In spite of recent inflation fears, Americans still seem eager for travel this fall. Vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo reported a 27% year-over-year increase in searches for fall retreats. And a significant number of those searches were for locations that experience the change of seasons, including eye-popping fall foliage.
Yep, leaf peeping is still hot. And it’s something the whole family can enjoy when you move at an appropriate pace for all members of your group. Of course, you’ll want to have additional activities to keep little ones happy. Combine a nature walk with a picnic or activities in a nearby town. You may also want to slow the pace if you have older adults who can’t take a full day of hiking on uneven trails or mountain inclines.
Of course, you can find gorgeous hiking trails across the US. But if you’re looking for trails that are an easy drive from many of the most populated metro areas in the Northeast, you’ll find them on the list.
Delaware Canal State Park
New Hope, PA
Bucks County, PA, home of the historic town of New Hope, is the most popular spot for fall foliage in 2025. That’s based on search volume data from Priceline, as reported by Travel & Leisure. Delaware Canal State Park, less than an hour outside of Philadelphia, spans 60 miles parallel to the Delaware River. The stretch from New Hope to Washington Crossing will appeal to history buffs in your family looking for an easy, yet scenic hike. The trail runs 6 miles, according to AllTrails.com, and should take less than four hours to complete if you go out from New Hope to Washington Crossing Historic Park and back.
It’s worth spending time in New Hope, where covered bridges provide a unique backdrop to autumn leaves. The whole family will love shopping in the variety of stores and boutiques in town. Take a ride on the New Hope Railroad for a relaxing view of the region. If you’re looking for a place to stay overnight, consider the Ghost Light Inn, a 12-room boutique hotel right on the Delaware River.
Utica Marsh Canalway Trail
Utica, NY
The Utica Marsh Canalway Trail is an easy hike in upstate New York, spanning just under 14 miles out and back, according to AllTrails.com. If you don’t have a full day available for hiking, focus on the Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Park in the lot off North Genesee Street and hike two miles on flat terrain to the wildlife viewing tower, which also affords a fabulous view of fall foliage.
This hike also puts you near the Adirondack Railroad Union Station in Utica, where you can tour the breathtaking Adirondack Park from the comfort a climate-controlled train car.
Hidden Valley Preserve
Washington Depot, CT
If you want to see not just brightly colored leaves, but also a touch of literary and pop culture history, plan a trip to Hidden Valley Preserve just outside of Washington Depot, CT. Hidden Valley Preserve allows you to customize a hike from 1.6 to 6.6 miles, depending on your endurance.
The Hidden Valley Overlook offers breathtaking views, according to Connecticut blogger EarlyBirdonTheTrail.com. Take time to appreciate the Thoreau Bridge, a suspension bridge above the Shepaug River, decorated with inscriptions from the works of Henry David Thoreau.
When it’s time for a break and a bite to eat, take a stroll through Washington Depot. This Connecticut town inspired The Gilmore Girls’ setting of Stars Hollow.
Ridley Creek State Park
Delaware County, PA
Located in Delaware County just outside of Philadelphia, Ridley Creek State Park features 13 miles of trails suitable for a range of fitness levels. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recommends the Mansion Gardens Trail, a one-mile paved loop that takes you around the famed Hunting Hill Mansion and gardens, for an easy and picturesque walk. The Sycamore Mills Road Trail is a longer loop that runs next to Ridley Creek and also provides fabulous seasonal views.
Finish your evening relaxing at Grace Winery in nearby Glen Mills. The family can gather (children welcome) in the tasting room on weekends for a light lunch or dinner of sandwiches, sliders, charcuterie, and of course, wine or craft beer for the adults. The 50-acre estate offers breathtaking views that rival any you’ll find on hiking trails.
Birchtoft Trail, Mount Monadnock
Jaffrey, NH
When people think about autumn foliage, New Hampshire is often one of the first states that comes to mind. Mount Monadnock is one of the most-hiked mountains in the region. New Hampshire Magazine recommended going up the Birchtoft Trail to avoid heavier crowds. The trail can be challenging, but if you can make it to the Pumpelly Trail, you’ll find a rock outcropping to relax. On a clear day, you can see Boston, which is just a two-hour drive away.
The writers at HikeNewEngland.com reported taking hikers as young as 8 and 11 years old on the trail, which means this path is likely suitable for the whole family. Jaffrey and Dublin are both charming small towns in Cheshire County. Spend some time at Friendly Farm for quintessential fall activities and hands-on animal fun across five acres.
Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor, Maine
The folks at Lake.com called Acadia National Park the “obvious” choice for leaf-peeping in New England, where Cadillac Mountain stands 1,530 feet tall. In recent years, Acadia National Park has emerged as one of the top vacation spots for Northeast nature lovers, and with good reason. In addition to some of the brightest foliage around, you may spot bald eagles, peregrine falcons, moose, and more.
Due to the elevation and the park’s coastal geography, Maine may get significantly colder than the other states we’ve spotlighted. Dress accordingly and wear layers, because no one ever really knows what New England weather will do in October and November. The plus side is that crowds may be lighter than you’ll find in other regions.
Acadia National Park is located right next to the scenic coastal town of Bar Harbor, offering a variety of Bed & Breakfast accommodations, waterfront hotels, and private vacation rentals. Consider a Ghost Walk in Agamont Park (ages 13+) to keep with the spirit of the season, or simply spend time shopping downtown. You’ll soon realize why Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor is a favorite family vacation spot.
Central Park
Manhattan, NY
Yes, NYC. You don’t have to escape to the wilderness to find fall foliage in the Northeast. Every year, more than 42 million people enjoy the splendor of New York City’s Central Park in every season. More than 18,000 trees across 843 acres transform this section of the park into a vibrant artist’s palette of orange, yellow, and red leaves against a backdrop of one of the most famous skylines in the world.
The paved paths make traversing the territory easy, but if you get tired, you can hire a pedicab to provide a guided tour. Ride the carousel, and then spend an hour or two in the Central Park Zoo, which is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, devoted to saving and caring for animals in their zoos and in their natural habitats. You’ll spot penguins, red pandas, an array of birds, and even majestic snow leopards.
More from Nifty50+
- Top brain health discoveries in 2025 for older adults
- Worried AI will wreck your career? Make these moves
- Building a better travel bag for middle-aged travelers: Tales from a second career
- Remarkable Oscar Nominations After Decades