Mount Pisgah, Vermont
The fall foliage of Vermont is world renown. A hike up Mount Pisgah in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont will provide a stunning vista of colorful trees. Mt. Pisgah surrounds Lake Willoughby, a gorgeous glacial lake near Westmore, not far from the Canadian border. Mount Pisgah is one of the most popular hikes in Vermont for its exposed lookouts with scenic views. The four-mile out-and-back South Trail to the Mount Pisgah summit gains 1650 feet in elevation over two miles. So it’s consistently an uphill climb. The trail is well maintained with rock steps built to aid hikers. The trailhead is located off Route 5a just before Lake Willoughby.
The trail starts with a walk through a swamp area with views of the surrounding mountain. Then to trail climbs steadily along the west-facing cliffs of Mount Pisgah. The first viewpoint you will come to is Pulpit Rock. These first unobstructed views of Lake Willoughby and Mount Hor here are completely stunning. The trail continues until it meets the North Trail near the top. Three amazing lookouts should all be visited. Each lookout has views of the large blue green lake and the mountains all the way to Quebec. Descend either the South or North trail while enjoying the incredible fall foliage Vermont is famous for.
Recommended by: Karen at Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Indian Head, New York
Indian Head Trail is in Keene Valley, New York. It is a beautiful hike with a stunning finale any time of the year. But in the fall, the surrounding mountains light up with the hues of the season. Contrasting vibrantly with the sky above and the river below. The hike is 11 miles out and back, and is considered a moderate hike. The first three miles are on a wide dirt road, making it more like a walk than a hike. For the best experience, take the lefthand trail when you see the second sign for Indian Head. This leads to a short but steep rocky ascent to the peak. Where you’ll probably want to spend quite a while taking photos, picnicking, and just admiring the majestic view.
When it’s time to head back down, follow the signs for the Glen Brook Trail. This will bring you to a more gradual descent that runs along a gurgling river filled with rocks and waterfalls. When it eventually merges with the dirt road, there will be one mile left in the hike. Parking for this hike can be a little tricky if you’re visiting on a popular day. There is a small lot dedicated for the trail about half a mile from the trailhead. It fills up pretty early. If it’s full when you arrive, you’ll need to drive along the highway looking for the pull-offs that have become makeshift parking areas. Parking and entrance to the trail are both free.
Recommended by: Lyssy at Lyssy In The Sky
Hebron Falls, North Carolina
The hike to Hebron Falls on the Boone Fork Trail is one of the best hikes near Boone, North Carolina. Especially in the fall when you can see the leaves glowing in the sunlight, reflecting on the water. There is no fee to hike the Boone Fork Trail to Hebron Falls. You can find the trailhead at the Julian Price Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The trailhead will be on the left by a little bridge when you pull into the parking lot. Park around the front of the lot, but you can park further back and walk up if needed. It can get pretty busy in the fall, especially on the weekend. Ii would go early in the morning or later afternoon. The foliage is dense and it will feel darker than it really is; so don’t leave too late or bring a flashlight, just in case.
If you just hike to the falls, it’s 3.2 miles out and back. If you do the full loop trail, it’s about 5.2 miles. It’s a mostly easy hike, but it can be pretty muddy. This makes it a little tougher and can slow you down. The short climb down to the falls is a little steep and can be a little tricky in spots. But it’s overall an easy-moderate trail.
Once you get to the falls, you’ll be greeted with an amazing view of water. Rushing over and around boulders and fall colors reflection on the water below. Instead of being a cascading waterfall over a cliff, it’s more like a downhill waterfall. It’s one of the best waterfalls near Boone, for sure.
Recommended by: Megan at Red Around The World
Lewis and Clark Trail, Missouri
The Lewis and Clark Trail hike in St. Charles, MO offer two beautiful trails, with lots of scenic overlooks of the Missouri River. It’s considered one of the best trails in St. Charles County and is rated as a moderate hike. There are two loops; 8.2 mile Lewis Trail and the 5.3 mile Clark Trail. They estimate the Clark Trail at 3 hours and the Lewis trail at 5 hours. It can be completed in about half that time if walking at a brisk pace. The views from the bluffs on the Lewis loop are the best views you’ll get in the area.
Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash. Do note, that this trail is stroller friendly only for the first mile or so. At one point, near the river overlook, the trail gets a bit steep. For the most part, the trails are fairly easy, so kids and dogs can walk it with no problem. Both trails are a great way to spend an afternoon. They offer Beautiful views, a variety of terrain, a lot of shade
The trail can get extremely muddy after a rain, so be sure to wear proper hiking boots. Bug spray is also a good idea! From St. Louis, take I-64 into St. Charles County, South on Highway 94, Continue on Highway 94 approx. 2.5 miles, Gravel parking lot for trailhead is on LEFT, Look for a wooden sign labeled “Weldon Springs Hiking Trail”
Recommended by: Alexa Meisler at Travel in Missouri
Maroon Bells, Colorado
When looking for one of the most photogenic areas for a fall trip in the US; Aspen should be at the top of that list. Aspen is located in beautiful colorful Colorado about 3 hours from Denver. Consider taking Independence Pass if the weather is good. You will enjoy one of the most beautiful fall drives in the US. The classic Aspen hike in the fall is Maroon Bells. These 14,000 foot mountains are the most photographed mountains in the US for good reason. They are just amazing and even prettier in person.
Fall is a special time to see the mountains drenched in color. The Maroon Bells are popular. The best way to get there is by taking the public bus and going mid-week. Reservations may be needed for parking and riding the bus during the busiest of times. There is a fee for parking of $10 per vehicle. The trail itself is easy and photogenic throughout the trail. The beginning of the trail can be very crowded. There is usually a line to get in position to grab that perfect photo. The Maroon Bells Scenic loop is a mostly flat to mild incline. It is a 1.9 mile trail that will get you away from most of the crowds. This hike has a different photogenic view at each turn. If you’re lucky enough to make the trip at peak color change; you will be rewarded with an explosion of color.
Recommended by: Lori at Fitz 5 on the Go
Lake Ingalls, Washington
Washington State isn’t the most well-known place to go looking for Fall colors. But unbeknownst to people outside of this state, it is a fantastic one-of-a-kind spot for Fall colors. Why? Because of the larches. Larches are trees that resemble evergreen trees, and they grow in cold climates and mountains. They are mainly located in the North Cascades region of the state and one of the best trees to spot in the Fall. Turning a bright yellow/golden color when temperatures cool down. They are absolutely charming.
One of the best hikes that showcase these magnificent trees is called Lake Ingalls. This trail is around 9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2500 ft. It is rated as hard, and it is a great place to go backpacking in the Fall. No permit is required. Towards the end of the trail, there are many larches, and if you keep on walking, you will run into the lake. The stunning dark blue hue of the lake, with tall jagged mountains in the background, will take your breath away! Lake Ingalls is a hidden gem that most people out of Washington have no idea about. An underrated Fall trail indeed.
Recommended by: Michelle at The Wandering Queen
Mirror Lake, Yosemite National Park
The fall is perfect for hiking Mirror Lake in Yosemite. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing colours, and the trails aren’t as crowded as the summer months. Hiking in Yosemite is a favourite pastime for many people, but Mirror Lake might be one of the most popular hikes. The best part about hiking Mirror Lake, during the fall season, is that you can get some great shots of all of the changing colours in and around Yosemite National Park. You’ll find orange trees, red leaves on the ground, and yellow grasses while hiking to your destination. With the golden leaves dropping down around you, it’ll be like walking through a painting. And with it being your last chance before winter sets in, don’t wait any longer!
Plus, Mirror Lake Yosemite offers stunning views over Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and Nevada Falls. Mirror Lake is located just outside Yosemite National Park. Only a few miles from the entrance station on Highway 41. The hike up to this gorgeous alpine lake is about 4 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. The trailhead starts near Swinging Bridge Campground off Hwy 120 (near Wawona). However, be warned: it’s not an easy hike! You’ll need to be prepared with proper clothes, food and water before tackling this one. If you’re looking for something less strenuous, but still beautiful to do during your visit; take the three-mile stroll around Mirror Lake or head up Snow Creek Trail to see cascading waterfalls. Yosemite is a wonderful day trip from San Fransisco or a few other cities in California.
Recommended by: Alice at Adventures of Alice
Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park
The fall is the best time of year to hike the Devil’s Garden Trail in Arches National Park. The trail is the longest – and most epic – hiking trail in the park. In summer, the weather is scorching hot. Winter and into spring, part of the trail in usually closed due to icy conditions. In the fall, however, the weather is cooler, the park is less crowded and conditions are perfect for this hike. The trail starts at the Devil’s Garden trailhead. This is located at the far end of the Arches Scenic Drive. The only road in and out of the park. There is a parking area there, though it does fill up, so it is best to get there early. It costs $30 per vehicle to enter the national park.
The entire hike, including all spur trails is 7.9 miles. However, there are actually three interconnected trails. The first section is an easy one-mile hike (each way). On a paved, mostly flat path to Landscape Arch, the longest single span arch in North America. The second section is a moderate 2.1 mile trail (one way from the trailhead). It goes over the tops of narrow sandstone fins and ends at the stunning Double O Arch. Climb thorugh the bottom arch for the best views. From there, you can go back the same way. Or continue along the challenging 2.1-mile primitive trail down through Fin Canyon to do a loop back to the start. In total, there are 8 amazing arches on the entire trail.
Recommended by: James Ian at Parks Collecting
Naches Peak Loop, Mount Rainier National Park
While there’s plenty of great fall hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, one of the best to enjoy the park’s foliage is Naches Peak Loop, an easy to moderate 3.2 mile loop trail where you’ll see alpine lakes, vibrant autumnal colors, and Rainier, looming in the distance. If you’ve ever thought about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, this is an excellent way to enjoy a small part of it. The trail follows along the PCT for the northern part to Naches Peak and then continues on its own independent trail for the southern portion. To get started, you’ll park at Tipsoo Lake, a gorgeous lake worth visiting in its own right.
For the best hiking experience, traverse the loop in a clockwise direction. Where you’ll have continuous views of Rainier soaring above the colorful subalpine meadows for the second half of the hike. Keep your eyes peeled for huckleberry bushes for a sweet mid-trail snack. They’re plentiful along the trail in late summer through early fall. The trail traverses both a national forest and Mount Rainier National Park. So you’ll either need to access the trailhead from the west through the park’s Eumenclaw entrance. (Expect to pay a $30 entrance fee for a weekly pass. This is well worth it if you want to explore the rest of the park). Or from the east through the national forest. (It’s $5 to park for one day or alternatively: you can snag a $30 annual Northwest Forest Pass for national forests in Washington and Oregon).
Recommended by: Jessica at Uprooted Traveler
Clouds Rest, Yosemite National Park
Fall is a special season in Yosemite, as the summer crowds thin out and some leaves start to change colors. To fully experience the magic of autumn in the park, hiking Clouds Rest offers breathtaking views of Half Dome and the entire Yosemite Valley. The Clouds Rest hike is quite strenuous, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain in the 12 mile round trip. But even though it’s super steep, the trail isn’t technical. Just before you reach the summit, you will have to traverse a narrow ridge. This can be a little frightening if you’re afraid of heights. However, it is so worth it to make your way across it to take in the perspective of Yosemite from 9,926 feet.
Although there are a few different trailheads, you could start the Clouds Rest hike from Sunrise Lakes on Tioga Road. Be aware that Tioga Pass closes in the winter, so plan your fall hike of Clouds Rest in September or October. September is the most popular month, so you’ll want to start extra early in the morning to get a parking spot at the trailhead before it fills up. To get into Yosemite, a $35 entrance fee or National Parks pass is required. But unlike the Half Dome hike, Clouds Rest does not require a permit.
Recommended by: Allison at She Dreams of Alpine
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