Most Scenic Hiking Trails in the Fall
The fall is perhaps the best season for hiking: the weather is cooler, the leaves change color, and you can enjoy being outdoors without worrying about pesky mosquitoes and other insects. Take advantage of the season and try one of these stunning hiking locations this year.
Acadia National Park, Maine
One of the country’s most popular national parks, Acadia offers 158 hiking trails and has something for everyone. Near vertical climbs for experienced hikers on Champlain Moutain’s Precipice Trail allow hikers to enjoy rock formations such as South Bubble mountain's glacial erratic. In addition to both hard and easy hiking trails, Acadia also offers guided bicycle tours, boat cruises, bus and carriage tours, birdwatching, fishing, and horseback riding.
Aspen Vista Trail, New Mexico
Considered one of the most beautiful places in the Sante Fe area during autumn, the Aspen Vista Trail turns golden thanks to its many Aspen trees. Visitors can hike up the trail, which is actually a road and is wide enough for families and large groups to access, and eventually reach a chair lift which you can take the rest of the way up. This trail is wide and easy, so it’s the perfect option for groups with young children or elderly people to enjoy. Go in October if you want to see the Aspens when they change colors.
Rabbit Ears Peak Trail, Colorado
The mountain formation that gave the trail its name has actually eroded, so it doesn’t resemble rabbit ears anymore, but the trail still has plenty to offer. This six-mile hike, near Steamboat Springs, has scenic views of the Continental Divide and meadows of flowers. This trail starts off easy and gets tougher as you approach the summit and traverse over loose rocks, so it might be best for older kids and more experienced travelers.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
This beautiful national park has a 5.5-mile loop, which features views of snow-capped mountains, creeks, golden aspens, and glacially-formed lakes. In addition to that, there are moose and deer that roam the grounds and people are also welcome to travel on horseback. Iconic locations such a Mormon Row provide some history and give people a chance to break up their hiking a little. Visitors can also go camping; they have the option to camp up to seven days at Jenny Lake and 14 days at all other campgrounds.
Denali National Park, Alaska
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, you need to take a look at Denali National Park. There are only a few official hiking trails, so hikers are encouraged to do off-trail hiking. There are also ranger-led trail hikes offered from May through September to help you journey safely around while learning more about the parks. Featuring the highest mountain in North America, this park and preserve encompasses more than 6 million acres and is home to forest, deciduous taiga, tundra, glaciers, snow, and rock. In winter it also offers dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, and snow machining. Wild animals roam around unfenced.
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