Fall, which is arguably the best season for hiking in the National Park System, is almost upon us. The cool days and bright colors provide hikers with plenty of incentive to hit the trails.
With that wonderful season in mind, we’ve selected some of the country’s “scenic trails” for your consideration. To those we’ve added a Yellowstone National Park classic, a hike in Canyonlands National Park, and another that traces one of the bloodiest days of the Civil War.
Here's our third hike for this fall:
New England National Scenic Trail
There are few better places to hike than New England in the fall. The orange, yellow, amber and red leaves cloak the hardwood forests.
This footpath, which runs for 215 miles, traces its short history to the Mattabesett Trail, Metacomet Trail, and Metacomet-Monadnock Trail in Connecticut and Massachusetts. In 2000, Congress directed the National Park Service to consider a “New England National Scenic Trail,” and the agency’s eyes were drawn to these three established trails. Finally, after a number of studies, the new, combined trail was added to the National Scenic Trails system in 2009.
Head out on this trail and it’ll lead you through the wonders of the southern tier of New England. From Long Island Sound to scenic mountain summits in Connecticut and Massachusetts, the New England National Scenic Trail is a showcase of kaleidoscope panoramas and, “closeups of New England’s natural and cultural landscape: traprock ridges, historic village centers, farmlands, unfragmented forests, quiet streams, steep river valleys and waterfalls,” the National Park Service notes.
If there’s a downside to this trail, it’s that much of it runs across private property where you’re not allowed to camp. Still, there are “cabins, lean-tos and campsites” that you can connect with on long treks.
Details on these somewhat rustic shelters are provided on the New England National Scenic Trail’s website. “Select the shelter of your choice to learn more about it,” the site notes. “All inquiries about staying at overnight shelters are posted on our shelter schedule page. This is simply to let others know your intention to stay and does not represent a completed reservation. We will contact you directly to confirm a cabin reservation. The lean-to operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.”
The nicest accommodation would be the Mount Holyhoke Outing Club Cabin. Inside you’ll find six cots and a queen-size air mattress, electricity, lights, a wood stove, dishes and silverware, and even a First-aid kit.
Helpful resource:
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
