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These Northeast State Parks Go Full Autumn Mode — And You’ll Want To Be There
Are you looking for crisp air, golden foliage, and a sense of adventure? Fall in the Northeast is nature showing off, and it’s the perfect excuse to hit some of the region’s most scenic state parks. We’re talking fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and yellows so vibrant they’ll make your highlighter collection jealous.
These parks offer trails that beg to be explored, views that practically demand a long stare, and just enough charm to make you forget about that “to-do” list gathering dust at home. And if you’re the type who craves a little outdoor escape before the first frost, you’re in for a treat.
From quiet paths that wind through forests to spots where you can soak in all the autumn glory from panoramic overlooks, there’s a perfect fall outing waiting (and probably calling your name). Get ready, because these state parks bring an entirely new meaning to a seasonal glow-up.
Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
You know those places that feel almost too magical to exist? Franconia Notch fits the bill. Here, tucked away in the vibrant tapestry of autumn reds, oranges, and golds, you’ll stumble upon patches of ancient, uncut old-growth forest.
These towering trees have been quietly minding their own business for centuries, making them seasoned pros at keeping secrets. And the best part? No chainsaws have crashed their party. Wander through Flume Gorge or hike the trails, and you’ll get a front-row seat to the lush, biologically rich woodlands untouched by meddling hands.
It’s the kind of spot that makes you grateful someone had the sense to leave a bit of New Hampshire exactly how it was meant to be: wild, timeless, and ridiculously photogenic.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, Massachusetts
If you’ve been itching for a brag-worthy view while wrapped in a fleece jacket and sipping on a pumpkin-spiced latte, Mount Greylock is calling your name. Standing tall as the highest point in Massachusetts, this spot offers sweeping panoramas that could humble even the most jaded of hikers.
From the summit tower, which looks part historic monument and part Hogwarts add-on, you can feast your eyes on a quilt of crimson, orange, and gold stretching across multiple states.
And sure, the drive up is a bit of a climb for your car’s engine, but at the top, it’s all downhill in the metaphorical sense. Just you, the crisp mountain air, and a view so utterly amazing it might leave you wondering why your couch was your autumn plan in the first place.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch isn’t just a place; it’s proof that humans have always been masters of shenanigans. Back in the early 19th century, sneaky traders used this winding mountain pass to dodge embargo laws, smuggling forbidden goods with a flair for the dramatic.
Rumor has it, fugitive slaves may have even navigated its narrow trails in search of freedom. These days, smugglers have been replaced by leaf peepers and hikers, but the rugged cliffs and tight hairpin turns still hold all that rebellious energy. Hit the park during peak fall, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into some secret hideaway.
Just remember, no smuggling required… unless, of course, we’re talking about that maple syrup stash you’re planning to “sample” on your drive back home.
Sleeping Giant State Park, Connecticut
Who thought a napping giant could create such a masterpiece? Perched in Hamden, Connecticut, this unique ridge truly lives up to its name. Stroll the trails, and you’ll catch the sprawling fall colors from above as if Connecticut decided to throw its fanciest quilt over the land.
The park boasts 32 miles of trails, but the Tower Trail is the real winner here; a two-mile trek that rewards your effort with views stretching far and wide. Locals claim the outline of the ridge even looks like the slumbering behemoth, though you might be too busy staring at the fiery maples to find his nose.
Either way, it’s a fall excursion tailor-made for anyone looking to stretch their legs and their sense of wonder.
Baxter State Park, Maine
Thinking small isn’t Baxter State Park’s thing. Spanning over 200 miles of trails and boasting a dramatic 46 peaks and ridges, this Maine park serves up views that are nothing short of grandiose.
Want a real challenge? Take on Mount Katahdin, the state’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. But if you’re just here just to soak up fall in all its New England glory, you’re in luck too. The forested trails shimmer with ruby and amber, and the endless views practically beg you to stop and stare.
And don’t even get me started on the wildlife… moose are basically the local celebrities here, so keep an eye out for the original influencers of the woodland.
Taughannock Falls State Park, New York
Prepare to be wowed by a showstopper. At 215 feet, Taughannock Falls isn’t just any waterfall; it’s one of the tallest east of the Rockies, and fall decided it deserved the ultimate backdrop. The cascade cuts through rugged cliffs crowned in dazzling fall foliage, making it a true scene-stealer.
And whether you’re gazing from an overlook or braving the easy Gorge Trail for a closer look, this Upstate New York treasure is bound to leave you gaping. Bonus points if you can pronounce “Taughannock” on the first try (don’t worry, we’ll wait).
Between the roaring falls and the fiery treetops, you’ll probably need more than one camera roll to do it justice. But hey, that’s just the price of chasing perfection.
Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania
Ricketts Glen isn’t just a park; it’s a playground for waterfalls. This National Natural Landmark boasts 24 named waterfalls, which cascade dramatically through an old-growth forest you’d swear jumped right out of a fantasy novel.
The Kitchen Creek Gorge Trail is the main event here, but don’t worry; it’s less about relentless effort and more about wading knee-deep into jaw-dropping scenery. And if that isn’t enough, each waterfall has its own personality, from the mighty 94-foot Ganoga Falls to smaller ones that feel like they’re competing in some kind of scenic splash contest.
Word to the wise, though, the terrain can be slippery in autumn, so sturdy shoes are a must. Because nothing ruins “enjoying the sights” energy faster than an accidental creek bath.
Wahconah Falls State Park, Massachusetts
Okay, so Wahconah Falls might not come with the celebrity status of its bigger waterfall cousins around the state, but what it lacks in star power, it makes up for in charm.
Located in the Berkshires, this cozy park is home to a set of four-tiered waterfall drops that look like a staircase, perfect for your fall leaf gazing needs. Because the foliage surrounding the falls turns the whole scene into a living postcard… minus the cheesy “Wish You Were Here” caption.
It’s also small enough that you can cover it in about an hour, leaving plenty of time to grab pumpkin donuts at a nearby roadside stand. Quick, gorgeous, and snack-adjacent, what’s not to love about that combo?
Letchworth State Park, New York
Affectionately dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is the kind of place that makes you wonder why the U.S. is hiding all these treasures you’ve never heard of. Its 600-foot cliffs and roaring waterfalls carve through a landscape that seems tailor-made for the fall season.
And come late-September, the park practically glows as its dense forests light up like a painter’s easel, splashing hues across the rugged terrain. Whether you’re marveling at Middle Falls or hiking trails that skirt the edge of dramatic cliffs, the park doesn’t do “subtle.
Plus, rumor has it the hot air balloon rides here make you feel like you’ve slipped into a dream (which, honestly, is exactly what a fall getaway should feel like).
Crawford Notch State Park, New Hampshire
Crawford Notch cuts through New Hampshire’s White Mountains like something out of a rugged adventure film (but with fewer explosions). This stretch of forested valleys and ridges becomes a kaleidoscope of color during the fall, as the leaves do their annual wardrobe swap into fiery reds and glowing golds.
It’s also part of a bucket-list-worthy leaf-peeping route that is ideal for those who are equal parts outdoorsman and unashamed road trip enthusiast. And hikers can tackle trails that range from “pleasant stroll with a snack” to “did I pack enough Advil for this?”
Meanwhile, photo ops seem to chase you down with every turn in the road, making this the kind of destination where you’ll take 200 photos and keep at least 199.
Bash Bish Falls State Park, Massachusetts
Tucked away in the Berkshires, Bash Bish Falls State Park is proof that nature loves a good showstopper. This park boasts Massachusetts’s highest waterfall, a nearly 200-foot spectacle of cascading water that plummets into a serene emerald pool.
You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto the set of a fantasy movie, though thankfully, there’s no dragon guarding the falls (at least, none spotted so far). The gorge surrounding the falls practically glows in the fall, with the hues of red and orange foliage amplifying the sheer drama of the landscape.
Just know that getting to the falls is half the adventure; choose from two trails, one short and steep or the other gentler but longer. Either way, the payoff is worth it. And don’t forget non-slip shoes; no one dreams of starring in “Slip ’n Slide Falls.”
Hickory Run State Park, Pennsylvania
Hickory Run State Park has its claim to fame: Boulder Field. This National Natural Landmark is basically what happens when a glacier has a creative streak and decides, “You know what this forest needs? Rocks. A LOT of rocks.”
But beyond the epic stone dump, fall transforms the park into a kaleidoscope of blazing orange and yellow, as if the trees are throwing a farewell party for summer. Wander along trails that weave through the glowing canopy, or stop for a contemplative moment as sunlight filters through the leaves.
Just don’t forget to visit Boulder Field, where the rocks haven’t moved for 20,000 years. Trust me, once you’re there… you’ll recognize the rocks are doing a better job at staying put than you did during any yoga class.
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