!

I’ll settle for watching others hike this trail on YouTube, but the danger does not make this half-mile hike any less popular.

9 West Coast Trail (Vancouver Island, Canada)

The West Coast Trail is a 48-mile (77-kilometer) long trail along the Pacific coast of Vancouver island. When I think of the Pacific Coast, I think of Mai Tais, swimsuits, and warm weather. As you might expect, the West Coast Trail has none of those features! It’s really quite the opposite. Instead, the trail has two major portions.

The seaside portions take hikers along the coast. During this section, hikers may face problems with tides, waves, and tumultuous weather. Vancouver Island is known for having some of the most inclement weather in the world! The other segments of the West Coast Trail take backpackers through the woods. Some hazards you may face here include:

• Wildlife, including wolves, cougars, grizzly bears, and foxes
• Unexpected rain or snowstorms
• Crossing bridges, boardwalks, and ladders in various conditions

To hike the West Coast Trail, you must apply for a hiking permit from the Canadian government. The West Coast Trail is not a hike to be taken lightly and requires significant preparation as well as know-how.

8 Mount Pinatubo (Philippines)

Next on our list is a trail with a clear and present danger. Mount Pinatubo is not just a large mountain; it is actually a volcano. It was considered dormant and did not erupt for more than 400 years. However, in 1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted, causing the deaths of more than 800 people. It erupted again in 1992, this time killing more than 70.

Despite this obvious danger, many people hike this trail every year. The trail itself is not the most difficult on our list; instead, it may be one of the easiest. In fact, a seasoned hiker may be able to finish the hike in an hour or less. Of course, this doesn’t account for the fear!

While the view of the volcano and nearby crater lake is gorgeous, the dangers of an active volcano make this hike one of the most dangerous in the world.

7 Denali (Denali National Park, Alaska, USA)

Denali is another name for Mount McKinley. It is the highest peak in North America, at more than 20,000 feet 6,096 meters. It is also in one of the coldest parts of North America, Alaska. This makes ascending the Denali one of the most difficult and dangerous hikes in the world. The changes in elevation cause a huge temperature variation, getting as low as 50°F (10°C) and warming up to “as hot as an oven,” according to “Deadly Ascent: The Dangers of Denali National Park’s Mt. McKinley”.

To complete a climb like this, explorers need ideal conditions, proper training, and the best gear available. Without all three, the likelihood of injury or death is very high. Denali or Mount McKinley is certainly not for the faint of heart.

6 Pacaya Volcano Hike (Guatemala)

Who knew that so many people wanted to hike up volcanoes? Our next hike, the Pacaya Volcano hike in Guatemala, is a volcano that is clearly active and has been since 1965. Eruptions happen with some regularity. One of the biggest eruptions happened in 2010 when three people were killed. In 2013, the volcano erupted again, though no casualties were reported.

Even when the Pacaya Volcano is not actively erupting, it can be very dangerous. Rocks, ash, and dangerous gases continue to come out of the volcano, even when it is relatively dormant. This also makes the ground and footing along the climb dangerous as it is constantly changing.

Guatemala’s National Park Service has closed the peak to the public. However, adventurers are still finding ways to access the trail, taking their lives into their own hands.

5 Capitol Peak (Elk Range, Colorado, USA)

Colorado is known as the “Mile High State” for a good reason. It is positively full of large mountains, making it a hiker’s paradise. Of the many challenging peaks throughout the state, Capitol Peak is considered the most dangerous and difficult of all. The mountain is considered a “14er”, meaning it is over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) above sea level, making it the 52nd-highest peak in North America.

For those who want to attempt this hike, you must be well prepared. This means being in good physical shape, having appropriate gear, and planning ahead for eventualities. The most dangerous part of the Capitol Peak trail has an ominous name, “The Knife’s Edge.” In this area, hikers cover a rocky ridgeline with steep drops on both sides. Before crossing this area, it is absolutely essential to check the weather and make sure that it is a good time to cross. Because it is narrow, and the rock may be loose, many hikers have fallen to their deaths here.

On the positive side, once you cross “The Knife’s Edge,” you are in for some beautiful views, including Clark Peak, Mount Daly, and Snowmass Mountain. “The Knife’s Edge” makes the Capitol Peak trail the most dangerous in all of Colorado and one of the most dangerous in the world.

4 Red Sea Mountain Trail (Hurghada, Egypt)

Our next dangerous trail is in Northern Africa, specifically Egypt. The Red Sea Mountain Trail (RSMT) was only officially started in 2019. It is an extremely long trail near Hurghada, Egypt, and is 105 miles. Seasoned hikers should expect the hike to take at least ten days and as long as two weeks.

The Red Sea Mountain Trail can be complicated to navigate. Due to many tourists getting lost along the trail, you must now have a Bedouin guide. According to the RSMT website, Bedouin guides act as teachers, translators, and historians along the route.

Even with a guide, the trail is dangerous. It covers a remote desert wilderness, so hikers need to be well prepared, particularly with plenty of water. Some explorers request camels (and even Jeeps) to traverse this dangerous hike.

3 The Maze (Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA)

Canyonlands National Park is one of Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks. It is a popular park that contains a variety of trails. Experienced hikers, novices, and even children can find a hike that suits their needs. However, there is an extremely remote section of the park that is not well trafficked. This section is referred to as “the Maze.”

The Maze is in a difficult-to-reach area, and as the name implies, it is also tricky to navigate. The Maze in Canyonland parks is dangerous for a few reasons. First, it is easy to get turned around in this rocky labyrinth. Because it is so remote, finding help in the Maze is unlikely. Another danger is flash floods. Due to the rocky nature of the Maze, sudden rain storms can cause slippery surfaces and quick flooding. The third danger is rockfalls and rockslides. At any point, rocks can dislodge, causing serious consequences.

The views must be gorgeous because the Maze attracts thousands of visitors annually.

2 La Soufriere Volcano Trail (Guadeloupe)

On the island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean lies another active volcano. Standing at 4,813 feet (1,467 meters), La Soufriere Volcano is a major geological feature of the small island and can be seen for miles on a clear day. It is the centerpiece of the National Park of Guadeloupe.

Tourists (and locals) enjoy a hike up the volcano, but it is not without risk. Though it has only erupted five times in recorded history, the volcano emits steam on a near-constant basis. The trail is one of the shorter ones on our list, taking an average hiker two or three hours.

With beautiful hot springs, lovely views, and a relatively easy hike, it is easy to see why this hike is popular. Hiking along an active volcano’s rim is dangerous, so I will leave it to the thrill seekers!

1 The Chilkoot Trail (British Columbia, Canada to Alaska)

The last trail on our list is so dangerous that it can’t be contained in one country! The Chilkoot Trail is a 33-mile (63-kilometer) hike that starts in Alaska and ends in British Columbia, Canada. There are several factors that make this trail one of the most dangerous on the planet.

The first is the elevation; this is far from an easy hike. Hikers must ascend the “Golden Stairs,” which are not made of gold but snow. Another danger is the presence of bears; both brown bears and black bears have been known to attack hikers.

Dangerous enough for you? If not, consider the avalanche that occurred on the trail in 1898. Reportedly, there were more than 60 casualties. If you are willing to brave bears, avalanches, and a staircase of snow, this may be the hike for you, but I wouldn’t recommend it!