Fall Hiking & Camping Ideas

Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes Park and Grand Lake, CO - There are scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuously paved road in the nation) and Old Fall River Road. For fisherman, fall provides four types of trout - brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat. Hiking trails like Bear Lake offer lovely lakes, waterfalls, and summits. Autumn camping is available at Longs Peak and Moraine Park Campgrounds. Common animals are elk and moose (fall is mating season) and Mule deer. Fees: $20 per car and $10 per pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle or moped.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Salt Flat, TX - Find an extensive selection of activities: backpacking, birding, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing. Camping options include: Pine Springs and Dog Canyon. For hikers, the website NPS.gov says that, "During late October or early November, fall colors and cooler temperatures make for excellent hiking conditions." Try the McKittrick Canyon Trail. Frequent furrier critters during the fall include deer, elk, jackrabbits and the occasional black bear. Fees - $5.00 per person for adults 16 and older.

Shenandoah National Park - the Blue Ridge Mountains near Luray, VA - Fall / Autumn is the ideal time to visit. For hiking, try The Rose River Falls featuring "numerous falls, pools, and cascades," says TheBackpacker.com reviewer Joel Ford. Biking is allowed on paved and mountain roads. Those fishing during autumn will catch brown, rainbow and brook trout. Horseback riding with a guide is available during early fall. Camping areas include: Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, and Loft Mountain Campgrounds. Fees - $15.00 per vehicle and $8 per individual March - November; $10 per motorcycle. Under 16 free.

Olympic National Park - Port Angeles, WA - This Park offers day hikes, back country camping, biking, extensive wildlife and scenic drives. Bikers have Boulder Creek and Spruce Railroad Trail (recommended for any season). Autumn camping is accessible at 10 year round campgrounds. Beach lovers enjoy Olympic Park's 60 miles of coastline. The Olympic Peninsula is terrific for scenic drives. The Hurricane Ridge Trails have grand mountain views and easy, medium and difficult level trails. Coastline trails include tricky terrain, slick rocks and animals like eagles and harbor seals. The Seven Lakes Basin hike is an easier trail with lakes, meadows, and waterfalls, as well as elk (listen for their unusual mating calls), bears (especially present during fall) and deer. Fees - $15 per vehicle, and $5 per individual, bike, or motorcycle.

Sources:
National Park Service, Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Day Hikes (U.S. National Park Service), U.S. National Park Service
Joel Ford, Rose River Falls Review - Virginia Hiking Trails, thebackpacker.com