Hiking is one of my favorite outdoor activities, offering a great way to explore nature while challenging myself physically. Over the years, I’ve hiked many different trails across various terrains, some of which were awe-inspiring, while others left me regretting my decision. Looking back, there are a few hiking tracks that, while popular, I learned the hard way to avoid—mostly due to poor signage, dangerous conditions, or unexpected obstacles. Here’s a rundown of a few trails that are best left for more experienced adventurers or, frankly, just avoided altogether.
1. The Knife Edge Trail, Mount Katahdin (Maine,
USA)
I should’ve known this trail would be no walk in
the park the moment I saw the name “Knife Edge,” but I was determined to
tackle it. Mount Katahdin is the highest peak in Maine, and the Knife
Edge trail is infamous for its narrow ridge that offers dizzying views
on both sides. While the views are absolutely spectacular, the trail
itself is a nightmare for anyone with a fear of heights. The path is so
narrow in some places that you’re forced to scramble over sharp rocks
with no guardrails to keep you from falling. If you’re not a
seasoned hiker or climber, it’s easy to feel exposed and unsafe.
Halfway through, I found myself clinging to rocks, trying to steady my
breath, and regretting my decision. The risk of slipping or losing
footing is high, and unless you’re an experienced mountaineer, it’s a
trail I’d recommend avoiding altogether.
2. The Mount Huashan Plank Walk (Shaanxi, China)
I’ve
done some daring hikes in my day, but this one took my fear of heights
to a new level. The Mount Huashan Plank Walk is notorious for being one
of the most dangerous hikes in the world, and after experiencing it
firsthand, I can confirm the rumors. The trail involves walking along a
narrow wooden plank affixed to the side of a cliff with only a thin
chain to hold on to for balance. The drop is sheer, and the feeling of
walking on a board hundreds of meters above the ground is nothing short
of terrifying. What makes it worse is that the entire experience feels
rushed and crowded, with tourists clamoring to get their photos and
selfies on the narrow planks. If you have any sense of
self-preservation, this is one hike to avoid—no matter how “bucket-list”
it seems.
3. The Haute Route, French Alps
While the Haute Route
is considered one of the most scenic and renowned multi-day treks, it
was far more difficult than I had anticipated. This trek links Chamonix
in France to Zermatt in Switzerland and takes you through the Alps,
offering stunning views of glaciers and mountain ranges. However, the
conditions can be treacherous, especially if the weather turns
unexpectedly. I experienced snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and
rugged terrain that were not for the faint of heart. There were sections
where the trail disappeared under layers of snow, and the risk of
slipping on ice was constant. For someone not well-prepared for such
extreme conditions, it was a grueling, exhausting experience. While the
views are beautiful, the unpredictable weather and tough conditions made
it one of those hikes I don’t plan on revisiting anytime soon.
4. The Half Dome Trail, Yosemite National Park (California,
USA)
Yosemite National Park is a stunning place to
visit, but the Half Dome trail, known for its iconic cables that guide
you to the summit, is something I’ll never forget in a negative way. The
hike itself is challenging, with steep climbs and exposed ledges, but
the worst part came at the cables section. As I attempted to climb the
final stretch, I found myself inching up the rock face, gripping the
cables for dear life. The sheer drop on either side is daunting, and
when you’re facing thousands of feet of nothing but open air, the
anxiety is overwhelming. The crowd of hikers—many of whom seemed to be
unprepared for such a rigorous climb—made the situation even more
uncomfortable. After making it to the top, I couldn’t shake the feeling
that I had just narrowly escaped a potentially dangerous situation. It’s
a beautiful trail, but only if you’re fully prepared both physically and
mentally for what lies ahead.
5. The Salkantay Trek (Peru)
The Salkantay Trek is
one of the more popular alternatives to the Inca Trail, but it’s
definitely not for the faint of heart. This trek, which leads you to
Machu Picchu, is filled with high-altitude challenges, unpredictable
weather, and difficult terrain. The first part of the trek involves
steep ascents through thick forests, and at one point, I found myself
struggling to catch my breath due to the altitude. The unpredictable
weather brought on torrential rain, and the muddy trail turned into a
slippery, near-impossible path to navigate. The constant elevation
changes left me exhausted, and at times, I seriously considered turning
back. While it’s undeniably beautiful, the physical toll it took on my
body made this one of the toughest and least enjoyable hikes I’ve
experienced.
While hiking is an incredible way to experience the outdoors, some trails can be far more dangerous than they seem. Always research your hikes thoroughly, ensure you’re well-prepared, and trust your instincts if something feels off. These hikes may be iconic, but they aren’t always worth the risk, especially if you’re not fully ready for the challenge.