12 Backpacking Hotspots So Perfect For Beginners That It’s Almost Cheating

Think you’re too inexperienced to wander into the great outdoors without turning into a cautionary tale? Relax, we’ve got you covered (no, not in bug spray).

If the idea of backpacking conjures images of breaking an ankle or fending off a grizzly bear with a granola bar, take a deep breath. You’re not headed into the wilderness straight out of a survival show.

There are plenty of spots designed for baby steps, metaphorically padded with training wheels – but still scenic enough to make you feel like you’re starring in your own nature documentary. Believe me, if you can walk and carry a bag at the same time, you’re already halfway there.

Got a favorite beginner’s escape or a story of your rookie backpacking triumphs (or mishaps)? Drop it in the comments.

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Torres Del Paine W Trek, Chile

A trek so iconic they didn’t even bother with a creative name – it’s shaped like a “W,” get it? Located in Chile’s Patagonia region, this trail serves up mesmerizing glaciers, turquoise lakes, and those famous jagged peaks that look like the mountains just woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

It’s roughly 50 miles of “wow” sprinkled with occasional “why did I think 50 miles was a good idea?” moments. But guess what, you don’t have to do the whole thing! But the whispers of wind through the untouched wilderness might make you feel like you’re starring in a Patagonia catalog.

Cinque Terre, Italy

If backpacking through a postcard sounds like your thing, Cinque Terre might be your calling. Located along Italy’s rugged Ligurian coastline, these five vibrant villages (yes, count them) are connected by trails that range from gentle strolls to sweaty lung-burners.

Think of it as hiking with built-in snack breaks – pasta, pesto, and gelato are always nearby, (because, well, it’s Italy). The salty sea air, the clinking of wine glasses, and the occasional waft of anchovies frying – it’s not just exercise, it’s an experience. Sure, there are stairs… a lot of stairs… but hey, your calves will thank you later (maybe not).

Lake District, England

Welcome to the land of rolling hills, quaint stone cottages, and lakes so poetically perfect they inspired Wordsworth. Located in northern England, the Lake District offers trails that won’t leave you gasping for air but might leave you pausing to stare at the views every five minutes.

Is that sheep baaing at you? Yes, but it’s just judging your footwear. The damp, cool breeze, the occasional mist (so cinematic you’ll feel like you’re in a gothic novel), and the scent of fresh grass make it an immersion in pastoral bliss…with a cuppa tea waiting at the end.

Milford Track, New Zealand

Dubbed “the finest walk in the world” back in 1908 – no pressure, right? Tucked into New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, this trail winds through lush rainforests, glacial valleys, and over rickety bridges that might make you question whether this was a good idea.

The grand finale? Sutherland Falls – a waterfall with so much drama it deserves its own soundtrack. Expect weather as unpredictable as a reality show plot twist and scenery so jaw-dropping you’ll run out of adjectives by day two.

Camino De Santiago, Spain

Part pilgrimage, part walking vacation, the Camino de Santiago has been luring backpackers (and penance-seekers) since medieval times. Starting in various European corners and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, this route is famous for its charming villages, endless fields, and cobblestone streets so ancient they probably have stories to tell.

The rhythmic thud of boots, the occasional church bell, and the scent of freshly baked bread from roadside cafes create an experience that’s both humbling and carb-filled. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment or just a killer pair of hiking legs, this trek delivers.

Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Ever wanted to walk on another planet? The Laugavegur Trail delivers Mars vibes with a side of hot springs. Located in Iceland, this trail weaves through landscapes so surreal even a 90s sci-fi movie would hesitate to film here.

Here’s the deal – volcanic terrain, neon-green moss, and steaming geothermal vents collide to produce scenery that’s equal parts rugged and ridiculous. It’s 34 miles of epic, complete with river crossings that might leave your boots (and your dignity) wet.

Great Ocean Walk, Australia

If you’ve dreamed of walking alongside dramatic cliffs while being serenaded by crashing waves, the Great Ocean Walk is your jam. Stretching 68 miles along Australia’s southern coastline, this trail offers views so stunning they’d make a screensavers jealous.

You’ll pass by the iconic Twelve Apostles – well, technically there aren’t twelve anymore because the ocean decided to claim a few. But the path meanders through eucalyptus forests and across windswept beaches, where the salty sea air mingles with the scent of sunbaked sand.

Trolltunga Hike, Norway

Trolltunga translates to “Troll’s Tongue,” but don’t worry, no mythological creatures are involved – just a ridiculously dramatic rock ledge jutting out 2,300 feet above Lake Ringedalsvatnet.

Located in Norway, this 17-mile round-trip hike is nature’s answer to thrill-seeking. The climb is relentless, and you’ll question doing this hike halfway up, but the payoff? That view. Standing on the edge feels a bit like floating above the earth… if floating involved sweaty legs and a mild fear of heights.

Dingle Way, Ireland

The Dingle Way in Ireland is proof that leprechaun-approved landscapes exist. Circling the Dingle Peninsula, this 111-mile trail serves up rolling green hills, ancient stone monuments, and enough pubs along the way to keep your spirits high (literally and figuratively).

It feels less like a hike and more like a leisurely stroll through a Gaelic poem – the sea breeze tickles your face, sheep bleat in the distance, and the scent of whiskey wafts past from a roadside tavern. Just don’t ask the locals how the trail got its whimsical name; they’ll probably spin you a yarn longer than the walk itself.

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is where nature decides to show off. Tucked away in the Canadian Rockies, the trails here feature turquoise lakes so pristine you’ll suspect Photoshop is involved.

Take a hike through Larch Valley, where golden trees glow like they’ve been lit by fairy dust during fall. Or, wander around Moraine Lake, with peaks rising like jagged teeth around the crystal-clear water. But beware – it’s bear country, so keep your snacks close unless you’re in the mood to share your granola bars with a grizzly.

Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is part spiritual odyssey, part leg workout. This 750-mile circuit snakes its way through Japan’s Shikoku Island, connecting 88 Buddhist temples. It’s like the ultimate temple-hopping experience, complete with wooden staffs and wide-brimmed hats.

Aside from spiritual vibes, you’ll encounter landscapes that flip between misty mountains and coastal views that belong on a scroll painting. Oh, and the local food? Think steaming bowls of udon and sticky rice cakes – fuel that makes attempting a spiritual awakening slightly less painful.

The Kerry Way, Ireland

Ireland’s Kerry Way is like being dropped into a storybook where every page features either a medieval ruin or a sheep glaring at you. Winding through County Kerry for about 130 miles, this trail showcases everything from serene lakes to rugged mountain passes.

The Ring of Kerry it circles might get all the tourists, but the Kerry Way is the undisputed darling for those who prefer solitude peppered with sheep and the occasional drizzle. And yes, “fisherman’s stew by a cozy fire” should absolutely be on your post-hike to-do list… because who hikes in Ireland and skips the chowder?

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