The 10 Toughest/Most Dangerous Treks
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Loading... - Claudia Monet
- 14 Jul 2022
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Adventure seekers, experienced hikers, climbers and anyone else that has ever poured over a picture of someone standing at the precarious ledge of a cliff, wonders how they got there. From the deathly trail that kills one hundred people a year to a frozen river deep in the Himalayas; these treks are not for the inexperienced. Requiring special equipment, bravery and a lot of preparation –these are the keys to making these treks a success. Dangers such as wildlife, falling rocks and roaring oceans, to worn-out wooden planks and no trail markers have determined the top ten toughest treks in the world. From South Africa to Spain to the United States to everywhere in between; discover these unbelievable adventures treks that are not only tough but ultimately rewarding.
10. Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
This last trek is rich in history and is a World War II site where Japanese and Australian fighters battled it out on the front lines. Besides the ghosts you might spot along the way, this is one tough trek that takes anywhere from four to ten days to complete. Hostile and remote are the two words most often used to describe this trail and if something goes wrong out here; it could be a very long time before someone finds you.
The trail leads you into the heart of the Owen Stanley Range of Mountains where deep dark gorges block out sunlight, lush green vegetation grows and narrow crests offer passage. Hot humid days coupled with frigid nights make this trek suitable for only the fittest of hikers. Health threats including malaria and other tropical diseases are very real here. Foreign insects, wildlife and poisonous plants also make up the landscape. Despite the numerous dangers, rushing streams with single log crossings and spectacular views of the valleys and rivers make this one unforgettable experience.
9. Devil’s Path -New York State
Located just a short two to three hour drive outside of Manhattan lies one of the country’s most challenging hiking trails. Devil’s Path is located in the Catskills Mountains and runs only 25 miles but due to its extreme characteristics it can take you days to complete. Completing it will lead you to a total of six peaks and we suggest you prepare for a tough trek.
The trail is full of extreme rocky terrain, vertical slopes, extreme downhills and very slippery sections. Waterfalls are found throughout as well as a number of bears, so it’s highly suggested you carry pepper spray and hang your food above ground. Winding your way through rocky chutes, down steep gaps that require you to use your hands and feet and up sheer rock cliffs will challenge even the experienced trekker. Upon completion, the trails gifts you with spectacular views of the Catskill Range making it a most worthwhile challenge.
8. Kalalau Trail -Kauai, Hawaii
This 11-mile trail sits high above the crashing waves on cliffs that tower 4,000 feet above the ocean. This trail is graded but almost never level as it winds the hiker through five lush valleys to the tops of towering cliffs. It is the only land access to this part of the breathtaking Na Pali Coast and will lead you through jungles, hairpin switchbacks and past thundering waterfalls.
Common occurrences in this area include flash floods, falling rocks, thick mud and lots of rain. The slippery trail must be walked with caution as one misstep is enough to send you plunging into the ocean thousands of feet below. Extreme inclines and declines, crumbling rocks beneath your feet and narrow passageways combined with strong riptides and currents make this trek only for the adrenaline lover. Plenty of water is needed as the sun is strong and there are no facilities along the way.
7. West Coast Trail -Vancouver Island
This popular 48-mile trek is hiked by hundreds every year and although there isn’t the toughness of snowstorms, lava or other “extreme” factors; this trail requires experience and determination. Steep slopes, wooden bridges and long ladders are all a part of this trail and with the wet weather Vancouver Island often experiences; things can get slippery and out of control very fast.
Often joked that every hiker twists their ankle while hiking along the West Coast Trail, it is too often a very real experience and hikers are lucky to only have that one injury. Predators cause another danger on this trek. Black bears, cougars and wolves live in the same forests you are walking through, breathe the same air you breathe and have been known to attack hikers on occasion. There are waterways to be slogged through, beaches impassable at high tide and limited services to buy food and water. Although this trek is completed by many hikers, do yourself a favor and do not take it lightly; this one must be prepared for. Read More...
