There is always that awe about fall that makes it gratifyingly beautiful. When we look around those tall trees with colorful leaves in orange, red, and brown, it gives us that feeling of a moment of peace and wonder.
This is the time when we cherish and appreciate the colors of autumn before we are surrounded by mostly cold white in winter.
The simplest way to really get that feeling during fall is when we hike around various destinations and parks across the country. It is a very different experience compared to exploring US national parks in summer which is the busiest time of the year.
We have listed some of the best fall hiking destinations so you can grab the kids, and get back to the great outdoors!
Acadia National Park: Bar Harbor, Maine
Leaf peeping is nothing but sort of extraordinary in this most sought after National Park in Maine. The South Bubble Rock Trail is another wonder in the area. Tourists and locals try to push the Bubble Rock which is a rock formation that seemingly clings to the mountain’s edge.
For experienced hikers, the vertical climb on the Champlain Mountain’s Precipice Trail is also recommended for its amazing view. The Acadia Mountains overlook the Atlantic Ocean which is also a great scenic view for travelers and the most ideal time to visit the national park is during the fall season.
It was established as a national monument under the name Sieur de Monts by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. In 1919, it became a National Park under the name “Lafayette” until its name was finally changed to Acadia in 1929.
The park also features waterways that are suitable for canoeing with your kids and has multiple rental and tour operators on site.
Maroon Bells: Aspen, Colorado
Two 14,000-foot peaks high above the White River National Forest are the Maroon Bells in Aspen. It is an ideal location to capture the golden leaves on camera. Fall is considered to be one of the most spectacular seasons in Aspen.
The fall foliage season peaks typically on the 3rd and 4th week of September. For nature enthusiasts, the Cathedral Lake, American Lake, Hunter Creek and Crater Lake are wonderful hiking destinations.
Mount Greylock: Adams, Massachusetts
Mount Greylock is located in the Berkshire Mountains which is Massachusetts’ tallest peak. 3,491 feet high might not be too remarkable compared to other notable mountains but it holds one of the most scenic mountains in the Eastern United States.
The classic, Moby Dick by Herman Melville was rumored to be inspired by the saddle-like shape mountain. Also, other writers like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau were also inspired by the picturesque peak. This gives us a clue that Mount Greylock is really a peaceful place to be.
Central Park, New York City
For families in vacation, what better and easier route than New York? Just a walk around the iconic Central Park shows the colorful leaves in autumn.
A sit on a bench shows a whole world of possibilities with the busy sounds of the city but at the same time a satisfying feeling seeing red and orange leaves falling. It is just as invigorating as it is in other nature parks.
The Ravine, a stream bed located in lush green and yellow tress of the North Woods is great for leisurely hikers and kids. The trail extends until Harlem Meer, a home to an incredible variety of wildlife.
Savannah, Georgia
My personal favorite, Savannah, is a beautiful landscape in the Fall Season. It looks like a palette of different fall colors.
The coastal city is topped with tourists and residents for its historic architecture, the nearby coastal marsh and sandy beaches, and most especially the gnarly-branched oak tress draped in Spanish moss.
There are many statues and historic mansions that exist in the well-preserved historic city where the tourists could hike around the streets. Hiking and backpacking trails in the city include Forsyth Park, Wormsloe Historic Ruins, and Skidaway Island State Park.
For an epic backpacking and camping trip for the family or group of friends, head to the south of the city at the Cumberland Island with views from the Carnegie mansion ruins and a view of wild horses.
Arches National Park, Utah
Southeast from Salt Lake City and near the Colorado border is the unmistakable arched rock formations of this Moab national park.
But there is so much more to this region than those signature archways. Here you will find canyons, rivers, fun parks (with dinosaurs!), all against the backdrop of red desert rock formations that offer some amazing hiking trails.
All suitable for the family, and in the fall season the crowds will not be too crazy! You may even catch a bit of snow if you are late enough in the season.
Yosemite National Park, California
Head directly to the east from San Francisco and you will find Yosemite National Park. You will find lots of family-friendly hiking trails and some stunning view points.
Some of the better-known sights include the Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan. But follow the trails and you will find beautiful rivers and landscape that is great for families.