Yes, summer is just about over, which means we fully recommend continuing to avoid work in the interest of planning fall backpacking trips. The world is pretty much over anyway; might as well experience it while it still exists.
Fall is technically a shoulder season, sitting pretty between the heavy hitters of outdoor recreation: summer and winter. While “shoulder season” is often said with a sigh—high-elevation trails get snowed in, but the snow isn’t good enough for skiing—you shouldn’t’ discount fall backpacking, especially in regions of the country where it stays warmer longer.
Fall backpacking means trails that stick to a lower elevation in warmer regions. Keep in mind the days will be shorter even if the destination is farther south, so pack layers and a good headlamp, and review our tips and fall backpacking gear list for all of your other questions. Here are the rest of our fall backpacking routes.
Ouachita Trail, AR-OK
223 Miles
Mid-Late Fall
This trail is one of the “Triple-O’s” of backpacking, following a well-signed, well-graded path from the eastern edge of Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain State Park outside Little Rock, Arkansas. The trail is lined with beautiful, sturdy shelters and great care is given to upkeep along the entire path. We recommend starting on the Oklahoma side, as it is a three-hour drive from Oklahoma City, and transport can be a hassle, so it’s best to get it out of the way. Days were in the 40s and 50s in November, perfect hiking temperatures. Allow 12-18 days to hike this trail, and plan on 2-3 resupplies.
Death Hollow Loop, UT
23 Miles
Mid Fall
Honestly, most of Southern Utah and the lower-elevation trails in Northern Utah are clutch in the fall. We just love this loop, and it really is incredible during the mid-fall months. This two-day route connects Death Hollow with the Boulder Mail Trail, climbing up and over slick rock, through ankle-deep sand, and then dropping down into the otherworldly Death Hollow, a long, winding canyon that will have you walking in and out of water, falling into the narrows, and camping on the riverbank under the open sky.
Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Loop, WA
56 Miles
Early-Mid Fall
While plenty of Washington trails are high-elevation (thus snowed in for much of the shoulder season), this loop in southeast Washington stays low enough that it can be hiked comfortably through the middle of fall. You’ll cross expansive meadows, hike through forested sections, and enjoy cool canyon hiking. This trail can be overgrown and some of the navigation can be tricky, but the loop style is convenient as heck, and it can be hiked in 3-5 days.
Foothills Trail, NC-SC
77 Miles
Mid-Late Fall
Looking for a getaway on a trail that can be completed in a week or so? The Foothills Trail offers a well-graded, well-signed option for hikers looking to test gear, try out a trail for their first thru-hike, or just do a trail end-to-end during the fall season. Water and camping is abundant, and for the brave fall backpackers, there are plenty of options for freezing your butt off in swimming holes. You won’t need a resupply for this trail, and the logistics of trailheads are made easy with both ends in state parks.
Benton Mackaye Trail, GA-TN-NC
278 Miles
Early-Mid-Late Fall
This trail sees little traffic, and is a terrific shakedown hike for prospective Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. It has climbing and descents similar to other regional trails, but it has less overall attention, so some sections might feel like choose-your-own-adventure. This trail can be hiked throughout the fall season, but it’ll just obviously be warmer in September and early October and cooler as you get deeper into the season. The trail is mostly forested, and if you hit it right, you might be treated to some spectacular fall foliage. Allow 2-3 weeks to complete this trail.