Best Fall Hiking in the USA

Looking for the best fall hiking in the USA?! Use this article as your guide to experiencing absolutely breath-taking fall foliage all over the country. Fall is a magical time of year. The leaves reflect the changing of the season, and many of us wait all year for the vibrant autumn colors to reveal themselves. However, there certainly are some places that like to show off more than others September-November. And some places will change colors in the blink of an eye! So it is crucial to know not only where to experience fall at its best, but exactly when as well! So prepare to mark those calendars and plan some epic fall adventures this year! Let’s get into it. 

Top Fall Hiking Areas in the USA:

The Adirondacks, New York

The Adirondack mountains are a mountain range spanning eastern Update New York. They are known for having some of the most eye-catching fall foliage in the country! While half of this land is privately owned, and half is owned by the Forest Preserve, it is still completely free for the public to visit. The area is quite vast, covering 2.3 million acres with 46 mountains. 

When to Visit: While the ideal time frame can shift annually based on temperatures, typically peak foliage occurs from the last week of September through the first week of October.

Where to Hike:

• Bald Mountain (Rondaxe Fire Tower) - 2 miles out + back rated as easy
• Gothics via Pyramid Peak - 12 miles loop rated as hard
• Owls Head Mountain Trail - 6 mile out + back rated as moderate
• Mount Jo Trail - 1.8 mile loop rated as easy
• Severence Mountain - 2.3 mile out + back rated as moderate

 

How to Pack: 

When visiting the Adirondacks in the fall, the key for packing is preparation! Temperatures can range between 30 degrees and 70 degrees on any given fall day depending on the year. 

• Durable, lightweight hiking pants like THESE
• A lightweight top in case of warmer temperatures 
• A warm mid-layer (3-quarter length pullover or zip-up) for cooler temperatures
• Hiking boots and socks 
• A beanie hat 
• A rain jacket/windbreaker just in case 

 

Aspen, Colorado

Why spend the fall in Aspen, Colorado? It’s all in the name. The changing aspens are truly a sight to behold. But beware, you blink and you miss it! Fall is very fleeting at such high altitudes so you will want to be sure to time it right. We specifically recommend spending time in the Maroon Bells Wilderness for some of the most iconic Colorado views! 

When to Visit: The aspen trees will start to turn their peak color around mid-September through the first week of fall. The exact timing does depend on if the mountains are receiving snow early that year or if it’s been an above-average warm fall.

Where to Hike:

• Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail - 2 mile loop rated as easy
• Crater Lake - 3.5 mile out + back rated as moderate
• Conundrum Creek Day Hike - 3.6 mile out + back rated as moderate
• Mount Aspen Nature Trail - 1 mile out + back rated as easy
• American Lake Trail - 6.8 mile out + back rated as hard

How to Pack: 

When visiting Aspen in the fall, the key is expecting any kind of weather! Temperatures can range between 30 degrees and 70 degrees on any given fall day depending on the year. 

• Durable, lightweight hiking pants like THESE
• A lightweight top in case of warmer temperatures 
• A warm mid-layer (3-quarter length pullover or zip-up) for cooler temperatures
• A coat just in case - Colorado is known for early snow storms!
• Hiking boots and socks 
• A beanie hat 
• A rain jacket/windbreaker just in case 

*For more Colorado-inspired fall hiking destinations, check out this article all about Colorado autumn hikes!

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine is known for it’s beautifully colorful falls. Located on Mt. Desert Island off of the East Coast, what makes this place uniquely stunning in autumn is the reflections of the colorful leaves on the water. It is also home to one of America’s most visited National Parks, Acadia, which we highly recommend checking out when in the area. You certainly won’t regret planning a fall trip to this part of Maine!

When to Visit: The trees will hit their peak right around the last week of September through the first week of October. You can keep an eye on foliage reports as the peak will sometimes be slightly later. 

Where to Hike:

• Great Head Loop - 2 mile loop rated as easy (park pass needed)
• The Beehive Loop - 1.5 mile loop rated as moderate (park pass needed)
• Precipice, Orange and Black, and Champlain North Ridge Trail Loop - 2 mile loop rated as hard (park pass needed)
• Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop - 8 mile loop rated as hard (park pass needed)
• Valley and Beech South Ridge Trails - 3.5 mile loop rated as moderate (park pass needed)

 

How to Pack: 

If you’re heading to the coast of Main around October, you can expect fairly cool to moderate temperatures. Temperatures typically range between 38 degrees and 60 degrees on any given fall day depending on the year. 

• Durable, lightweight hiking pants like THESE
• A lightweight top in case of warmer temperatures 
• A warm mid-layer (3-quarter length pullover or zip-up) for cooler temperatures
• Hiking boots and socks 
• A beanie hat 
• A rain jacket/windbreaker just in case 

Mount Rainier, Washington

Mount Rainier stands tall as the most prominent peak surpassing 14,000 feet in the lower 48 of the US. It’s so grand, in fact, that an entire National Park is dedicated to this one peak. If you’ve stood beneath it’s enormity, you know exactly why! So while Mount Rainier National Park is incredible year round, the fall foliage surrounding the peak is truly a sight to behold. This is the ultimate excuse to the book the trip to Mount Rainier you’ve always wanted to take! 

When to Visit: The foliage surrounding Mountain Rainier will reach its peak from the final week of September through mid October. 

Where to Hike: 

• Reflection Lake to Narada Falls - 3.5 mile out + back rated as moderate (park pass needed)
• Alta Vista Trail - 2 mile loop rated as moderate (park pass needed)
• Skyline Trail Loop - 6.5 mile loop rated as hard (park pass needed)
• Burroughs Mountain Trail - 9.5 mile loop rated as hard (park pass needed)
• Naches Loop Trail - 3.3 mile loop rated as moderate (park pass needed)

 

How to Pack: 

Be prepared for very chilly temperatures in Mount Rainier this time of year. You can expect an average high of 37 degrees with lows all the way down to 23 degrees. Especially early in the morning and once the sun goes down, you will want layers to keep you warm. 

• Durable, lightweight hiking pants like THESE
• Leggings or merino wool pants to go underneath on extra cold days
• A lightweight longsleeve top
• A warm mid-layer (3-quarter length pullover or zip-up)
• Hiking boots and socks 
• A beanie hat 
• A puffer coat
• Crampons/spikes for your boots in case of early ice

Baraboo / Lake Delton, Wisconsin

Chances are you may never even have heard of Baraboo, Wisconsin! But when the autumn colors arrive, it’s not to be missed! Located near the town of Madison, Wisconsin, this area is known for it’s gorgeous lakes, state parks, wineries and thriving fall scenery. Within Baraboo, Lake Delton, Devil’s Lake State Park, and Glacial Lake are especially gorgeous. If you find yourself in the midwest this fall, be sure to make the trip to Baraboo. 

When to visit: Fall foliage tends to reach its peak a little later in the midwest than other regions of the country. Plan to be in Baraboo around the third week of October to really see those autumn colors pop!

Where to Hike:

• Devil’s Lake via West Bluff Trail - 5 mile loop rated as moderate
• Balanced Rock Trail, East Bluff Trail, and Potholes Trail Loop - 1.5 mile loop rated as easy
• Ice Age Trail: Devil’s Lake to Parfey’s Glen - 8.5 mile point to point trail rated as hard
• Newport and Lakeview Trail - 1.7 mile loop rated as easy
• Northwest Trail Loop - 3 mile loop rated as easy

How to Pack: 

Temperatures in Baraboo can range from as low as 45 degrees to about 75 degrees at the highest. Come prepared with lightweight layers in case of high temperatures and warm layers in case of low temperatures.

• Durable, lightweight hiking pants like THESE
• A lightweight longsleeve top
• A warm mid-layer (3-quarter length pullover or zip-up)
• Hiking boots and socks 
• A beanie hat 
• A puffer coat

Which of these locations is on your fall color bucket list? We hope this article has inspired you to get out this autumn and experience the best fall hiking in the USA!  Happy Trails.