When autumn arrives in the United States, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds.
The crisp air and mild temperatures make fall the perfect season for hiking.
Whether you’re chasing foliage, seeking solitude, or enjoying cooler weather, the USA offers some of the best seasonal hiking trails tailored for fall.
Here’s a guide to the top places you should consider exploring during this magical time of year.
1. Appalachian Trail (New England Section)
The Appalachian Trail stretches over 2,000 miles, but the New England portion—particularly in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine—offers some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the country.
In October, the Green Mountains of Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire are alive with fiery hues.
Day hikes like Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire give sweeping views of colorful valleys, while Vermont’s Camel’s Hump provides a panoramic look at the rolling hills.
The crisp mountain air combined with vibrant trees makes this section an iconic fall hike.
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a fall paradise.
The park boasts more than 200,000 acres of forest filled with oak, maple, and hickory trees that turn into warm shades of red, orange, and yellow.
The Skyline Drive, which runs through the park, is famous for scenic overlooks, but hiking trails like Old Rag and Hawksbill Mountain offer a more immersive experience.
In October, the moderate weather makes these hikes especially enjoyable, and the 360-degree views from the peaks showcase the Blue Ridge Mountains in full autumn glory.
3. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its biodiversity, and fall is when this diversity is most striking.
From late September to early November, the foliage transforms in stages depending on elevation, creating a rolling wave of color across the landscape.
Popular trails like Alum Cave Bluffs and Clingmans Dome provide opportunities to see sweeping valleys blanketed in vibrant fall leaves.
For families, the Laurel Falls Trail is a shorter hike that still captures the seasonal beauty.
The Smokies’ combination of waterfalls, wildlife, and fall colors makes it a must-visit.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia is one of the first places in the United States to experience fall foliage, often beginning in late September.
Nestled along Maine’s rugged coastline, the park’s trails combine coastal views with brilliant autumn colors.
Hikes like the Jordan Pond Path and Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail allow visitors to see both the Atlantic Ocean and forests glowing in seasonal shades.
The contrast of fiery trees against the rocky shoreline creates a unique fall hiking experience unlike anywhere else in the country.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
In Colorado, fall brings golden aspen groves that shimmer like coins under the sunlight.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to witness this spectacle, especially in September.
Trails like Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Deer Mountain offer hikes through aspen forests with views of snow-dusted peaks in the background.
Wildlife sightings are also common in fall, with elk bugling echoing through the valleys during mating season.
Hiking here in autumn gives a blend of vibrant color, crisp mountain air, and an added chance to connect with nature’s rhythms.
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6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
For those on the West Coast, the Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular fall hiking destination.
Located just outside Portland, Oregon, this area is known for dramatic waterfalls, lush forests, and basalt cliffs.
In fall, the maple and alder trees along trails like Multnomah Falls, Eagle Creek, and Wahclella Falls turn brilliant shades of gold and red.
The waterfalls framed by colorful foliage make this region one of the most photogenic hiking spots in the country. Mild autumn weather and fewer summer crowds make it even better for hikers.
7. Maroon Bells, Colorado
If you’re looking for one of the most photographed fall landscapes in the USA, Maroon Bells near Aspen is unbeatable.
The twin peaks are reflected in Maroon Lake, surrounded by glowing golden aspens that dominate the valley.
Trails like the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail or the more challenging Crater Lake Trail let you immerse yourself in this iconic scene.
September is the prime time for catching the aspens at their peak, making it one of the most rewarding hikes during fall.
8. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
The Ozarks are often overlooked compared to other regions, but in fall, they come alive with a spectrum of warm colors.
The Ozark Highlands Trail winds through forests filled with oaks, hickories, and maples that light up in October.
Hawksbill Crag, also known as Whitaker Point, is a favorite spot for hikers seeking panoramic views of the forested valleys.
The moderate climate and fewer crowds make the Ozarks a hidden gem for autumn hiking.
9. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Fall in Mount Rainier isn’t just about the leaves—it’s also about the wildflower meadows transitioning into brilliant reds and oranges.
Hikes like the Skyline Trail and Naches Peak Loop offer stunning views of the snow-capped mountain framed by vibrant foliage.
September and early October are the best times to visit, before the higher elevation trails close due to snow.
The combination of alpine scenery and fall color makes Mount Rainier a breathtaking seasonal hiking destination.
10. Adirondack Mountains, New York
The Adirondacks in upstate New York boast one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country.
From late September to mid-October, the region becomes a patchwork of color.
Trails like Cascade Mountain and Indian Head provide some of the best overlooks to see the autumn transformation.
The cool air and rustic small towns nearby also add to the cozy fall atmosphere, making the Adirondacks a top pick for hikers who want a classic East Coast foliage experience.
Fall hiking in the USA is more than just exercise—it’s an opportunity to witness nature’s most dramatic seasonal change.
From the golden aspens of Colorado to the fiery maples of New England, every region has a unique way of showing off autumn.
Whether you prefer challenging mountain treks or easy family-friendly trails, there’s a fall hike waiting for you.
Pack a camera, dress in layers, and head outdoors to embrace the crisp air and vibrant colors before winter sets in.
