These East Coast day hikes will deliver fall thrills.
We could never look past the beautiful East Coast for some of the best hiking in the world. From incredible vistas in Maine to enticing waterfalls in Georgia, we have rounded up a list of the best day hikes in the Atlantic states that you’ll want to add to your list for 2019 and beyond. And with the fall season ramping up, you may be in for a treat, as leaves along the eastern corridor change hues to crimson and gold.
Sometimes we need to get away from it all and take in the scenery and fresh air. There is so much more to this country when you look beyond the restaurants, bars and busy day-to-day routine.
Make sure you add at least one of these to your bucket list!
Photo: Acadia National Park
Ocean Path, Maine
This scenic hiking trail is in the beautiful Acadia National Park. It makes its way along the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island from Sand Beach to Otter Point. The great thing about this hike is that it walks right along the ocean, so you get some incredible scenery of both the ocean and the signature Maine landscape that comes along with it.
There are plenty of small side trails that will take you right down along the ocean so you can listen to the waves bang off the rocks, but be sure to pay attention for rogue waves and marshy conditions.
One sight you don’t want to miss is the popular Thunder Hole. It got its name because of the way the waves trap air in the cave; the escaping air sounds like thunder. You’ll get the sounds and smells of the ocean along with plenty of greenery and flowers to please your senses.
The trail is 4.4 miles out and back and is open year-round. This is a great family hiking destination because the trails are not too difficult, and there are plenty of built-in stairs to accommodate people of all hiking levels.
Get the trail details here.
Photo: Adirondack State Park
Avalanche Pass Trail, New York
Making our way a bit further south into the Adirondacks, I couldn’t go without mentioning Mount Colden, which houses one of the most beautiful, scenic trails in the country. Avalanche Pass is steep, but with every few steps the view increases, and there are stairs for some of the more difficult portions of the trail. There are even some portions of the trail that require you to climb ladders up cliffs to reach different levels.
Luckily, if you make the trip to Avalanche Pass, there are many different ways to take in the scenery on this 12-plus-mile hike. Experts recommend avoiding wet seasons, but the scenery takes things up a notch if you come here during the early fall in September or October.
Get the trail details here.
Photo: Pennsylvania State Parks
Kinzua Sky Walk, Pennsylvania
This hike is a personal favorite of mine; I might be a bit biased when it comes to Pennsylvania hikes, but my home state never disappoints. If you desire unbelievable valley and mountain views with lush greenery spanning for miles, you might want to check out Kinzua Bridge State Park.
The state park is 339 acres in McKean County, Pennsylvania.
The park houses what used to be a railroad bridge, and it’s now turned into a 301-foot skywalk. The bridge was partially destroyed by a tornado is 2003, and it now attracts tourists from all over the country. It even has a glass bottom section that allows you to test your fear of heights. The hike is not overwhelming and is great for kids.
I would recommend making this trip during the fall to take in the foliage. There is also a picture-taking platform underneath the skywalk that provides a unique 3D effect that is hard to explain without seeing it for yourself.
Get the trail details here.
Photo: NPS | Katy Cain
Old Rag Mountain, Virginia
This hike is popular among all East Coast natives, and there is no surprise there. You’ll get breathtaking panoramic views as well as lush greenery and plenty of wildlife. For this one, you want to wear your big boy or big girl pants because the hike is not easy. It’s slightly over 9 miles and it contains quite a bit of boulder scrambling and steep drop-offs.
The trail starts from the Old Rag parking lot and has an elevation gain of 2,415 feet, so you know you’re in for it. One thing I will say, once you reach the summit at Old Rag Peak, every trial and tribulation you faced up until that point will all be worth it.
Get the trail details here.
Photo: Anish Patel
Blood Mountain Loop, Georgia
I’ve taken you all the way from the northernmost section of the Appalachian Trail down to one of the southernmost sections in North Georgia. Blood Mountain summit is the highest peak on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail, and it contains a three-trail hike with insane views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the trail, you’ll even be able to take in a little history by visiting a historic Appalachian shelter used to house people traveling along the trail.
The trail is 6 miles round trip and is considered difficult by experts. You’ll get to take in sights of stream valleys and forest canopies as you make your way to the Blood Mountain summit.
Get the trail details here.
Preparing For Your Hike
It’s easy to get excited about some of these hikes, but you always want to prepare accordingly. Some of these trails are downright dangerous, so you want to wear the proper clothing and hiking boots before heading out.
Photo: PC Dazero
Look at the weather and ensure you’re wearing the right clothing so you don’t get cold or overheated on the trail.
Bring plenty of water and snacks with you. Don’t underestimate what you’ll need on the trail. If you’re tackling any of these 5-plus-mile hikes, you want to bring more than you think you’ll use.
Lastly, when bringing children on the hike, be sure to do your homework about the trails ahead of time, so you don’t end up on a 10-mile hike when you planned for a 2-mile trek.
While you’re out and about, be sure to check out some of the incredible accommodations available at the Good Sam Campgrounds in all the states mentioned above. When you’re done roughing it on the trails, you can find something for everyone at one of our campgrounds or RV parks.
Be sure to drop us a comment and let us know if you have hiked any of the trails above and if so, how’d it go? Good luck!
