Hidden Gem Hiking Trails You’ve Never Heard Of

12 June 2025

Let’s be real for a second—how many times have you found yourself on a "popular" trail packed shoulder-to-shoulder with selfie sticks, noisy hikers, and no real peace? Yeah, been there, done that. While mainstream trails like Angels Landing or the Appalachian Trail are legendary for a reason, they can feel more like walking through a tourist convention than a nature escape.

But what if I told you there are spectacular trails—breathtaking slices of wilderness—many hikers overlook? That’s right. These are the hidden gems. The unsung heroes of hiking. The quiet corners where nature still whispers and humans haven’t shouted all over it.

So buckle up, lace up those boots, and let’s dive into some of the most underrated, off-the-beaten-path hiking trails that you’ve probably never even heard of.

1. Lost Coast Trail – California, USA

Ever wanted to hike where the mountains kiss the sea and there’s literally no road nearby? Welcome to the Lost Coast Trail in Northern California.

Why It’s Special

- Raw, untouched coastline.
- Black sand beaches.
- Seals and sea lions sunbathing nearby.
- No cars, no crowds—just you and crashing waves.

This 24.6-mile stretch is remote, wild, and downright stunning. But be warned, the tides dictate your hike. Yep, some parts are impassable during high tide, so you’ll need to plan like a surfer chasing perfect swells.

Insider Tip:

Pack lightweight gear and check tide charts religiously. Your life literally depends on it.

2. Mount Tohivea Trail – Moorea, French Polynesia

Say “French Polynesia” and your brain probably jumps to overwater bungalows and fruity drinks with little umbrellas. But the island of Moorea hides a secret: Mount Tohivea.

Why It’s Special

- Offers the best panoramic view of Moorea.
- Dense jungle and volcanic ridges.
- Zero crowds. Seriously.

Climbing Mount Tohivea is no cakewalk. It’s muddy, steep, and can get downright sketchy in spots, but the reward? A view that’ll make your heart skip a beat.

Insider Tip:

Hire a local guide. The trail isn’t well-marked, and having someone who knows the terrain is a game-changer.

3. Copper Ridge Loop – Washington, USA

This one lives quietly inside North Cascades National Park, which, for some odd reason, is one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S.—and that’s a win for us trail lovers.

Why It’s Special

- Glacier-capped peaks and alpine lakes.
- Rarely crossed paths.
- Fire lookouts that make for epic camping spots.

The loop spans around 34 miles and offers that “alone in the wilderness” vibe that’s becoming increasingly rare. It's a leg burner, though. Trust me. You’ll feel it in your thighs the next day.

Insider Tip:

Don’t skip the detour to the Copper Ridge fire lookout. Sunset up there? Straight-up soul food.

4. Pouso do Rochedo Trail – Brazil

Hidden deep in Chapada Diamantina National Park, this trail deserves way more attention than it gets.

Why It’s Special

- Towering canyons.
- Waterfalls pouring down red rock cliffs.
- The iconic Table Mountain-style ridges of Bahia.

Brazil’s hiking scene is criminally underrated, and this trail is proof. It’s wild, isolated, and drenched in mystery.

Insider Tip:

Stay a few nights in the nearby eco-lodges. They’ll give you real insight into the local culture, and the views while sipping your morning coffee? Unreal.

5. Tongariro Northern Circuit – North Island, New Zealand

Okay, maybe one or two die-hard hikers know about this one, but it still flies under most people’s radar because of the more famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Why It’s Special

- Active volcanoes.
- Emerald lakes that look like spilled paint.
- Lord of the Rings vibes (it’s Mount Doom, people!).

Unlike the crazy-popular day hike, the Northern Circuit is a multi-day loop that takes you deeper into the volcanic wilderness of the Tongariro National Park.

Insider Tip:

Go off-season (but not winter unless you’re equipped). You’ll skip the crowds and have a more intimate experience with the land.

6. Valbona to Theth – Albanian Alps, Albania

Let’s play a quick game—name a country for epic alpine hiking. Bet you didn’t say Albania, right?

Why It’s Special

- Surreal views of jagged peaks.
- Charming mountain villages.
- Still feels like Europe’s last hidden frontier.

This 10-mile trail connects two traditional villages through the heart of the Accursed Mountains (yes, that’s their actual name). Despite the ominous title, it’s one of the friendliest, most scenic hikes I’ve ever been on.

Insider Tip:

Spend a night in both Valbona and Theth. The home-cooked meals and warm hospitality are as memorable as the hike itself.

7. Fish River Canyon – Namibia

Everyone goes to Namibia for the dunes in Sossusvlei, but the Fish River Canyon trail is its true showstopper.

Why It’s Special

- Second-largest canyon in the world (after the Grand Canyon).
- Mars-like, desolate beauty.
- Hot springs along the route. Total jackpot.

At around 52 miles, this one’s not for the faint of heart. You need a permit, and it’s only open during the dry season (May to September). But man, the solitude here? It’s the kind that reshuffles your soul.

Insider Tip:

Train before you go. The heat, terrain, and distance aren’t kind to couch potatoes.

8. Sarek National Park – Sweden

Calling all backcountry purists! If you ever wished you could be totally off-grid—no trails, no signs, no people—Sarek is your dream.

Why It’s Special

- No marked trails—you're on your own.
- Over 200 peaks and 100 glaciers.
- Part of Lapland, so you might catch the Northern Lights.

This isn't a walk in the park (literally). You should only attempt it if you’re experienced in navigation and survival. There are no amenities. It’s pure, raw nature.

Insider Tip:

Bring a satellite GPS and plenty of dried food. Also, be ready for moody weather changes. One hour it's sunny, the next you're dodging hail.

9. Laugavegur Trail – Iceland (with a twist)

You’ve probably heard of the Laugavegur Trail, but here’s the twist: most people only hike from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. What they don’t do is continue on to Skógar over the Fimmvörðuháls Pass.

Why It’s Special

- Rainbow-colored mountains.
- Fields of lava and volcanic ash.
- 26 waterfalls in a single section.

The full combo is around 50 miles and takes you through an otherworldly wonderland that feels like walking through a fantasy novel. And if you're lucky, the northern lights might even show up.

Insider Tip:

Book hut accommodations early—they fill up fast. But if you're game, camping makes it even more magical.

10. Drakensberg Amphitheatre – South Africa

Last but definitely not least, the Amphitheatre hike in South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains is an epic that somehow slips under the radar.

Why It’s Special

- One of the most dramatic cliff faces on earth.
- Tugela Falls—the second-highest waterfall in the world.
- Wild horses, baboons, and wide-open landscapes.

You’ll climb chain ladders to the top, walk along clifftops, and feel like you’re suspended between earth and sky. It's bold. It's big. And weirdly, you might have it all to yourself.

Insider Tip:

Start early. The weather can flip quickly, and trust me, you don’t want to be on those ladders in the rain.

Final Thoughts: Go Where the Trail Is Still a Secret

The world's greatest adventures often hide in plain sight. While social media flocks to the same "Insta-worthy" spots, there's something deeply satisfying about discovering a trail that’s yet to be trampled by the crowds.

Hidden gem hiking trails offer more than scenery—they offer silence, authenticity, and a real connection to the earth beneath your boots.

And hey, now that you know about these gems, you’re one step closer to becoming the kind of traveler who doesn’t just follow the map—but redefines it.

So, where to next?