30+ Beautiful Fall Destinations with Places to Hike in the US

Places to Hike

Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially for those who love the outdoors. The leaves are changing color, the weather is cool and perfect for hiking, and there’s a feeling of excitement in the air as the holidays approach.

So, grab your favorite boots, cozy hiking socks, and daypack, and get ready to explore some epic fall destinations! 

Incredible Fall Destinations

and Places to Hike

To fully enjoy the stunning fall foliage of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, begin your day by hiking the Rainbow Falls Trail. At 5.1 miles (out-and-back), it’s a perfect morning hike. 

Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Red River Gorge, Kentucky

An incredible fall destination to explore in Kentucky is the Red River Gorge. Not only is it beautiful but it’s much less busy in the autumn months compared to summer.  

It is best to hike during autumn because the fall foliage is gorgeous along the river and other parts of the trail. In addition, it’s an easy hike, so you can truly relax as you look for wildlife and appreciate the beautiful views. 

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

The variety of options, from glaciers to lakes to peaks, makes Chugach State Park the ideal fall destination for hiking. In the fall, the leaves turn stunning yellows and oranges, and the longer days allow for hiking later than in many other parts of the country. 

Chugach State Park, Alaska

Santa Barbara is a coastal city in California that is lucky enough to have both the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains bordering it on either side. 

Santa Barbara, California

Find out more about the 30 beautiful fall destinations with places to hike throughout the US!

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