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In search of beautiful fall hikes to explore across the United States beyond iconic New England? Whether you seek the best fall hiking adventures for leaf peeping (leaf color changes) or want to take advantage of cooler temperatures in otherwise hot or crowded destinations, here are 15 scenic autumn hikes in the US you’ll definitely love.
Letchworth State Park, New York
Letchworth State Park is one of the most beautiful parks on the East Coast. It is also considered by many to be the most beautiful state park in the United States!
With gorgeous autumn leaf-peeping scenery, over 23 hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities, and hot air balloons floating overhead, your autumn visit to the Grand Canyon of the East Coast will be blissful.
My favorite spots for photos and bird watching are the Great Bend Overlook, Inspiration Point, Lower Falls Footbridge, Middle Falls, and the Upper Falls.
- Letchworth State Park Entrance Fee & Parking: $10 per vehicle, extra fees for camping (bring this camping checklist with you for packing efficiency). Parking is included and available throughout the park.
Other lodging near Letchworth State Park:
Mono Lake: Tufa State Natural Reserve, California
Mono Lake, located in Lee Vining in the Eastern Sierras, is one of the best lakes in California you can visit. Not only is this unique saltwater lake scenic, but it is also a nesting habitat for migratory birds, and features unique limestone tufas.
The route is super scenic in the fall. With colorful willows, leftovers from summer wildflowers, and a few trees all adding color to the landscape in shades of yellow and orange. You also get the opportunity to see tufa formations up close.
For a fun, relaxing activity at Mono Lake County Park, Dhara from Roadtripping California recommends you hike the boardwalk trail to the scenic viewpoint on the north shore. You can see the lake and various birds if you bring your binoculars or zoom lens.
The trail is about 0.7 mile long and is an out-and-back flat trail that is comfortable for most visitors.
- Mono Lake Entrance Fee & Parking: $3 per adult. Limited parking available, so arrive early or late to snag a spot.
Where to stay near Mono Lake during the Fall:
Cook’s Meadow Loop: Yosemite, California
Fall is perhaps the best time to visit Yosemite National Park. The crowds thin out considerably and accommodation prices come down accordingly. The valley also transforms into magnificent shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Caroline Ikeji from Pictures & Words says one of the easiest ways to experience fall in Yosemite is the Cook’s Meadow Loop: a short, 1-mile hike that takes you through a wide-open meadow bordering the Merced River.
Not only is there tons of autumn-colored foliage all along the trail, it also offers some breathtaking views of some of Yosemite’s most iconic sights. This includes Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.
Be sure to also take the detour to the charming Yosemite Valley Chapel, just across the Merced River from Cook’s Meadow, for another beautiful fall photo op.
- Yosemite Entrance Fee & Parking: $35 per vehicle — valid for up to 7 days (or free for annual NPS pass holders, which costs $80 and is valid at all National Parks.)
Note: Reservation system is in effect until October 31.
Lodging in Yosemite National Park:
Bushkill Falls, Pennsylvania
Bushkill Falls is a perfect Pennsylvania destination for a scenic autumn hike. It is less than 1-2 hours from other beautiful parks and hikes near Philadelphia.
It’s also one of the best places in the Poconos for fall foliage starting in early October and lasting through early November.
Bushkill Falls is a series of eight waterfalls reached through a 2-mile stretch of well-maintained trail and stunning autumn leaves. Derek and Mike from Robe Trotting say the hike is moderate, but most nature lovers should be able to navigate the trek in about two hours.
Of course, you will want some extra time for taking photos and enjoying the brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow. There are also three shorter trails which are easier and can be covered in as little as 15 minutes.
- Bushkill Falls Entrance Fee & Parking: Adult entry is $14.50 during the week and $17.50 for weekends/holidays; $8.50 for kids. There is a discount for seniors and all tickets can be purchased online to skip any lines.
Where to stay near Bushkill Falls:
Castlewood State Park, Missouri
Castlewood State Park is located just 30 minutes outside the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. At just over 1,818 acres, the park covers both sides of the Meramec River making it the perfect place for fall hikes for autumn foliage.
Ron and Jess from Unearth The Voyage love how the dramatic bluffs rise on the north side of the river. It gives hikers a birds’ eye view of sprawling yellow, red and orange rolling hills below.
With eight wonderfully maintained trails ranging from 1.6 miles to well over 6 miles, hikers with any level of experience and physical ability are sure to find the perfect trail for them.
Its close proximity to the city makes Castlewood State Park a popular destination. However, the large size of the park and parking areas mean hikers often don’t need to worry about finding a place to park before their hike, or a picnic area to enjoy a snack.
- Castlewood State Park Entrance Fee & Parking: All Missouri state parks are free to visit.
Where to stay near Castlewood State Park:
Ptarmigan Lake, Colorado
One of the best fall hikes in Colorado is by far Ptarmigan Lake. This beautifully stunning 6-mile out-and-back hike features a high alpine lake and plenty of fall colors.
Meg Atteberry of Fox in the Forest loves visiting during Autumn for the wonderfully colorful scene. There, reds and yellows stand out against a brilliant icy blue lake.
Don’t let the low mileage fool you, this moderately difficult trail has a few steep parts, including the final push to the lake. However, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous alpine cirque with vibrant fall colors among the turning grasses and willows.
The trail makes its way through a pine forest before reaching an intermediary lake along the way. This is a great place to stop for a quick snack before you push to the top.
Located partially up Cottonwood Pass, the trail is easily accessible for all vehicles. Cottonwood Pass makes for a stunning fall drive after your hike, highlighting aspen groves and 14,000-foot peaks.
At the top of the pass, you can take in the sweeping views and even see the Ptarmigan Lake Basin below.
- Ptarmigan Lake Entrance Fee & Parking: No fee or permit required. Parking can get crowded during peak fall colors (typically toward the end of September) so be sure to arrive at the trailhead by 7 am.
Where to stay near Ptarmigan Lake:
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
While you won’t see leaf peeping at one of my favorite parks in the United States — and a super unique one, at that — visiting the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert during the winter will provide an opportunity to experience fewer crowds (yay social distancing) and a relief from Arizona’s hotter summer temperatures.
Here you can take advantage of permitted backcountry fall hikes, nature trails, a free museum, and even a 28-mile scenic drive across the forest and Painted Desert.
Keep an eye out for badlands, blue mesa, petroglyphs, and of course, petrified wood dating all the way back to the Triassic period (when Arizona was a rainforest).
- Petrified Forest Entrance Fee & Parking: $25 per vehicle — valid up to 7 days, or $15 per person. All annual America the Beautiful passes accepted for free access.
Nearby Tours:
Where to stay near Petrified National Park:
- Brad’s Desert Inn
- La Quinta Inn Suites by Windham Holbrook
- Starlight Tent
- Painted Desert Ranger Cabin
Falls Creek Falls, Washington
The Falls Creek Falls Trail is about a 5-mile round trip hike, and with the summer crowds thinning out, fall is the best time to visit! This hike will take you through forests and over creeks for a scenic yet diverse landscape experience.
Kay from The Awkward Traveller thinks the showstopper of this hike is the magnificent waterfall at the end, surrounded by beautiful ferns, bushy pines, and a variety of smaller trees highlighting the path in soft autumn hues.
The path is also popular for mountain biking, so be sure to keep an eye out as they pass on the trail.
- Falls Creek Falls Entrance Fee & Parking: No fee to enter and park.
Note: The gate to the road closes in the winter season (December – February) as the road to the trail is not cleared during those months. Be sure to check the trail’s website for the most up-to-date information on gate closure.
Where to stay near Falls Creek Fall:
Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming
Grand Tetons National Park has some of the most gorgeous scenic views in America. Located in Wyoming, Grand Tetons is one of the top five national parks in the US and a bucket list destination for outdoor adventurists.
There are multiple fall hikes you can take (across various strenuous levels). You can see wildlife, epic mountain peaks, and marvelous waterfronts — and it is particularly gorgeous during September and early October for fall colors.
- Grand Tetons National Park Entrance Fee & Parking: Entry fee is $20 for hikers but Jeff Jenkins from Chubby Diaries recommends you save money on group hikes by entering with a car (the entrance fee per vehicle is $30).
Tours:
Lodging near Grand Teton:
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
Exploring the vast Great Smoky Mountains is a breathtaking experience during the fall. Thanks to varying elevations, you can enjoy leaf-peeping throughout the mountains from mid-September to late-October/early-November.
Keep an eye out for the turning of birch, beech, and maple trees, to name a few!
Also part of the Appalachian Trail, you can join a popular day hike along Charlie’s Bunion for 8 miles, round trip, to catch scenic fall views. Other popular fall hikes include Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, and Rainbow Falls.
For scenic drives, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Clingmans Dome Road, or the foothills.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Fee & Parking: With the exception of camping, this park is absolutely free!
Tours in the Smoky Mountains:
- Smoky Mountain Guided Scenic High Van Tour
- Overnight Backpacking in the Smokies
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour
Lodging near the Great Smokey Mountains:
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Although Mount Rainier National Park is probably best known for its summer hikes when the wildflowers bloom in a kaleidoscope of colors, it’s also worth a visit during autumn for some breathtaking fall foliage!
With Paradise Visitor Center as the starting point, there are many autumn hikes to explore just bursting with a blaze of crimson colors, found only during this special time of year.
Melissa from Wit and Folly’s favorite hike (and probably the most well known) is the Skyline Trail, which is a moderate 5.5 miles round trip hike with breathtaking views all around.
Set against a backdrop of evergreen trees, you can view the beautiful fall foliage up close at some points, and admire sweeping panoramic views of colorful hillsides at other places along the route.
Make it up to Panorama Point and on a clear day, be rewarded with spectacular views of the Tatoosh Peaks, Nisqually glacier, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood!
- Mount Rainier National Park Entrance Fee & Parking: $30 per vehicle – valid for up to 7 days. $55 for a one year MR park pass grants you unlimited entry.
Lodging near Mt. Rainier NP for your fall hikes:
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Minnesota
Describing the scene as a kaleidoscope of fiery hues does not begin to cover how beautiful Minnesota’s North Shore is during the autumn months.
Starting in early September the leaves begin to fade from their vibrant emerald green shades into more warm-toned colors, which is the best time to visit Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, according to Martha from Quirky Globetrotter.
One of the best fall hikes to take to admire the changing of the seasons is the Little Two Harbors Trails. The trail starts at the lighthouse and meanders down to the bottom of the cliffs where you can touch the chilly Lake Superior waters.
Not only do you get to see the beautiful, historic lighthouse, the cliffs facing Lake Superior suddenly look more golden and red undertones sweep across the landscape.
This is the perfect place to enjoy some solitude or a picnic with a loved one. This trail does have stairs but is perfect for beginner hikers.
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Entrance Fee & Parking: Entrance to the lighthouse and surrounding hikes is $8, which includes free parking. The park closes for the season on Halloween.
Where to stay near Split Rock Lighthouse State Park:
Sugarloaf Mountain, Michigan
No autumn trip to Marquette, Michigan is complete without a hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. This mountain is perched over 400 feet above Lake Superior, offering an incredible and unobstructed view of the turquoise water and rolling hills ablaze in fall color.
For the hike itself, Emily Hines from Em’s on the Road recommends you take the easy route that gradually winds up the mountain or you can opt for more of a challenge, climbing boulders and stairs until you reach the top.
- Sugarloaf Mountain Entrance Fee & Parking: Free admission. There’s a dedicated parking lot at the trailhead just outside of the city limits.
Where to stay near Sugarloaf Mountain:
Ouzel Falls: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Hiking to see 40-foot tall Ouzel Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado is a fantastic fall hike with unique foliage!
Stephanie from Explore More Clean Less suggests you keep your eyes peeled for rutting elk on the quiet drive out to the Wild Basin Trailhead, located in the southeast corner of the park.
The Ouzel Fall hike is roughly 5.5 miles roundtrip and an out-and-back trail that is considered moderate in difficulty level. Along the trail on the way to Ouzel Falls, hikers will see the upper and lower Copeland Falls in addition to the breathtaking Calypso Cascades.
Fall is when the aspen trees lining parts of the trail turn bright yellow, making for a brilliant contrast against the conifers!
Accessing the trailhead requires a two mile drive on a narrow, gravel road so be sure to check weather conditions before heading out.
- Rock Mountain National Park Entrance Fee & Parking: $25 per adult, or $30 per vehicle.
Tours in Rocky Mountain NP for your fall hikes:
- Small-Group Tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
- Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
Lodging near Rocky Mountain National Park:
Overlook Mountain, New York
When New York’s Hudson Valley reaches its peak fall colors, a hike is the best way to take in all the beauty. Overlook Mountain in the Catskills has a nicely marked trail that leads to some spectacular views. The hike is moderately steep, but not too difficult.
According to Anisa from Two Traveling Texans, there are some interesting ruins of an old hotel close to the summit, and a fire tower at the top of the mountain. If the stability of the fire towers seems questionable, walk a bit farther to the lookout point and enjoy the amazing scenery there.
The round trip hike to Overlook Mountain covers 5 miles. Allow 2-4 hours depending on physical conditioning and photo stops.
Overlook Mountain is located about 20 minutes north of the town of Woodstock, New York on County Road 33.
- Overlook Mountain Entrance Fee & Parking: There is no entry or parking fee.
Where to stay near Overlook Mountain:
- Beaver Brook Mountain Hideaway
- The Wilderness Inn
- Adirondack Spruce Lodge
- Algonquin Mountain Chalet
- Whiteface Mountain Chalet
Which Fall Hikes will You Visit First?
There are so many gorgeous fall hiking destinations to visit in the USA; this list just scratched the surface! There are obviously opportunities to see fiery leaves throughout New England or cruise through turning leaves in Shenandoah, Virginia, for instance.
Be sure to refer to a fall foliage calendar each season (I like this one from the Farmer’s Almanac), as the changing colors of leaves do not follow the same exact schedule each year.
Enjoy!
xx, O.
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I really enjoyed the beautiful Photo’s.
Amazing places!
Great post!
Thanks for sharing!