LONDON, 2021-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — In celebration of National Walking Week (1-30 May), breathe new life into your daily walk with these inspirational treks across the world. With our desire to be in the great outdoors and reconnect with nature heavily influencing our holiday choices this coming year and into 2022, we take a look at the variety of walking trails and hiking routes around the world: from epic coastal treks in Japan, beautiful mountain spots in Tahiti, and urban hikes in the USA.
JAPAN
Nakasendo Way, Japan
Now known as the Nakasendo Way, during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868), the Nakasendo Trail connected Kyoto to Tokyo. The name Nakasendo Trail, literally translates to “middle mountain way” or “path through the mountains.” The best-preserved portion of the Nakasendo Way is a picturesque trail through the mountains that runs through the Kiso Valley in southwestern Nagano Prefecture. Wander the 310 mile trail and stop at one of its 69 ‘post towns’, resting stops for fatigued travellers, to glimpse Japan as it was in the past. While most of the Nakasendo and its post towns have long ago succumbed to modern development, some portions of the Kisoji area remain almost untouched offering an up-close look at life in rural Nagano.
Michinoku Coastal Trail, Hachinohe
Located along the coast of the Tohoku region is the Michinoku Coastal Trail, this trail offers a rocky shoreline, numerous bays, cliffs and coves stretching over 1,000 kilometres. As a result of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster tourism has been and still is vital to the recovery of the area. The local community has worked hard to rebuild the area using tourism to help generate the local economy. Visitors can hike the Michinoku Trail and stay in guesthouses along the way, this allows for visitors to experience local life for themselves, and see what’s so special about the Tohoku region.The biggest city in Aomori; Hachinohe City is known for its sake, fresh seafood, rare wildlife and the stunning Kabushima shrine. Whilst here, visit Kabushima Island, the only place in Japan where visitors can observe the breeding of black-tailed gulls at close range, and admire the red torii Kabushima Shrine.
Shinhotaka Ropeway, Takayama City, Three-Star Road
Set sight on awe-inspiring views whilst riding Japan’s first ever double-decker gondola over the Okuhida region and the valley of Kamikochi. Climbing 2,200 meters above sea level visitors can enjoy the spectacular landscape of the majestic vista of Japan’s Northern Alps (Hida Mountain Range). The first leg of the ropeway stops at Nabedaira Kogen, which is where the beginning of a number of hiking trails start. Hike for 90-minutes to a mountain ridge and Nishiho Sanso, a mountain hut where climbers on multi-day hikes can rest. For more experienced hikers, from June to September, a 90-minute hiking trail starts from the top of the gondola leading to Mount Nishiho. Carry on for two and half more hours to the stunning valley of Kamikochi before continuing on a three-hour ascent to Mt. Nishihotakadake.
THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI
Hiking in The Islands of Tahiti
The rugged volcanic terrain found across The Islands of Tahiti offers numerous hiking possibilities for all abilities through jungle pathways, vanilla plantations and fields of wild orchids. All hikes provide rich rewards of stunning mountain top panoramas, and those looking for a particularly challenging hike can try to scale Mt Otemmanu on Bora Bora. For those looking to mix culture into their workout, head to The Marquesas Islands, such as Nuku Hiva, and explore the Tiki statues and original settlement archaeology sites as you wind your way round the islands.
USA
Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Pittsburgh
Described as a “multi-use riverfront trail system”, this 24-mile trail has sections on both banks of Pittsburgh’s three rivers with easy access to the city neighbourhoods, weaving through cultural districts, local attractions and plenty of tasty stops along the way. Not only does it provide scenic views of Pittsburgh eclectic architecture, it also serves as a hub for other trail systems such as the Great Allegheny Passage for avid cyclists who made the pilgrimage to the city from Washington. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is also accessible to wheelchair users and features great signage that points out historical events, native wildlife and significant places along the way.
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – Florida’s Paradise Coast
Exploring the Paradise Coast’s wondrous, pristine natural areas and wildlife preserves is easy and convenient with a variety of nature trails, hiking paths, boardwalks, self-guided tours and well-designed viewing areas throughout the region. In Naples, the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has a 2.25-mile raised boardwalk navigating through four distinct environments – pine upland, wet prairie, cypress forest and marsh. Volunteer naturalists are usually on the boardwalk to answer questions and this spot has been named by Birder’s World as one of the top bird watching spots in the United States. Between June and September large and very rare ghost orchids can be spotted in bloom.
Murray Canyon Trail, Indian Canyons – Greater Palm Springs
www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
Hiking in Greater Palm Springs hits all the high notes — serenity, scenery, fitness — and there’s no better way to explore the natural beauty and wonder of the oasis than on foot. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from dozens of hiking trails that crisscross all types of terrain, from wide-open sandy spaces spotted with cacti and succulents to twisted canyons encircled by fantastic rock formations to lush palm tree oases sheltering trickling streams. Ranging from two to six miles, the hike opportunity at Murray Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons ascends higher into the wildlife surrounds of the San Jacintos and rewards hikers with the splendor of the Seven Sisters Waterfall.
Columns of the Giants – Yosemite Tuolumne County
With an abundance of trails on offer throughout all the areas that define Tuolumne County; Gold Country, High Sierra and northern part of Yosemite National Park, hikers will find spectacular vistas, unique geological formations and bird’s eye views of historic mining towns. In the Stanislaus National Forest, not far from the cool waters of Pinecrest Lake, likes Columns of the Giants. An easy ¼ mile walk, the 6,329 ft high trail leads hikers to unusual geological formations with views of basalt columns believed to have been shaped by fire and ice. In May, Visit Tuolumne County will launch a new downloadable trail guide to help hikers, bikers and nature-lovers navigate the 100’s of trails available across the county, just minutes from Yosemite National Park.
Hike & Ride – Deer Valley, Utah
Combine a hike with a ride in Utah’s Deer Valley, on the resort’s three summer chairlifts. After a day hiking up the mountain, walkers can rest their feet and soak in the vistas from a birds-eye view as they ride down the chairlift. The Silver Lake Trail lets hikers explore Bald Mountain and take in views of the Jordanelle Reservoir and the Uinta Mountains. Deer Valley also offers guided hiking tours where knowledgeable guides share information about the area, its rich history, and the local plants and animals.
Picture perfect Parker Lake – Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes is home to incredible mountains, expansive valleys and crystal clear mountain lakes – leaving visitors awe-struck with parks and viewpoints. Parker Lake is a fascinating, wildflower-trimmed trail, tucked in a small canyon overshadowed by the 12,000 ft. craggy peaks of the Sierra Crest. The Parker Lake trail will treat visitors to views of the lunar-like landscape of Mono Lake and nearby Mono Craters, topped off by a colourful array of flowers (especially in late June/early July) before transitioning into a forest of enormous Jeffrey pines and quaking aspens.
Explore the mythical Lewis Creek Trail – Yosemite Mariposa, California
With soaring 13,000 foot peaks, historical oak-studded river valleys, and thundering waterfalls, Yosemite Mariposa offers what could be the widest variety of hikes in California. Whether it’s a slow amble through the wildflowers while the kids chase butterflies or a solo climb up the granite switchbacks as clouds pass beneath you, there’s a trail for everyone regardless of age or ability. Lewis Creek Trail, located near Yosemite National Park’s southern entrance (Fish Camp) transports hikers to a mythical paradise with its shady tree cover and fern grotto feel. Walkers will pass by Corlieu Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall that drops 80 feet alongside a 100-year old cabin, as well as the powerful Red Rock Falls.
Colorado National Monument – Colorado
Colorado’s best hiking and backpacking trails will lead you to some of North America’s most incredible wildlife-watching locales. Watch elk bulls fight for their ladies in Rocky Mountain National Park, see baby mountain goats scurry across crags near Mount Evans and spot bald eagles and other rare birds nest in the cottonwood trees of the Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges. Try Colorado National Monument, home to one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama and visitors can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive. Try Coke Ovens or Ute Canyon hikes whilst there.
Sunrise hikes – Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
With views of the iconic Maroon Bells — the American West’s most recognisable, postcard-perfect mountain peaks – Aspen Snowmass is one of the best spots for a sunrise hike. At 14,000 feet, the Maroon Bells are sun-kissed before the valley, making it a spectacular sight. Drive up for sunrise (around 5am in summertime) and take a walk around Maroon Lake to fully enjoy the reflection of the Bells in the lake at dawn’s break. For more adventure, continue hiking past Maroon Lake up to Crater Lake (about 45 minutes on a medium to difficult steep grade, rocky hike) for an even more stunning view of the Bells.
Hike in history – Sacramento, California
A short drive out of Sacramento will lead hikers to Auburn State Recreation Area. Located in the heart of the gold country, the area provides intermediate to challenging trails with spectacular views of the foothill gorges, the American river and waterfalls. Once teeming with thousands of gold miners, the area is now a natural area offering a wide variety of recreation opportunities set amidst breathtaking scenery. Try a spot of gold panning after your hike.
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