The Ultimate Leaf Peeper's Guide to Fall Foliage Hikes

The best way to take in the autumnal splendor? Go for a walk in the woods.

All across the United States , chlorophyll is starting to break down in green leave , revealing vivacious pigment and transforming verdant summertime scene into a red , orange , and yellow herald of sweater weather . It ’s fall foliage season , baby ! And one of thebest ways to cheep those leavesis through hike .

If you ’re ready to take a gander , now ’s the time to start plan your jaunt . you may see leaves transfer pretty much anywhere in the US , but getting the most out of a superb foliage - focus hike requires at least a fiddling bit of cognition and premeditation . Whether you ’re aseasoned trekkeror simply want to see the annual fall extravaganza while moving your body , a well - prepared hike call a serious time .

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When to go foliage hiking

Peak fall foliageoccurs at different times in different parts of the US , due to factor like latitude , meridian , climate , and tree diagram species . In the northern state and high elevations , mid - September to mid - October is prime time . Mid - latitude states , like those in the Midwest and Mid - Atlantic region , typically peak in mid - October , while southern country and lower elevations shine in late October to early November . On the West Coast , you could espy some fall colors in October , chiefly at eminent summit . Timing diverge from class to yr , and foretelling — like those made by thisinteractive evenfall leafage prognosis function — are based on past years , so check local foliage composition is your best bet for the most precise forecast .

No matter where or when you hike , remember that “ top leafage ” is alone immanent . Even partly turned and retiring - heyday leaves can still dazzle with their dramatic colors . Late - time of year rise may even reveal “ snowliage , ” an perfectly unequalled combo of snow and fall foliage finical to high summit .

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Where to go foliage hiking

If your goal is to view some foliage , you might considerheading to the highest mound with a lookout point . After all , a 360 - level view from a superlative or ridgeline hike is intemperate to pound . But spectacular declination foliage can be view at all heights . For shorter , more accessible hikes , walk along lakeshore , ponds , rivers , and coasts for view of vivid leaves mirrored in the water ( double the autumnal joy ) .

In term of geographic locating , Vermont , Maine , and New Hampshire areclassic leaf - peep localesfor a intellect . New England ’s wide chain of height and microclimates makes it home to manydeciduous trees , including maples , oaks , birches , beechwood , and hickories . Each of these tree species has unique chemical substance compounds that contribute to their fall leafage colors .

To see the unspoiled fall colors in New England , look at hiking aroundMount Mansfieldin Vermont ’s Green Mountains , or explore New Hampshire ’s White Mountains viaFranconia Ridge . In Massachusetts , you ’ll find Clarence Day hikes of all stripe in the scenic Berkshire Hills region . you may also chink out the Precipice Trail in Maine’sAcadia National Parkfor glorious scene of the coast alongside a leafy color show .

fall foliage hiking tips best leaf peeping hikes

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Luckily , New England ishardly America ’s only placeto peep some leaves . New York isnot nontaxable from autumn ’s charms : Breakneck Ridge , accessible from NYC , begins with a short scramble that give panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley follow by a wander forest path . Virginia has thePriest Wilderness , a 5,900 - plus - acre reserve , where about 5.4 naut mi of the Appalachian Trail cut through groves of yellow poplar , ash , chestnut oak tree , and scarlet oak tree . Observation Point Trailin Utah’sZion National Parkis an unexpected autumn treasure . InGreat Smoky Mountains National Park , try out the Alum Cave Trail or Clingmans Dome for bird’s-eye views from the observation tower . And though you wo n’t see a symphony orchestra of red and orange , almost any salary increase inGlacier , Grand Teton , orRocky Mountain National Parkproves thatgolden yellow aspen grovescan carry their own show . TheMidwest ’s capitulation colorsalso really punch above their system of weights ; just look at Michigan ’s Upper Peninsula for prominent fall scenes inTahquamenon Falls State Park , home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi .

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Planning your hike

gloaming foliage brings out even themost reluctant of hikers , which can interpose with witness a parking spot . If you’re able to , you ’ll want to attempt to avoid crowds ; start your hike too soon in the morning , go on a weekday , and do n’t await for ideal weather conditions . A glum , groggy timberland can be an ideal viewing scenario for that vivacious color palette — just save the ridgeline hikes for clear weather , as fog could befog the view .

If an good afternoon or weekend wage hike is your only pick , no vexation . Truncate your mileage so you do n’t end up hiking in the non-white and then whoop it up in the partake in human race of hiking alongside same - minded vegetation voyeurs . Just check that the track is open ( some parks aline their hour to account for few daytime minute ) and have a backup plan if your trail head is so congested you’re able to only circle the stack .

But parking is only part of the leafage hiking journeying . Ensuring you know your hiking route is a ripe safety bill at any time and is specially important during the fall time of year , when hang parting can obnubilate paths and make pilotage challenging . Pay attention to trail marking ; following designated trails can prevent you from getting lose or stumbling off a drop . Plus , stay on on trails reduces the likeliness that you ’ll harm delicate soil and industrial plant life or disturb wildlife . Be sure to download your function or convey along an old - schoolhouse paper one — AllTrails and other GPS apps are great tool , but useless if you drop off cell service .

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Fall weather can be unpredictable , and sunny mornings may reverse into cold , rainy afternoons . change stipulation ask that youdress in layers . Start with a moisture - wicking base bed made of polyester or merino sheep fleece . Add an insulating stratum such as fleece for warmness . Top it off with a waterproof and breathable racing shell bed . Moisture - wicking underwear is your acquaintance in both high temperature and rain .

If you ’re in bear country , bring bear nebuliser . Bring snack , carry water , and make trusted you actually partake in both throughout your hike . You ’re less likely to detect your hungriness and fatigue duty compared with lovesome weather hiking , so it ’s important to keep on top of hydration . Also , be aware that seemingly dry fallen foliage can trap wet , increasing your risk of dislocate and sliding .

And once you ’re ready to hit the trail ? Do n’t forget to look up and enjoy the scenery — That ’s really the whole dot , after all .

Here’s When and Where You’ll Need to Travel to See the Best Fall Foliage This Year