Best Trails for Fall Foliage
Fall is when we do most of our hiking. The temperatures are perfect, the crowds are smaller than summer, and the leaves are just incredible. Here are some trails we love during autumn.
Northeast Classics
If you're anywhere near the Northeast, fall foliage season is a big deal. The colors start changing at higher elevations first and work their way down. It happens pretty fast, so you need to time it right. We usually start checking foliage reports in early September.
The Catskills
Okay, we're obviously biased, but the Catskills in fall are genuinely stunning. All those different trees create this mix of colors that's hard to describe. Giant Ledge, Slide Mountain, and Overlook Mountain are all amazing hikes to do when the leaves are turning. The temperatures are cool enough that you won't overheat while climbing.
Vermont and New Hampshire
If you can get up to New England, the foliage is usually more intense than in New York. We haven't done a bunch of hiking there yet, but everyone we know says peak foliage in New Hampshire and Vermont is worth the drive.
The Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains have a longer fall season than a lot of places. Because there's so much elevation variation, the colors change over weeks instead of days. Less stressful if you're not sure exactly when to go.
West Coast Options
The Aspen trees in Colorado turn this beautiful gold color. We've never been, but we've seen enough photos to know it's on our list someday. Colorado's version of fall is apparently totally different from the East Coast.
Tips for Fall Hiking
- Timing: Check foliage reports before you go. Peak color only lasts a week or two, and it varies by region and elevation.
- Dress right: Fall weather is unpredictable. It can be 70 degrees and sunny one second and 50 degrees with clouds the next. Layers are your friend.
- Go early: Morning light through fall leaves is beautiful and great for photos. Plus trails are quieter.
- Be respectful: Pack out everything you bring in. Leave the leaves for everyone else to see.
Real Talk
Fall foliage might not be the most challenging thing about hiking, but it makes the whole experience better. Even a trail you've done a hundred times looks different when everything's turned gold and red. If you haven't tried fall hiking, definitely give it a shot.
For the best fall foliage hiking in New York, explore our Catskills hiking trails and Hudson Valley trail guide. Browse our full New York hiking page to find the perfect autumn hike.
What to Bring
Fall hiking in the Northeast calls for a few extras beyond the summer kit. Here's our autumn setup.
Wet fallen leaves on rocky trails are slippery. Good traction keeps fall hiking enjoyable.
We use: Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP
Same 20–30L setup works for fall — just add a fleece and an extra layer.
We use: Osprey Talon 22
Cool temperatures make it easy to forget to hydrate. Bring the same amount you would in summer.
We use: CamelBak Chute Mag 32oz
Fall trails get muddy and slippery after rain. Poles give you extra stability on the way down.
We use: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
Days are short in fall. If you start a hike at 3pm, you'll want a headlamp for the return.
We use: Black Diamond Spot 400
Summit temps in October can be 15–20°F colder than the trailhead. A fleece makes a real difference.
We use: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Fall weather in the Northeast is unpredictable. A packable rain jacket weighs almost nothing.
We use: Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Jacket
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