The Best Areas on the East Coast for Fall Hiking

A rainbow of colors makes the views even better than they were before.

By: Jess Fischer + Save to a List

Most of the eastern United States and even out west explodes with color during the fall months. Below are a few hikes were you can find some of the insane fall foliage on the east coast! Some of the photography was shot during the summertime but imagine what the scenery would look like with a palate of reds, oranges and yellows. Lets get started...

North Carolina

Pisgah National Forest 


Photo: Eno Hammocks

Recommended hike: Explore the Treasures of Shining Rock

Blue Ridge Parkway


Photo: Tommy White

Recommended hike: Explore Beacon Heights on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountain National Park


Photo: Jess Fischer

Recommended hike: Hike the Chimney Tops

Rock Island State Park


Photo: Jess Fischer

Recommended adventure (hiking in the park!): Camp at Rock Island State Park

Virginia

Shenandoah National Park


Photo: Brandon Dewey

Recommended hike: Hike Cedar Run Falls Trail or drive Skyline Drive through Shenandoah!

Grayson Highlands


Photo: Christin Healey

Recommended hike: Hike Mount Rogers (Yes there are wild ponies!)

West Virginia

Dolly Sods 


Photo: Sarah Giek

Recommended hike: Hike to Rohrbaugh Cliffs in Dolly Sods (Honestly anywhere in the Dolly Sods will be unreal.)

Blackwater Falls State Park


Photo: Brandon Dewey

Recommended adventure: Camp at Blackwater Falls State Park (There's tons of family friendly hiking too and an amazing waterfall!)

New York

The Adirondacks


Photo: Rebecca Nichols

Recommended hike: Climb Whiteface Mountain via Brook Slide

Maine

Acadia National Park


Photo: Tate Yoder

Recommended hike: Hike to Rocky Pond

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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