While some people are too excited to welcome the autumn season, others might be a bit too reluctant to let go of the summer vibes. You might want to make the most of the warm temperature before you spend the rest of the year wrapped in a blanket sipping a pumpkin latte.
However, when it comes to hiking, the time between spring and autumn might be just the right time to explore the woods. In this article, we have listed some of our favorite hiking trails for autumn.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Located on the southeastern shores of Maine, Acadia National Park is one of the best spots in the US for hiking. The park offers stunning views of mountains, lakes, and coastlines. And moreover, it is located near the quaint town of Bar Harbor.
Fall is perhaps the best time to visit this park. The weather is crisp, the foliage is gorgeous, and more importantly, the crowds are fewer – apart from students from the universities in Bar Harbor. Every year, students pay for papers via academic platforms and manage to visit the park for a weekend getaway or a one-day hiking trip.
There are several trails in this park that allow hikers to experience different parts. While some reward you with sweeping vistas, others offer intimate boardwalks that are easy to tackle.
2. Blodgett Canyon, Montana
Montana is one of the places in the US where each season has its own dramatic beauty. However, fall has a special charm. The Blodgett Canyon is located in the Bitterroot Mountain Range. The nearest town is Hamilton, which is nestled under the mountains.
The Blodgett Canyon trail is eight miles and is quite scenic and relaxing. The route will take you right to the waterfall, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch in peace. The fall colors are breathtaking, and it is home to all sorts of wildlife. So, keep an eye out for creatures such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and elk during the hike.
3. Breakneck Ridge, New York
Well, the name Breakneck might make you think twice before setting off for a hike. However, there is nothing scary about the place; but the views might render you speechless though.
Breakneck Ridge is one of the favorite spots of New Yorkers, even for students hoping for a quick summer getaway. The spot is around one hour from the city, and there are trains that will take you directly to the area. The loop is around three miles; however, the hike can be quite steep though, so you might want to spend a day focusing on leg workouts before setting out for Breakneck.
However, once you make it to the top, scrambling through the rocks, you will be able to take in the panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley.
From the ground level, the nearest town of Cold Spring is around a 20-30 minutes walk. This is a charming little town with streets lined with colorful shops, restaurants, and cute coffee shops. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that this town looks like one out of a Hallmark movie, especially in the fall setting.
4. Le Colorado Provençal à Rustrel, Luberon, France
When thinking of France, hiking is certainly not the first thing to come to mind. However, those looking for a nature-friendly place might want to consider Southern France for the fall.
The Colorado Provenzal is one of the highlights of the Provence region, known for its lavenders. However, this hike will be unlike anything you have seen. Instead of walking through lush forests, you will be stepping on a vibrant landscape. This ochre-pigmented landscape gets its color from different quantities of iron oxide.
The result is rock formations in white, red, and orange colors. The hiking trail is circular, and there are different spots within the trail, such as the Chimney of the fairies or Sahara. If going in the fall, you will need to make sure that you have good hiking shoes, as the trail can be slippery after rain.
5. Bohemian Switzerland, Prague
Prague is one of the top European cities for budget travel. One of its most attractive destinations is Bohemian Switzerland, located close to the Czech-German border. However, since the country is quite small, you can reach here within 1-2 hours from Prague. On the German side, the park is known as Saxon Switzerland.
The place is gorgeous in all seasons, especially fall. The landscape changes from one part to another, from lush forest to gorges, spotted with historic castles and forts. You can even take a boat ride along the Elbe Cycle Path.
The Kögler’s Nature Trail is the oldest in Bohemia. It winds through the Kyjob Valley and Lusatian Mountains and leads you to the top of Vlčí Hora. There are several other trails to explore too. The parks are also surrounded by cute little towns, which can be a great way to immerse in the local culture.
6. Wildwood Trail, Portland, Oregon
The Wildwood runs for over 20 miles in the Forest park. It is, in fact, the longest soft-surface hiking trail with an urban boundary in the US. The route has even been designated a National Recreation Trail.
Bear in mind that this trail cannot be completed in a single day unless you are an expert hiker. But of course, you do not need to walk the entire length too. However, if you complete the loop, it will take you back right into the city.
The trail runs through some of the best parts of Portland and gives you panoramic views of the Japanese garden and more.
7. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is undeniably one of the top travel destinations in the US. With gorgeous waterfalls, rock formations, and beautiful hiking trails, the Yosemite Valley is spectacular all year round.
In fall, the valley erupts in a splash of colors. The weather is also mild, and the cooler temperature makes hiking and rock climbing more comfortable than in summer. There are many hiking trails to pick from, such as the Half Dome Hike, Yosemite Waterfall Trail, and Mirror Lake Trail.
So, there you go. Autumn is not only apt for staying home but also one of the best seasons to get out and explore nature. These are only a handful of the beautiful fall hiking trails, but you might be able to find other options closer to where you live.
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