Top 25 Most Dangerous Hikes in the World

Adrenalin junkies and hardcore hikers take on some of the most unimaginable landscapes, all in hopes of conquering some of nature’s most unforgiving trails. Hikers flock to these challenging pathways that defy nature at every turn. But one thing is for sure: hiking any one of our top 25 most dangerous hikes in the world without a plan, an excellent guide, skills, and equipment is a recipe for disaster.

25. The Precipice, Acadia National Park, Maine

Not for the faint of heart, this looped trail begins as a hike but includes non-technical climbing to the top of Champlain Mountain. The three-mile hike starts off with bouldering and quickly turns into open cliff faces with only occasional handholds. At the end of the Precipice trail, hikers are rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of gorgeous Acadia.

24. Darien Gap, Panama/Colombia

Ruthless jungle terrain, steamy temperatures, poisonous flora, and fauna fill the 60-100 mile area between Panama and Columbia. The Pan-American Highway doesn’t run here. This area, called the Darien Gap, is home to undeveloped tropical jungle hikes. The pathways through this area are not managed in any way, so hikers come here at their own risk.

23. Devil’s Path, New York

Devil’s Path ultimately summits five mountains through the Catskills. Steep descents between each path make this hike one of the most dangerous for the sheer physicality required of hikers.

22. Devil’s Causeway, Colorado

Hikers travel the Devil’s Causeway to conquer a four-foot-wide rocky path that runs along a ridge connecting two rivers. With steep drop-offs up to hundreds of feet in some areas, this stomach-dropping 11,800-foot-high path rewards hikers who complete the six miles with gorgeous Colorado views.