Can you think of anything more enjoyable than a hike in the fall? The weather is ideal, the leaves are turning, and the falling leaves reveal the American landscape in all its glory, from the majesty of its lakes to the verdant mountains that rise above them.

There is an incredible variety of trails to choose from. In the United States, hikers can explore various landscapes, from mountainous regions to tropical rainforests and deserts, or even follow the harsh coastline for hundreds of miles. Experience the beauties of nature up and personal, or take in the quiet of a natural setting. Below are some best Hiking Trails for 2022 in the U.S.

Best Fall Hiking Trails in U.S.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia, one of the most visited national parks in the United States, is home to many exciting sights and experiences, such as the glacial erratic on South Bubble, a rock formation that seems to cling to the edge of the mountain, and the nearly vertical climbs on Champlain Mountain’s Precipice Trail. However, a stroll along the Atlantic coast’s rugged shores may be one of the most breathtaking activities. The 2.2 miles of the Ocean Path Trail go along the beach, and there are several lookout locations along the way.

Mount Monadnock, New Hampshire

You probably won’t be alone if you climb this 3,165-foot mountain since 125,000 people do it yearly. In any case, go to the peak for a bird’s-eye perspective of many states. According to the rangers, the most efficient route up and down is the two-mile-long White Dot Trail, which is both steep and beautiful.

Franconia Ridge, New Hampshire

It’s one thing to see the White Mountains when driving through the area. One option is to traverse them far above the forest line along a ridgeline with breathtaking views on each side. Despite its difficulty, the 8.5-mile round Fraconia Ridge Trail is a popular day trip from Boston. Choose a sunny day, and don’t forget the sunscreen; the track is primarily open with no cover. On the way back down, you should see the waterfall.

Mount Mansfield, Vermont

The Mount Mansfield forest in northern Vermont, more often known as Stowe, is beautiful, but the ride there is just as picturesque, with its winding rural roads, bubbling streams (at the proper time of day), and scenic covered bridges. Great views of the surrounding area are almost guaranteed for the whole Sunset Ridge Trail to the top, mainly above the treeline. When you reach the peak, turn westward to take in Lake Champlain’s vibrant hues.

Mount Greylock, Massachusetts

At 3,491 feet, Massachusetts’s tallest peak inspired minds like those of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau (look for a rock inscribed with some of Thoreau’s writing at the summit). The Bellows Pipe trail reveals all the fuss: The view at the top includes a lighthouse-looking structure (the Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower), and in the distance, Vermont’s Green Mountains, the Catskills, and on a clear day, New Hampshire’s the White Mountains.

Massachusetts’ highest peak, at 3,491 feet, has been a source of inspiration for writers like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau (near the top, you may find a rock with part of Thoreau’s writing engraved on it). The Bellows Pipe route explains why everyone was so excited: from the peak, you can see the Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower, which resembles a lighthouse, and the Green Mountains and Catskills in Vermont, as well as the White Mountains in New Hampshire on a clear day.

Blue Hills Reservation, Massachusetts

Seeing a city’s leaves change colors in autumn is a magnificent sight. Hikers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers may enjoy panoramic views of the Boston skyline (including the Prudential and John Hancock skyscrapers) from Blue Hills Reservation, located about 30 minutes outside the city. In a circle that spans three miles, the Skyline Trail leads to Great Blue Hill, the Atlantic Coast’s highest point south of Maine.

Cold Spring, New York

The three-mile Breakneck Ridge loop is popular among New Yorkers looking for a quick, no-car getaway because of its proximity to the trailhead’s namesake Metro-North railroad stop. Although it is easily accessible, the steep and challenging hike is one of the most popular in the Northeast because of the spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley that can be seen from the top after some careful rock scrambling.

Wissahickon Valley Park, Pennsylvania

Natural beauty abounds in Philadelphia, and residents don’t have to drive far to get it, thanks to Wissahickon Valley Park’s expansive 1,800 acres. Even better, a casual walk down the seven-mile stretch of level Forbidden Drive takes you directly beneath a calming canopy of shifting trees. Take a stroll along a tranquil stream and see historic landmarks like Rittenhouse Town, home to the first paper mill in British North America. Always be on the lookout for speeding bicycles.

Whiteside Mountain, North Carolina

Hikers on this two-mile-plus circle pay just $2 to park and are treated to breathtaking panoramas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On sunny days, you can make out South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, but the mountain fog will make the area appear eerie on cloudy days. It’s worth keeping an eye out for the peregrine falcons who make their homes in the sheer rock faces of this mountain.

Greenbrier River, West Virginia

This path spans three West Virginia state parks and stretches for 78 miles. Depending on your starting point on the river route, you may have to traverse wooden trestles, bridges, and pass-through tunnels that are still reeking of coal from the days of the steam trains. Vacation in quaint Mayberry-Esque communities with vintage railway stations (make sure to visit Clover Lick depot).

Wrapping Up!

Hiking in the United States is akin to exploring some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. The United States is such a large country that it is home to some of the world’s most famous national parks, all of which make for fantastic hiking locations.

Hiking in the United States shouldn’t be reserved for experts. If you want to explore more of the United States and get a more profound sense of its culture, one way to do it is to hike some of the country’s most famous trails.

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