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The Best National Parks to Visit in October, Plus Top Recommended Hikes

by Julien Friedland September 30, 2021

written by Julien Friedland

Once a year, fleeting reds, yellows, and oranges light up national parks across the country. Hikers favor fall for its crisp cool air, stunning scenery and fewer crowds that make the trails more enjoyable. So, if you’re looking to take in the foliage from the trail, how do you choose which parks to visit of the 61 in the U.S.? Learn about the best national parks to visit in October, top hikes for fall foliage, and helpful tips for the trail.

Waterfall in Cuyahoga National Park covered in fall leaves.

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio

Explore 125 miles of hiking trails bursting with bright yellow birches and deep red oaks each October. You might not know the name, but Cuyahoga Valley National Park harbors exceptional fall colors, rivaling the best in the country. Just 30 minutes outside of Cleveland and less crowded than many other parks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park makes for a convenient and beautiful adventure in the fall.

Recommended Hikes:
Wildlife, plant diversity and rock formations fill the mellow, low elevation trails of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Visit the Ledges Trail for a seven-mile view of the valley and the 65 foot Brandywine Falls.

Ledges Trail
- Rating: Difficult
- Length: 6 miles
- Along the trail: valley views, rock formations, caves
Brandywine Falls
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 4.8 miles
- Along the trail: boardwalk access, Brandywine gorge, 65-foot Brandywine Falls
Meadowedge Pond Loop
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 4.7
- Along the trial: creek crossings, pond views, dense forest

Before You Go: Entrance to the park is free and dogs are allowed. Brandywine Falls is best visited early in the morning or later in the afternoon due to its popularity.

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Moss-covered trees in Olympic National Park temperate rainforest surrounded by fall leaves on the ground. — Photo courtesy of Gaia GPS

2. Olympic National Park – Washington

Experience temperate rainforests popping with color, elks bulging, and chanterelle mushrooms growing in the forest in Olympic National Park. Rainy season on the peninsula coincides with mystical changes in the park. Vibrant highlights of crimson maples and lemon yellow cottonwoods speckle the hanging beards of moss in the Hoh Rain Forest. Explore glacial peaks to coastal trails that span almost a million acres – then warm up at the Sol Duc Hot Springs or another natural hot spring in the park.

Recommended Hikes:
Trails range from easy to difficult and span a bevy of wildly varying climates. Hike along the 73 miles of coastal beaches, backpack through one of four separate rainforests in the park, slosh into salmon-filled rivers or bag a peak in the Olympic Mountain Range.

North Fork Skokomish River:
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 2.2 miles
- Along the trail: low elevation, salmon swimming upstream during the fall
Hurricane Ridge:
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 2.1 miles
- Along the trail: panoramic Olympic Mountain Range views, sunset
Bogachiel Peak Loop
- Rating: Difficult
- Length: 17.9 miles
- Along the trail: dense forests, creeks, alpine lakes, Mt. Olympus views

Before You Go: Temperatures vary from 10-20 degrees even in the summer. Expect snow as early as September in high elevations. Prepare accordingly with warm and waterproof layers.

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Scenic overlook of ridge lines covered by fall foliage in Shenandoah National Park — Photo courtesy of NPS / Neal Lewis

3. Shenandoah National Park – Virginia

Wander through purple dogwoods, golden beech trees, and fiery red oaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wherever you hike in the park, overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley burst with a mix of reds, oranges, and yellows. If your legs need a rest, drive down the Skyline Drive National Scenic Byway which runs north to south through the park. 75 scenic overlooks offer many opportunities to step out of the car and take in the crisp autumn air.

Recommended Hikes: Power through an out and back that packs a punch to the summit or spend a few days brushing shoulders with thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail. With over 500 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, every hiker can find a trail with a length and view that suits them.

Old Rag Mountain Loop
- Rating: Difficult
- Length: 9 miles
- Along the trail: boulder scrambling, forest paths, summit views
Mary’s Rock
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 1.5
- Along the trial: challenging steep terrain, summit views of the Shenandoah Valley
White Oak Falls
- Rating: Difficult
- Length: 5.4
- Along the trail: creeks, small waterfalls, dense forest

Before You Go: Shenandoah National Park sees a spike in visits during fall so make advanced arrangements before visiting the park.

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Overlook of Maine's Atlantic coast with fall foliage in the foreground — Photo courtesy of NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg

4. Acadia National Park – Maine

Visit the gem of the northeast along Maine’s Atlantic Coast. Hikers flock to Acadia National Park in the fall for its diversity of hardwoods and coniferous forests spread over 49,000 acres. The blazing red maples, golden birches, and shimmery aspens against the waters of the Atlantic will satisfy even the most discerning leaf peepers.

Recommended Hikes: Acadia’s 160 trails run through and alongside forests, summits, lakes, and coastal lines. From leisurely, low elevation strolls to 1,000 foot peak summits, the park accommodates a variety of hikers looking to enjoy Maine’s coast.

Bubble Trail
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 2.3 miles
- Along the trail: rocky ascents, views of Jordan Pond and teetering boulder
Jordan Pond
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 3.4 miles
- Along the trail: sprawling pond views, wooden footbridges, views of North/South Bubbles
Sargent Mountain Loop
- Rating: Difficult
- Length: 6 miles
- Along the trail: summit views of the Atlantic

Before You Go: Read up on entrance fees and road and trail closures, which include nesting peregrine falcons, construction, and weather.

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Rocky river surrounded by golden fall foliage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Photo Courtesy of NPS

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – North Carolina/Tennessee

Bordering North Carolina and Tennessee and teeming with over 100 species of trees, Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts awe-inspiring landscapes in the fall. Traverse the spiny ridge-line of the park for a flood of fall color unique to this region. Located in the heart of Appalachia, the Smokys offer the quintessential fall experience including corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and apple-picking. Venture into nearby Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge after you’ve worked up an appetite on the trails.

Recommended Hikes: 850 trails crisscross the ridges of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can enjoy a short and sweet taste of the AT or take on a strenuous summit hike with a sack-lunch and plenty of water. Hikers will find picturesque views on trails rated easy to difficult.

Ramsey Cascades
- Rating: Difficult
- Length: 7.9 miles
- Along the trail: largest old growth forest in the Smokys, footbridges, cascades
Chimney Tops
- Rating: Difficult
- Length: 3.9 miles
- Along the trail: rocky, steep trail, panoramic views, creek crossings
Cigman’s Dome Loop
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 3.7
- Along the trail: highest point in Tennessee, 100-mile views, 360-degree views of the Smokys

Before you Go: Go early or arrive late to avoid crowds when visiting the park. Cades Cove and Newfound Gap Rd. see the most traffic.

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Close-up of red dogwood tree leaves with sequoia in the background — Photo courtesy of NPS / Emily Fedorko

6. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park – California

Note: these two parks are currently closed due to wildfires. Please check in with the NPS before making plans to visit.

Experience the magic of the world’s largest trees accented by fall colors. Stare up at Sequoia National Park’s “living giants,” made perhaps grander by the highlights of red dogwoods in the backdrop. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park’s unique vegetation between the foothills and high alpine offers oaks, perennials, and pines among many other tree species. Visiting in the fall provides a break from the heat and crowds at the park, making October the ideal time to visit.

Recommended Hikes: From the worlds largest tree to the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, these parks have a wide variety of terrain for exploration. Get off the beaten path and discover canyons, granite cliffs, and wildlife. For the best fall colors, visit the less-traveled and lower elevation foothills to see the blue oaks, gold fern fields, and dogwoods.

General Sherman
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 1.6
- Along the trail: world’s largest tree, monarch sequoias
Marble Falls
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 1.6
- Along the trail: foothills vegetation, oaks, waterfall
The Watchtower
- Rating: Difficult
- Length: 5.1
- Along the trail: Heather Lake views, alpine hiking, exposed rock faces

Before You Go: Fees are required to enter the park. Read up on them here.

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Zion Canyon with cottonwood foliage in the foreground — Photo courtesy of NPS

7. Zion National Park – Utah

Dramatic red rocks and canyons, and blue bodies of water put Zion National Park on the map. Coupled with autumn colors, those striking visuals only intensify in the fall. Plus, the crowds and temperature remain lower and more manageable during this season. Like other parks located in the west, the contrast of dark green conifers and bright yellows create distinct bursts of color.

Recommended Hikes: Wind through a slot canyon, ramble on an out and back or backpack into the wilderness. Zion Canyon has the most popular trails in the park but visitors can also find less frequented but equally stunning hikes in Kolob Canyons and Zion Wilderness.

Angel’s Landing
- Rating: Difficult
- Length: 6.5 miles
- Along the trail: Emerald Pools, panoramic canyon views, climb along chains
Observation Point
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 3 miles
- Along the trail: views atop East Rim of Zion Canyon, Watchman peak crag
Riverside Walk
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 2 miles
- Along the trail: river access, weeping walls, cliff wall views

Before You Go: Backpacking and canyoneering require permits, including popular routes in the Narrows. Make sure to check the weather, as flash-floods and hypothermia can be extremely dangerous.

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Foggy red, yellow and green foliage in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest

8. Green Mountain National Forest – Vermont

Cider donuts, a cool morning on the trail and Vermont’s scarlet red maples bursting in the valley— what more could you ask for? This National Forest made the list for it’s famed fall foliage in New England. Home to several 4,000 footers, Green Mountain National Forest makes for big grins and tired legs in the fall. Try your legs on one of these peaks for views of the crimson reds, bright yellows and burnt oranges that set the landscape on fire. If you can’t make it till later in the season, be prepared for “snowliage” when a coat of white snow makes for extra pop against the foliage.

Recommended Hikes: Green Mountain National Forest contains over 900 miles of trails including Vermont’s Long Trail which overlaps with the Appalachian Trail. Hike a portion of these renowned trails or pick your way up a rooty, rocky gap trail. Shorter loops also offer terrain better suited for kids and families.

Gap to Gap
- Rating: Difficult
- Length: 10.1 miles
- Along the trail: two 4,000 footers, Lake Champlain views, dense forest
Little Killington
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 2.7 miles
- Along the trail: summit views
Ice Bed Trail
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 1 mile
- Along the trail: multiple lookouts, talus piles, ice beds year-round,

Before You Go: Check foliage reports here. Because this is a National Forest, dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed.

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Can’t make it to one of these parks? Search your local area to find a park/hike near you..

September 30, 2021

Adventures Featured Gaia GPS Hikes

Top 10 Day Hikes Near Seattle

by Elisa Wirkala January 3, 2019

written by Elisa Wirkala

A city ringed by emerald waters, glaciated volcanoes, and jagged peaks, Seattle has no shortage of great hikes within a short drive of downtown. But with so many options, the biggest challenge is deciding where to start. Save yourself some time and reference this guide for the best trails and views within a 3-hour drive of the city.

Whether you’re looking for a weekday trek close to home or a chance to push your limits in the mountains, you’ll find what you need in this list of top Seattle-area day hikes. Check out the links for full descriptions, plus detailed maps, and driving directions.

1. Heather-Maple Pass Loop

The Gaia GPS community ranks this hike #1 within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and the views of alpine lakes, meadow, and craggy ridges covered in wildflowers make it easy to see why. If you can’t carve out a weekend to experience this trail in the summer, don’t feel like you’re settling: Come fall, larch trees beckon hikers with dazzling gold foliage.

Length: 7.2 mile loop
Elevation gain: 2,051 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 3 hours

2. Alta Mountain via Rampart Ridge Backdoor Trail

While many hikes feel incomplete if you turn around halfway, this trail’s non-stop views and a seemingly endless string of alpine lakes means you can call it a day just about anywhere. Plan a casual day out by setting your finish line at the easier-to-access Lake Lillian, Rampart Lakes, or Rachel Lake, or push your limits and complete the whole trek up to 6,151-foot Alta Mountain.

Length: 8.8 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,438 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1.5 hours

3. Mount Pilchuck

Ask a Seattleite what their first mountain summit was, and chances are it was Mount Pilchuck. The iconic hike’s trailhead starts right around 3,250 feet above sea level, which means the relatively short (albeit steep) climb deposits hikers high above the surrounding landscape for big visual payoffs. Soak up the 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, the Olympics, and Mount Baker from the summit shelter lookout.

Length: 5 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,020 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1.5 hours

4. Kendall Katwalk Loop via PCT

Experience the wonders of the PCT without the months of body odor and blisters. Often regarded by thru-hikers as the most scenic spot along the whole Washington PCT, Kendall Katwalk shows off the best of the Pacific Northwest. And it won’t just be the altitude pumping up your heart rate: Hikers are rewarded with views of the surrounding mountains above Snoqualmie Pass via a narrow path blasted out of the cliff face. This is a local favorite in the summer, and frequented by backcountry snowshoers and skiers in the winter.

Length: 12 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,550 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1 hour

5. Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls

Nestled in by jagged peaks, Lake Serene is the perfect spot for a swim and an idyllic picnic atop Lunch Rock. With lush forest, alpine surrounds, and snow-capped mountains, it lives up to its name and calls hikers back year after year. On the way up, the short one-mile round-trip excursion to see Bridal Veil Falls is well worth the bit of extra effort and makes a fine turnaround point for hikers with young children. It’s also not very far from Seattle, making it an ideal retreat for those looking for pristine nature without a long drive.

Length: 8.3 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,067 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

6. Sahale Mountain

If the idea of climbing a non-technical peak in the mountaineering haven of the North Cascades National Park piques your interest, don’t miss this summit trek up Sahale Mountain. Though the nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain might seem daunting, smart trail construction and 30-something generous switchbacks make this hike surprisingly manageable. Plus, it’s hard to focus on the quad burn with near-constant North Cascades views putting you face-to-face with peaks to add to your tick list.

Summiting Sahale Mountain is a great first step for aspiring mountaineers as it includes a short snow crossing and an exposed 4th class scramble to the summit block. For those less inclined to try the steep final pitch, there are equally beautiful views to be had from just below the summit. Go in summer when the snow has receded and purple lupines blanket the slopes.

Length: 13.4 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 4,941 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 3 hours

7. Little Si

The Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area is home to a couple of classic Seattle-area hikes. Though well-loved and busy, the Little Si trail is a great choice year-round, with less snowfall than surrounding alpine areas during the winter months. It also makes for great training grounds for those looking to get some miles in not too far from the city and is perfect for new hikers, families, runners, and those with dogs. Whereas the nearby Mount Si trail has a series of switchbacks over steeper elevation, Little Si meanders more easily through lush woods over undulating terrain. The straightforward but scenic trail through Pacific Northwest forest culminates with stellar views of the valley below.

Length: 7.6 miles and 3.6 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 3,252 feet and 901 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 45 minutes

8. Camp Muir

Get high in Washington’s alpine country at Mount Rainier’s 10,000-foot base camp. Reaching Camp Muir is considered a right of passage for some Seattleites, and a worthy summer hike for those looking for a challenge. It’s also the highest you can climb on Mount Rainier without a climbing permit. And if you decide you can’t make it the whole way, even the first section will give you a mountain experience you won’t soon forget. Get awesome views of the volcano and glaciers while ascending to the Muir Snowfields and historic huts dating back to the early 1900s. Mountain weather can change quickly, so make sure you’re prepared for high winds and precipitation no matter how the sky looks at the trailhead.

Length: 8 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 4,639 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

9. Rattlesnake Ledge

Like on nearby Mt. Si, this hike’s easy access and moderate elevation gain belie the vastness of its views. It makes a great hike for beginners, families, or those looking to stretch their legs without the commitment of nearby alpine trails. Though it does get a lot of traffic, it’s a great choice for a mid-week outing or an easier jaunt with your pup. That said, the trail does continue on through the Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area for those looking for a bigger workout and further viewpoints from above, and is worth extra time and exploration.

Length: 4.3 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 1,117 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 40 minutes

10. The Enchantments Thru-Hike

Due to its unique geography and delicate ecosystem, the alpine Enchantments zone is highly protected, making backpacking permits difficult to come by via the annual lottery system. But those with a strong will and sturdy legs can complete the whole 18-mile thru-hike in a single day without a permit. If you’re not ready for the whole shebang, build up your strength and get a taste of the untamed peaks with one of the shorter out-and-back trails to Snow Lakes, Colchuck Lake, or Eightmile Lake on the periphery of the Enchantments.

Length: 17.8 mile thru-hike (with much shorter out-and-back variations possible)
Elevation gain: 6,484 feet via Snow Lakes
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 2.5 hours

Want more? Search for hikes near Seattle using the Discover tab in the Gaia GPS app, or go to the web and use the Seattle hikes page as a launching point to find your next adventure.

Note: These hikes were checked for accuracy, but the routes themselves were ultimately sourced from the Gaia GPS community. The exact mileage and elevation gain tracked may vary from device to device.

January 3, 2019

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