World’s Best Nature Trails for Women Over 50
Exploring nature can be a restorative and empowering experience, especially for us women over 50 who are looking for meaningful ways to connect with the outdoors. Did you know that there are stunning trails around the globe tailored to varying skill levels?
Here’s a curated list of some of the best nature trails for women over 50.
- The Camino de Santiago, Spain – This historic pilgrimage route through northern Spain offers breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and a profound sense of achievement.
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand – Often called the world’s best one-day hike, this trail features volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and sweeping vistas.
- The Amalfi Coast Path of the Gods, Italy – Overlooking the stunning Amalfi coastline, this trail provides beautiful views and fragrant Mediterranean flora.
- Banff National Park Trails, Canada – Surrounded by the towering Rockies, crystal clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Banff offers trails suited for all levels.
Continue reading to discover more nature trails from New Zealand to Croatia and everything in between.
Nature Trails Around the World
The world’s best trails are waiting to be explored, offering varied experiences and levels of difficulty to suit different fitness levels. Rediscovering the joys of nature through these trails can inspire confidence and wellness.
The Camino de Santiago, Spain
Photo: https://caminoways.com/camino-frances#uael-gallery-2.
Length: Varies by route; most popular is ~500 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This historic pilgrimage route through northern Spain offers breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and a profound sense of achievement. Choose shorter sections for a more relaxed experience, or challenge yourself to complete the full trail over several weeks.
Perfect for: Women seeking a mix of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and spiritual reflection.
Read Camino de Santiago Tours for Seniors.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
Photo: https://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/gallery.
Length: 12 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highlights: Often called the world’s best one-day hike, this trail features volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and sweeping vistas. The ever-changing scenery keeps every step rewarding.
Perfect for: Adventure seekers who want a taste of dramatic geological beauty.
Read Best New Zealand Tours for Over 50s.
The Amalfi Coast Path of the Gods, Italy
Photo: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/italy/campania/sentiero-degli-dei-bomerano-positano
Length: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Overlooking the stunning Amalfi coastline, this trail provides beautiful views, fragrant Mediterranean flora, and a chance to end your day with local cuisine.
Perfect for: Women who enjoy blending hiking with culinary indulgence and coastal charm.
Read 21 Days on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Banff National Park Trails, Canada
Photo: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonnee-hiking/lakelouise
Length: Varies, popular trails range from 3 to 10 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Surrounded by the towering Rockies, lovely lakes, and abundant wildlife, Banff offers trails suited for all levels. Lake Louise’s day hikes are a favorite for their amazing views.
Perfect for: Nature lovers who appreciate majestic mountain scenery.
Read Our Impromptu Visit to Banff.
Dingle Way, Ireland
Photo: https://www.dingleway.com/
Length: 111 miles (can be broken into shorter sections)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: This circular trail along Ireland’s rugged coastline features lush greenery, historic ruins, and welcoming locals. Walk at your own pace and enjoy the region’s charming hospitality.
Perfect for: Women looking for a slower-paced adventure with stunning coastal views.
Read 7 Best European Tours for Singles Over 50.
Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile
Photo: https://torresdelpaine.com/en/
Length: 50 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highlights: Iconic granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and vibrant glaciers make this trek an unforgettable experience. The guided options make it accessible for those looking to ease logistics.
Perfect for: Women ready for a bucket-list adventure in one of the world’s most pristine environments.
Read 10 Nature Destinations for Women Over 50.
Yellowstone National Park Trails, USA
Photo: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/wyoming/yellowstone-national-park
Length: Varies, popular options from 2 to 8 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Explore geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife across well-marked trails. Lamar Valley and Fairy Falls are top picks for their accessibility and stunning views.
Perfect for: Women seeking iconic American landscapes with manageable distances.
Read Seniors Guide to the Top 10 U.S. National Parks.
Cinque Terre Trails, Italy
Photo: https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre
Length: 7.5 miles (between villages, can be done in sections)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: This series of coastal trails connects five colorful villages perched above the Ligurian Sea. Expect scenic views, delightful towns, and plenty of opportunities for a gelato break.
Perfect for: Women who enjoy combining walking with exploring vibrant, beautiful towns.
Read 7 Small Group Tours of Italy for Over 50s.
Great Ocean Walk, Australia
Length: 68 miles (can be broken into sections)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Follow Australia’s dramatic coastline, passing cliffs, beaches, and lush rainforests. The Twelve Apostles rock formations are a must-see highlight.
Perfect for: Those looking to discover diverse coastal ecosystems.
Read Planning to Visit Australia? Here’s a Three-Week Itinerary that You Will Enjoy.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Trails, Croatia
Photo: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/98/gallery/
Length: 11 miles (various shorter loops available)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Meander through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and turquoise lakes on well-maintained boardwalks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a feast for the senses.
Perfect for: Women who prefer gentle walks with stunning natural backdrops.
Read Three Great Day Trips to Take from Dubrovnik in Croatia.
Tips for Enjoying Nature Trails at Any Age
- Choose the Right Trail: Consider your fitness level and interests when selecting a trail. Shorter or guided hikes can ease beginners into outdoor adventures.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable footwear. A trekking pole can offer additional support on uneven terrain.
Read 15 Must-Have Accessories for Adventure Travelers Over 50.
- Go with Friends or Groups: Hiking with companions can enhance safety and enjoyment. Look for women’s hiking groups in your area.
- Take Your Time: There’s no rush – enjoy the scenery, take photos, and savor the journey.
Read 2025 Guide to Travel Trends and Tips for Women Over 50.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you new to hiking, or are you an experienced adventurer? Have you walked any of the trails mentioned in this article? Will you put some of these trails on your bucket list? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Tags Hiking
I have severe osteoporosis now. As long as the trail is smooth, without tree roots, I am fine. I’ve hiked some of the Appalachian Trail (AT) – probably a hundred or so miles years back. Absolutely love exploring. The challenge is finding another adventurous spirit who is not a through-hiker. (said laughing)
Still slender and looking much younger than my years (thanks mom and dad) few people realize how much I struggle. Absolutely love to be outside – gardening or doing just about anything. Had to give up rollerblading a couple of years ago. Grateful to live with a woods behind me in this city. Lots of wildlife, most of which eat my flowers/shrubs.
No one gets it all.
I’ve hiked some of these trails in Europe (where I now live) and they’re great recommendations. But keep in mind there are also great hiking trails near cities that you might visit. For example, near Vienna, Austria there is the Vienna Woods (really a dense forest) with a network of hiking trails for different abilities. Near Paris is the forest of Fontainebleau with many trails. Etc.
I’ve hiked three of the trails in this article: Tongariro, Path of the Gods, and this past fall Cinque Terre. I’m curious why you consider these three ‘best natures trails for women over 50.’ The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is super hard and takes ten hours. The first time my partner and I attempted it, we had to turn back because of ice and high winds. The second time years later, when I was 63, we went with a guide and completed it. (It is spectacular.) Shorter in length, Path of the Gods and Cinque Terre require very very steep ups and downs on rocky soil. I might retitle the article ‘Challenging Hikes for Adventurous Spirits.’