I’ve Walked 5 Trails That Didn’t Impress Me But 3 Left Me Speechless

As an avid hiker, I’ve trekked countless paths across the globe, each promising unforgettable views and experiences. Not every trail lives up to its Instagram fame, though. Some left me wondering if I’d taken a wrong turn somewhere, while others genuinely took my breath away.

Here’s my honest take on eight hiking adventures that taught me beauty isn’t always where the guidebooks say it is.

1. Hollywood Sign Trail: Tourist Trap with Mediocre Views

My expectations soared higher than the famous letters themselves. What awaited was a dusty, crowded path with selfie-sticks at every turn.

The views of Los Angeles were hazy at best, and you can’t even get that close to the actual sign. Several better vantage points exist throughout the city without the uphill battle.

Save yourself the trouble and snap your Hollywood sign photo from Griffith Observatory instead – you’ll get the iconic shot without the sweaty, disappointing hike.

2. Arthur’s Seat: Edinburgh’s Overrated Hill Climb

Everyone raves about this extinct volcano in Scotland’s capital. After huffing and puffing my way up, I found myself in a wind tunnel surrounded by hundreds of other tourists.

The panoramic city views were decent but hardly worth the slippery, muddy ascent. Edinburgh Castle offers similar vistas without the treacherous climb.

If you’re visiting during peak season, prepare for a human traffic jam on narrow paths. I’d suggest the nearby Calton Hill for comparable views with half the effort.

3. Griffith Park Trails: Los Angeles’ Underwhelming Network

Despite spanning over 4,000 acres, these trails left me feeling like I was just walking through a slightly wild city park. Constant road noise follows you everywhere, shattering any illusion of wilderness.

The trails themselves are poorly marked, and I got lost twice despite having a map. Dust covered my shoes and clothes within minutes.

Though catching glimpses of the Observatory was nice, the endless brown landscape and lack of shade made this more of an endurance test than an enjoyable nature experience.

4. Dragon’s Back: Hong Kong’s Overhyped Ridge Walk

Travel magazines call this Hong Kong’s premier hike, but reality told a different story. The trail was so packed with people that I spent more time waiting to pass narrow sections than actually hiking.

Humidity wrapped around me like a wet blanket, and the promised coastal views were mostly obscured by haze. For a city known for dramatic landscapes, this felt surprisingly ordinary.

Many sections were eroded from overuse, creating treacherous footing. If you’re still curious, go very early on a weekday or skip it entirely for less famous but more rewarding Hong Kong trails.

5. Roy’s Peak: New Zealand’s Instagram Deception

Those stunning social media photos? They hide the truth about this monotonous climb. The entire 5-hour journey follows the same zigzagging cattle track with virtually identical scenery throughout.

When I finally reached the famous viewpoint, I found a literal line of people waiting for their turn to take the same photo everyone posts online. Some waited over an hour for their 30-second photo opportunity.

The Wanaka region offers dozens of equally beautiful hikes without the crowds or monotony. I wish I’d spent my day exploring those instead of chasing this overhyped Instagram spot.

6. The Narrows: Zion’s Otherworldly Water Corridor

Wading through knee-deep water between towering 1,000-foot canyon walls genuinely changed how I think about hiking. This isn’t a trail – it’s an adventure.

Sunlight filters down in magical ways, creating an ever-changing light show on the red rock walls. The cool water was refreshing rather than uncomfortable, even with rented water shoes.

Unlike traditional hikes, The Narrows forces you to slow down and immerse yourself completely in nature. Every turn reveals a new breathtaking composition of water, light, and stone that photographs simply can’t capture.

7. Inca Trail: Peru’s Time-Traveling Mountain Journey

Four days of challenging hiking rewarded me with the most profound travel experience of my life. Ancient stone paths led through cloud forests, alpine tundra, and mysterious ruins that pre-date Machu Picchu.

Our local guide shared stories passed down through generations, bringing the ancient civilization to life with each step. Camping under star-filled Andean skies created moments of pure magic.

When we finally reached the Sun Gate at dawn, watching the first light hit Machu Picchu below, I understood why people call this a pilgrimage rather than just a hike. Worth every blister and challenging step.

8. Sentiero Azzurro: Italy’s Coastal Masterpiece

Imagine hiking along cliffs where vibrant Mediterranean villages cling impossibly to rocky outcrops above crystal-clear water. This “Blue Path” connecting Italy’s Cinque Terre villages exceeded every expectation.

Lemon groves and vineyards terraced into steep hillsides accompanied me between towns. Each village offered a perfect excuse to rest, with gelato shops and seafood restaurants just steps from the trail.

Though sections were challenging, the combination of cultural immersion and natural beauty created a perfect harmony. I still dream about those azure waters contrasting against colorful buildings and green hillsides.