I love planning hiking trips, especially those that take place in the fall!
Whether you are going out for a day trip or planning a weekend getaway, you’ll want to time your trip to coincide with peak fall color! That’s where this Mid-Atlantic fall foliage hiking guide will come in handy.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Fall Foliage Peak Dates Can Vary
The guide below is just that, a guide. It’s not exact because the peak dates for fall foliage vary from year to year. It can be earlier in some years and later in others. Your best bet is to follow each state’s foliage report.
- New York Fall Foliage Report
- New Jersey Fall Foliage Info
- Pennsylvania Fall Foliage Report
- Maryland Fall Foliage Report
- Virginia Fall Foliage Report
- West Virginia Fall Foliage Report
However, if you’re planning a trip to a specific region, this guide will be of some help.
When to Plan a Fall Foliage Hike in the Mid-Atlantic
New York
You’ll want to plan your fall hikes in New York early in the season! In the higher elevations of the Adirondacks and Catskills, peak color can come as early as the first week of October. The Finger Lakes region can also peak in the first few weeks of the month.
If you’re hiking later in the month, you’ll want to head closer to New York City. The Lower Hudson Valley peaks closer to mid-October – we had incredible foliage views mid-month on the Popolopen Torne Trail.
New Jersey
The average peak for fall color in New Jersey typically occurs in mid-to-late October.
Start planning some hikes in the Worthington State Forest, such as Sunfish Pond and Mount Tammany, for early to mid-October.
Visit places like Sourland Mountain Preserve or Schooley’s Mountain later in the month.
Pennsylvania
The best part about hiking in Pennsylvania is that you have fall color all of October!
The first full week of October is the perfect time to visit the northernmost regions of the state, such as Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Park.
Plan a trip for the second full week of October to the Delaware Water Gap region and nearby areas, such as Scranton and Wilkes-Barre (including Seven Tubs or Ricketts Glen).
As it approaches mid-October, that’s when you’ll want to hit up trails in the Poconos and in the Northwestern part of the state, like Allegheny National Forest.
And, before the month ends, head to central PA and southeastern PA, especially along the Appalachian Trail (and even some of my favorite fall hikes near Philadelphia).
Maryland
Maryland tends to have peak color towards the end of the month.
The western and northern regions of the state usually experience their best color around the third and fourth weeks of October. It’s a great time to check out Catoctin Mountain Park or even the easy Washington Monument trail.
The southern and Eastern Shore regions can see peak color as late as the second week of November.
When we hiked the Billy Goat Trail, it was late October, and the trees still had some decent color.
Virginia
As large as Virginia is, the state’s peak colors are pretty straightforward.
The eastern side of the state (roughly east of I-81, but also including Shenandoah National Park) peaks sometime during the second and third weeks of October. This is when you’ll want to do trails like Big Schloss or Dragon’s Tooth.
The central strip of the state (between I-81 and I-95) will peak closer to the third week of October, while the eastern side tends to peak towards the end of the month.
West Virginia
The higher elevations of the state, like Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and Blackwater Falls, tend to peak in late September.
The northern part of the state (excluding the northern panhandle) typically peaks in early October (might be a good time to visit Cooopers Rock!).
But even if you head to the Mountaineer State in late October, you won’t be disappointed. Popular parks like New River Gorge, Babcock State Park, and Harpers Ferry all peak towards the end of the month.
Tips For Fall Hiking
Stay Visible During Hunting Season
Obviously, hiking in the fall is a big draw for the gorgeous fall foliage, but it’s also a busy time for hunters. Make sure you are hiking safely by wearing bright orange or just avoiding areas that allow hunting.
Dress in Layers
Fall weather can be unpredictable! Chilly mornings give way to warm afternoons and brisk evenings. Layers let you adjust as temperatures change.
Know the Sunrise and Sunset Times
Days are getting shorter in the fall, so plan hikes accordingly! Always bring a headlamp or flashlight in case your hike runs longer than expected.
Watch for Slippery Leaves
Fallen leaves can hide rocks, roots, and mud, making trails slippery. Hiking poles can help keep you stable.
Protect Against Ticks
Ticks are still active in the fall. Use insect repellent (my favorite is Picaridin), wear long-sleeved clothing and pants, and perform a tick check after your hike.
Pin It For Later
