I Hiked 5 Overrated Trails And 8 That Were Worth Every Step

After lacing up my boots for dozens of trails across the globe, I’ve discovered that not all famous hikes live up to their Instagram fame. Some left me wondering why I’d bothered, while others literally took my breath away – and not just from the elevation!

Here’s my honest take on which popular trails are social media mirages and which ones deserve every bit of praise they get.

1. Angels Landing: More Like Tourist Landing

Crowds ruin what could be an incredible experience at Zion National Park. I spent more time waiting in line for my turn on the narrow ridge than actually hiking. The views are stunning, but hard to enjoy when you’re sandwiched between selfie-takers.

Safety chains become human traffic jams during peak season. Rangers now require permits, but it hasn’t solved the congestion problem. What should feel like wilderness adventure ends up more like waiting for a roller coaster at an amusement park.

2. Diamond Head: Hawaii’s Tourist Trap Trail

My sunrise hike to this Oahu landmark quickly turned into a sweaty shuffle behind hundreds of other tourists. The parking lot filled by 6 AM, and tour buses dumped crowds throughout the morning.

The concrete stairs and military bunkers lack natural charm. Yes, the crater view is nice, but hardly worth the hassle. Locals laughed when I mentioned hiking Diamond Head – apparently they only go when hosting mainland visitors who don’t know better.

3. Runyon Canyon: Hollywood’s Outdoor Gym

Want to see influencers in expensive workout gear walking tiny dogs? This Los Angeles trail delivers! Unfortunately, it fails to provide much wilderness experience. The dirt paths are worn and dusty, with little shade protection from the California sun.

Cell phones ring constantly as hikers take business calls. Trash litters popular viewpoints despite numerous bins. The Hollywood sign views are decent, but you’ll find better vistas with fewer people at nearby Griffith Park.

4. The Wave: Not Worth The Permit Lottery

Winning the permit lottery for Arizona’s famous Wave formation felt like hitting the jackpot – until I actually hiked it. Finding the unmarked trail required GPS skills I hadn’t anticipated, and summer temperatures soared to dangerous levels.

The Wave itself? Photogenic for about 15 minutes. Then you’re done. No shade, no facilities, just a long trek back through the desert. Considering the months-long wait for permits and the difficulty reaching it, this geological formation didn’t justify the effort.

5. Multnomah Falls Trail: Instagram vs. Reality

Oregon’s most photographed waterfall looks magnificent online. In person? I could barely see it through the sea of smartphones. The paved path from the parking lot to the iconic bridge was more crowded than my local mall on Black Friday.

Visitors ignored trail closure signs after recent landslides. Restaurant prices at the lodge were highway robbery. If you want authentic Gorge experiences, dozens of lesser-known waterfalls nearby offer similar beauty without the tourist circus.

6. Half Dome: Yosemite’s Ultimate Challenge

My legs still tremble thinking about those infamous cables! Ascending Yosemite’s granite monolith pushed my limits in all the right ways. The 16-mile round trip journey through diverse ecosystems creates perfect build-up to the final climb.

Wildlife encounters added unexpected magic – a bear foraging near Little Yosemite Valley and marmots sunning themselves on rocks. The permit system effectively manages crowds. When I finally reached the summit, the 360-degree views of the Sierra Nevada made every grueling step worthwhile.

7. Kalalau Trail: Kauai’s Rugged Coastline Adventure

Mud-caked boots and rain-soaked clothes couldn’t dampen my spirits on this 11-mile journey along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. The trail hugs jaw-dropping cliffs where emerald mountains plunge directly into azure Pacific waters.

Crossing streams after rainfall added heart-pounding excitement. The remote beach campsite reward offers star-filled skies untouched by light pollution. Though permits are limited and planning essential, this Hawaiian trail delivers raw, untamed beauty that high-traffic tourist spots can’t match.

8. Precipice Trail: Acadia’s Vertical Puzzle

Iron rungs and ladders bolted into granite cliffs turn hiking into vertical problem-solving on this Maine masterpiece. My heart raced as I navigated narrow ledges with nothing but air beneath my feet.

Birds of prey soared at eye level during my climb. The trail’s clever design incorporates natural rock features that make you feel like you’re discovering each handhold for yourself. Though only 1.6 miles round-trip, this route packs more thrills than trails ten times its length.

9. Highline Trail: Glacier’s Mountain Balcony

Walking this narrow path carved into Montana’s mountainsides feels like floating above Glacier National Park. Alpine wildflowers created rainbow carpets alongside the trail while mountain goats watched my progress with casual interest.

The Garden Wall section offers views that literally stopped me mid-stride. Glacier-carved valleys stretch endlessly below. Despite its popularity, the trail’s length naturally disperses hikers, creating peaceful stretches where it’s just you and the wilderness.

10. South Kaibab Trail: Grand Canyon’s Perfect Descent

Stepping off the rim onto this trail feels like entering another world. Each switchback reveals new layers of the Grand Canyon’s geological story – colors shifting from rust-red to purple to golden as you descend.

Desert bighorn sheep observed my progress from impossible perches. The famous Ooh-Aah Point lives up to its name, forcing involuntary gasps from even seasoned hikers. Unlike the busier Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab follows ridgelines rather than canyons, offering unobstructed panoramas that photographs simply cannot capture.

11. Trolltunga: Norway’s Gravity-Defying Rock

Eighteen miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain tested my endurance, but Norway’s famous “Troll’s Tongue” rock formation exceeded all expectations. The platform juts impossibly over Lake Ringedalsvatnet, creating heart-stopping photo opportunities.

Summer’s midnight sun allowed me to start early and avoid crowds. Mountain plateaus felt otherworldly, like hiking on another planet. Though weather can change instantly, I experienced sunshine, rain, and snow in a single day, proper preparation makes this Norwegian adventure absolutely magical.

12. Laugavegur Trail: Iceland’s Technicolor Wonderland

Four days of trekking through Iceland’s interior revealed landscapes that seemed designed by an artist on psychedelics. Rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains gave way to obsidian lava fields, then emerald valleys, and finally black sand deserts.

Geothermal areas bubbled and steamed alongside the path. Mountain huts provided welcome shelter from unpredictable weather. Despite hiking in July, I crossed snowfields while wearing shorts! This 34-mile route showcases Iceland’s raw geological power in ways that day-trippers from Reykjavik never experience.

13. Tongariro Alpine Crossing: New Zealand’s Volcanic Showcase

Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings isn’t just movie magic – it’s a real volcano I hiked past on this extraordinary trail! New Zealand’s most famous day hike crosses active volcanic terrain where steam vents hiss and crater lakes glow with impossible turquoise colors.

The Devil’s Staircase section had me questioning my life choices. Emerald Lakes provided perfect lunch spots against otherworldly backdrops. Though popular, the trail’s 12-mile length and challenging terrain prevent the crowding issues that plague shorter famous hikes.