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Cozy Autumn Hikes You'll Regret Not Trying this Fall 🍁

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Summer may be for spritzes, but Autumn? Autumn is for rugging up, getting outside (and leaf-peeping) and ending the day with a hot drink and the ones you love. Autumn is a season I've missed SO DEEPLY while living in Australia. I'm so happy to be bac...
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Get Outside! Your New Favorite Fall Hikes

The hikes in Question- this is the season where the north of the US (and North America in general) really shines. But don't worry, theres some great international spots too!

 
Catie Strig profile picture
12 miles roundtrip, so you'll be working for it- but I think the view is worth it right? I mean, the yellow leaves in the first photo speaks for itself! (Larches are your ideal tree to view for those yellow golden colors)
Larch Lake — Washington Trails Association
 
Catie Strig profile picture
If I've said it once, I think I've said it a hundred times- Wisconsin is Underrated! Scratch that, the midwest in general is underrated. This beauty is a STATE PARK! Some relatively easy hiking around a lake with gorgeous views- and easy access to Ma...
Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
 
Catie Strig profile picture
A moderate hike with a bitttt of elevation gain, but otherwise decently flat. Pro tip: plan this one for a clear day to catch some sun on the lake (with a mountain background!)
Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent, Washington - 1,757 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
 
Catie Strig profile picture
When I think of the Pacific Northwest, I can't help but automatically think of Mount Ranier. A perfect half-day hike with fall colors and glacial views
Skyline Loop, Washington - 27297 Reviews, Map
 
Catie Strig profile picture
Its sort of wild to me that a trail I grew up hiking is now officially managed by the National Parks Service! No its not a national park, but it is a national trail that spirals all through Wisconsin
Ice Age Trail HWY 67 Trailhead
 
Catie Strig profile picture
Make sure to check the leaf forecast so you can arrive at peak leaf season! Personally I prefer loop hikes over Out-and-Back, and this one is a loop (constant new views!) and its a relatively short hike regardless.
Forest Park Loop
 
Catie Strig profile picture
I mentioned this hike in my Banff List (go check that out by the way!) but I actually think it was my favorite hike from the trip - and no, its not even in the national park! A can't miss hike if you happen to be in the Canmore region of Alberta
Grassi Lakes Trail
 
Catie Strig profile picture
When in Banff you'll want to time your trip to see the Golden Larches. This is a relatively easy hike (mostly boardwalk) with VERY rewarding views
Hike Johnston Canyon
 
Catie Strig profile picture
REMINDER: New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere so autumn for them is in February, March- ish! But even if you were to go in spring (Northern hemisphere fall)- you won't regret doing so
Roys Peak Track - New Zealand
 
Catie Strig profile picture
While this is a relatively short hike- and arguably, one of the best that Acadia National Park has to offer- it is not for the weak
Precipice Loop, Maine - 5839 Reviews, Map
 
Catie Strig profile picture
If you're looking to turn your autumn hike into an autumn hiking Vacation (well maybe not a restful vacation), then this it for you! Firstly, because Austria in the fall duh. But secondly, you'll pass Alpine huts, mountains and more!
The stages of the Salzburger Almenweg
 
Catie Strig profile picture
There are literally no bad hikes on the Blue Ridge Mountains (Almost heaven- its in the song right???). Heres a small easy one with a waterfall payoff
Crabtree Falls Trail, North Carolina - 4,848 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

Outdoor Fall Activities for the Non-Hikers

I couldn't help but add in a few more outside-y autumn acitvities in addition to the hiking! I may have taken a bit of liberties with a few (okay yes, eating cake outside is a bit of a stretch) but hey- the outdoors is for everyone and everything in ...

 
Catie Strig profile picture
While there are certainly trees and therefore, colorful leaves on this activity- the real star of the show is the cliffside. Just remember, you're far north and on the water- so dress warmly!
Lost Creek Adventures: Sea Kayaking Tours - Apostle Islands
 
Catie Strig profile picture
I actually went here in Autumn 2023 and WOW! First of all, having black forest cake in the actual Black Forest was a treat- but also the town itself was practically made for fall! The main building is a cuckoo clock!
Eat Black Forest Cake in the Black Forest
 
Catie Strig profile picture
Door County is truly extraordinary in Northwen Wisconsin. Choose from any number of the towns on the peninsula- all are great. While summer is peak season for Door County- fall is my second favorite time to visit!
Orchards & Farms - Experience
 
Catie Strig profile picture
Arguably one of the most famous activities in Vancouver, and one I did as a child! Probably not the best if you're afraid of heights- but if you can stomach it, the views can't be beat
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
 
Catie Strig profile picture
Autumn is cozy and cute, but don't forget it can also be as spooky as you make it. There is simply no better city in the US for spooky vibes than New Orleans- plus with the added benefit of cooler temps and less humidity in the fall, you'll actually ...
New Orleans Voodoo Tour
 
Catie Strig profile picture
When people go to New York, they don't often consider getting out on a boat on the Hudson- but maybe they should? What a better way to see the skyline and nature!
NYC: Hudson River Fall Foliage Yacht Tour
 
Catie Strig profile picture
Not horseback riding during my Montana-Wyoming trip was one of my biggest regrets and a mistake I won't make again (check out that list too!). Autumn is a perfect time to do this thanks to the cooler temps and less direct sun!
Jackson Hole: Dinner Cookout & Bridger-Teton Horseback Ride
 
Catie Strig profile picture
With the cooler temps, you may want to warm up a little bit? These are hot spring in Oregon, and yes, you can hike to them!
Umpqua Hot Springs Oregon

Cozy Gear and Must Have Tools

All you need to get into that cozy, cozy feeling- whether its my current favorite playlist, the absolute top necessity for hiking (shoes duh) or my all-time favorite fall show- this section has a bit of everything

 
Catie Strig profile picture
I love a cozy, autumn sweater. Sue me!! Kiel James Patrick always seems to make the cutest ones.
Cozy Pumpkin Sweater in Brown - Women's
 
Catie Strig profile picture
You may have seen or heard of hiking huts in Europe or elsewhere in the world. But did you know the USA has them too? Yes! And oftentimes, theyre free!
Free Cabins for Hiking: Welcome to United States Wilderness Huts
 
Catie Strig profile picture
These are my brand of hiking shoes that I use! I personally use the shoe without the extra ankle support because I found it a bit constricting
Women's Hiking Boots for Rugged Trails & Support
 
Catie Strig profile picture
Now, normally I would put in a recipe here for a home-made pumpkin spiced latte or something. But as you're going to get active, maybe pumpkin protein is a better choice
Premier Protein Shake, Pumpkin Spice, 30g Protein, 11 Fl Oz, 4 Ct
 
Catie Strig profile picture
Autumn, for me at least, is for slowing down and smelling the roses- or rather, peeping the leaves. This playlist is perfect for your fall hikes and walks
FALL FEELS 2025 🍁 CHILL AUTUMN VIBES
 
Catie Strig profile picture
I can't help but add at least one piece of cozy media. Well, at least, besides the playlist. October for me, is for spooky shows. But September, is for comfy ones like Over the Garden Wall
Over the Garden Wall (TV Mini Series 2014)
 
Catie Strig profile picture
I just bought my first Pendleton blanket after years of lusting after them. Wow, I get the hype! The wool ones are thick and ready for those cooler temperature drops in the morning
World-Class Wool Blankets
 
Catie Strig profile picture
It goes without saying that you should know you're going to see the peak leaf colors. Heres a tool for the US to help plan your next trip!
Fall Foliage Map 2025: Daily Updates and Forecasts!