The Best Hiking Routes for Autumn
Autumn transforms landscapes into vibrant tapestries of red, orange, and yellow. As someone who has hiked the same trails in different seasons, I can tell you that fall delivers views the rest of the year simply cannot match. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual walker, exploring trails during this season is particularly rewarding. Here’s a list of the best hiking routes I’ve either experienced or have on my must-do list for autumn.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is a gem on the US East Coast. The diversity of its trail system offers something for everyone. The Precipice Trail is a thrilling challenge with its steep climbs and iron rungs—probably should have led with this: it’s not for those afraid of heights, and I watched more than one hiker turn back. For a less strenuous trek, the Ocean Path provides stunning coastal views. Both trails feature autumn’s brilliant foliage, and the combination of ocean and fall colors is hard to beat.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Renowned for its biodiversity, the Great Smoky Mountains offer dozens of hiking options. Alum Cave Trail, with its unique geological formations and panoramic vistas, is particularly beautiful in autumn. Another must-visit is the Appalachian Trail segment that crosses the park. The scenic beauty of the mixed hardwood forest during fall is unmatched—I’ve hiked in many places, and the Smokies in October might be my favorite leaf-peeping anywhere.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers over 500 miles of trails. Old Rag Mountain is a popular choice for experienced hikers, featuring a challenging rock scramble and breathtaking summit views. For a more leisurely hike, the Hawksbill Mountain Trail leads to Shenandoah’s highest peak with expansive autumn views. The accessibility from the East Coast makes this a favorite for weekend trips when the colors peak.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington
Straddling the border between Oregon and Washington, the Columbia River Gorge is a hiker’s paradise. Trails such as Eagle Creek offer waterfalls and lush vegetation. Visit the Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop to see Multnomah Falls framed by fall colors. The mixture of water and foliage provides stunning photo opportunities—I took some of my best trail photos here and I’m not even a photographer.
Zion National Park, Utah
Though Zion is often associated with summer adventures, autumn offers a less crowded alternative. The famous Angels Landing Trail provides a heart-pounding climb with rewarding views. For something gentler, the Riverside Walk along the Virgin River offers tranquility surrounded by the park’s characteristic red rock formations. The contrast between the red canyon walls and fall colors along the river is striking. Cooler temps also make the exposed sections more bearable.
Lake District, England
The Lake District is renowned for its rolling hills, scenic lakes, and quaint towns. Among its many trails, the Catbells Lakeland Walk stands out for its relatively easy ascent and exquisite autumn panoramas. Another excellent route is the Helvellyn Traverse. This more challenging path offers expansive views and a sense of isolation perfect for reflection. The shoulder season means fewer crowds and the fells take on a golden hue that photographs don’t fully capture.
Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites offer dramatic landscapes characterized by their jagged peaks. In autumn, these mountains become less crowded, providing a peaceful hiking experience. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is renowned for its stunning views and relative ease. For a greater challenge, the Alta Via 1 offers an extended trek through diverse terrains. The larch trees turn golden in autumn against the pale dolomite rock—that’s what makes this region endearing to us mountain hikers who appreciate geology alongside scenery.
Dingle Way, Ireland
For an immersive multi-day hike, the Dingle Way offers 111 miles of Irish countryside. Autumn minimizes the rain and maximizes the vistas—though you should still pack rain gear because this is Ireland. The path features a mix of coastal and hill walking, passing through charming villages. Highlights include the Blasket Islands lookout and the views from Mount Brandon. The pubs at the end of each day’s walking are an underrated part of the experience.
Japanese Alps, Japan
The Japanese Alps boast a seasonality that enhances any hiking excursion. Kamikochi Valley offers an accessible starting point with trails like the Karasawa Cirque. Autumn foliage here is brilliant against a backdrop of rugged peaks. The Norikura Plateau provides a more substantial hike with forests that glow with seasonal colors. Japan takes autumn seriously, and the infrastructure for hikers reflects that—mountain huts, well-marked trails, everything you need.
La Gomera, Canary Islands
La Gomera might not be the first place that comes to mind for autumn hiking. However, this lesser-known Canary Island offers unique terrain. The Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features ancient laurel forests that feel prehistoric. The Alto de Garajonay trail provides panoramic views of the island and beyond. I didn’t expect much going in and left completely converted—sometimes the less obvious destinations deliver the most.
Western Arthurs Traverse, Tasmania, Australia
Although seasons are reversed in Australia, autumn (March-May) is still a great time to explore Tasmania’s wilderness. The Western Arthurs Traverse is known for its rugged beauty and challenging conditions. This track traverses alpine lakes and craggy peaks, offering an adventurous experience far from the crowded paths of more popular destinations. This is remote, demanding hiking—pack accordingly and know what you’re getting into.
Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
The Drakensberg Mountains offer a range of trails that cater to various fitness levels. The Amphitheatre Hike is iconic, featuring a hike to the top of Tugela Falls, the world’s second-highest waterfall. Lower elevation trails, like the Rainbow Gorge Trail, offer lush greenery and fewer challenges. The shoulder season means pleasant temperatures and wildflowers still blooming at lower elevations.
- Acadia National Park – From the Precipice Trail’s thrilling climbs to the Ocean Path’s coastal views.
- Great Smoky Mountains – Alum Cave Trail’s geological formations, Appalachian Trail’s autumn foliage.
- Shenandoah National Park – Challenging Old Rag Mountain, leisurely Hawksbill Mountain Trail.
- Columbia River Gorge – Eagle Creek’s waterfalls, Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop’s scenic vistas.
- Zion National Park – Heart-pounding Angels Landing, tranquil Riverside Walk.
- Lake District – Easy Catbells Lakeland Walk, challenging Helvellyn Traverse.
- Dolomites – Stunning Tre Cime di Lavaredo, extensive Alta Via 1.
- Dingle Way – Coastal and hill walking, Blasket Islands lookout, Mount Brandon views.
- Japanese Alps – Accessible Kamikochi Valley, substantial Norikura Plateau.
- La Gomera – Unique Garajonay National Park, panoramic Alto de Garajonay trail.
- Western Arthurs Traverse – Rugged beauty, alpine lakes, challenging conditions.
- Drakensberg Mountains – Iconic Amphitheatre Hike, lush Rainbow Gorge Trail.
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