7 Overrated Hiking Trails (and 6 That Are Worth Every Step)

Not every trail with a million Instagram likes is worth lacing up your boots for. Some famous hikes look incredible online but turn out to be crowded, overregulated, or just plain exhausting without much payoff. Between permits, long waits, and trampled paths, these spots can leave hikers feeling frustrated instead of fulfilled. But don’t worry there are better options. This list highlights seven hikes that often disappoint despite their fame, along with six lesser-known alternatives that truly deliver: from alpine lakes to surreal volcanic trails. If you’re seeking fresh air and real adventure, start here.

Overrated: Mount Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Reaching Everest Base Camp sounds epic, but the reality often falls short. The trail is overcrowded, expensive, and physically punishing, with days of hiking through increasingly thin air. Many are surprised to learn you can’t even see the peak of Everest from base camp. Add basic accommodations, a growing commercial feel, and real risks like altitude sickness, and the adventure can turn stressful fast. If you’re drawn to the Himalayas, there are other treks like the Annapurna Circuit that offer stunning views, rich culture, and a more fulfilling experience with fewer headaches.

Overrated: Diamond Head, Oahu, Hawaii (USA)

Diamond Head draws massive crowds thanks to its location in Honolulu, but the hike itself is underwhelming. It’s a short, steep climb on paved switchbacks with minimal shade and heavy foot traffic. By the time you reach the cramped summit, you’re jostling for space just to snap a photo. While the views are decent, they don’t match the panoramic rewards of nearby hikes like Koko Crater or Makapu’u Lighthouse. For those seeking a peaceful nature experience or a physical challenge, Diamond Head feels more like a tourist checkpoint than a true adventure.

Overrated: Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan

Tiger’s Nest Monastery is undeniably breathtaking, perched on a cliffside in Bhutan. But getting there isn’t as peaceful as the pictures suggest. The steep uphill trek is physically demanding, and the trail is often clogged with tourists and mule trains. There are few shaded rest areas, and many tours rush the experience, leaving little time for quiet reflection. While the site itself is sacred and beautiful, the journey can feel more like a group march than a spiritual pilgrimage. If you’re looking for serenity, this might not be the escape you imagined.

Overrated: Bright Angel Trail, Arizona, USA

Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Grand Canyon, but its fame comes with downsides. The descent lulls many into a false sense of ease until the steep, hot climb back up begins. Summer heat can soar above 100°F, and the trail offers little shade. Mule trains frequently block the path, adding delays and unpleasant smells. While the views are classic, the crowds and physical toll can outweigh the reward. For a more enjoyable canyon experience, consider quieter routes like the South Kaibab or remote North Rim trails.

Overrated: Trolltunga, Norway

Trolltunga may look magical on Instagram, but the reality is far less idyllic. The trail is a 10–12 hour round trip with steep climbs, slippery sections, and little shelter from sudden weather changes. Many hikers arrive exhausted, only to wait in line for up to an hour just to snap a photo on the famous rock ledge. The fjord views are impressive, but the sheer effort and overcrowding often leaves hikers wondering if it was really worth it. Norway offers plenty of less-trafficked hikes with equally stunning scenery and far more solitude.

Overrated: Cinque Terre Trail, Italy

The Cinque Terre Trail winds through five picturesque villages, but its popularity has turned it into a crowded, slow-moving path. Narrow walkways can feel claustrophobic, especially during peak months, and sections are frequently closed due to maintenance or weather damage. Add entrance fees and expensive nearby lodging, and the charm quickly fades. For a more relaxing experience, take a scenic train or boat ride between the villages, same views, far less hassle.

Overrated: Hollywood Sign Trail, Los Angeles, California (USA)

While the Hollywood Sign hike is iconic in name, the experience often disappoints. Trails can be confusing or poorly maintained, and the actual view of the sign is either far away or from behind, not the postcard shot you might expect. Expect crowds, limited shade, and traffic noise from the city below. It’s more about checking a box than enjoying nature. For better views and serenity, try Griffith Park’s less-traveled paths or nearby Runyon Canyon.

Worthy: The Enchantments, Washington State, USA

If you’re willing to plan ahead and secure a permit, The Enchantments offer a truly unforgettable hiking experience. Nestled in Washington State’s Cascade Mountains, this alpine wonderland is filled with turquoise lakes, towering granite spires, and mountain goats. It’s a tough hike steep and long but the payoff is huge, peaceful trails, dramatic views, and crisp mountain air. With fewer crowds than more famous routes, The Enchantments feel like your own private slice of wilderness heaven.

Worthy: Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland takes you across some of the planet’s most surreal landscapes, think steaming vents, neon green hills, glaciers, and black sand deserts. Spanning about 34 miles, this multi-day trek is both accessible and unforgettable, with cozy mountain huts along the way. Unlike many overrated trails, it remains relatively quiet, especially outside peak season. If you’re after solitude, drama, and the magic of Iceland’s raw beauty, this hike is worth every step.

Worthy: Drakensberg Amphitheatre, South Africa

Overlooked by many international travelers, the Drakensberg Amphitheatre hike offers staggering cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and sweeping views of KwaZulu-Natal. The trail is steep in parts but highly rewarding, especially when you reach the top of the iconic Tugela Falls, one of the world’s tallest. With far fewer tourists than other famous hikes, you’ll have space to soak in the dramatic scenery. It’s a quiet, wild, and awe-inspiring alternative to the crowded classics.

Worthy: Tatra Mountains, Poland/Slovakia

The Tatra Mountains deliver all the drama of the Alps without the high costs or crowds. Stretching across Poland and Slovakia, this underrated range features pristine lakes, craggy peaks, and scenic ridgelines. Trails are well-marked, and mountain huts offer cozy overnight stays. Whether you’re a casual walker or seasoned trekker, you’ll find routes to match your pace and far more solitude than in more popular European ranges. It’s an affordable, unforgettable alpine adventure.

Worthy: Torres del Paine “W” Trek, Patagonia, Chile

The “W” Trek in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is a bucket-list hike for good reason. You’ll pass massive glaciers, wind-swept valleys, and jagged granite towers that seem pulled from a dream. Though challenging, the trail is well-supported with refugios and campsites, making it accessible for well-prepared travelers. With fewer crowds than many famous treks and scenery that stuns at every turn, this Patagonian way rewards every step with true wilderness magic.

Worthy: Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, British Columbia, Canada

Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit in British Columbia offers one of the most breathtaking and peaceful hikes in North America. Strict permit limits keep the crowds away, letting you enjoy turquoise lakes, flower-filled meadows, and dramatic alpine cliffs in rare tranquility. Each step feels like walking through a postcard, and the well-maintained trails cater to various skill levels. For those willing to plan ahead, the serenity and stunning beauty of this hike make it worth every bit of effort.