Best places to see fall foliage in the United States

Foliage in the United States: le 5 best hikes

About a third of the U.S. territory is covered by forests, and for this reason there are plenty of places to see foliage throughout the United States. From Washington state to New England there are many treks to do in the fall, perfect for those looking for the best shot to post on social media or simply for those who want to admire the beauty of nature and its colors. We have selected for you the 5 most beautiful places to see the foliage!

 

Vermont: the most famous foliage

When people talk about foliage they immediately think of New England, a region that offers an extraordinary mix of fall colors starting in September. Fall foliage in Vermont is some of the most well-known, tinting the state's most distinctive towns, such as Stowe, Montpelier, and Woodstock, with orange, red, yellow, and brown. Foliage in Vermont can also be appreciated by taking a drive on the famous Scenic Byways. But we recommend trying an autumnal hike in the Green Mountain National Forest, which is crisscrossed by some important trails such as the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail. If you want to check the status of foliage in Vermont in real time you can visit this website.

 

New Hampshire: the beauty of th White Mountains

Another state famous for the foliage is New Hampshire, where nearly 85% of the territory is covered by forests. The colors of autumn in New Hampshire can be appreciated by car by taking the Currier & Ives Scenic Byway, or the Monadnock Region Loop Scenic Drive, but it is also possible to take a train ride, such as the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Fall hikers can visit the White Mountains National Forest, which is painted with autumnal colors starting in September, and which offers breathtaking views. New Hampshire also offers many opportunities for the little ones! Many towns hold fall festivals, and in some places, you can even take on challenging corn mazes! New Hampshire also has a website dedicated to predicting peak foliage, you can find it at this link.

Great Smoky Mountains: an excellent Fall Hike

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located between Tennessee and North Carolina and is one of the most beautiful places to see foliage in the fall season. The trails within the park are numerous and of varying difficulties, but we recommend trying the Clingmans Dome Trail, an easy hike that ends at the top of an observation tower and provides a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains and the forest below. 

Colorado foliage: hiking through the colors of fall

The name "Colorado" in Spanish means "colored red" and although this term refers to the color of the rock we cannot deny that it also fits well with the colors of the trees in autumn. Colorado is a beautiful place in all seasons but in the fall, it is lit up by the yellow, red, and orange leaves of the trees. The White River National Forest offers many opportunities during this season, for example, you can hike the Rio Grande Trail and end the itinerary in the beautiful town of Aspen, or you can plan a hike to the Maroon Bells, which looks like something out of a fairy tale.

 

Shenandoah: admiring the colors of the fall in Virginia

The best place to see fall foliage in Virginia is Shenandoah National Park, where you can hike trails of varying difficulty and even try your hand at multi-day treks. Starting in late September, you can begin to see the leaves changing color, but the peak of foliage is in October, a month when the park is very busy. As you drive along the magnificent Skyline Drive you can stop at one of the 75 overlooks and admire the fall foliage from above, or you can decide to tackle one of the many trails that crisscross the national park.

 

Trekking in autumn: useful information

While trekking in autumn offers unique atmospheres, it can also be challenging because of trail conditions and the changeable weather. In autumn, the weather becomes more wet, and it is not uncommon to encounter fog or rain during a hike, which is why it is good to pay attention to a few tricks to approach trekking safely.

 

Clothing

October and November are months when temperatures tend to dip, so it is a good idea to dress in layers and be prepared to cover up in case of cold weather. It is also helpful to always have an outer layer with you, such as a waterproof jacket, to protect yourself from rain, moisture, or wind.

 

Equipment

Admiring the foliage by necessity involves walking through the woods, where it is easy to lose your bearings as there may be no landmarks, especially if the trails are not well marked. Early morning fog and mist, moreover, could make matters worse and make you lose your way. For this reason, we recommend having a GPS device with you at all times so that you always know your location and never lose the trail to follow.

Moisture in the air and rain also make the ground wet and slippery, and this can be very risky especially if you find yourself walking on a path covered with leaves. To walk safely and avoid slipping, we recommend using trekking poles, which help maintain balance and stability. 

Wherever you go, don't forget to take your first aid kit with you, which we discussed in another article.

 

Footwear

Often during autumn trekking, the weather is damp, and you may find yourself facing wet or muddy terrain. For this reason, the main feature to look for in a hiking shoe for autumn is waterproofing, so that your feet are always dry.

Muddy and slippery ground, often covered with leaves, is very dangerous to walk on, especially if you do not have an experienced stride. We recommend hiking shoes or boots with good grip and a fairly deep, grooved and treaded sole.

To increase stability, it is recommended to wear boots with a medium or high cut, to have more ankle support and avoid sudden twisting in case of slipping.