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Are you looking for ways to bring the beauty of nature into your home? Look no further! We’ve rounded up a list of some of the most gorgeous photographic hiking coffee table books that will inspire and motivate you to get outdoors.
From stunning mountain peaks to lush green forests, these books are sure to bring life and energy into any living space.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just a fan of beautiful scenery, this list has something for everyone. I’ve grouped together these books by category to make it easier to navigate.
So grab your favourite cup of joe, cozy up on the couch, and explore some of the world’s most breathtaking and adventurous trails from the comfort of your home!
The 33 Most Gorgeous Hiking Coffee Table Books.
World Trails
Following are my top picks of hiking coffee table books that round up some of the world’s most beautiful and picturesque trails. Designed to inspire, these books are filled with stunning photographs and captivating descriptions of each trail.
1 — Lonely Planet: Epic Hikes of the World
Discover the world’s most breathtaking and adventurous trails with Lonely Planet’s Epic Hikes of the World! This beautiful hiking coffee table book features over 200 tracks and trails (from short day hikes to months-long thru-hikes) from all around the globe, including in-depth articles for 50 of the world’s most scenic trails and 150 additional ‘suggestions’ of new trails to explore. With full-colour photos on its beautiful matte pages, this hardcover book is a must-have for any avid hiker or fan of stunning scenery.
2 — Wanderlust: A Hiker’s Companion
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, Wanderlust: A Hiker’s Companion combines beautiful full-spread photography with detailed trail descriptions and tips to inspire your next trek. This hiking coffee table book also features maps of hiking trails from around the world, as well as histories of famous routes. Whether you’re planning a short weekend hike or an extended backpacking trip, Wanderlust provides everything you need to select something truly unforgettable.
3 — 100 Hikes of A Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Scenic Trails
If you love the outdoors and enjoy challenging yourself with hikes that reward you with stunning views, then 100 Hikes of A Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Scenic Trails is the perfect book for you. Published by National Geographic and with a foreword by accomplished adventurer and long-distance hiker Andrew Skurka, this book is the #1 Bestseller in Amazon’s walking category. It offers an incredible selection of trails from all over the world, but with only a handful of trails graded ‘Easy’ you’ll need to be a relatively fit and experienced hiker to attempt these trails. This book really excels as an inspiration piece if you’re looking to add new trails to your ultimate hiking bucket list.
4 — Great Hiking Trails of the World
Great Hiking Trails of the World by Karen Berger provides detailed descriptions and highlights of some of the world’s most spectacular trails, handily organised by theme rather than location. With map and photo pages, readers can better visualize their journey before they set out as well as gain much-needed inspiration. Each trail section contains detailed information making it a great resource for any aspiring international hiker.
5 — Fifty Places to Hike Before You Die
Fifty Places to Hike Before You Die offers an unparalleled glimpse into some of the world’s most breathtaking trails. Written by Chris Santella in conjunction with other experts in the field, this instalment in the popular “Fifty Places” series features vivid full-page colour photos and top picks of some of the most awe-inspiring hikes. Whether you’re looking to traverse America’s Great Rocky Mountains or explore the alpine reaches of the High Atlas in Morocco, this hiking coffee table book provides a comprehensive guide that will help you find some of the greatest gems for adventurous hikes.
6 — Classic Hikes of the World
Take a journey around the world with Peter Potterfield’s book Classic Hikes of the World. This comprehensive guide covers hikes from a few hours, to a few days to even longer treks that can take up to a few months. Written by an experienced hiker and photographer, this book gives you everything you need to know to plan your trip, including trail conditions, levels of difficulty, best seasons for each hike, approach strategies and hazards you should look out for as well as maps so you know where you’re going! And of course, it has some stunning photography to boot.
Hike: Adventures on Foot is the perfect companion for any outdoor enthusiast. This hiking coffee table book features 125 of the world’s most scenic walking adventures in a stunningly visual layout, complete with overview maps and elevation profiles to help you choose your next trail. It’s organised by continent, making it easy to find a hike near you! Plus, there’s a helpful packing list and preparation section at the start of the book to get you ready to undertake your next adventure safely.
8 — 1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die
1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die is an excellent guidebook for anyone looking to explore the world on foot. As the title suggests, this book contains 1001 walks in the format of a single page spread with helpful information such as start/end points, the type of walk, distance and time, as well as a grade rating for each route. It also features illustrative photos showcasing a must-see feature of the trail and descriptive information about each walk. The book comes in a small hardcover format which makes it easy to handle and compact enough to pick up often!
Discover the beauty of the world’s most scenic spots and take a journey with You Are Here: Hikes. Whether you’re an armchair or active hiker, this hiking coffee table book is sure to inspire you with its astounding photography and detailed descriptions of the world’s most breathtaking locations and scenery, only accessible on foot. Get ready for a true visual reference for dreamers and doers alike that will make your hiking fantasies come alive!
10 — Walks of a Lifetime: Extraordinary Hikes from Around the World
Written by experienced hikers Robert and Martha Manning, this book is the only compendium on this list to solely cover longer multi-day treks from a few days to months-long thru-hikes. Although it only covers 30 scenic trails from around the world, it’s clear each trail has been undertaken personally by the authors with their incredibly detailed and well-researched multi-page descriptions including plenty of helpful info about what to do and see, as well as how best to prepare.
11 — Camp: Stories and Itineraries for Sleeping Under the Stars
As it is so rightly stated inside the pages of this book, camping is just as much about the journey as the destination which is why I’m including it in this list. An artful representation of the absolute best campsites from around the world, Camp: Stories and Itineraries for Sleeping Under the Stars by Luc Gessell is a captivating collection of stories, arresting images and interviews with experienced campers from all walks of life. It also includes how-to advice, from how to choose your gear, to what to do when you arrive at the campsite. With this book, you’ll be able to take a journey into the wild and experience life on the trail first-hand.
12 — The Hidden Tracks: Wanderlust – Hiking Adventures off the Beaten Path
This inspiring hiking coffee table book for adventure seekers focuses on unique and off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, designed to buck the trend of the world’s most popular tracks. It features one-of-a-kind tracks and trails that offer something new and exciting for rule-breakers who prefer to create their own adventure. Discover hidden gems and unique micro-adventures with the assistance of stunning photography sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
13 — Trekking Beyond: Walk the World’s Epic Trails
Trekking Beyond: Walk the World’s Epic Trails is an inspiring book for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and trekkers. Written by Damian Hall, it takes readers on a journey to explore some of the world’s best trekking regions, with trail histories that provide perspective and invoke respect in addition to helpful maps and detailed descriptions. This captivating collection of stories will take you from the majestic peaks of Patagonia to the hidden paths of Scotland – all while providing insights into local cultures along the way. Whether you are an avid hiker or just looking for some amazing alternative travel experiences, this book is sure to be a great read!
The Americas
14 — Lonely Planet: Epic Hikes of the Americas
Lonely Planet’s Epic Hikes of the Americas is your guide to some of the most stunning hikes in North and South America (including the Caribbean). Featuring detailed descriptions, and a colour-coded grading system for each hike ranging from easy to hard*, this book provides all the information you need to prepare for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Discover where to stay near each trailhead, how to get there, what specialist supplies and equipment you should bring with you on your journey, and similar hike suggestions if you’re looking for more adventure.
15 — Lonely Planet: National Trails of America
Following on in Lonely Planet’s trusted well-researched and tried & tested style, National Trails of America highlights some of the best national trails in the United States, from the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail. This detailed guidebook will provide you with all the necessary information you need to plan, prepare and enjoy your trek along America’s most famous national trails. It contains a wealth of information including when to go, where to stay, and how to get there as well as carefully researched topics such as choosing the right gear and clothing for different climates and wildlife safety tips.
16 — Wanderlust USA
Wanderlust USA is an inspiring hiking coffee table book for outdoor adventurers looking to explore the United States. Its beautifully designed layout contained heaps of helpful bonus information and similar trail suggestions, with multiple photos from each trail on its spreads. With stunning photography and insightful stories, Wanderlust USA will take you on a journey that you won’t soon forget! Whether you are an experienced trekker or just starting out on your journey into the outdoors, this book has something for everyone.
17 — America’s Great Hiking Trails
America’s Great Hiking Trails is an amazing resource for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors. Written by renowned hiking expert Karen Berger with photos from accomplished long-distance hiker Bart Smith, it is a comprehensive guide to 40 of the most important trails in 49 states. It includes detailed maps and photos from each trail, as well as coverage of all of America’s long-distance scenic trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail. This book has won multiple awards, including the INDIEFAB GOLD Winner for Adventure & Recreation.
18 — Classic Hikes of North America
Classic Hikes of North America by Peter Potterfield is an essential guide for hikers looking to explore some of the best trails in Canada and the United States. Featuring detailed maps, and helpful information such as level of difficulty, trail conditions, recommended seasons and potential hazards and difficulties, this book will be a great resource for those seeking adventure on their next outdoor journey. From easy hikes suitable for the inexperienced to more challenging treks for the more advanced, Classic Hikes of North America has something for everyone. Whether you’re a day hiker or a multi-day trek through spectacular mountain ranges, this book will help you find your perfect path.
19 — The Trails of the Adirondacks: Hiking America’s Original Wilderness
The Trails of the Adirondacks is a comprehensive guidebook to one of America’s original and most protected wilderness areas. Written by Carl Heilman II and published officially in conjunction with the Adirondack Mountain Club, this book provides an in-depth history of hiking through this expansive wilderness region, along with tailored advice for both novice hikers and those who frequent the area. With detailed maps, descriptions of trails and their difficulty levels, as well as helpful notes on each trail The Trails of the Adirondacks offers something for everyone looking to explore the great outdoors in upstate New York.
20 — Yellowstone: A Land of Wild and Wonder
Take a journey through one of America’s best-known national parks with Christopher Cauble’s visually stunning book, Yellowstone: A Land of Wild and Wonder. This beautiful collection features striking contemporary photography that captures the awe-inspiring beauty of this unique wilderness park. With breathtaking images taken at various times of the day in all four seasons, you will be inspired by the natural splendour of Yellowstone National Park. While hiking trails are not the sole focus of this book, it is still sure to inspire any outdoor enthusiast with mouthwatering vistas that will make them want to explore more!
21 — America’s Best Day Hikes: Spectacular Single-Day Hikes Across the States
The tagline says it all: 50 of the greatest hikes in the country, for all abilities and in all landscapes. From the epic trails of Utah’s Zion National Park to the meadows and mountains of Oregon’s Green Lakes Trail, this hiking coffee table book takes you through 50 of America’s most scenic day hikes and includes helpful info on what to bring, how to navigate, weather and seasonal variations, animal encounters and much more. Whether you’re looking to conquer one of America’s iconic day trips or just enjoy a leisurely day out, this guide has something for everyone.
22 — America’s Great Mountain Trails: 100 Highcountry Hikes of a Lifetime
Recently awarded the 2020 National Outdoor Book Award, America’s Great Mountain Trails is an impressive guidebook for adventurers who love to hike in high places. It features 100 legendary mountain trails in America with practical details about each hike such as how to get there, when is the best time to go and what permit requirements are needed as well as alternative suggestions. Not only does it provide useful descriptions of each trail, but there are also interesting history sections and facts about the mountain ranges that these trails explore.
23 — The Grand Canyon: Between River and Rim
Take a journey through the Grand Canyon with Pete McBride, Kevin Fedarko and Hampton Sides. This beautiful documentation of the writers’ walking and photographic odyssey is organised by season, allowing readers to experience the ever-changing face of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders throughout the year. Written as an accompaniment to their nature documentary Into The Canyon, this story will inspire readers with its captivating images and vivid descriptions, across a gruelling 750 mile hike through the entirety of the Grand Canyon National Park. Perhaps the most arresting of the book’s themes is that of how best to conserve the park in the face of overarching tourism and development pressures.
Written with the assistance of local guides and featuring rare archival photos from the region, this hiking coffee table book provides a stunning photographic reference to some of the most beautiful trails in North America – from the mountains and coastal trails of Oregon to the peaks of Washington and the isolation of Vancouver Island. With detailed trail descriptions and packed chock full of gorgeous landscape photography and rare archival photos, this book is a true celebration of this diverse and interesting part of North America.
Europe
25 — Lonely Planet: Epic Hikes of Europe
This guidebook will take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring hiking trails in Europe. You’ll discover historical sites and stunning natural wonders, whilst exploring the trails of Switzerland, France, Germany and many more. With colour-coded routes (difficulty level) and detailed descriptions (3-4 pages on each trail), route maps, photos, and practical advice on what to bring with you during your hike, this book has everything you need for planning your next epic European hiking adventure.
26 — Wanderlust Europe: The Great European Hike
Do you want to explore some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring hikes? Then look no further than Wanderlust Europe: The Great European Hike. This book is a comprehensive guide featuring first-hand tips, maps and spectacular photography. It is organized by European region (North, South, East and West) so that readers can easily find the best hiking spots wherever they plan to head. Complemented by the stunning visual reference of Roddie’s photography, this is a hiking coffee table book all your friends will covet.
27 — Wanderlust Alps: Hiking Across the Alps
Charting routes through one of Europe’s most famous mountain ranges, including helpful tips and maps that provide guidance on the best routes to take when hiking in each region of the Alps, Wanderlust Alps is a hiking coffee table book that’s sure to amaze and inspire. It also features hidden trails and gems off the beaten track, as well as tips and hints for anything from day-long hikes to multi-day expeditions.
Australia & New Zealand
28 — Lonely Planet: Epic Hikes of Australia and New Zealand
This book provides an in-depth description and overview of the most spectacular hikes found in New Zealand and Australia, allowing readers to explore remote trails and discover hidden gems. From lush rainforests to rugged coastlines, this guidebook will help adventurers find their way through each unique landscape. Descriptions are accompanied by beautiful photographs that capture all that makes these hikes so special—from breathtaking views to interesting wildlife sightings.
Asia
29 — Wanderlust Himalaya: Hiking on Top of the World
Through captivating imagery and insightful text, Wanderlust Himalaya presents an intimate portrait of life in the highest range on earth that will transport readers to another time and place. Covering tracks and trails from Nepal, India and Pakistan to Tibet (China), and Bhutan, Wanderlust Himalaya takes you on an unforgettable adventure through one of Earth’s last remaining natural and cultural paradises. Dare to be inspired. Whether your goal is to trek to the base camp at Mount Everest or just experience life in the Himalayas, Wanderlust Himalaya will take you there.
Long Distance Hiking Trails
30 — The Appalachian Trail: Celebrating America’s Hiking Trail
The Appalachian Trail, written by Brian King, is an essential guide to one of the world’s most renowned long-distance trails. This book contains a plethora of information on the history and culture that surrounds the AT and provides readers with invaluable insight into its past. The foreword is provided by Bill Bryson, author of A Walk in the Woods – a fantastic first-person account of Bryson’s own experiences hiking the AT. Not only does it contain unpublished historical photos and documents from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy archives but also a removable map so you can plan your own adventure. Officially published in conjunction with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
31 — The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America’s Wilderness Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America’s Wilderness Trail is an incredible resource for anyone interested in exploring the breathtaking wilderness of the Pacific Crest. With a foreword by Cheryl Strayed and published in conjunction with the Pacific Crest Trail Association, this book is packed full of helpful trail information and stunning photography to help you get acquainted with the world’s most iconic thru-hike. The official trail map is even folded into an inside pocket so you can consult it for inspiration! With helpful historical information and accounts, as well as practical information for aspiring PCT hikers, this book is the perfect introduction to tackling this epic adventure.
32 — The Continental Divide Trail: Exploring America’s Ridgeline Trail
The Continental Divide Trail: Exploring America’s Ridgeline Trail is a comprehensive guide to the 3,100 mile trail that runs along the spine of North America. The first book written in conjunction with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, provides an in-depth look at the history, geography, and culture of this iconic American trail. It includes documents from the CDT Coalition archives and over 250 images, as well as detailed maps and section descriptions for aspiring day hikers or thru-hikers alike. With its extensive backstory and history of how the trail was created, The Continental Divide Trail: Exploring America’s Ridgeline Trail is an essential resource for anyone wanting to find out more about one of the world’s longest thru-hikes!
33 — Te Araroa: Walking New Zealand’s 3,000 Kilometre Trail
Te Araroa: Walking New Zealand’s 3,000 Kilometre Trail is an incredible visual representation of one the world’s newest thru-hikes. Written and photographed by Mark Watson, it provides a purely photographic insight into the stunning scenery of New Zealand’s Te Araroa across its length with almost no other commentary. Organised by trail section, each begins with a helpful geographic and/or cultural history of the area before taking you on a visual journey through some of the most amazing landscapes in New Zealand. Featuring gorgeous double-page spread galleries highlighting the natural beauty as well as the human presence on the trail, this is truly something special to show off on your coffee table.
Final Thoughts: 33 Hiking Coffee Table Books that Will Inspire & Excite.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just getting started, these 33 hiking coffee table books offer something for everyone.
From the unique and frozen landscapes of Iceland in the Arctic to the months-long thru-hike of Te Araroa in New Zealand, each book offers its own unique perspective on some of the world’s most iconic urban and wilderness trails.
Punctuated by stunning photography, detailed maps and helpful historical information, they are sure to inspire any outdoor enthusiast. So why not grab a cup of tea (or coffee!), sink into your sofa and start planning your next adventure with one of these amazing hiking coffee table books!
