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(CNN) — Hiking is often frowned upon by adrenaline junkies.
But as these challenging paths show, putting one foot in front of the other isn’t always an easy option.
To run these famous hikes, you just need a higher level of gum.
These routes are dangerous and only for experienced hikers. That means they have the right gear, the ability to get themselves out of difficult situations and the willingness to plan for the worst and pack accordingly.
Whether you’re trying an English Lake District classic or tackling the “world’s most dangerous hike” in rural China, this list has got you covered.
Striding Edge, Lake District, England
The Lake District’s famously variable weather makes even the most bucolic walks challenging.
But Striding Edge — the sharp Aretna that leads to Helvelyn Peak, the third highest peak in the Lake District National Park — is different in this corner of England.
Hikers can choose to follow the trails that go through the ridge, but for those who are interested in fun, the reed itself is where it’s at.
On a clear day, the views are sensational, stretching as far as Scotland.
This is not for beginners or the faint of heart: hikers should be prepared to dive, have good climbing skills for the final push, and know how to navigate properly if the clouds roll in.
Snow and ice can be deadly in the winter, so preparation and a willingness to back down are a must.
The Maze, Canyonlands, Utah, United States
When it comes to the Maze, the National Park Service cuts to the chase.
He calls the hike here “very challenging,” warning of slippery rocks and steep drops.
This is the most remote part of the Canyonlands, where visitors must negotiate long drives over dirt roads before reaching the deep canyons, where rock falls and flash floods are uncommon and water is difficult to find from the few springs in the area (packing enough fluids is a must for multi-day trips).
Park rangers want all visitors to share their itineraries and stay connected as much as possible. Those who come are treated to landscapes that feel timeless and are unlikely to meet other people on their adventures.
Huashan, China
On this path, travelers must follow the planks attached to the rock face.
Maciej Bledowski/iStock Editorial/Getty Images
The spectacular route at the southern peak of Huashan, one of China’s five great mountains, is often ranked as the most dangerous hike in the world, and for good reason.
To reach the summit at 7,070 feet, hikers must scale uneven steps and a series of steps using a harness and carabiner to traverse the famous “plank walk” before hooking themselves onto a chain.
It’s as basic as it sounds — wooden planks are glued to the rock face that you follow up and down the mountain.
While many tourists arrive in just sneakers and a t-shirt, this is not a place to arrive unprepared.
Proper hiking shoes, plenty of food and water, and a good level of fitness are essential.
Tour of Sorapis, Italy
The Dolomites are home to a series of gut-wrenching via ferrata (literally iron roads) — iron trunk roads dating back to World War I, when Italian and Austrian troops fought fierce battles on the region’s limestone peaks.
Today, hikers seeking the thrill of climbing without fear of long falls flock here in spring and summer.
The Giro del Sorapis offers the biggest challenge of all, starting at Refugio Vandelli before climbing up steep rock faces into the mountains and three separate via ferratas.
Hikers need harnesses to cut through the lines, as well as helmets and a guide who provides the necessary equipment and shows the route.
Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa and Lesotho
Multi-day hikes give intrepid hikers the chance to test their skills to the limit, while changing weather conditions and the need to carry loads of gear present a real challenge.
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse certainly represents one. The 230-kilometer (143-mile) trek, which takes up to two weeks to complete, begins by climbing a chain ladder up the Drakensberg Escarpment, before crossing the border with Lesotho and finally heading back south. Africa.
This monster of a long distance can be attempted alone, but hikers should be aware that the trail itself is more of a concept than it appears, meaning anyone planning to head here will need KZN Wildlife Drakensberg hiking maps, a GPS and plenty of food. And water for the whole trip.
Visits are recommended in summer or autumn, lush, difficult to walk – summer grass and bitter winter days.
Cascade Saddle, New Zealand
The prize? Endless vistas of snow-capped peaks.
Ondrej/Adobe stock
In the heart of Aspiring National Park in New Zealand’s South Island, Cascade Saddle offers some of the best mountain views in the world.
But after seeing several deaths from rock slides and treacherous conditions earlier this century, the National Guard is keen to emphasize that this route is only for “exploratory and advanced backcountry skills and experience”. Be prepared to back off if things get hairy.
Completed over two days, with the option of camping or hitchhiking in mountain huts along the way, the route includes wild sleds, rocky outcrops and walks across ankle-splitting tussocky grass.
The prize is endless snow-capped peaks, including the magnificent Mount Aspiring, by its Maori name, Tite.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
The 22-mile “out-and-back” Kalalau Trail along the coast of Kauai na Pali isn’t just Hawaii’s most dangerous hike: it’s one of the deadliest in the entire United States.
The forest road clings to the beach, the Pacific Ocean lapping below.
You need a permit to go from Hanakapia Beach to Hanakoa Valley to camp in the valley or on Kalalau Beach.
Odd as it may seem, the three stream crossings here can be brutal after heavy rains, when the water swells to high levels.
Throw in a straight path across the Crawler’s Ledge and it’s a recipe for disaster for the inexperienced. Only those with valid external smarts should apply.
Huayna Picchu, Peru
Anyone who has seen a picture of Peru’s iconic Machu Picchu has caught a glimpse of Huayna Picchu. It’s the peak that sits behind the Inca’s famous Lost City, seen on countless Instagram posts and postcards sent back home from South America.
To get to the top, however, requires an inexplicable climb down a 500-year-old set of steps down to the valley below, entitled “Death Stairs.”
Throw in the stair sections that can bother even the most hardened hikers and this is an unpredictable trail. Even if you come unprepared, hiking shoes and the help of a local guide are great. It may seem difficult, but the view of the tower below is worth the three-hour effort.
Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
The Kokoda trek takes up to two weeks to complete.
Andrew Peacock/Stone RF/Getty Images
At 96 kilometers (about 60 miles), the Kokoda Track traces its route from the Papuan capital of Port Moresby to the village of Kokoda across the Owen Stanley Range.
It’s barren terrain, thanks to afternoon floodwaters that can take up to two weeks to complete, a trek that can take up to two weeks to complete, torrential floods and conditions with ankle-deep mud and tree roots slippery in the tropical heat.
In the year Officials moved to make the route safer after 13 Australians died in 2009 when a light plane hit the tracks.
A permit is required and all visitors must travel with a licensed operator, to ensure local communities benefit from tourism. To prepare for the sweaty, bitter nights in this remote corner of the world, organizers recommend training for a year.
As you travel this barren and wild road, it is important to remember that during World War II, fierce battles were fought between Japan and allied Australian and Papuan forces.
Daiquiretto Traverse, Japan.
Japan’s Northern Alps serve up some of the best and certainly most challenging hiking in the country. And the Daiquiretto Traverse is undoubtedly the route to try for true adventure hikers – it’s the closest you’ll get to technical climbing without the need for ropes.
The trail itself covers less than two miles but can take hours to complete and is best done as part of a longer guided walk through this beautiful region.
The trail above uses chains and steps, following a knife-edge ridge with drops of over a hundred meters on either side.
A high level of fitness and a head for heights are also a must. A helmet and gloves make the pass easier, and it should be noted that it is not recommended to try alone, especially in winter.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire, United States
Mount Washington is known for being home to “the worst weather in the world” (at least according to the Mount Washington Observatory).
In the year In January 2004, the temperature at the summit dropped to a bitter -47ºF (-44ºC), also setting the record for the fastest wind on land, an unbelievable 231 mph (372 km/h) set in 1934 at 1996 on Barrow Island, Australia.
Trekking here requires serious preparation. Conditions can change at any minute, meaning you’ll need to pack winter gear even at the height of summer.
Climbing is no joke, climbers must be in good shape to achieve it. Yes, it is possible to drive or take the famous cog train to the top of the mountain, but anyone who is well-prepared and looking for a challenge should lace up their boots, fill their backpacks and hike.
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