Fall is a great time to get outside with the family. The air’s cooler, the bugs take a break, and everything’s lit up with color. Even if you’ve walked the same path all summer, it somehow feels different in the fall. Kids notice things more. You might spot a squirrel gathering acorns or a leaf bigger than your head. And if you're looking for ideas, these 13 family-friendly hiking spots in the fall are a great place to start.
Burning off energy on a trail beats everyone staring at a screen all weekend. You don’t need to be hardcore hikers to make it work. Most of the best spots are easy enough for little legs, strollers, or just a slow pace. It’s more about being out there than reaching the end. Pack a few snacks, wear layers, and bring your camera if you’re into that.
Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina/Virginia) – Humpback Rocks
Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn is breathtaking, but stepping onto a trail like Humpback Rocks makes the experience even richer. The hike is relatively short but includes a steady climb, making it a fun challenge for families with older kids. At the summit, hikers are greeted with sweeping views of mountains blanketed in fiery foliage. Along the way, interpretive farm exhibits near the trailhead give a glimpse into 19th-century mountain life, adding cultural interest to the outing. The combination of history, exercise, and panoramic scenery makes this trail a memorable fall adventure.
Rock Creek Park (Washington, D.C.)
Rock Creek Park is a natural retreat within the city, and during autumn, it transforms into a colorful escape for families. The park features a network of easy trails that wind through forests filled with maples, oaks, and hickories, all turning shades of gold and crimson. Families can enjoy short walks along the creek, spot wildlife such as deer and birds, or explore historic sites like the old stone mill. Because the trails are gentle and accessible, it’s a great spot for young children or grandparents. The park’s combination of nature and history makes it a seasonal favorite.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina) – Laurel Falls Trail
A paved path just over two miles round trip leads to Laurel Falls, one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls. During autumn, the surrounding hardwood forest glows with shades of orange, red, and yellow, creating a striking backdrop for family photos. Because the trail is paved, it’s accessible for strollers and manageable for younger children. The sound of rushing water at the end is a rewarding highlight, and the falls themselves cascade down multiple tiers. Families often linger at the viewing area, enjoying the crisp mountain air before making the easy return walk to the parking area.
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) – Stony Man Trail
The Stony Man Trail is a short, family-friendly hike that shines during autumn when the Blue Ridge Mountains are blanketed in vibrant red, orange, and gold. The trail is just over a mile long, making it manageable for children and older family members. Along the way, hikers pass through quiet forests filled with oaks and maples before reaching a rocky overlook with panoramic views. The crisp mountain air and colorful landscape create a memorable seasonal experience. Families often bring a picnic to enjoy at the summit, turning the hike into a relaxed half-day adventure.
Columbia River Gorge (Oregon) – Multnomah Falls Trail
A short hike to Oregon’s tallest waterfall feels especially magical in autumn when the cliffs are framed by fiery leaves. The paved trail winds upward to a viewing bridge that spans the lower tier of the cascade, giving families a close look at the rushing water. For those ready for a bit more effort, the path continues to the top for panoramic views of the gorge. Children often enjoy the mist from the falls and the sound of water echoing through the canyon. With its accessibility and dramatic scenery, this trail is a seasonal favorite for families.
Catskill Mountains (New York) – Kaaterskill Falls Trail
Kaaterskill Falls is one of New York’s tallest and most famous waterfalls, and the short trail leading to it becomes especially striking in autumn. The hike is about 1.4 miles round trip, making it manageable for families while still feeling adventurous. As hikers ascend, they pass through forests glowing with orange and yellow leaves before reaching viewpoints of the two-tiered waterfall. The sound of rushing water mixed with the crisp fall breeze creates an energizing atmosphere. Families often linger at the base of the falls or continue to the upper viewing platform for a different perspective of the cascade.
Starved Rock State Park (Illinois)
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Known for its sandstone canyons and scenic overlooks, this park becomes especially vibrant in autumn when the cliffs are framed by golden and crimson foliage. Families can explore short, well-marked trails that lead to waterfalls, bluffs, and river views. Children often enjoy spotting wildlife such as deer or eagles along the way. The park’s visitor center gives context to the area’s rich history and geology, adding an educational element to the hike. With trails of varying lengths, families can choose a quick stroll or a longer adventure, making it an adaptable and colorful fall destination.
White Mountains – Flume Gorge (New Hampshire)
Flume Gorge is a natural wonder located in Franconia Notch State Park, and during autumn, it becomes even more striking. The easy two-mile loop trail takes families through towering granite walls, wooden boardwalks, and cascading waterfalls. In the fall, the gorge is surrounded by bright yellow birches and deep red maples, creating a colorful contrast against the dark stone. Children love walking through the narrow passageways and spotting moss-covered rocks. The trail also passes covered bridges and scenic overlooks, making it a varied and engaging hike. It’s an excellent way for families to experience New England’s fall beauty.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways (Missouri)
Gentle trails along the rivers in this park make autumn walks especially striking. Families can stroll beside clear streams framed by maples and oaks that turn brilliant shades of red and gold. The sound of flowing water mixes with the crunch of fallen leaves, creating a peaceful atmosphere for children and adults alike. Short paths lead to historic mills, caves, and picnic spots where families can pause and take in the scenery. Wildlife sightings, such as wild turkeys or deer, add excitement for younger hikers. The combination of rivers, forests, and history makes this park shine in the fall.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) – Bear Lake Trail
Surrounded by towering peaks, Bear Lake Trail is a flat, accessible loop that becomes especially captivating in autumn. Families can circle the lake in less than a mile, making it a manageable walk for children and grandparents. During fall, golden aspens reflect on the still water, creating postcard-worthy views. Benches along the trail invite hikers to pause and admire the scenery, while interpretive signs share details about the local ecosystem. Because the trailhead connects to other short hikes, families can extend their adventure if they wish. It’s an easy yet rewarding way to experience Colorado’s autumn beauty.
Acadia National Park (Maine) – Jordan Pond Path
Jordan Pond Path is one of Acadia’s most accessible trails, circling the clear waters of Jordan Pond while showcasing stunning mountain backdrops. In autumn, the surrounding hillsides burst into shades of scarlet and amber, reflecting beautifully on the still surface of the lake. The path is mostly flat, making it comfortable for families with young children or strollers. Along the way, hikers can pause at wooden bridges, spot wildlife, and admire the crisp seasonal scenery. The trail’s combination of lake views, mountain peaks, and fiery foliage makes it a favorite autumn walk for families visiting Maine.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio) – Towpath Trail
Stretching along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal, the Towpath Trail is a flat, well-maintained path that’s perfect for families during autumn. The trail meanders through forests, wetlands, and meadows, all painted with fall colors. Because it’s wide and relatively level, it’s comfortable for strollers, bikes, and walkers of all ages. Families can stop at interpretive signs to learn about canal history, watch for great blue herons, or enjoy the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. With easy access points and picnic areas nearby, it’s a versatile choice for a relaxed seasonal outing in the Midwest.
Mount Rainier National Park (Washington) – Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
Crossing a suspension bridge over the Ohanapecosh River leads hikers into a forest of ancient trees, some more than a thousand years old. In autumn, the trail becomes even more enchanting as colorful foliage surrounds the massive cedars and firs. The path is short and mostly flat, making it accessible for families with children. Interpretive signs along the way explain the natural history of the area, adding an educational element to the walk. The combination of towering evergreens, bright seasonal colors, and the gentle river creates a memorable experience for those seeking a peaceful fall hike.
Take a Hike, Literally
Fall has a way of making even the simplest hike feel special. The colors, the cooler air, and the slower pace all come together to create a season that feels built for family time outdoors. You don’t need to plan a big trip or spend hours preparing; just step outside, pick a trail that matches your energy, and enjoy the change of scenery that autumn brings.
What makes it great is how flexible it can be. A quick walk after school, a weekend outing with friends, or a longer adventure with the whole crew, it all works. The season does the heavy lifting with its colors and crisp air. Hiking in autumn is the perfect excuse to get outside, connect with nature, and spend time with the people who matter most. It’s simple, it’s refreshing, and it’s a reminder that the best moments often come from slowing down.
