1. Black Mountain Crest Trail
Mount Mitchell State Park
North Carolina
Might as well start where fall starts in the region, atop the highest range in the East. With several peaks topping 6,000 feet, the rocky Crest Trail is dominated by spruce and fir, but the hardwoods just below — fire cherry, yellow birch, mountain ash and mountain maple — will be glowing before long. Hike less than a half mile or go the full 13.
More info here.
2. Hawksbill Mountain
Shenandoah National Park
Virginia
At 4,050 feet, Hawksbill is the highest point in the Shenandoah National Park, and thus, presumably, the first place to spot fall color. Take the steep 1.7-mile out-and-back or the 2.9-mile loop trail, from MP 45.6 on Skyline Drive. Connect to the Appalachian Trail to extend your hiking time.
More info here.
3. Rock Castle Gorge
Blue Ridge Parkway
Virginia
A hidden favorite that’s surprisingly close to the Triad area. This gorge hike starts with a three mile descent from the Parkway, then gradually climbs out of the gorge over the next 7.3 miles. Along the way you’ll pass through rhododendron hells, along a frisky mountain stream, past long-abandoned buildings. Enough distractions to keep your mind off the fact the elevation on this hike ranges from 1,700 to nearly 3,600 feet.
More info here.
4. Uwharrie Trail: Sections 3 & 4
Uwharrie National Forest
North Carolina
This newest addition to the Uwharrie Trail is its best section as well. From the Jumpin’ Off Rock trailhead, the trail follows a creek for a ways, then climbs Little Long Mountain for the best view in the Uwharries. Continuing north, it tops out on 1,020-foot King Mountain, the highest point on the Uwharrie Trail. Lots of good fall hardwoods along the way.
More info here.
5. Mountain Trail
Pilot Mountain State Park
North Carolina
Pilot Mountain, with its distinctive knob towering 1,400 feet above the surrounding countryside, is a hot spot when autumn’s colors heat up. Avoid the resulting crowds by picking up the 4.5-mile Mountain Trail from the little-used Corridor Access. The connecting Grindstone Trail takes you to the top, for great views.
More info here.
6. Peaks of Otter
Blue Ridge Parkway
Virginia
It gets a little crowded, though the challenging terrain thins the crowds on certain trails. In fact, that’s one of the advantages here. Got a mix of hikers in your group? The die-hards head one way, the strollers another. The latter will also appreciate the civilities here: the visitor center, the lodge, the restrooms.
More info here.
7. Neusiok Trail
Croatan National Forest
North Carolina
Think you’ve waited too long to catch fall color? Chances are you haven’t thought to head to the Croatan, where the Neusiok Trail runs for 20 miles through this coastal forest. Into December, you’ll find good color; on the first six miles, you’ll also find hints of the high country, holly and galax included.
More info here.
8. Tanawha Trail / MST
Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina
The 13-mile Tanawha at the base of Grandfather Mountain is best known for its rocky southern half. But put in at Boone Fork and head north and you’ll spend time initially in a mature hardwood forest, later in small rolling meadows that offer intimate exposure to the Blue Ridge’s less aggressive side.
More info here.
9. Linville Gorge
Pisgah National Forest
North Carolina
One of our favorite hikes in the state, the trail up to Shortoff Mountain from the end of Wolf Pit Road is a good climb, but pays off in three miles of trail with repeated outcrop views into the gorge and beyond, to Lake James. On a clear, crisp fall day you may not experience better color.
More info here.
10. Mount Rogers
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Virginia
Mount Rogers and the adjoining Grayson Highlands State Park offer a trip out West in southwest Virginia. Rock outcrops and vast open spaces offer the type of wide-open experience folks head to the Rockies for. The only place you won’t find a view? Atop Mount Rogers, at 5,729 feet the highest point in Virginia.
More info here.
Resources
For more hikes, check our GetHiking! Where to Hike resource page.
New to hiking? Check out our New Hiker series, with tips on what to expect, what to wear, what to bring and more.