As the summer heat fades and crisp air sets in, fall becomes one of the most magical seasons for outdoor adventures. The changing foliage, cooler temperatures, and serene landscapes make it the perfect time to hit the trails. Whether you're hiking through golden forests or mountain biking across vibrant ridgelines, there’s a trail for everyone. Here’s a roundup of some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails across the United States to explore this fall.
1. The Appalachian Trail (East Coast)
- Best For: Hiking
- Location: Georgia to Maine
One of the most iconic hiking trails in the U.S., the Appalachian Trail offers stunning fall foliage across its many states. While it spans 2,200 miles, you don’t need to tackle the whole thing. Popular sections like Shenandoah National Park in Virginia or the White Mountains in New Hampshire offer breathtaking autumn colors. The trail provides a mix of rugged terrains, scenic overlooks, and dense woodlands, making it a fall favorite for hikers.
Why It’s Great in Fall: The brilliant fall foliage, crisp mountain air, and peaceful solitude make this trail a quintessential fall hiking experience.
2. Moab’s Slickrock Trail (Utah)
- Best For: Mountain Biking
- Location: Moab, Utah
Known as the ultimate mountain biking destination, Slickrock Trail in Moab is a must for adventurous bikers. The trail consists of 10.5 miles of otherworldly sandstone formations that provide a unique and challenging biking experience. Fall brings cooler weather, making it the perfect season to ride this legendary trail. Be prepared for steep climbs, slick descents, and jaw-dropping desert vistas.
Why It’s Great in Fall: Cooler temperatures make this otherwise hot desert ride manageable, while the desert landscape takes on a unique golden hue in the softer autumn light.
3. Maroon Bells Scenic Loop (Colorado)
- Best For: Hiking
- Location: Aspen, Colorado
The Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado, are one of the most photographed mountain ranges in the U.S., and for good reason. The Scenic Loop is a relatively easy 1.9-mile trail, perfect for a day hike that offers spectacular views of the two towering peaks, surrounded by reflective lakes and vibrant fall foliage. If you’re looking for a longer adventure, the nearby Crater Lake Trail offers more rugged terrain and a chance to experience the area’s alpine beauty up close.
Why It’s Great in Fall: The aspen trees explode into gold and orange, and the crisp mountain air makes hiking here an invigorating experience.
4. Kingdom Trails (Vermont)
- Best For: Mountain Biking
- Location: East Burke, Vermont
Located in the heart of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, Kingdom Trails is a network of over 100 miles of well-maintained trails that cater to mountain bikers of all levels. In the fall, the forests surrounding the trails burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a picture-perfect setting. From rolling hills to thrilling downhill runs, Kingdom Trails offers a bit of everything for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Why It’s Great in Fall: Vermont’s famous fall foliage is at its peak, and the cooler temperatures make for an ideal biking climate.
5. Glacier National Park (Montana)
- Best For: Hiking
- Location: Montana
Glacier National Park is a hiker's paradise, and fall is one of the best times to explore its rugged beauty. The Highline Trail offers dramatic views of alpine meadows and towering peaks, and by fall, the crowds thin out, allowing for a peaceful experience. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a famous scenic drive, also offers plenty of hiking trailheads that can be accessed before snow begins to close the roads.
Why It’s Great in Fall: Stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and the golden hues of the changing larch trees make Glacier an unforgettable autumn destination.
6. Pisgah National Forest (North Carolina)
- Best For: Mountain Biking
- Location: Western North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest is home to some of the most famous mountain biking trails on the East Coast. The forest’s mix of steep descents, rocky terrain, and fast, flowy singletracks makes it a favorite for experienced bikers. The Sycamore Cove Loop and Black Mountain Trail are popular routes that offer challenging yet rewarding rides through dense woods and mountain ridgelines. Fall colors only add to the beauty of this rugged forest, making every turn even more breathtaking.
Why It’s Great in Fall: Pisgah’s rich hardwood forests turn into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, while the cooler temperatures make for perfect riding conditions.
7. Acadia National Park (Maine)
- Best For: Hiking and Mountain Biking
- Location: Maine
Acadia National Park offers something for both hikers and mountain bikers, with its mix of rugged coastlines, forested trails, and mountain peaks. For hikers, the Precipice Trail offers an exhilarating climb with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. For mountain bikers, the park’s historic carriage roads provide smooth, scenic riding through stunning fall foliage.
Why It’s Great in Fall: The contrast of the vibrant fall foliage against the rocky coastline creates a one-of-a-kind autumn experience.
8. The Pacific Crest Trail (West Coast)
- Best For: Hiking
- Location: California, Oregon, Washington
The Pacific Crest Trail is another legendary long-distance trail, running from Mexico to Canada. While most people think of summer for hiking this trail, fall offers a special charm, especially in the northern sections of Oregon and Washington. The Cascade Mountains come alive with changing colors, and the cooler temperatures make long hikes more enjoyable. Section hikes around Crater Lake or the North Cascades offer some of the most breathtaking fall landscapes on the West Coast.
Why It’s Great in Fall: The trail offers unmatched wilderness solitude, dramatic mountain views, and brilliant fall colors, all without the summer heat.
Gear Up for Fall Adventures
Before hitting the trails, make sure you're prepared with the right gear. Stop by Mass Depot, where you can shop mountain bike tires, tire repair kits, chains for securing your bike, and heated jackets to keep you comfortable during those brisk fall mornings. Whether you're hiking or biking, proper preparation will ensure you get the most out of your fall outdoor experience.
Embrace the beauty of the season and enjoy your next adventure on one of these spectacular fall trails!