18 Trails That Traverse History

Peppered throughout forests, parks, and other landscapes around the world are spectacular trails that bring hikers and wanderers closer to nature and away from the rigamarole of modern society. A few also take us on a journey into the past.

Many of these paths were laid down over time by indigenous populations establishing new trade routes, pioneers as they crossed foreboding landscapes, or other forms of human activity. But not all were used for trade and exploration. Some were for ferrying the deceased, others provided inspiration to writers and thinkers, and still more follow the paths of historical tourists. Here are 18 of our favorite places to take a walk through history.