As the final months of the year approach, it’s the perfect time to lace up your boots and explore some of the country’s most unforgettable trails. Before winter snow and icy winds arrive, these hikes offer breathtaking views, crisp air, and rewarding challenges. Whether you crave mountain peaks, forest paths, or coastal cliffs, each destination provides a chance to connect with nature while the weather still invites adventure and discovery outdoors.
Angels Landing, Utah
Located in Zion National Park, Angels Landing delivers one of the most thrilling hikes in the United States. The steep switchbacks and narrow ridgeline reward climbers with panoramic canyon views. Cooler fall temperatures make this strenuous climb more manageable. The mix of adrenaline and scenery creates a sense of accomplishment that keeps hikers returning year after year.
Franconia Ridge Loop, New Hampshire
In the White Mountains, Franconia Ridge offers stunning views of fall foliage and mountain peaks. The loop connects several summits, each showcasing the beauty of New England in transition. The crisp air and vivid colors make it one of the most memorable treks before winter sets in. The trail’s elevation provides an immersive experience above the clouds.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
Stretching along Kauai’s Napali Coast, the Kalalau Trail combines tropical beauty with rugged adventure. The 11-mile route weaves past sea cliffs, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. Late fall brings fewer crowds and mild weather, ideal for those wanting solitude and scenery. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime hike that showcases Hawaii’s wild, untouched landscape.
Maroon Bells Scenic Loop, Colorado
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Maroon Bells, this short but stunning loop offers reflection-worthy views of two of Colorado’s most photographed peaks. The crisp fall mornings create mirror-like water surfaces on Maroon Lake. Hikers can enjoy golden aspen trees and cool mountain air before snowfall closes access for the season.
Half Dome, California
Half Dome in Yosemite National Park remains one of the most iconic and demanding hikes in America. The climb includes cables, granite switchbacks, and incredible views from the summit. Late-season hikers benefit from cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Standing atop Half Dome before winter brings a sense of triumph that defines bucket-list adventures.
Mount Rainier Skyline Trail, Washington
The Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier offers wildflower meadows, glacier views, and a clear perspective of the mountain’s grandeur. Fall provides ideal conditions for hiking, with crisp air and fading wildflowers painting the landscape. As snow begins to touch the higher elevations, this trail becomes even more breathtaking under early frost.
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, Arizona
Crossing the Grand Canyon from rim to rim is an unforgettable feat. The journey descends through layers of ancient rock, crosses the Colorado River, and climbs back up into a completely different ecosystem. Fall weather provides relief from the summer heat, making it the best time to take on this legendary challenge before winter chills arrive.
Glacier National Park Highline Trail, Montana
This trail traces the Continental Divide, offering sweeping views of rugged cliffs and alpine valleys. The Highline Trail is known for its narrow ledges and proximity to wildlife, from mountain goats to marmots. Before winter closures, hikers experience the park’s raw beauty under golden fall light, making it a truly iconic trek.
Acadia National Park’s Precipice Trail, Maine
Acadia’s Precipice Trail is both thrilling and scenic, with iron rungs and stone ledges guiding climbers to the summit of Champlain Mountain. The route provides unbeatable views of the Atlantic coast, especially as fall colors frame the ocean. Before winter storms roll in, this trail captures the perfect blend of challenge and beauty.
Mount Whitney, California
As the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney attracts ambitious hikers seeking a true test. The 22-mile round trip climbs above 14,000 feet, offering breathtaking alpine views. Before snow blocks the route, late fall hikers can enjoy the crisp air and rewarding solitude that comes with summiting this legendary mountain.
Enchantments Trail, Washington
The Enchantments Trail lives up to its name with crystal lakes, jagged peaks, and granite basins that glow under fall light. Though strenuous, the journey feels magical, especially as larch trees turn golden. Before winter blankets the area in snow, this hike offers one of the most mesmerizing experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
Bryce Canyon’s Fairyland Loop, Utah
This scenic loop winds through Bryce Canyon’s surreal landscape of hoodoos and orange cliffs. The cooler weather enhances the colors and makes the trail more comfortable for exploring. Every twist reveals new geological wonders, making it one of Utah’s most visually striking hikes before cold temperatures close in.
Mount Mitchell Trail, North Carolina
Rising through dense forest to the tallest peak in the eastern United States, the Mount Mitchell Trail delivers a steady challenge. The crisp mountain air and colorful foliage make fall the best season to tackle it. Reaching the summit rewards hikers with sweeping Appalachian views and a sense of calm before winter arrives.
Teton Crest Trail, Wyoming
The Teton Crest Trail offers alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and unbeatable views of the Tetons. Fall brings golden grasses, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds. The trail’s variety makes every mile exciting, from forested valleys to rugged ridges. Before snow limits access, it remains one of the most rewarding multi-day hikes in the country.
Lost Coast Trail, California
Running along Northern California’s remote shoreline, the Lost Coast Trail provides solitude and rugged beauty. You’ll navigate tide-dependent sections, sea cliffs, and black sand beaches. Cooler temperatures make this season perfect for hiking the wild coast. It’s an adventure that feels truly isolated and timeless, ideal for those craving raw wilderness before winter’s arrival.
