Dolor Tristique
"After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value."
G.M. Trevelyan
My favorite way to see the fall color is hiking. There is just something about the leaves crunching under your feet, the brisk air, and being up and close to everything. For this list, I didn’t focus on the tallest hikes, or the hardest… why?
Because for fall, I think it’s better to go to some of the shorter mountains. You get a better view compared to the high peaks. And some of the “hikes” are more nature walks. But remember, it is about seeing the colors and getting immersed in the experience.
Hiking Basics
Respect Nature & Be Prepared
Before we dive into the hikes, I think it is important to highlight a few things.
To start, make sure you understand the 7 principles of “Leave No Trace”. As the trails become more crowded and people are heading to nature, we need to all take responsibility for respecting mother nature and taking care of the land. Take a few minutes to read about this if you haven’t already.
Fall is a great time to hike, but also a time that you don’t know what to expect weather wise. As with any hike, it is critical to make sure you have the right gear to enjoy the hike and prepare for anything that could go wrong. Check out the recommended additional gear for fall.
Giant Mountain
Giant's Nubble is an excellent choice in the Adirondack High Peaks. For fall, I recommend doing part of the peak making your way up to the "Nubble". This is a great point to give you amazing views, but not too high to enjoy the color. If you're feeling adventures, round it out by completing the full peak.
Artist Bluff
One of the best view-effort ratio hikes, this hike comes in just under 2 miles round trip and gives you views of views of Franconia Notch including a lake and mountains.
Mt Jo
Coming in under 2 miles, you can't beat this hike for the amount of effort for some of the best views in the ADKs. From the top you will have a panoramic view of heart lake, NY's tallest Mountain, Marcy, and many of the other high peaks along the Great Range.
The Flume Gorge Trail
Although gated and tickets need to be purchased, I would still recommend this trail as it is an extremely scenic walk along the gorge and the surrounding forest.
Adirondacks
Giant Mountain
Giant's Nubble is an excellent choice in the Adirondack High Peaks. For fall, I recommend doing part of the peak making your way up to the "Nubble". This is a great point to give you amazing views, but not too high to enjoy the color. If you're feeling adventures, round it out by completing the full peak.
New Hampshire
Artist Bluff
One of the best view-effort ratio hikes, this hike comes in just under 2 miles round trip and gives you views of views of Franconia Notch including a lake and mountains.
Adirondacks
Mt Jo
Coming in under 2 miles, you can't beat this hike for the amount of effort for some of the best views in the ADKs. From the top you will have a panoramic view of heart lake, NY's tallest Mountain, Marcy, and many of the other high peaks along the Great Range.
New Hampshire
The Flume Gorge Trail
Although gated and tickets need to be purchased, I would still recommend this trail as it is an extremely scenic walk along the gorge and the surrounding forest.
