10 Most Perilous Hiking Trails Around the World – Would You Dare?

Table of Contents

Extreme Adventures: The World’s Deadliest Hikes That Push You to the Limit

For those who seek adventure beyond the ordinary, hiking isn’t just a pastime—it’s a test of endurance, courage, and survival skills. Around the world, certain trails push even the most experienced hikers to their limits. From crumbling cliffs to extreme weather conditions, these treks offer stunning views but come with real dangers.

If you’re up for a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, here are the 10 most perilous hiking trails that will take your breath away—both literally and figuratively.

1. Mount Hua Shan, China – The “Plank Walk in the Sky”

📍 Location: Shaanxi Province, China
💀 Why It’s Dangerous: Narrow wooden planks bolted to sheer cliffs, high altitude, unpredictable weather

Would you walk across a few inches of wood, thousands of feet in the air, with only a chain to hold onto? That’s exactly what hikers face at Mount Hua Shan, one of the most treacherous trails in the world. This sacred Taoist mountain features a legendary plank walk, where adventurers must navigate a wooden path nailed into a vertical cliffside.

🔹 Safety Tips:
✔️ Move slowly and grip the chains tightly
✔️ Avoid during peak hours to prevent congestion
✔️ Wear hiking boots with strong traction

✨ Worth It For: Unreal panoramic views of China’s sacred mountains and the thrill of a lifetime.

2. Huayna Picchu, Peru – The Stairs of Death

📍 Location: Cusco, Peru (Overlooking Machu Picchu)
💀 Why It’s Dangerous: Steep, slippery stone stairs, high altitude, loose handrails

Rising above Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu is both stunning and treacherous. The hike features ancient Incan stairs, some of which are so steep they’ve earned the nickname “The Stairs of Death.” With fog rolling in and trails becoming slick, one misstep could lead to disaster.

🔹 Safety Tips:
✔️ Acclimate to the altitude before hiking
✔️ Use trekking poles for stability
✔️ Book in advance—permits sell out quickly

✨ Worth It For: A jaw-dropping, bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu.

3. The Maze, Utah, USA – The Trail Where People Vanish

📍 Location: Canyonlands National Park, Utah
💀 Why It’s Dangerous: Confusing labyrinth of canyons, extreme heat, flash floods

True to its name, The Maze is a disorienting wilderness of towering rock formations and dead-end canyons. Even seasoned hikers can get lost for days, and the remote location makes rescue nearly impossible. Add in the brutal desert heat and the threat of flash floods, and this hike quickly becomes a survival challenge.

🔹 Safety Tips:
✔️ Carry a GPS and extra water
✔️ Check the weather forecast for flash floods
✔️ Tell someone your hiking plans before setting out

✨ Worth It For: The sense of complete isolation and stunning red rock formations.

4. Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea – A Battle Against Nature

📍 Location: Papua New Guinea
💀 Why It’s Dangerous: Muddy jungle paths, extreme humidity, risk of tropical diseases

This 60-mile trek through dense rainforest isn’t just challenging—it’s a historical battlefield. Used during World War II, the Kokoda Track is a grueling test of endurance with steep ridges, relentless rain, and the constant threat of malaria.

🔹 Safety Tips:
✔️ Get vaccinated and carry insect repellent
✔️ Hire a local guide to navigate safely
✔️ Pack lightweight but high-energy food

✨ Worth It For: A journey through WWII history and untouched jungle landscapes.

5. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii – Paradise with a Dark Side

📍 Location: Kauai, Hawaii, USA
💀 Why It’s Dangerous: Slippery cliffs, sudden flash floods, strong ocean currents

The Kalalau Trail offers some of the most stunning coastal views in the world—but don’t be fooled by its beauty. One wrong step on a crumbling cliffside path, and it’s a sheer drop into the Pacific. Sudden rainstorms can also trigger deadly flash floods, washing hikers away.

🔹 Safety Tips:
✔️ Avoid hiking after heavy rain
✔️ Pack extra food and water (it’s a 22-mile round-trip)
✔️ Be cautious while crossing rivers

✨ Worth It For: Dramatic ocean views and lush Hawaiian jungle scenery.

6. El Caminito del Rey, Spain – The King’s Death Walk

📍 Location: Málaga, Spain
💀 Why It’s Dangerous: High cliffs, old crumbling paths, strong winds

Once considered the most dangerous trail in the world, El Caminito del Rey was so deadly that it was closed for 15 years. Today, it has been restored, but its narrow paths hanging over sheer cliffs still make it one of the most thrilling hikes in the world.

🔹 Safety Tips:
✔️ Stick to the safety railings
✔️ Avoid during strong winds
✔️ Take breaks if you feel dizzy

✨ Worth It For: The adrenaline rush of walking along sheer rock walls.

7. Striding Edge, England – A Knife-Edge Challenge

📍 Location: Lake District, England
💀 Why It’s Dangerous: Narrow ridges, sudden weather changes, sheer drop-offs

This jagged ridge is not for the faint-hearted. Strong winds and slick rocks can make the narrow, exposed path incredibly risky. During winter, it becomes even more hazardous as ice and fog reduce visibility.

🔹 Safety Tips:
✔️ Wear grippy boots for stability
✔️ Avoid during bad weather
✔️ Use trekking poles for balance

✨ Worth It For: A true mountain adventure in England’s scenic Lake District.

8. The Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa – Africa’s Ultimate Hiking Challenge

📍 Location: Maloti-Drakensberg Park, South Africa & Lesotho
💀 Why It’s Dangerous: No marked trails, extreme weather, high elevation gains

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse (DGT) is not just a hike—it’s an epic survival journey. Spanning the rugged Maloti-Drakensberg mountain range, this trail requires self-sufficiency, expert navigation skills, and mental resilience. The terrain varies from steep ridges and rocky outcrops to river crossings and remote plateaus, making it one of the most extreme hikes in the world.

🔹 Terrain & Challenges:

✔️ Cross the border between South Africa and Lesotho
✔️ Navigate without fixed trails—you must plan your own route
✔️ Face over 10,000 meters of total elevation gain
✔️ Be prepared for freezing temperatures, lightning, and strong winds

🏔️ Time & Difficulty:

8–12 days for fit hikers
Up to 15 days for slower-paced groups
5–8 days for ultra-endurance speed hikers

✨ Highlights of the Drakensberg Traverse:

🌍 Summit Mafadi – South Africa’s highest mountain (3,450m)
🏔️ Reach Thabana Ntlenyana – Southern Africa’s highest peak (3,482m)
🦅 Spot Bearded Vultures soaring over the cliffs
⛺ Sleep in Roland’s Cave—a legendary cliffside overnight spot
🐎 Encounter wild Lesotho ponies roaming the highlands

📜 Permit & Safety Tips:

✔️ Obtain a hiking permit at park entry points
✔️ Carry a GPS device and topographic maps
✔️ Be fully self-sufficient—there are no shops or facilities
✔️ Stay alert for falls, hypothermia, and fast-changing weather

✨ Worth It For: The true wilderness adventure of conquering South Africa’s most untamed landscapes.

Would you attempt this legendary trek? 🌍🏔️

9. Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala – Hiking on Fire

📍 Location: Guatemala
💀 Why It’s Dangerous: Active volcano, lava flows, toxic fumes

Hiking Pacaya Volcano is thrilling yet risky. The ground beneath you is literally hot from lava flows, and eruptions can happen without warning.

🔹 Safety Tips:
✔️ Wear heat-resistant boots
✔️ Check volcanic activity reports
✔️ Carry extra water and a mask for fumes

✨ Worth It For: The rare chance to see molten lava up close.

10. Devil’s Path, New York – America’s Toughest Trail

📍 Location: Catskill Mountains, New York

The Devil’s Path is a challenging hiking trail in the Catskill Mountains of New York. The trail is known for its craggy cliffs and is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the eastern United States.

Trail overview:

The trail is usually hiked from east to west.
The trailhead is on Prediger Road.
The trail ends at Spruceton Road.
The trail summits include Indian Head, Twin Mountain, Sugarloaf, Plateau, Hunter Mountain, and West Kill.
The trail is considered a challenging route and takes an average of 14 hours and 59 minutes to complete.

Trail name origin:
The trail’s name comes from early settlers who believed the devil built the range’s cliffs so he could climb them and retreat from humans.

Trail popularity:

The Devil’s Path is one of the most popular trails in the Catskill Park.
It’s also described as the toughest and most dangerous hiking trail in the Eastern United States.

Would You Take on These Trails?

These hikes aren’t for everyone, but if you love adventure, they promise unforgettable experiences. Which of these trails would you dare to attempt? Let us know in the comments! 🚶‍♂️🔥