The Best Fall Hikes In Every State
Fall is the most magical time of year to get outside and enjoy nature. Fresh, crisp air, no humidity to speak of, and the gorgeous surroundings of leaves turning beautiful colors of golden yellows, vibrant oranges, and rocket reds—it's the perfect time of year to pack a bag, jump in the car, and head out for a good hike.
If you're looking for a new fall hiking destination in your state—consider these on our list of some of the best fall hikes in every State.
Alabama: Overlook Trail, Birmingham
You'll have to travel to the Ruffner Mountain Nature Reserve to find this stunning piece of Alabaman fall scenery. The Overlook Trail (via Quarry Trail) is tucked away in the reserve. It's a 2.4-mile hike of moderate difficulty, clambering over some rocky terrain and fairly steep inclines to reach the pinnacle of the trail: An overlook of the beautiful city of Birmingham, as the vibrant fall foliage, provides a stunning backdrop.
Alaska: Portage Pass, Whittier
For those looking for the most incredible fall views in Alaska, you'll need to journey to the Portage Pass Trail in Whittier. Traversing through dense (but beautiful) forestry, you'll find yourself hiking up into the pass, culminating with stunning 360-degree view of the Portage Glacier in all its splendor. Whether you're just visiting Alaska, or live here permanently, a visit to the Portage Pass in the fall is not to be missed.
Arizona: Eagle's Nest, Red Rock State Park
Atop the Eagle's Nest in Red Rock State Park lies an Arizonan fall view like no other. You might think of Arizona as being a place of just arid desert, but the spellbinding views atop the Eagle's Nest trail in Red State Park say otherwise. Aspens, oaks, and maples with gorgeous color palettes are what you'll see.
It'll cost you between $7 and $14 to get into Red Rock, but it's well worth it for the rewarding view.
Francesca Capodilupo, Shutterstock
Arkansas: Jasper Canyon
One of the best fall views in Arkansas is that of Jasper Canyon, located just south of Harrison, AK, along Highway 7. Stop at the Rotary Ann Roadside Park for panoramic views of the valley to the Ozark Mountains, or head up to Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls, a 5.7 mile out-and-back trail that's generally considered one of the more challenging fall hikes in the state.
The magnificent Hemmed-in-Hollow Waterfall is a whopping 210 feet high, making it the tallest waterfall between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains.
California: McCloud Waterfall Trail, McCloud
The stunning McCloud Waterfall Trail is an incredible 3.5-mile trek that winds along the McCloud River near the community of McCloud in Northern California. The trip will take you to three of California's greatest hidden gems—Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls—but the journey alongside the McCloud River is often laden with opportunities to see the stunning fall foliage on either side of the river.
Colorado: Upper Piney River Trail, Vail
The spectacular Upper Piney River Trail is located just outside of Vail, Colorado. This 6.0 mile trek will see you gain 730 feet of elevation. Despite being 2.5 hours from Denver—and only accessible via a dirt road—the drive is well worth it for some of the best hiking in Colorado.
Kristin, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Connecticut: Mount Higby Trail, Middlefield
The Mount Higby Trail is part of a larger 50-mile trail known as the Mattabesett Trail, but the Mount Higby section is just 10 miles out and back. While there is some rock scrambling and steep climbing to be done, we highly recommend you just do this smaller section of the Mattabesett for some of the most stunning views of the Quinnipiac Valley as the leaves change from green to oranges and yellows.
H. Morrow Long, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Delaware: Gordon's Pond Trail, Lewes
Nestled inside the incredible Cape Henlopen State Park is the Gordon's Pond Trail. This 5.2-mile trail traverses Gordon's Pond with a variety of crushed gravel, wooden bridges and forest floor under every step. As the marshland reeds of Gordon's Pond turn a gorgeous yellow-orange, migrating birds come and go, and the soft morning light illuminates your stunning surroundings.
Andrew Parlette from Elkridge,MD, US, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Florida: Juniper Lake Trail, Milton
The Blackwater River State Forest is one of the state's most visited forests. Named after Blackwater River, famous for its golden-brown (but oddly transparent) water—one of its most popular fall trails is the Juniper Lake Trail, which is a short, easy-going 0.7-mile loop trail that will give you stunning views of Juniper Lake.
On the way to and from the trail head, you can admire longleaf pines, Atlantic white cedar, and magnolia trees that make up much of the Blackwater River State Forest.
Georgia: Fort Mountain Wall, Tower & Overlook Trails, Chatsworth
Georgia's Fort Mountain State Park is one of the most beautiful, sprawling state parks in the country—a stunning 3,712 acres in size, it's the perfect place to spend a gorgeous fall day. A triumvirate of trails is our suggestion: Fort Mountain's Wall, Tower, and Overlook Trails will see you out all day, but taking in some of the most stunning views in Fort Mountain State Park.
Doing each of these trails is about eight miles in total and with some elevation gain mixed in, they're relatively challenging. Bring water, food, and be prepared to work for the views.
Hawaii: Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail, Honolulu
One of the most beautiful states is often sadly overlooked in the autumnal months. Despite this, Hawaii still has plenty to offer—such as the stunning Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail near Honolulu. This stunning 2.5-mile out-and-back trail takes you across the rugged, rocky terrain near the Makapu'u Lighthouse on Honolulu, featuring serene vistas of the ocean as far as the eye can see.
Bring your camera or binoculars, as you may see whales off-shore. While the terrain is moderately challenging, it shouldn't take you any longer than about 1.5 hours to complete the hike.
E.J.Johnson Photography, Shutterstock
Idaho: Fishhook Creek Trail, Stanley
Located about four miles from the mountain town of Stanley, Idaho is the relatively easy Fishhook Creek Trail hike, running parallel to Fishhook Creek and concluding at the sprawling Fishhook Meadow. Golden Aspen trees will surround you in all directions as the Sawtooth Mountains can be seen spectacularly at the conclusion of this 4.2-mile out-and-back trek.
Bas van Oorschot, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Illinois: Garden Of The Gods Observation Trail, Herod
Located in Herod, Illinois, the Garden Of The Gods Observation Trail is part of the Garden of The Gods Wildnerness Area. Despite only being 1/4-mile long, this observation trail goes through a sandstone undergrowth canopied by a stunning golden and orange mirage of trees with a continuous elevation change until you reach near the top of the look-out, where you'll need some serious hiking boots for the scramble to the top.
Not for the amateur nor faint of heart, the Garden Of The Gods Observation Trail concludes with a stunning view of the Shawnee National Forest, and features many unique sandstone rock formations along the way.
Indiana: Trail 2, Brown County State Park, Nashville
Simply known as "Trail 2" in Brown County State Park—the largest state park in Indiana—this staggering two-mile trail features stone bridges, retaining walls, gorgeous fall foliage and a man-made amphitheater, carved out of the limestone. There's also a fire tower to climb for an amazing 360-degree view of Indiana's "Little Smokies".
If you're looking for an easy enough introduction to hiking in Indiana, then Trail 2 (or any of the trails) at the Brown County State Park are stunning this time of year.
Patrick Jennings, Shutterstock
Iowa: Bridal Veil Trail, Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor
Located not far from the city of McGregor, IA lies the picturesque Pikes Peak State Park. This stunning 960-acre park is home to some of the best fall foliage views in the state. That's nevermore evident than on the under-a-mile Bridal Veil Trail. Despite being a very short hike, taking less than an hour to reach the end of the trail, a stunning vista lies atop a 500-feet bluff overlooking the mesmerizing Mississippi River.
Get there for sunset, and you're treated to a glorious, soft golden light. Or, wake up very early and head up for sunrise, for an even better picture.
Kansas: Rozarks Nature Trail, Kansas City
The Rozarks Nature Trail is one of those rare hidden gems within Kansas City that just screams "hike me". It's only 1.7 miles long, and is dog friendly. Gaining a slight elevation as you traverse above the city, you're treated to a staggering view of the Kansas City Skyline. Look out for the Rosedale Memorial Arch, as the commemorative memorial for those who perished during WWI marks the beginning (and end) of the Rozarks Nature Trail.
Kentucky: Harrods Creek Trail, Prospect
Located inside the boundaries of Harrods Creek Park near Prospect, KY, is the Harrods Creek Trail. At only 2.2 miles long, this short trail might be considered easy, were it not for the rocky, tree-root-rich terrain that you'll need to navigate. Streams and creeks run alongside the trail as you navigate through rich, beautiful autumnal-colored foliage that is everywhere in Harrods Creek Park, located about five minutes from downtown Prospect.
James St. John, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Louisiana: Rock Island Greenway, Ruston
Located in Ruston, Louisiana, the Rock Island Greenway is a beautiful two-mile out and back trail, running for one mile in each direction from Woodward Avenue to West Kentucky Avenue—the trail is a stunning 12 feet wide and started as a project by the city of Ruston in 2016. Plenty of room for you and everyone else, this easy-as-pie trek leaves you surrounded by stunning fall foliage.
Maine: Jesup Path, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor
Near the city of Bar Harbor, ME lies the gorgeous-at-any-time of year Acadia National Park. Jesup Path is a 2.2-mile out-and-back loop trail that runs through stunning stands of white birch (all adorned by orange and yellow leaves) and gorgeous hemlock trees, again adorned with the foliage of fall.
There are more challenging hikes with huge elevation gain in Acadia National Park, such as the Beehive Loop, a 15-mile trek that gains over 500 feet of elevation, putting you on clifftops at the end of the track.
Maryland: Annapolis Rock via Appalachian Trail, Frederick
Near the city of Frederick, Maryland, nestled in the South Mountain State Park, there lies the Annapolis Rock trail, accessible via a section of the Appalachian Trail. Gaining nearly 800 feet of elevation on this 4.9-mile journey into the mountains of South Mountain State Park, you'll find the outcrop of Annapolis Rock to be a stunning place to view gorgeous fall foliage.
This trail is popular among day-hikers and is usually done over moderately difficult terrain, diverging from forest floors to smooth, rocky terrain. It's a dog-friendly area, just ensure they're leashed.
Massachusetts: Grassy Pond Trail, Falmouth
Located in the Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary, is the very easy-going Grassy Pond trail. At only 0.8 miles long, this loop trail isn't particularly challenging and is perfect for a family day out. Traversing the Grass Pond at Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary, keep an ear out for the late fall birds that occupy the trees, and watch for the soft fall light bouncing off the ever-changing leaves. The water is generally like glass and can provide some stunning pictures, too.
Michigan: AuSable River Trail, Grayling
Located near Grayling, MI, this 3.2-mile loop trail will see you meandering some of the most beautiful forestry in the state (and the country). While you're in the lowlands for the most part, you'll be among softwood, hardwoods and stunning 200-year-old "old growth" forestry.
You'll gain some elevation near the beginning (and end) of your trek, with a gorgeous view of the Au Sable River greeting you, as well as the stunning colors that'll be surrounding it at this time of year.
Minnesota: Oberg Mountain Loop, Lutsen
Part of the stunning Superior Lake Trail, the Oberg Mountain Loop is a 2.6-mile loop trail that lies within the Superior National Forest, one of Minnesota's most beautiful forested lands. All the way along the 508 feet of elevation gain, you'll be treated to staggering views of Lake Superior.
You can use the Oberg Mountain Loop as a tester, to see if you'd like to take on the bigger challenge of the enormous 300+ mile footpath that runs from the Wisconsin-Minnesota border to the Canadian border, following the rocky outcrops alongside Lake Superior.
Missouri: Governor Bates Trail, Faust Park, Chesterfield
Located near Chesterfield, MO, the Governor Bates Trail is a stunning trek through Faust Park, where you'll see many of Missouri's more than 100 native deciduous tree species in the peak of their fall foliage. You'll pass by an old mansion, ancient farm equipment before you enter the beautiful canopy.
At just two miles long, this easy trail is the perfect little jaunt for a Sunday afternoon with the family, or a walk with the dog.
Montana: Gold Creek Trail, Wise River
Located near Wise River, the arduous-but-rewarding Gold Creek Trail near Wise River is one of Montana's premiere destinations for stunning views of the fall foliage down below. At 6.5 miles, this trail isn't for the faint-hearted and sees you gain 148 feet of elevation (beginning at 6,187 feet). It starts as an easy walk alongside a gorgeous pine forest before slowly transitioning to a reasonably steep hike up into the foothills, providing staggering views of (by now) yellow larches in the valley below, with mountains on all sides.
Plan to be out all-day on this one, and bring some bug spray and your camera.
Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nebraska: Saddle Rock Trail, Gering
Located in the Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, Nebraska, the Saddle Rock Trail is one of the most beautiful "into-the mountains" hikes in the entire state. Beginning at the Visitor's Center at the Monument, this slow-and-steady ascent into the highest reaches of the park will see you gain 587 feet of elevation over the 3.1-mile out and back trail.
Popular among birdwatchers and hikers, particularly during this time of year, the Saddle Rock Trail provides stunning views of the valley below in all of its glorious fall splendor.
Nevada: Mount Rose Trail, Reno
Located about 35 minutes from Reno, not far from the California border, there lies Mount Rose. It's an imposing overseer into the valley below—and you can hike to the peak of it on the Mount Rose Trail. Located in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, this stunning 10.6-mile trip will take you all day, out and back. Beginning in the valley below, you'll pass a glorious waterfall and stunning fall foliage before you begin your ascent.
Gaining over 2,300 feet of elevation as you ascend Mount Rose, the gorgeous panoramic views are almost endless, no matter where you are on the trail. As the distance and elevation can be quite extreme, we recommend this trail for experienced hikers only.
New Hampshire: Mount Willard Trail, Carroll
Located in the Carroll Wilderness Area, the stunning Mount Willard Trail will provide you with gorgeous views of the Crawford Notch and the surrounding White Mountains of New Hampshire. The valley below is littered with pine, you're sure to find orange as you look below. Considered moderate to difficult, this 3.1-mile out and back day hike means a steep incline is in your future.
Gaining nearly 900 feet of elevation, this challenging trail goes from the forest to the mountains in a hurry and should take you at least two hours to complete. But, you'll be treated to a staggering view of The Notch from many of the outcrops as the trail opens up as you ascend.
Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
New Jersey: Wild Cat Ridge, Rockaway
The Wild Cat Ridge on the Hawk Watch Trail is located in Rockaway, NJ and provides a gorgeous view of the New York City skyline from above. While only 1.6 miles long, the ascent into the highlands is moderately challenging, but should only take you about an hour, making it a short-but-sweet hike. Because it's only 1.6 miles, don't feel like you have to rush yourself! Take your time and savor the stunning fall colors with NYC as a beautiful backdrop.
bill-now, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
New Mexico: Fourth Of July Trail, Mountainair
While it's called the Fourth of July Trail, you can hike it at any time of year. Located in Mountainair, NM, the Fourth of July Trail is a 4.6-mile loop that features over 908 feet of elevation into the mountains around Torreon, NM. Meeting up with the Cerro Blanco Loop, this trail takes a little over two hours to complete the loop, although you can stay longer and marvel at the views in the valley below.
New York: East Trail Of Mt Hoevenberg, Lake Placid
Located near Lake Placid, the East Trail of Mount Hoevenberg is one of (many) of New York's most stunning fall hikes. A 4.2-mile out-and-back trail, it should take an average of two hours to complete, but you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Lake Placid area, particularly in the fall as the leaves are a stunning maelstrom of oranges, yellows, and reds.
Views from the trail and summit of mount van hoevenberg Lake Placid NY
North Carolina: Black Mountain Crest Trail, Murchison
Not far from the community of Murchison, the Black Mountain Crest Trail is one of the most stunning fall views in the east. As the sprawling valley below becomes clear, this four-mile, 3,000-foot scramble is a challenging hike, not the faint-of-heart as you ascend up challenging rock scrambles and out of dense forestry.
Nevertheless, the gorgeous views from the top of the 6,684-foot high Mount Mitchell is your reward for all that hard work.
North Dakota: White Butte Trail, Amidon
Located near Amidon, ND, the White Butte Trail is a stunning 1.7-mile, 337-foot out and back trail into the foothills of North Dakota. While you're never climbing very high, you're still treated to a stunning view: sedimentary rock deposited over 60 million years ago, combined with golden yellow, grassy foliage as the fall season sets in.
The late-morning sunrise is the perfect time to be up the summit, but a trip to the highest point in North Dakota is fine at any time of day, you'll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the plains below.
Ohio: Forested Dune Trail, Richfield
One of the best small trails in Ohio that's perfect for your family afternoon outing. Located in the Secor Metropark near Richfield Township, the Forested Dune Trail is a 1.3-mile loop right in the heart of the Metropark, but you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in the middle of the woods, in the middle of nowhere.
It's an easy day's hike through towering trees and gorgeous fall foliage. Pack a lunch or picnic and bring the family along for a day well spent in the woods.
Trail at Secor Metropark, Toledo, Ohio
Oklahoma: Turner Falls Hiking Trail, Davis
Located near Davis, OK, the Turner Falls Hiking Trail network is a series of trails that make up the Turner Falls State Park. This 3.47-mile loop trail takes you into the depths of Turner Falls State Park, where the beauty of the season is all around you in the deep foliage. Leading you to Turner Falls, where the mighty 77-foot waterfall churns. There's a small beach and rest area nearby before the trail loops back to where you started.
Oregon: Lower Macleay Trail, Portland
Located in the heart of Portland, but you wouldn't know it, the Lower Macleay Trail is a stunning wilderness refuge in the bustling city. The gorgeous fall foliage provided by the Lower Macleay Trail is a mix of deciduous trees, some old and young provided a gorgeous blanket of orange. This lollipop loop trail is 4.8 miles out and back, gaining 915 feet of elevation on the way.
Moderately difficult, October is the perfect time to see this beautiful trail in the heart of one of America's busiest cities.
Pennsylvania: Golden Eagle Trail, Wellsboro
The Golden Eagle Trail soars high above the Pennsylvania Canyon, with a steep incline at 2,342 feet of elevation, it's not intended for the inexperienced. At 9.3 miles long, it's also an all-day (six-hour) hike, so pack a lunch and plenty of water. Luckily, the views as you venture in the highlands of the Golden Eagle Trail are bountiful: Gorgeous oranges, yellows, and reds litter the Pennsylvania Canyon below.
Rhode Island: Weetamoo Woods, Tiverton
Yes, that's really its name: the Weetamoo Woods. Located in the East Bay, this gorgeous wooded area features seven miles of a trail network traversing the Weetamoo Woods. It's an easy trail network that everyone can enjoy, so bring the whole family and spend a day in the stunning fall surroundings of the Weetamoo Woods.
South Carolina: Raven Cliff Falls Trail, Cleveland
The Raven Cliff Falls Trail gets its name from the stunning 420-foot high Raven Cliff Falls, a giant waterfall nestled deep in the beautiful fall-color clad foliage of South Carolina's Caesar's Head State Park. Named out for the Caesarian-like rocky outcrop that stands emperor-esque overlooking the entire area. This beautiful trail will lead you around Raven Cliff Falls, with a stunning view of the waterfall on offer.
South Dakota: Crow Peak Trail, Spearfish
Located near the community of Spearfish, the Crow Peak Trail is a seven-mile out-and-back trail that takes you into the hills, standing (eventually) at a huge 5,790 feet of elevation. Luckily though, there's a brewery that shares a name with the peak back at the bottom of the Crow Peak Trail, where you can enjoy a well-earned beverage for your efforts, after you scramble back down.
Tennessee: East Lookout Tower Trail, Frozen Head State Park
Located in Frozen Head State Park, about an hour west of Knoxville, you'll be treated to a stunning view of the valleys and mountains below, at a staggering 3,324 feet above sea level. Covering six miles and gaining nearly 1,300 feet in elevation, the East Lookout Tower Trail may be one of the most gorgeous views of Tennessee fall colors in the entire state.
Texas: White Rock Cave Trail, Concan
Located near Concan, TX is the White Rock Cave trail (and the White Rock Caves). This 0.6-mile out-and-back trail system takes you into the hidden gem of Texas that is Garner State Park. Whether you're looking for riverside views of stunning colors, reflected beautifully in the water below, or simply going to and from the White Rock Cave, you'll find a kaleidoscope of fall colors in Garner State Park—and why not experience a cave while you're at it?
Utah: Lakeshore National Recreation Trail, Richfield
The Lakeshore National Recreation Trail is located in the Fish Lake Scenic Byway, beginning at the Bowery Haven Resort on relatively low ground. However, the lowlands are short lived as a sharp ascent begins, taking you up into the hills, looking down upon a stunning grove of 47,000 Quaking Aspen trees that grow in this area.
The gorgeously colored treetops of the aspens will define the journey through the 16.2-mile loop trail that should take you approximately six hours to complete. Bring a picnic and spend the day on the gorgeous rocky outcrops overlooking the stunning vista.
Vermont: Winooski River Walk, Winooski
Located in the town of Winooski, this easygoing riverside walk above the Winooski Dam is a short-but-sweet meander through the gorgeous fall colors of Vermont. Although you could (pretty much) find fall beauty anywhere in the state, the Winooski River Walk is a pleasant 1.7-mile, half-hour journey that's perfect for an afternoon excursion with the family.
Herrick~commonswiki, CC-BY-2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Virginia: Mount Vernon Trail, Rosslyn
This 18-mile trail is a little different than many on our list: it's paved and well-kept up by the various localities through which it passes. Traveling along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Northern Virginia, the multi-use trail takes you from small towns to sprawling open parks and through woodland and then back to civilization. While walking the trail may take you a fair bit (it's 37 miles out-and-back), as in all-day, it's perfect to spend an afternoon on a bicycle through the stunning fall foliage that's currently adorning North Virginia.
Washington: Tieton River Nature Trail, Yakima
Circumnavigating the Tieton River, this 6.75 mile out-and-back is filled with gorgeous color. Cottonwood trees, Quaking aspens, Garry oaks, and shrubby willows are all popping with color in mid-October through early November. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. You'll gain 300 feet of elevation during the course of your hike, all the while watching the Tieton River run its course through the area.
Williamborg, Wikimedia Commons
West Virginia: 10 Miles On The North Bend, Pennsboro
The nearest city to the North Bend Rail Trail is Pennsboro, but the actual North Bend Rail Trail covers a vast area of 72 miles from Interstate 77 near Parkersburg to Wolf Summit. However, because we're not insane, you need only experience 10 miles of this stunning rail trail to experience beautiful fall in West Virginia. You'll be passing mostly through wooded areas with gorgeous fall colors everywhere you look. Watch out for bicyclists, as the trail is very popular with touring cyclists on a long-haul journey.
Wisconsin: Sentinel Trail, Fish Creek
Near Fish Creek, Wisconsin, there lies Peninsula State Park. A gorgeous park to visit at any time of year, but in particular in the fall months. There, you'll find a two-mile trail called the Sentinel Trail. To truly get the best of the experience, you'll need to journey to an 850-foot high, wheelchair-accessible lookoff, which also gives a stunning view of Lake Michigan.
Wyoming: Lunch Counter Overlook Trail, Hoback Junction
Located in the Snake River Canyon, the stunning Lunch Counter Overlook Trail near Hoback Junction will provide you with the most stunning views in the state, as the churning waters of the Big Kahuna Rapids fall away beneath you and the gorgeous pines and grasses that line the rapids are rich with color. At only 0.4 miles long, this very short walk of about 15 minutes is the perfect side-excursion on any journey through the area.
Whereabouts do you go when you're looking for a fall hike in your home state? Do you have any other recommendations for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to capture all of fall, while they still can? Let us know in the comments below.
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