Explore Stunning Autumn Treks
Explore the vibrant hues of autumn in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions with these top-recommended hiking trails. From New Hampshire to Maryland, these trails offer a breathtaking spectacle of red, gold, and orange leaves against the backdrop of majestic mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ
Situated in Millburn, New Jersey, South Mountain Reservation is a picturesque destination for fall foliage enthusiasts. The trail winds its way along the Rahway River, leading hikers through a series of ravines and past the striking Maple Falls Cascades. The trail culminates in a grassy forest area, offering panoramic views of the towns of Millburn and Springfield. Don't forget to visit Washington Rock, a historic site where George Washington is said to have watched the battlefield during the American Revolution.
Clopper Lake, Seneca Creek State Park, Germantown, MD
Clopper Lake, nestled in Seneca Creek State Park, is a haven for wildlife lovers and fall foliage seekers alike. Surrounded by a mix of pines, cedars, hickories, and yellow poplars, the lake is a popular spot for spotting hawks, ospreys, barred owls, and great blue herons. The Great Seneca Trail forms a canopy of deciduous trees such as oaks, sycamores, maples, and beeches, making for a stunning autumnal backdrop.
Mount Grace State Forest, Warwick, MA
Mount Grace State Forest in Warwick, Massachusetts, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The Metacomet-Monadnock (M-M) Trail leads to a fire tower atop Mount Grace (1,617 ft.), providing breathtaking views of Mount Monadnock and hardwood forests with stands of red spruce. Interpretive signs along the Forest Discovery Trail explain forest succession, offering a fascinating insight into the forest's life cycle.
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
The White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire is renowned for its spectacular fall colors. The Zealand Falls Hut trail (2.7 miles one way, moderate) is a notable route, passing through forest and marshland scenery before culminating at a hut above a waterfall and pond, offering a beautiful leaf-peeping spot.
Other Notable Trails
- Wawayanda State Park, New Jersey: A 6-mile loop through shaded woods and past a pristine lake, this trail is excellent for a scenic fall day hike, though hikers should be aware it is black bear country.
- Gorge Trail in Mid-Atlantic Old Growth Forests: Known for its dramatic canyon views and waterfalls, this trail offers a Lord of the Rings-like experience amidst vibrant fall foliage.
- Mohawk Trail and Mount Greylock, Massachusetts: Both offer excellent panoramic views of mid-fall golden forests.
- The Lenape Trail in South Mountain Reservation starts from Glen Ave.
- The Camel's Hump trail in Vermont leads to the highest unstructured peak in Vermont, Camel's Hump (4,083 ft.).
- The Falls Overlook Trail in South Mountain Reservation offers a wide view of the far side of the reservation.
- The Monroe Trail in Waitsfield, VT, offers views of hardwoods such as red maple and paper, gray, and yellow birch.
- The Little River Valley in Rock Spring Preserve, Connecticut, is particularly vibrant in fall.
- Bear Mountain State Park in Bear Mountain, New York, is home to some of the oldest stretches of the Appalachian Trail.
- The Forest Discovery Trail, located off the Kancamagus Highway in Lincoln, New Hampshire, is a popular foliage viewing spot.
- The Major Welch Trail in Bear Mountain State Park offers views of the Bear Mountain Bridge and Long Mountain.
For the best timing, October is generally ideal for peak foliage in New England and the Mid-Atlantic, with late September offering earlier colors further north in New England. Using foliage prediction apps like the Yankee Foliage Leaf Peeper can help plan the trip to catch the colors at their peak.
These trails vary in difficulty and length but are some of the top recommended spots to enjoy fall colors in these regions. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to be captivated by the autumnal splendour of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Discover the harmony of home and garden at South Mountain Reservation in Millburn, NJ, where the Lenape Trail offers a scenic walk through vibrant autumn foliage. As you stroll, take a moment to appreciate the organic beauty of the fall landscape, complemented by the peaceful sounds of the Rahway River.
In Germantown, MD, embrace the outdoor-living spirit at Clopper Lake, Seneca Creek State Park, a haven teeming with wildlife. Surrounded by a kaleidoscope of autumn colors, the Great Seneca Trail and the lake provide an idyllic setting for enjoying the serenity of home and nature.
