September 2025 means one thing: fall adventures are calling. The air is crisp, trails are quieter, and forests across the U.S. are about to put on their annual show of reds, oranges, and golds. Whether you’re heading out for a quick weekend getaway or planning a long hiking trip, the right destination—and the right gear—makes all the difference.
At FitMyFoot, we believe every step should be as comfortable as it is memorable. That’s why we’ve pulled together the ultimate list of top fall hiking spots—five per region—plus a few wildcard gems for the adventurous traveler.
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
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White Mountains, New Hampshire – Granite peaks and sweeping views painted in fiery reds and golds.
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Stowe & Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont – Quintessential New England charm on every trail.
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The Berkshires, Massachusetts – Rolling hills, vibrant forests, and arts-rich towns.
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Catskills, New York – Rugged ridgelines and waterfalls with unbeatable foliage.
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Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – Skyline Drive and 500+ miles of trails framed by autumn brilliance.
Midwest & Great Lakes
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Upper Peninsula, Michigan – Wild shorelines where fiery forests meet Lake Superior.
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Door County, Wisconsin – Coastal cliffs and colorful hardwood trails.
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio – Waterfalls, woodlands, and historic towpaths.
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Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin – Bluff hikes overlooking a jewel-toned lake.
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Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Parks, Illinois – Neighboring parks with sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and glowing forests.
South & Southeast
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Great Smoky Mountains (TN/NC) – Endless ridges exploding with color.
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Blue Ridge Parkway (VA & NC) – Scenic overlooks and trailheads lit up in autumn hues.
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Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, NC – Waterfall hikes with cozy mountain-town charm.
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Meadows of Dan, Virginia – Peaceful trails and small-town beauty.
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Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia – Towering waterfalls at the Appalachian Trail’s doorstep.
West & Rockies
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Aspen & Snowmass, Colorado – Golden aspen groves glowing against the Rockies.
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Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – Alpine valleys framed in fall brilliance.
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Columbia River Gorge, Oregon – Waterfall hikes and canyon walls painted in color.
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Zion National Park, Utah – Gold cottonwoods glowing beneath red cliffs.
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Mount Rainier National Park, Washington – Meadows and forests dotted with autumn hues.
Wildcard Hidden Gems
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Letchworth State Park, New York – The “Grand Canyon of the East” with waterfalls framed in fiery leaves.
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Ozark National Forest, Arkansas – Scenic ridges and remote hardwood trails.
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Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico – A high-altitude loop of aspens and mountain towns.
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Glacier National Park, Montana – Late autumn color before the snow.
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Columbia Plateau Trail, Washington – Quiet canyons and rail-trails glowing in fall.
Timing Your Trip
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Northeast & Appalachians: Late Sept–mid Oct
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Midwest & Great Lakes: Early–mid Oct
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Rockies & Pacific Northwest: Early–late Oct
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South: Mid Oct–early Nov
Check the Smoky Mountains Foliage Map for peak dates.
Trail & Travel Tips
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Go midweek to avoid crowds.
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Book accommodations early—fall fills up fast.
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Pack layers, water, and snacks for long hikes.
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Support your feet: FitMyFoot custom insoles keep you comfortable mile after mile, so you can focus on the views, not the blisters.
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Follow Leave No Trace to protect these beautiful trails