Lenny and Larrys
Ah, autumn!
That magical time when nature puts on its grandest show, with leaves transforming from their usual greens into a dazzling display of reds, oranges, and golds. As the crisp air fills our lungs and the landscape is painted with vibrant hues, there's no better way to fully immerse oneself in the season than with a family hike through some of the country's most scenic trails.
(Updated September 2024)
List of the top trails that showcase the best of America's fall foliage:
Northeast family-friendly hiking trails
1. Acadia National Park, Maine: The Jordan Pond Path.
This path is a relatively easy and scenic trail, providing views of ponds and foliage.
2. The White Mountains, New Hampshire: The Flume Gorge loop.
The loop is a family-friendly hike that offers waterfalls and stunning fall colors.
3. Catskills Mountains, New York: Overlook Mountain Trail.
The Catskills are a popular destination for New Yorkers looking to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. The Overlook Mountain Trail is a moderate 2.4-mile round-trip hike to a scenic overlook with stunning views of the Hudson River Valley.
4. NEW! Bash Bish State Park, Massachusetts: Bash Bish Falls.
There are two access points: one from the Massachusetts side, which is a steep, short hike (about 0.6 miles), and one from the New York side, which offers a gentler, 1.5-mile round-trip hike. Both trails lead to the falls, providing a family-friendly experience with beautiful autumn views.
Mid-Atlantic family-friendly hiking trails
1. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: The Limberlost Trail.
This trail is a wheelchair-accessible path, winding through colorful woods.
2. Bear Mountain State Park, New York: The Perkins Memorial Tower Trail.
The tower trail offers panoramic views of the Hudson Valley ablaze with autumn colors.
3. NEW! Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland: The Cunningham Falls Trail.
The Cunningham Falls Trail is an easy 2.8-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a scenic waterfall surrounded by autumn colors.
Southeast family-friendly hiking trails
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina: The Laurel Falls Trail.
This trail is paved and relatively short, leading to a beautiful waterfall amid the fall colors.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia: Craggy Gardens.
Many overlooks and short trails, like Craggy Gardens, provide vistas of the Appalachian Highlands draped in fall foliage.
3. NEW! Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina: Hickory Nut Falls Trail.
A relatively easy 1.4-mile round-trip hike that leads to the base of one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Along the way, you'll experience beautiful fall foliage, making it a great family-friendly hike in the Southeast region.
Midwest family-friendly hiking trails
1. Door County, Wisconsin: The Eagle Trail in Peninsula State Park.
This trail offers views of limestone cliffs, Lake Michigan, and vibrant forests.
2. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana: Various trails.
Many trails that offer views of sand dunes, forests, and the southern shore of Lake Michigan.
3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio - Brandywine Falls Trail.
This park is located just outside of Cleveland and offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels. The Brandywine Falls Trail is a moderate 1.5-mile round-trip hike to a beautiful waterfall.
4. NEW! Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, Ohio - Old Man's Cave (Trail).
This easy-to-moderate trail is about 1 mile and features beautiful rock formations, waterfalls, and vibrant fall foliage. It’s a great choice for families with young hikers and offers plenty of scenic views along the way.
Western family-friendly hiking trails
1. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: The Bear Lake Trail.
This is an easy loop with mountain views and shimmering aspens in the fall.
2. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington: The Naches Peak Loop.
This trail offers views of Mount Rainier with subalpine meadows that turn gold in the autumn.
3. Yosemite National Park, California - Lower Yosemite Fall Trail.
Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, and for good reason. The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is a moderate 1-mile round-trip hike to the base of Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
4. NEW! Maroon Bells, Colorado - Maroon Lake Scenic Trail.
A 1.9-mile round-trip hike that offers incredible views of the Maroon Bells reflected in the lake, surrounded by stunning aspen groves that turn golden during the fall. This easy hike is great for families, providing iconic views and opportunities to enjoy the seasonal colors.
Southwest family-friendly hiking trails
1. Sedona, Arizona: The West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon.
The path is renowned for its beauty during the fall, with colorful leaves juxtaposed against red rock formations.
2. Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico: The Aspen Vista Trail.
Hiking here showcases golden aspens and panoramic mountain views.
3. NEW! Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas - McKittrick Canyon Trail.
This trail offers a family-friendly hike, especially the first 2-3 miles, with vibrant fall foliage from maple, oak, and walnut trees. The trail follows a gentle path through the canyon, showcasing stunning autumn colors against a desert backdrop. It's a great option for families looking for a unique fall foliage experience in the Southwest.
Pacific Northwest family-friendly hiking trails
1. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon: The Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop.
This trail provides waterfalls, scenic vistas, and fall foliage along the way. Hint: Google Multnomah Falls.
2. Leavenworth, Washington: The Icicle Gorge Trail.
This walk is a gentle loop that offers views of the Icicle Creek surrounded by fall colors.
3. NEW! Silver Falls State Park, Oregon: Trail of Ten Falls (start at South Falls Lodge Trailhead).
Pick how far you'd like to go with this trail. It's a 7.2-mile loop trail can be shortened to accommodate families, allowing for an easy hike to see some of the ten waterfalls surrounded by vibrant autumn colors. It's a scenic trail that offers a mix of dense forest and waterfalls, making it wonderful for enjoying autumn.
Our Autumn Adventures
The beauty of fall is magnificently showcased from coast to coast. Every region has its unique tapestry of colors and terrains that captivate and inspire. These family-friendly trails are a testament to nature's grandeur and the memories awaiting families who venture out to experience them.
Bookmark this list! Heck, make a bucket list out of it. We’ll update it every year (and we just did for 2024) with new destinations.