The 5 Best Places to go for Scenic Autumnal Hiking Trails
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Autumn is a great time for hiking. The leaves are changing color, the air is crisp and fresh, and the days are still long enough for you to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking is a great way to get in touch with nature and enjoy the changing of the seasons.
It’s not too late to plan your autumnal walks.
Here are some reasons why you should hike in autumn:Â
– The leaves are changing color which makes the whole experience more enjoyable
– Autumn is a great time of year because it’s not too hot and not too cold
– You can enjoy long days in autumn
– There is less chance of mosquitoes in autumn
– You can get a good workout because the climate is perfect for hiking
The 5 best places to go for Fall Hikes in the USA
#1Â Â Â Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
As the fall foliage descends the mountain sides from high height to low level, the park often sees an autumn leaf season that lasts for many weeks. The precise dates of “peak” season cannot be predicted in advance because the timing of the fall color shift varies on so many different factors.
Recommended Hikes: Appalachian Trail
Park at the spacious lot at Newfound Gap. Look for the trail sign after crossing the Newfound Gap Road at the crosswalk. To reach Indian Gap, follow the Appalachian Trail. If you hike to Indian Gap and back, it is 3.4 miles roundtrip.
#2Â Â Â The Redwoods National Park, California
The redwoods offer dozens of routes totaling hundreds of miles for hiking and bicycling. These paths have parking for larger vehicles like recreational vehicles or trailers on some of them (but not all). The suggestions should be carefully reviewed for information on the size limitations that apply to each trailhead.
Accessible Trails
North: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
- Simpson-Reed Grove.
- Leiffer Loop.
South: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
- Big-Tree Wayside.
- Elk Prairie Trail.
- Foothills – Prairie Creek Loop or Karl Knapp Trail
- Revelation Trail.
Source via nps.gov
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#3Â Â Â Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Weekends in the fall bring both beautiful fall foliage and a lot of people. Visitors from all over the world go to Shenandoah National Park to take advantage of everything it has to offer as the weather starts to cool and the trees start to change their green leaves for crimson, orange, and yellow ones. To make the most of your fall trip, however, if you choose to travel during this busy period, you should make the following preparations:
The busiest and most lengthy lines are at the two northernmost exits, Front Royal and Thornton Gap. Consider taking Route 29 to the east or Route 340 to the west, south through the lowlands, to the Swift Run (Route 33) or Rockfish (Route 64) access stations, and then returning via Skyline Drive.
#4Â Â Â Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
With a height of 14,411 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier National Park is home to the highest mountain in both Washington state and the Cascade mountain range. This hike is especially beautiful in the late summer and early fall, when the park’s foliage and shrubs change to stunning autumnal hues and the pathways, slopes, and valleys are carpeted in wildflowers.
Recommended Trail:Â Tolmie Peak Fire LookoutÂ
#5Â Â Â Yosemite National Park, California
Recommended Hike: The Mist Trail
The iconic hike in Yosemite is this one. The Mist Trail has amazing views all the way along it, starting at the bridge overlook, continuing to two unforgettable waterfalls that fall a combined total of more than 900 feet (270 meters), and concluding with perhaps the most impressive of all: the view of Nevada Fall, Liberty Cap, and the back of Half Dome from the Muir Trail return segment. Many of Yosemite’s trails are popular because they have a single spectacular destination, but the Mist Trail has fabulous views scattered all along it.
WARNING
Always check current conditions with a ranger before heading out on a hike.