As leaves change to brilliant reds, oranges and golds, fall becomes the ideal season for outdoor adventures. With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, hiking is the perfect way to take in the beauty of autumn. Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has curated a list of destinations where you can enjoy the best hiking trails and experience fall’s grandeur.
Tackle the Trails at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Covering over 4,000 acres of hiking trails, forests and streams, The Resort at Glade Springs, with its Appalachian Mountains backdrop, is the ideal stay for a fall hiking adventure. Only a few miles from the resort, Grandview’s five hiking trails are filled with scenic views of the New River and surrounding mountains to admire the changing leaves. For an epic hiking journey, embark on the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve Grandview & Canyon Rim Tour. The tour includes astounding overlooks of the park, views of one of the world’s oldest rivers and sights of the longest steel arch span in the western hemisphere. For a more leisurely hiking experience, less than five miles from the resort is Little Beaver State Park, with its 18 hiking trails perfect for morning strolls through the fall foliage.
The Deschutes River Trail: A Hiking Gem in the Pacific Northwest
Bend, Oregon, is the perfect destination in the Pacific Northwest to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Cascade Mountains, with nearby hiking trails transforming into vibrant mosaics of amber. On the bank of the Deschutes River, Riverhouse Lodge is blocks away from the Awbrey Reach section of the Deschutes River Trail, which offers spectacular views of the Riley Ranch Nature Reserve and the Cascade Mountains, complete with an overhanging tapestry of foliage. Nearby Sawyer Park has trails winding alongside the river, while Shevlin Park has trails alongside the glistening Tumalo Creek. After a day of outdoor exploration, head to downtown Bend for exciting nightlife and shopping, or enjoy alfresco dining and tastes of the Pacific Northwest at Currents Restaurant & Lounge.
Escape into Fall Hiking Bliss on the Mountain Lakes Region’s Trails
During a stay at the Adirondack-style Stonewall Resort, immerse yourself in the beauty of West Virginia’s Mountain Lakes Region, known for its kaleidoscope of oranges, reds and yellows this time of year. The resort, set along the shores of Stonewall Jackson Lake, is surrounded by over 13 miles of hiking trails to experience these changing colors. Visit the Stonewall Resort State Park nearby and wander along the Chipmunk Point Trail for prime fall migration birdwatching. Alternatively, enjoy a stroll along the Lakeside Nature Trail for scenic views of the lake. Looking to break a sweat while enjoying the cool fall air? The park’s loop around the Roanoke Activity Plaza has five fitness stations perfect for a crisp morning workout.
Chase Waterfalls and Mountain Views on These Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
With over 293,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness, Skamania Lodge has everything one needs for the perfect outdoor fall hiking adventure. There are four miles of nature trails located on the property, complete with views of the Cascade Mountains and Columbia River Gorge. Winding through autumn forests behind Skamania’s golf course, the Lake Loop Trail offers views of the Wy’East Lake and Lily Pad Lake. The Creek Loop Trail is perfect for spotting wildlife, and the fall light casts a golden hue on the Red Bluff Mountains. Experience Washington’s majestic waterfalls and vibrant array of maples and aspens with guided tours like the Latourell Falls Hike and Punchbowl Falls Hike winding through the Columbia River Gorge.
Iconic Hiking Trails Through Changing Landscapes in Wyoming's National Parks
Jackson Hole is home to stunning fall scenery and wildlife. With a stay at Snow King Resort, you can make the most of the changing season with guided tours of national parks and a variety of hiking trails nearby. Embark on a tour of Grand Teton National Park to see unparalleled fall scenery and experience the fascinating history of the area, all while enjoying abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Yellowstone National Park tours are perfect for visiting iconic areas like the Grand Prismatic Spring, Hayden Valley, Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Near Teton Village, the Rock Springs Loop Trail, lined with towering golden alpines, has unique views of Cody Peak and the surrounding valley. To experience crisp autumn air and stunning views of the Rendezvous Mountain, take on the 3.8-mile Cirque Trail.
Find Your Perfect Trail in the Wasatch Range
The Wasatch Range, part of the greater Rocky Mountains, transforms in the fall into a breathtaking display of vibrant colors and dramatic landscapes, offering hiking experiences like no other. Black Rock Mountain Resort is the perfect escape to witness these bursts of fall colors and their stunning contrasts against the rugged rock faces of the mountain range. The 7.1-mile Round Valley Rail Trail is ideal for beginners, while the 5.5-mile Iron Canyon Trail presents a more challenging experience. The opportunity to spot wildlife preparing for winter adds an extra layer of excitement to your adventure. Views of the valleys and surrounding mountains are picturesque in the fall, and Plunko’s Peak, a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail, is perfect for taking in the beauty of the Jordanelle Reservoir. Several state parks near the resort offer endless hiking opportunities, such as Jordanelle State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park and Rockport State Park.
