Favorite Late Fall Hikes in New England

If the colder weather has you feeling like hunkering down with cozy blankets and a warm drink, remember that there’s still time to enjoy some refreshing fall air and the crunch of fallen leaves before the snow falls. Here are some ideas for great late fall hikes in New England.

Safety Note: Many of the trails listed are accessible year-round, but always check first to ensure the trail is open. Don’t hike in bad weather, dress in layers, and make sure your footwear has good tread. Begin your hike early in the day so you won’t get caught in the dark and cold. Pack food, water, first aid supplies, and flashlights as necessary, and read trail descriptions beforehand. Good planning always makes for a more enjoyable trip!

Favorite Late Fall Hikes and Hiking Trails in Every New England State

Pawtuckaway State Park | New Hampshire

This state park tucked away (no pun intended) in Nottingham, New Hampshire, is a beautiful 5,500-acre preserve, including a popular lake, 195 campsites, and about 15 miles of hiking trails. An easy-to-moderate 2.4-mile hike to the fire tower on top of South Mountain offers great views of the surrounding area, or you could opt for an easy 1-mile meander along Fundy Trail, which borders Burnham’s Marsh and is known for wildlife spotting. Perhaps more well-known to climbers, Boulder Field Trail is 2.6 miles round trip with only a 200-foot elevation gain, and leads to large boulders, deposited at the end of the Ice Age.

Monument Mountain Trail | Massachusetts

This moderate 2.8-mile loop trail is a natural oasis with great views. Located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, it is a popular trail during the warmer weather months, so a trip during the fall is often a great escape from the typical traffic. Some areas of the trail are steep, but a few scrambles afford you a wonderful view of the Housatonic River Valley and the southern Berkshires at the summit. Check out these ideas to make it a weekend in the Berkshires.

Sleeping Giant Tower Trail | Connecticut

Located in Hamden, Connecticut, this trail begins at the picnic area across from Quinnipiac University and is a 1.6-mile one-way hike to the summit of Mount Carmel, where you will find a beautiful stone observation tower with fantastic views of Long Island Sound and New Haven. A unique feature of this trail is the stone path, so plan your footwear accordingly. The trail is part of Sleeping Giant State Park, named for the two miles of mountaintop that resembles a sleeping giant.

Rattlesnake Mountain | Maine

Don’t be deterred by the ominous reptilian name! Rattlesnake Mountain is a moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back hike located in Raymond, Maine, and offers a great view overlooking Panther Pond just 1/2 mile into the hike. Although steep in some places, the mountain is dog-friendly and appropriate for a family hike. Only 45 minutes from Portland, you can make a day trip of it and head into the city for lunch or a warm beverage after your jaunt up the mountain.

Sterling Pond Trail | Vermont

This moderate trail off of Route 108 near Jeffersonville, Vermont, is about 2.5 miles out and back. Although steep and rocky in some parts, the trail is well maintained and leads to stunning views (and Vermont’s highest elevation trout pond, to boot). Sterling Pond has been described as “idyllic” and is a great escape during the quieter fall months. Sans snow, an additional half-hour can afford you a trip to Spruce Peak, by way of Stowe Resort’s ski trails. From there, you will find views of the Notch, Stowe Valley, and Mount Mansfield.

Rome Point Trail | Rhode Island

This easy 2.4-mile loop near Saunderstown, Rhode Island, is a good option for hikers and walkers of all skill levels. The trail starts inland but leads to views of the bay, and the changes in scenery make for an exciting, quick trip. This trail (also known as the “seal hike” for its view of seals in the bay) is very popular during the summer months, so skip the crowds and tackle it in the fall. Be aware, however, that the wind can pick up as you walk near the water.

Which late fall hikes in New England are your favorites?

This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.

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Cathryn McCann

While on staff as digital assistant editor, Cathryn wrote and promoted content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Prior to this role, she lived and worked on Martha’s Vineyard as a newspaper reporter, covering everything from environmental issues and education to crime and politics.

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