13 Hiking Trails That Are Extra Special in the Fall
There is something about fall that makes hiking feel extra rewarding. The landscape shifts into a canvas of colors, offering sights that stay with you long after the walk is done. Breezes carry the smell of fallen leaves, adding to the calm atmosphere. Hills, lakes, and woodlands all seem transformed at this time of year.
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Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia is famous for its rugged coastline and mountain views that glow with fiery colors in autumn. Hikers can take trails that wind through forests of maple, birch, and oak. The crisp sea air makes the experience refreshing as you climb toward overlooks. The contrast of rocky shores and golden leaves creates an unforgettable view.
During fall, the weather is cool enough to make longer hikes comfortable. Popular trails include Jordan Pond Path and Cadillac Mountain. Both give wide views of the changing foliage and nearby waters. Photographers and casual walkers alike find plenty of reasons to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Smoky Mountains are among the most visited parks in the United States for fall colors. Trails stretch through valleys and ridges where trees light up in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The cool mist that often hangs in the mountains adds a touch of mystery. Wildlife sightings are common, making every step feel alive with nature.
Popular hikes such as Alum Cave Trail and Clingmans Dome offer different ways to take in the views. The elevation changes bring out a range of colors at different times. Mid to late October is the peak season, drawing many visitors to the park. Still, quiet mornings can give you a peaceful hike even on busier weekends.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah is well known for its Skyline Drive, but the hiking trails offer even more beauty in autumn. Walking along ridges brings sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Valleys fill with golden light, and trails are lined with fallen leaves. The sound of rushing streams adds to the peaceful setting.
Old Rag Mountain is one of the more popular hikes with challenging rock scrambles and wide views. For a gentler walk, Stony Man Trail provides an easier climb with beautiful scenery. The park is close to major cities, which makes it easy to reach for a day trip. Many hikers return year after year to catch the seasonal colors.
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
The White Mountain National Forest are famous for dramatic peaks and deep valleys. In autumn, they turn into a patchwork of orange, red, and yellow. Trails like the Franconia Ridge Loop let you see the foliage from above. Cool mountain air makes the climbs refreshing and pleasant.
One of the best times to visit is late September through mid October. The views stretch for miles, and the variety of trees adds richness to the scene. Hiking ranges from easy walks near rivers to challenging climbs up tall peaks. The region also has small towns where hikers can rest after a long day outdoors.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The Rocky Mountains offer something unique in autumn with golden aspen trees set against snow-tipped peaks. Trails wind through meadows, lakes, and forests that seem painted with bright shades. Wildlife like elk are often seen during the fall season. The clear skies make every view stand out even more.
Popular hikes include Bear Lake Loop and Emerald Lake Trail. Both give easy access to views without requiring long treks. For those seeking more challenge, Sky Pond provides breathtaking high-elevation scenery. No matter which path you take, the fall season gives the park a special glow.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway is often praised for its scenic drive, but its trails are equally impressive in autumn. Walking paths lead to overlooks, waterfalls, and wooded glades bursting with color. The mix of hardwood trees makes the landscape shine with variety. Hikes can be short and easy or longer with rewarding views.
Craggy Gardens Trail is a favorite for its wide lookouts over the ridges. Humpback Rocks offers a tougher climb with a big payoff at the summit. The fall season stretches across weeks due to changes in elevation. Visitors often pair hiking with roadside stops to take in every view.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is known for its red sandstone cliffs, which make the fall colors even more striking. Cottonwoods along the Virgin River turn bright yellow, adding a soft glow to the canyon floor. Trails climb high above the valley and give a mix of desert and forest scenery. Cooler weather makes autumn the perfect season to explore.
The Riverside Walk is an easy option with beautiful riverside views. For more challenge, Angels Landing provides dramatic overlooks of the canyon. Late October is often the peak time for colors in the park. The unique setting of red cliffs with golden trees is unforgettable for hikers.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier’s rugged peaks and alpine lakes look stunning when autumn arrives. Golden larch trees mix with evergreens, giving a rare display not found in many other regions. Wildlife activity increases in the cooler season, adding excitement to hikes. The air feels crisp, and trails are quieter than in summer.
Popular routes include Avalanche Lake and Highline Trail. Both provide sweeping views of mountains and valleys lined with color. Early to mid October is the best time to catch the foliage before snow sets in. The park’s mix of terrain makes each hike feel like a new adventure.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is famous for granite cliffs and waterfalls, but autumn gives it a softer beauty. The crowds thin out, and the cooler weather makes hiking more enjoyable. Dogwoods and maples turn shades of red and orange along the valley floor. Meadows glow with late-season sunlight, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Yosemite Valley Loop offers a relaxed walk with plenty of color along the way. For more dramatic scenery, Mist Trail combines waterfalls with changing leaves. Fall provides a quieter experience compared to the busy summer months. Many hikers find this season the most rewarding time to visit.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier stands tall above forests that come alive with color in autumn. Vine maples and huckleberries paint the hillsides in reds and oranges. The sight of the snow-capped peak surrounded by glowing foliage is breathtaking. Crisp mountain air makes hiking feel refreshing and calm.
Skyline Trail is a popular choice with wide views of the peak and valleys. Paradise area trails also give easy access to colorful meadows. Wildlife is often spotted along the paths during this season. Fall hiking here offers a mix of peaceful beauty and striking mountain scenery.
Adirondack Mountains, New York
The Adirondacks are one of the best places in the Northeast to see fall colors. Trails lead through dense forests and up rocky summits with wide views. Lakes reflect the golden and red leaves, making the scene even more beautiful. The variety of hikes suits both beginners and experienced trekkers.
High Peaks trails are popular for those seeking a challenge. Cascade Mountain is a favorite for its shorter climb with rewarding views at the top. Mid-September to early October is the peak season for foliage. Visitors often combine hiking with canoeing to see the reflections on the lakes.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Tetons rise sharply against the sky, and in autumn they are framed by golden aspens. The scenery is dramatic, with lakes and rivers reflecting the season’s colors. Trails take you close to wildlife such as moose and elk, which are active in fall. The combination of mountain peaks and glowing forests makes every view special.
Taggart Lake Trail is a good option for a moderate walk with excellent scenery. For those who want more adventure, Cascade Canyon provides longer routes with mountain backdrops. September and early October are the best times to visit. The crisp mornings and colorful landscapes create lasting memories.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park offers a variety of landscapes that change dramatically in autumn. Coastal forests, mountain ridges, and river valleys all glow with seasonal colors. Vine maples and bigleaf maples provide striking reds and golds. The diverse setting gives hikers a different view with every step.
Hoh Rain Forest trails bring a mix of mossy trees and autumn leaves. Hurricane Ridge offers higher views with crisp air and bright colors. The park is less crowded in the fall, making it more peaceful for long walks. Every trail captures a different side of this vast landscape.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.