What happens when you make someone stand on a cliff? They’ll want to inch closer and peek over. What happens when you put someone in a sports car? They’ll double their speed. We’re undeniably drawn to adrenalin-inducing experiences. It’s human nature to take chances. Just like taking a chance with your luck on online lottery tickets, we also take chances with our own safety when it comes to adventure. Here are five trails that will put any experienced hiker to the test.
Kalalau Trail – Hawaii
In Kauai, Hawaii, lies an 11-mile trail with a reputation. In the year 2012, a female hiker fell to her death goofing around at a waterfall on the trail. A couple of months after that incident, a man was thrown from a cliff by one of the illegal squatters camping in the valley. Hikers need to be alert for crumbling ledges skirting above crashing ocean waves, the rain which can causes streams to flood trails, and the scorching sun. This will definitely put your endurance to the test.
Barr Trail – Colorado
In Pikes Peak, Colorado, hikers face the danger of lightning, with most cases occurring in summer when the air is warm and electrically charged. The weather changes fast, and it’s important not to be the tallest thing around if you do get caught in a lightning storm. Colorado is one of the most struck counties out of all other American states.
Mount HauShan – China
This is a historically dangerous hike. The “trails” you follow wind around Hua Shan up to the five peaks. The highest peak is 7,087 feet. In the early Eastern Han Dynasty, the mountain’s shrines atop its peaks were a hot spot for Daoists who wanted to isolate themselves and focus on spirituality. The routes still exist today, with slight improvement. In most places there are only three or four planks that hug the cliff face while a guide cable helps prevent climbers falling down the vertical drop. Proceed with extreme caution.
Suicide Forest – Japan
At the base of the Mount Fuji Mountain in Japan is the infamous Aokigahara forest where countless suicides have taken place. The legends say that the forest is haunted by angry spirits and iron deposits make your compass spin out of control, causing visitors to get lost deep in the woods. The forest is thick, there is hardly any wildlife, and many hikers say that there is always a very eerie silence. Despite all of this, the Ice Cave and Wind Cave attracts thousands of tourists every year.
El Camino Del Ray – Spain
This trek was built in 1905 originally intended for shuttle workers from hydroelectric plants. The concrete walk doesn’t have a handrail and is one yard wide. It has fallen into disrepair and has become something of an attraction for thrill seekers. In 2000, two hikers fell to their death and access to the pathway was restricted until it was repaired.
Life is all about putting your luck to the test. The purpose of life isn’t to accumulate material things, it’s about collecting unforgettable experiences and stories to tell for years to come. Just like placing your convictions in the hands of lucky numbers when you play Powerball, in order to win an enormous jackpot, you can also give one of these hikes a try some time.