Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash
No matter where you live in the United States, there are plenty of places to go hiking this fall.
Fall is here and with it come cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the changing of the leaves. In order to celebrate our favorite season we've compiled a list of America's top 7 hiking destinations perfect for fall. If you're looking for a place to get in some fall hiking, these 7 destinations are sure to provide the perfect adventure.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or just getting started on your outdoor journey, this list of 7 of America's top fall hiking destinations will inspire you to get out there this season.
Related: 5 Reasons To Go Hiking This Fall
Here are 7 best fall hiking destinations in the US:
1) Zion National Park
Photo by Trevor Gerzen on Unsplash
Zion National Park is a world-class hiking destination every hiker should experience at least once in their lifetime. It is one of America’s most popular national parks with jaw-dropping views and a unique landscape. Very few parks come close to Zion in terms of sheer natural beauty. That’s why hiking here is every adventure traveler’s dream. Soaring red-and-white cliffs, hidden arches, sweeping cliffs, winding narrows, vast expanses of slick rock, and abundance of wildlife make hiking here a fun experience for all. So make sure to plan a hike to Zion National Park this fall.
Related: The Essential Zion National Park Travel Guide
2) Rocky Mountain National Park
Photo by Kelsey Wiedel on Unsplash
With the advent of fall, Colorado’s famous aspen trees start changing colors from green to golden. And the best way to see them in action is with a hike inside the famous Rocky Mountain National Park. You will get to indulge in the sight of prolific aspen trees in a landscape surrounded by some of the most breathtaking snowcapped peaks. Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty of hiking trails for all ages. So you can even bring your family here for a wholehearted outdoor adventure this fall. We highly recommend doing the 10-mile round-trip hike to the top of Mt. Ida. Although this hike is a bit on the challenging side, the end reward certainly makes it well worth the effort.
Related: Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide
3) Upper Yosemite Falls
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
This list wouldn’t have been completed without me mentioning the Upper Yosemite Falls. Both experienced and novice hikers consider a hike to Upper Yosemite Falls as one of the best fall hikes in the US. There are a lot of great reasons to visit Upper Yosemite Falls inside the Yosemite National Park. But most come here because of its otherworldly landscape and scenery. Only a few places in the world can compare with the beauty of this region. The hike itself is a steep 7.2-mile trip that rewards you with constant views of the misty waterfall. One of the best things about hiking to the top of the Yosemite Falls is that you get to see the entire Yosemite Valley.
Related: Upper Yosemite Falls Trail Guide
4) Maroon Lake Scenic Trail
Photo by David Rupert on Unsplash
The name of this trail itself is enough to make you wanna gear up and go hiking. But name aside, the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is one of the most photogenic places to go hiking this fall. This outdoor hiking trail takes you on an amazing journey through Aspen, Colorado. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail will get you up close to the Rocky Mountains. Expect to encounter tons of wild animals running around. Mountain goats call this place their home and often graze on the mountainside. There are picturesque lakes and streams dotted along the hiking trail. So, make sure to bring your camera with you.
Related: Maroon Lake Scenic Trail Travel Guide