Introduction
Nature has a way of telling stories, and hiking trails don’t just take you up mountains or through dense forests; they can lead you to some of the most intriguing abandoned places, steeped in history and mystery. Imagine stumbling upon a forgotten ghost town, an ancient ruin, or even an eerie shipwreck while exploring the great outdoors. These trails aren’t just about the physical challenge; they’re about discovering layers of history hidden in plain sight.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history geek, or someone who just loves an adventure, this list will introduce you to hiking trails that uncover astonishing abandoned places from around the world. Grab your boots, because you’re about to set off on a hike through time.
Pripyat Ghost Town Hike in Ukraine
Nestled near the infamous Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the Pripyat Ghost Town offers one of the most haunting and surreal hiking experiences. This abandoned Soviet city was evacuated in 1986 after the catastrophic Chernobyl disaster, leaving behind a snapshot of life frozen in time.
Visitors can carefully tread along routes that pass eerie apartment blocks, empty amusement parks, and schools littered with remnants of everyday life. One highlight is the crumbling Ferris wheel, a chilling symbol of what was meant to be a lively May Day celebration before disaster struck. Guides provide insight into the history of Pripyat and the environmental recovery that continues today.
While the trail itself is relatively flat, this hike is not for everyone as its emotional intensity and historical gravity can feel overwhelming. Safety is paramount, as entry into the exclusion zone requires a specialized permit and dosimeter to track radiation levels.
Pro Tip: Visit in autumn when nature has fully reclaimed the city, giving it an even more surreal and poignant atmosphere.
Lost City of the Incas Hike in Colombia
The Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) trek in Colombia is often overshadowed by Machu Picchu, but this remote archaeological site deserves its own place in the spotlight. Dating back to 800 CE, 650 years older than its Peruvian counterpart, this abandoned city rests deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. Accessible only by a challenging multi-day trek, this is a reward for the dedicated adventurer.
The trail takes you through dense jungle, across rivers, and up nearly 1,200 stone steps to reach the ancient terraces of the Lost City, which was once the heart of the Tayrona civilization. Along the way, you’ll pass indigenous villages and learn about the local Kogi and Wiwa communities who still hold the site sacred.
Pro Tip: Travel with a licensed guide who can interpret the history of the site and its connection to indigenous culture for a richer experience.
Kalalau Trail to Nu‘alolo Kai in Hawaii, USA
While most people hike the Kalalau Trail to marvel at the stunning cliffs of the Napali Coast, history buffs will be thrilled to detour to Nu‘alolo Kai, an abandoned ancient Hawaiian village accessible only by the coastline.
This 11-mile (one way) trek on Kauai takes you past lush valleys, waterfalls, and breathtaking panoramic views before ending on a secluded beach. At Nu‘alolo Kai, archaeological remains such as fishing tools, stone walls, and old taro fields whisper stories of a pre-contact Hawaiian settlement that thrived for centuries.
The trail is known for being one of the most challenging in the world, requiring steep climbs, narrow ridges, and sure-footedness. But the blend of staggering natural beauty and cultural significance makes every step worthwhile.
Pro Tip: Reservations are required for both hiking and camping in this area, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Bannack State Park Trail in Montana, USA
If ghost towns pique your interest, Bannack State Park in Montana is ideal. This well-preserved ghost town was founded in 1862 during the height of the gold rush but abandoned by the 1950s, leaving rows of old wooden buildings to weather the elements.
Bannack’s trails meander through a collection of 60 structures, including a saloon, schoolhouse, and church, allowing visitors to peek into the past. What makes Bannack particularly fascinating is the way the interiors are staged with era-specific items to give you a sense of daily life during its heyday.
Unlike some of the other itineraries on this list, this trail is family-friendly and easy to explore in a single day. Bannack doesn’t come with the intensity of a jungle trek or a radiation suit but instead provides a more accessible hike steeped in history.
Pro Tip: Visit during Bannack Days (held annually in July) to enjoy historical reenactments and live demonstrations for an even more immersive experience.
Shipwreck Beach and Zakynthos Hiking Trail in Greece
Zakynthos Island in Greece is famous for Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach), where the cement freighter MV Panagiotis ran aground in 1980. This makes for a stunning end point to your hike along the island’s trails.
The hike begins in the surrounding mountains, where olive groves and traditional Greek villages dot the landscape. The path leads down rocky terrain with picturesque views of the Ionian Sea before revealing the stunning, turquoise cove where the shipwreck rests. It is a brilliant mix of natural beauty and industrial misfortune.
Besides the shipwreck, the location is steeped in local folklore, as villagers once thought the ship carried contraband goods. True or not, the ship now holds a mythical status, making it a unique highlight of any Zakynthos getaway.
Pro Tip: Start your hike at sunrise to avoid crowds and catch the stunning golden hour for photographs.
Hike to Hashima Island in Japan
The abandoned island of Hashima, commonly known as “Gunkanjima” or Battleship Island, is a chilling reminder of Japan’s rapid industrialization. Located off the coast of Nagasaki, it was once a thriving coal-mining facility and the most densely populated place on Earth before being abandoned in the 1970s.
Today, guided boat tours take you to the island where the ruins of miners’ quarters, schools, and industrial complexes sit amidst the battering waves. Although exploring the interiors is restricted due to safety risks, the walking path offers a striking glimpse of urban decay frozen in time.
The hike options are brief but immensely rewarding for history lovers, as guides detail the harsh working conditions endured by the miners and the legacy of the island in Japanese history.
Pro Tip: Film enthusiasts may recognize Hashima as a filming location for the James Bond movie Skyfall, so brush up on your Bond trivia!
Wrapping it up
Hiking doesn’t have to be just about physical endurance; it can be an exploration of history, culture, and untold stories hidden in wild places. Each of these trails offers a unique blend of adventure and insight into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before us. Whether you’re walking through a ghost town in Montana or scaling stone steps to an ancient city in Colombia, you’re stepping into a story that connects the past to the present.
Feeling inspired? Pack your gear, choose one of these incredible hikes, and uncover the history waiting to be found. Your next big adventure is just around the corner!
