- FitFlop ranked the top 10 hiking trails in the US for fall foliage, and the Northeast tops the list.
- Editors highlight Stowe Pinnacle and Mount Mansfield in Vermont for scenic hikes and nearby dining options.
- Hawksbill Crag in Arkansas offers breathtaking views and a moderate trail ideal for early morning hikers.
If you’re gearing up for a weekend stroll filled with crisp fall foliage and red-orange-yellow landscapes, you’re in luck. According to research data from FitFlopOne of the best ways to see fall foliage in the U.S. could be right in your yard.
Hiking shoe experts compared trails taking into account user reviews, foliage conditions, walkability and search requirements. From there, they narrowed the list down to 10 trails worth visiting this season. Here’s the full list of the country’s best hiking trails that highlight the crisp fall foliage, plus our editors’ picks for which trails you should visit ASAP:
- Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop in Franconia, New Hampshire
- Kancamagus Highway Trail in the White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire
- Indian Head Trail in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve in Keene Valley, New York
- Mount Mansfield circular walk at Underhill State Park, Vermont
- Mohonk Reservation in Gardiner, New York
- Sunset Ridge Trail at Underhill State Park, Vermont
- Stowe Pinnacle Trail near Stowe, Vermont
- Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail in Castile, New York
- Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail in Elko County, Nevada
- Hawksbill Crag Trail in Kingston, Arkansas
As New Hampshire trails claim the top two spots for summit trails in mid-October, we’re excited FoodGoodThe home state of Vermont gets the most love on the list. And our editors have a special connection to these trails, so their recommendations will help you know exactly where to go.
“I have hiked Stowe Pinnacle dozens of times since moving here in 2003,” says our Editorial Director Carolyn Malcoun. “It’s not particularly long, so you don’t have to commit to a whole day. Plus, as the name suggests, it’s right outside of Stowe. We like to time our hike so that we can have lunch or dinner in town afterwards.” Malcoun recommends stopping by Idletyme Brewery while you’re in the area for “great food, a large patio, lawn games and a fun atmosphere.”
FoodGoodPenelope Wall, deputy executive director of , shares that the Mount Mansfield Loop Trail is “an incredibly beautiful hike,” but may not be particularly suitable for beginners.
“It’s very long, over seven miles and quite difficult,” she explains. Here’s her alternative suggestion: “Honestly? I would just hike the Mount Mansfield Haselton Trail to the Cliff Trail. You get great views, a nice, challenging hike, and then you can take the gondola down.”
The Northeast is the highlight for beautiful fall foliage this time of year, but honorable mentions go to hiking trails in Nevada and Arkansas. We asked an Arkansas-based tour operator Sarah Heer their thoughts on Trail #10, and here’s what you should know before heading south this fall.
“The trail is almost three miles round trip, clearly marked and very well maintained,” Heer said. “The first half is a switchback downhill hike, with a few benches to stop along the way. Remember, what goes downhill must come back uphill. I would say it is a moderate hike and good for beginners who are in good shape, but it is not ADA accessible.”
Heer calls the trail a “perfect day hike” with “incredible views” and recommends heading out early to enjoy a beautiful sunrise through the trees. The Arkansas native then suggests heading to the Boxley/Ponca area to see elk or going waterfall hunting in Compton. For lunch, a chicken salad sandwich at the Buffalo Outdoor Center is a local favorite.
A walk outside can help combat stress thanks to fresh air and vitamin D intake. Additionally, daily walks can help lower bad cholesterol, support healthy digestion, and improve longevity. Travel to one of these beautiful hiking trails and spend the day surrounded by warm colors and cool breezes – your body and mind will thank you!
