22 Breathtaking Hiking Trails That Start with H

Hikers are always seeking new paths to explore and beautiful sights to see.

We promise to guide you through 22 amazing hiking trails worldwide, starting with the letter H.

This blog will show you a range of hikes for different skill levels, from the hard climb of Half Dome in Yosemite to the pretty paths of the Houyet Trail in Belgium.

We’ll provide key details about each trail, including its difficulty, what you’ll see, and useful tips to help you plan your trip.

Get ready to find new places for your hiking list and see some of the world’s most striking natural wonders.

1. Half Dome Trail – Yosemite National Park, California, USA

• Description: A hard hike known for its granite dome offering wide views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.
• Difficulty: Hard; includes steep paths and a final climb using cables.
• Highlights: Views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome itself, and Nevada Falls along the way.

The Half Dome Trail in Yosemite National Park shows nature’s beauty.

It tests hikers with its steep paths and final climb using cables.

This famous trek ends with great views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome’s sheer face, and the loud Nevada Falls.

It rewards those who reach the top with memorable sights and a sense of success.

2. Haleakalā Crater Trail – Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii, USA

• Description: This trail goes down into the unusual volcanic crater of Haleakalā, showing unique views and rare plants.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is medium, but the high height can make it hard for some hikers.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy views of the crater, rare silversword plants, and wide views across Maui and nearby islands.

Hawaii’s Haleakalā Crater Trail takes hikers into a quiet volcano, where strange landscapes and rare silversword plants await.

Despite its medium difficulty, the trail’s high height offers hikers wide views of Maui and nearby islands.

This makes it a must-do for nature lovers who want to learn about Hawaii’s volcanic past and unique plant and animal life.

3. Hanging Lake Trail – Glenwood Canyon, Colorado, USA

• Description: This trail leads to Hanging Lake, a blue-green lake fed by waterfalls in a narrow rocky canyon.
• Difficulty: The difficulty ranges from medium to hard, with a steep climb over rocky ground.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy Hanging Lake, Bridal Veil Falls, and pretty canyon views.

Colorado’s Hanging Lake Trail is a pretty sight, winding through a narrow rocky canyon to the blue-green waters of Hanging Lake.

Its hard ground rewards hikers with calm lake views, fed by falling waterfalls and the nearby Bridal Veil Falls.

This medium-to-hard hike offers a quiet escape into Colorado’s rough beauty, perfect for those seeking a challenging yet visually striking trip.

4. Highline Trail – Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

• Description: This is a well-known trail crossing the high mountain meadows of Glacier National Park, Montana, USA.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is medium, but high height and changing weather can make it harder.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy great views of glaciers, wildlife sightings (including grizzly bears), and flowers in season.

Montana’s Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is a way to experience the beauty of the Rockies.

It winds through mountain meadows, offering wide views of glaciers and wildlife.

Its medium difficulty is balanced by chances to see grizzly bears and bright flowers in bloom, giving hikers a look at the wild beauty of one of America’s best national parks.

5. Hoh River Trail – Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

• Description: This trail follows the Hoh River through a thick rainforest known for its moss-covered trees and many animals.
• Difficulty: The difficulty ranges from easy to medium, with mostly flat ground and some uphill parts.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy old-growth forest, Hoh River, and wildlife such as elk and Roosevelt elk.

Washington’s Hoh River Trail winds through Olympic National Park’s lovely rainforest, where moss-covered trees and the calm Hoh River create a quiet mood.

This easy-to-medium hike offers elk and other wildlife views among tall old trees, making it a perfect place for nature lovers seeking peace and many types of plants and animals.

6. Humpback Rocks Trail – Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia, USA

• Description: This short but steep trail leading to Humpback Rocks offers wide views of the Shenandoah Valley.
• Difficulty: The difficulty ranges from medium to hard, with a steep climb and rocky parts.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy views from Humpback Rocks, old farms along the trail, and flowers in spring and summer.

Virginia’s Humpback Rocks Trail is a hard climb to wide views of the Shenandoah Valley.

It rewards hikers with big views and a look at the area’s old farms.

Its medium to hard difficulty, with steep rocky parts, is made better by bright flowers in spring and summer, making it a favorite for hikers and history fans.

7. Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) – Oahu, Hawaii, USA

• Description: This is a disputed hike (often not allowed) going up the steep ridge of the Ko’olau Range, with great views.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is very hard, involving climbing steep stairs and walking on a narrow ridge.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy wide views of Oahu’s coast and striking landscapes.

Oahu’s Haiku Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, offers brave hikers a thrilling climb along a steep ridge of the Ko’olau Range.

Despite not being allowed, the hike rewards those who try with unmatched wide views of Oahu’s coast and rough landscapes, making it a top wish for those seeking hard tasks and great views.

8. Horton Plains Trail – Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka

• Description: This walk crosses the Horton Plains plateau, showing unique grasslands, misty forests, and Sri Lanka’s second-highest peak.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is medium, including some uphill parts and possibly misty conditions.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy World’s End viewpoint, Baker’s Falls, and unique wildlife such as sambar deer and purple-faced langur.

Sri Lanka’s Horton Plains Trail crosses a misty plateau with unique grasslands and misty forests, giving hikers a look at the island’s varied nature.

This medium hike includes uphill parts and may have misty conditions, leading to highlights such as World’s End viewpoint with its striking cliff views, Baker’s Falls, and meetings with unique wildlife like sambar deer and purple-faced langurs.

9. Hübschhorn Trail – Simplon Pass, Switzerland

• Description: This mountain trail offers great views of the Swiss Alps, glaciers, and flower meadows.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is hard, with steep climbs and drops over rocky ground.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy views of Hübschhorn Peak, Rhone Valley, and seasonal mountain flowers.

Switzerland’s Hübschhorn Trail tests hikers with its steep climbs and drops, set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

This hard mountain walk rewards those who try with wide views of the Hübschhorn peak, look at the Rhone Valley below, and seasonal shows of bright mountain flowers, showing Switzerland’s natural beauty and mountain history.

10. Hohe Tauern Trail – Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria

• Description: This trail explores the biggest national park in Austria, showing high mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and many types of wildlife.
• Difficulty: The difficulty ranges from medium to hard, changing by specific trail, with some tough climbs.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy Grossglockner (Austria’s highest peak), Krimml Waterfalls, mountain lakes, and traditional mountain huts (Gasthäuser).

Austria’s Hohe Tauern Trail leads walkers through the big landscapes of Hohe Tauern National Park, offering varied hikes among tall peaks, falling waterfalls like Krimml Waterfalls, and pretty mountain lakes.

The trails range from medium to hard. Highlights include Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak, and meetings with local wildlife.

The trail, set against the backdrop of traditional mountain huts (Gasthäuser), offers a glimpse into Austrian mountain culture.

11. Helvellyn Trail – Lake District, England

• Description: This is a classic trail in the Lake District showing rough peaks and striking views of Ullswater.
• Difficulty: The difficulty ranges from medium to hard, involving rocky ground and possible changing weather.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy top views from Helvellyn, Striding Edge ridge walk, and pretty Lake District scenery.

England’s Helvellyn Trail in the Lake District offers hikers a hard climb through rocky ground to the top of Helvellyn, where wide views of Ullswater and the nearby peaks await.

This medium-to-hard hike includes crossing the famous Striding Edge ridge, which gives thrill-seekers a memorable mountain-like experience amid the pretty landscapes of the Lake District.

12. Hornstrandir Trail – Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Iceland

• Description: This far-off trail in Iceland’s northern wild shows striking fjords and Arctic wildlife.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is hard, with rough ground and unpredictable Arctic weather conditions.
• Highlights: Hikers can see Arctic foxes, bird cliffs, striking coastal views, and untouched wild areas.

Iceland’s Hornstrandir Trail leads walkers through the untouched wild of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, where striking fjords and Arctic landscapes unfold.

This hard trek offers meetings with Arctic foxes, bird cliffs full of seabirds, and great coastal views.

It is a far-off and rewarding journey for those seeking raw, natural beauty and quiet.

13. Hadrian’s Wall Path – Northern England, UK

• Description: This trail follows the old Hadrian’s Wall, showing Roman ruins and rolling countryside.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is medium, with mostly flat ground and some wavy sections.
• Highlights: Hikers can explore Roman forts and mile markers and enjoy views of Northumberland National Park.

Hadrian’s Wall Path in northern England offers hikers a journey through history.

Hikers follow the old Roman wall that once marked the northern edge of the Roman Empire.

This medium trail winds through rolling countryside, passing Roman forts and mile markers and offering wide views of Northumberland National Park.

It provides a glimpse into England’s rich old remains and natural beauty.

14. Hiking Viking Trail – Newfoundland, Canada

• Description: This is a pretty coastal trail in Newfoundland, crossing rough cliffs and old Viking sites.
• Difficulty: The difficulty ranges from medium to hard, including coastal ground and changing weather conditions.
• Highlights: Hikers can visit the L’Anse aux Meadows Viking site, enjoy whale-watching chances, and take in coastal scenery.

Newfoundland’s Hiking Viking Trail offers walkers a journey through coastal beauty and Viking history.

It shows rough cliffs, old settlements like L’Anse aux Meadows, and chances for whale watching along the way.

This medium-to-hard hike immerses hikers in Newfoundland’s wild beauty and rich culture, mixing natural wonders with old remains.

15. Hornisgrinde Trail – Black Forest, Germany

• Description: This trail explores the highest peak in the northern Black Forest, with wide views and many types of plants.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is medium, with well-kept trails and some steep sections.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy views from the Hornisgrinde summit, Black Forest landscapes, and pretty trails.

Germany’s Hornisgrinde Trail leads through the lovely landscapes of the Black Forest.

It then climbs to the summit of Hornisgrinde, with wide views of the nearby valleys and rolling hills.

This medium hike features many types of plants, well-kept trails, and opportunities to be in the calm beauty of one of Germany’s most famous natural landscapes.

16. Harz Witches’ Trail – Harz Mountains, Germany

• Description: This is a pretty trail through the mystic Harz Mountains, full of old stories and natural beauty.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is medium, with varied ground, including forest paths and old sites.
• Highlights: Hikers can visit Brocken Summit, Witches’ Dance Floor, and explore Harz National Park.

Germany’s Harz Witches’ Trail winds through the lovely Harz Mountains, where old stories meet natural beauty.

This medium hike leads to the summit of Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz range.

It offers views across the national park and famous landmarks like the Witches’ Dance Floor.

With varied ground and rich history, it’s a journey through Germany’s mystic past and pretty present.

17. Hafelekar Trail – Innsbruck, Austria

• Description: This is a mountain trail near Innsbruck. It goes up to Hafelekar Peak, which offers wide views of the Tyrolean Alps.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is hard, with steep climbs and rocky ground.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy views from Hafelekar Peak, Innsbruck cityscape, and mountain plants and animals.

Austria’s Hafelekar Trail offers hikers a hard climb to Hafelekar Peak, just above Innsbruck, where wide views of the Tyrolean Alps await.

This demanding hike includes steep climbs through rocky ground, but it rewards those who try with mountain views, sights of local plants and animals, and a unique look at Innsbruck’s cityscape nestled below.

18. Huayna Picchu Trail – Machu Picchu, Peru

• Description: This famous trail is going up to Huayna Picchu peak, offering high views of Machu Picchu.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is very hard, with steep stone steps and exposed sections.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy views of Machu Picchu from above, the Temple of the Moon, and lush Andean scenery.

Peru’s Huayna Picchu Trail is a legendary climb to the peak above Machu Picchu.

It tests hikers with steep stone steps and scary exposed sections.

This hard hike rewards those who try with unmatched views of Machu Picchu from above, look at the Temple of the Moon, and be in the lush Andean landscapes around this old Incan city.

19. Hungerburg Trail – Hungerburg, Austria

• Description: This pretty trail connects Innsbruck’s Hungerburg district to the Nordkette mountain range.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is medium, with well-marked paths and steady climbs.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy views of Innsbruck and the Inn Valley and ride the Nordkette cable car.

Austria’s Hungerburg Trail offers a pretty journey from Innsbruck’s Hungerburg district to the Nordkette mountain range, with well-marked paths and steady climbs.

This medium hike offers wide views of Innsbruck and the Inn Valley below.

It is enhanced by the unique experience of going up or down via the Nordkette cable car, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

20. Hokkaido Nature Trail – Hokkaido, Japan

• Description: This trail explores the natural beauty of Hokkaido, showing volcanic landscapes and many types of wildlife.
• Difficulty: The difficulty ranges from medium to hard, changing by specific trail, with volcanic ground and possible changing weather.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy views of Hokkaido’s volcanic peaks, wildlife such as brown bears, red-crowned cranes, and hot springs.

Japan’s Hokkaido Nature Trail leads walkers through the island’s untouched landscapes, showing volcanic peaks, calm lakes, and wildlife like brown bears and red-crowned cranes.

This medium to hard hike offers looks into Hokkaido’s earth wonders and cultural traditions, with chances to relax in natural hot springs amid the island’s calm beauty.

21. Houyet Trail – Houyet, Belgium

• Description: This pretty trail along the Lesse River in Belgium’s Ardennes region shows caves and thick forests.
• Difficulty: The difficulty ranges from easy to medium, with well-kept paths and some gentle climbs.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy the Lesse River Valley, the caves of Han-sur-Lesse, and the Ardennes countryside.

Belgium’s Houyet Trail winds through the pretty Ardennes region, following the calm Lesse River and passing by the famous caves of Han-sur-Lesse.

This easy-to-medium hike offers pretty views of the Lesse River Valley, chances to explore limestone caves, and being in the thick forests and rolling hills of Belgium’s loved Ardennes countryside.

22. Hermit Trail – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

• Description: This trail enters the Grand Canyon’s Hermit Basin, offering quiet and striking canyon views.
• Difficulty: The difficulty is hard, with steep going down and up over rocky ground.
• Highlights: Hikers can enjoy views of the Grand Canyon, Hermit Rapids, and rock formations.

Arizona’s Hermit Trail leads hikers into the heart of the Grand Canyon’s Hermit Basin, where quiet and great views await.

This hard descent and ascent through rocky ground offers unmatched canyon views, a look at the mighty Colorado River, and encounters with old rock formations, giving a deep look into one of the world’s natural wonders.

Conclusion

We’ve taken you through 22 remarkable hiking trails, starting with the letter H.

From hard climbs to easy walks, these paths offer something for every hiker.

Each trail showcases unique natural beauty, from volcanic landscapes to lush forests.

Remember, hiking is more than exercise; it’s a way to connect with nature and challenge yourself.

Whether planning your next trip or just dreaming of far-off places, we hope this list has inspired you.

Which of these H trails caught your eye? Have you hiked any of them before?

We’d love to hear about your experiences or which trail you’re adding to your bucket list.

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts with fellow hiking enthusiasts.

Happy trails!