Canada Just Beat Switzerland and Italy for the World’s Best Hiking Trails, According to New Data

A new study ranks the most beautiful hiking destinations in the world—and the results aren’t what you’d expect.

Hiking has become one of the biggest travel trends this year, especially with younger travelers. According to a new study, 17% of Gen Z are planning hiking-focused trips in 2026, trading big nights out for early mornings on the trail.

To figure out where those trips should actually happen, researchers at TouchNote analyzed AllTrails data across multiple countries, looking at ratings, difficulty, reviews, and even how “photogenic” each trail is based on user images. The result is a ranking of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the world.

And yes, the top spot might surprise you.

The 9 Best Countries for Hiking, Ranked

9. Wales

Wales may rank ninth, but this is not a soft finish. Its trails earned an average rating of 4.71/5, with an average difficulty of 4.6/5, putting it among the more challenging hiking destinations in the study.

This is the place for hikers who like moody coastlines, steep mountain paths, and routes that feel wild without requiring a massive international production. Snowdonia alone gives Wales serious hiking credibility, especially if you like dramatic views without the Alps-level price tag.

8. Scotland

Scotland also earned an average trail rating of 4.71/5, but its slightly higher beauty score nudged it ahead of Wales. The average trail length sits around 9,559 meters, so these aren’t always quick little strolls either.

This is where you go for misty hills, lochs, rocky ridgelines, and hikes that feel properly atmospheric. It’s also a good pick if you like the idea of pairing outdoor adventure with small towns, historic sites, and a cozy pub afterward.

7. New Zealand

New Zealand landing seventh almost feels rude, given how famous it is for outdoor travel. But the study gave it a beauty score of 5.70/10, with an average rating of 4.68/5 and a lower average difficulty score than many other countries on the list.

That lower difficulty isn’t necessarily a bad thing. New Zealand is great if you want big scenery without every hike turning into a full alpine mission. You can get mountains, lakes, beaches, forests, and volcanic landscapes in one trip, which is exactly why it stays so high on so many bucket lists. (Highly recommend Queenstown for hiking.)

6. France

France stands out for trail length, with hikes averaging 13,293 meters, the longest in the ranking. It also earned a strong average rating of 4.73/5, so this isn’t just about distance for distance’s sake.

This is a great fit for travelers who want hiking to be part of a larger trip rather than the only thing they do. You can build an itinerary around alpine routes, countryside walks, village-to-village trails, and food that makes the uphill sections feel a little more justified.

5. Norway

Norway’s trails earned a 7.43/10 beauty score, and the average difficulty sits at 4.4/5, so this is not the destination I’d pick for a lazy walking vacation. The payoff, though, is exactly what people picture when they think of Norway: sharp peaks, fjords, cliffs, and water views that make you stop every few minutes.

This is a better fit for hikers who want drama and don’t mind a bit of effort. It’s also one of the strongest choices on the list if photography is part of the reason you travel.

4. United States

The U.S. had the highest average trail rating in the study at 4.86/5, which is pretty impressive considering how varied the landscapes are. The average number of reviews per trail was also much higher than anywhere else on the list, at 21,999, so there’s a lot of traveler feedback behind that score.

The best thing about hiking in the U.S. is the range. You can plan trips around desert trails, national parks, mountain routes, coastal paths, waterfalls, and forest hikes without leaving the country. The catch is difficulty: with an average score of 4.6/5, many of the top-rated trails are not exactly casual vacation walks. (Washington is my personal favorite for hiking, though!)

3. Italy

Italy ranked third with an average trail rating of 4.77/5 and a beauty score of 8.92/10. It also has longer average trail lengths, coming in at 9,720 meters, but with a more moderate difficulty score than Switzerland or the U.S.

This is probably the most tempting hiking destination on the list for travelers who want the scenery without giving up the rest of the vacation. You can hike in the Dolomites, along lakes, through coastal paths, or near mountain refuges, then end the day with a meal that makes the whole thing feel like a very good life choice.

2. Switzerland

Switzerland came extremely close to taking the top spot, with an average trail rating of 4.77/5 and a beauty score of 9.79/10. It also has one of the higher average difficulty scores in the study at 4.4/5.

This is the country for classic alpine scenery: turquoise lakes, snowy peaks, ridgelines, cable cars, and villages that look almost suspiciously perfect. It’s not always the cheapest place to hike, and some routes are demanding, but if you want the full postcard version of a hiking trip, Switzerland is hard to argue with.

1. Canada

Canada took the top spot with a perfect 10/10 beauty score, along with an average trail rating of 4.73/5. What’s especially interesting is that the average trail length was the shortest in the top group at 5,955 meters, and the average difficulty sat at 3.8/5.

That makes Canada feel like the most balanced winner. You still get mountain views, lakes, forests, and national park scenery, but the data suggests the standout trails are more approachable than some of the tougher destinations on the list. For travelers who want a hiking trip that feels big without being punishing, Canada winning actually makes a lot of sense.

One Big Name Is Missing From This List

One thing that stands out here is what’s not included.

Countries like Peru—home to some of the most famous hikes in the world, including the Inca Trail—don’t appear at all.

That likely comes down to how the study was built. It relies heavily on AllTrails data and user-uploaded content, which tends to favor more accessible, widely reviewed hikes. Many of Peru’s best-known treks require guides, permits, or multi-day planning, so they’re not as heavily represented in app-based rankings like this. I highly recommend you check them out, though! Rainbow Mountain is one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever seen.