Where to Hike in November Across the U.S.
On the 16 Best Hiking Trails to Visit in November, Fall Travel Tips and Destinations, and "Off-season" Camping Spots
The 16 Best Hiking Locations to Visit This Fall
We could all use a little break from reality right now, and November is the perfect time to explore the outdoors. Cooler temperatures offer fall foliage and better wildlife views, offering up the ultimate photo-op for hobbyist and pro photographers alike. Plus, peak tourism season for many outdoor locations wraps up in October, so you’ll be saving with off-peak pricing and easier reservations. And if that’s not enough to incite immediate joy, there’s less bugs out there right now, too.
Whether you’re drawn to the golden hues of hardwood forests, the serenity of coastal parks, or the stark beauty of desert trails, these parks each have something to offer in the fall! Here’s what you can expect in November at these iconic locations.
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Big Bend National Park, Texas
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Weather: Mild, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F at night to 70-80°F during the day.
Accessibility: Open year-round, accessible by road.
Activities: Hiking, scenic driving, stargazing, and water activities along the Rio Grande.
Camping: Both primitive and RV campsites are available with some electric hookups.
Scenery: Expansive desert, mountain views, and river canyons.
Popular Trail: Lost Mine Trail—a moderate 4.8-mile round trip with scenic overlooks.
Crowds: Moderate; November is popular but not as busy as spring.
Permits/Reservations: Required for backcountry camping and specific river trips.
Size: 801,163 acres.
Fall Experience: Cooler temperatures make this a perfect time for hiking and exploring without the intense desert heat.
Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee; however, certain activities like camping may have associated fees.
Weather: Cool, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Accessibility: Easy access to main areas.
Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, and scenic drives.
Camping: Both RV and primitive camping available, some with showers.
Scenery: Stunning river bluffs, forests, and meadows.
Popular Trail: Lost Valley Trail—a 2-mile round trip to a waterfall and cave.
Crowds: Moderate; fall colors attract visitors, but it’s quieter than peak summer.
Permits/Reservations: Required for overnight camping.
Size: 95,730 acres.
Fall Experience: Beautiful fall foliage and peaceful riverside hikes.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
Weather: Cool, with highs in the 40-50°F range.
Accessibility: Easily accessible, with several roadways and paths.
Activities: Hiking, biking, and scenic train rides.
Camping: Limited camping options, but nearby lodging is available.
Scenery: Forested hills, waterfalls, and historic sites along the Cuyahoga River.
Popular Trail: Brandywine Falls Trail—a short, scenic trail to a picturesque waterfall.
Crowds: Light to moderate in November.
Permits/Reservations: Not required for day hiking.
Size: 32,572 acres.
Fall Experience: Great for viewing the last of fall foliage; a quieter park with plenty of easy-access trails.
DeSoto Falls Scenic Recreation Area, Georgia
Entrance Fee: $3 per vehicle.
Weather: Mild, with daytime temperatures in the 60s.
Accessibility: Easily accessible by car, with paved pathways in some areas.
Activities: Hiking, picnicking, and scenic waterfall views.
Camping: Primitive and RV options; some sites with electricity and showers.
Scenery: Forested trails leading to cascading waterfalls.
Popular Trail: DeSoto Falls Trail—a short hike to scenic viewpoints of the falls.
Crowds: Light to moderate, especially on weekends.
Permits/Reservations: None required for day use.
Size: 3,500 acres (in Chattahoochee National Forest).
Fall Experience: Ideal for waterfall photography and easy-access hikes amidst fall foliage.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee; some developed sites may charge fees.
Weather: Cool and crisp, with daytime highs around 50-60°F and colder nights.
Accessibility: Accessible via scenic byways; some dirt roads may require a high-clearance vehicle.
Activities: Hiking, canyoneering, photography, and scenic drives.
Camping: Primitive camping only; dispersed sites with no facilities.
Scenery: Towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and unique rock formations.
Popular Trail: Calf Creek Falls Trail—a 5.5-mile round-trip hike to a stunning waterfall.
Crowds: Moderate to low in November; popular with photographers and hikers.
Permits/Reservations: No permits required for most areas; camping is free.
Size: 1.87 million acres.
Fall Experience: Beautiful with fewer visitors; vibrant fall colors contrast with the desert landscape.
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Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington
Entrance Fee: No general entrance fee; certain areas and activities may require fees or permits.
Weather: Cool to cold, with rain likely; temperatures range from 40°F to 60°F.
Accessibility: Easily accessible, though some high-elevation roads may close.
Activities: Hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Camping: Both RV and primitive camping available; some sites with electric hookups and restrooms.
Scenery: Dense forests, volcanic landscapes, and alpine lakes.
Popular Trail: Ape Caves Trail—a unique lava tube hike.
Crowds: Light to moderate; fewer visitors in November due to weather.
Permits/Reservations: No day-use permits required; camping fees apply at some sites.
Size: 1.32 million acres.
Fall Experience: Rainy but mystical with mist-shrouded forests, perfect for nature photography.
Certainly! Here are a few more iconic spots that offer fantastic hiking opportunities in November, from desert canyons to coastal cliffs and mountainous trails. These locations each have unique features and are known for being beautiful or ideal for visiting during the fall.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee; however, a parking tag is required for vehicles parking for more than 15 minutes.
Weather: Cool, with daytime temperatures in the 50-60°F range at lower elevations; cooler at higher elevations.
Accessibility: Open year-round, with several entry points and easy access to trailheads.
Activities: Hiking, scenic driving, and wildlife viewing.
Camping: Backcountry and front-country campsites available, some with restrooms and water.
Scenery: Old-growth forests, waterfalls, and mountain vistas.
Popular Trail: Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte—a 10-mile round-trip with sweeping views.
Crowds: Light in November, especially after the peak leaf season in October.
Permits/Reservations: Backcountry camping requires a permit.
Size: 522,427 acres.
Fall Experience: Stunning views of lingering fall colors at lower elevations and crisp air with fewer visitors.
Hoh Rain Forest, Washington
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days (as part of Olympic National Park).
Weather: Cool and rainy, with temperatures from 40°F to 50°F.
Accessibility: Accessible year-round, though rain gear is essential.
Activities: Hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.
Camping: Primitive and RV camping available; no hookups.
Scenery: Lush, moss-covered trees, ferns, and river views.
Popular Trail: Hoh River Trail—a scenic 17.4-mile trail through the rainforest.
Crowds: Low in November due to rain.
Permits/Reservations: Backcountry permits required for overnight hikes.
Size: Part of Olympic National Park, which spans over 922,000 acres.
Fall Experience: Quiet and serene with vibrant greens; ideal for those seeking solitude.
Huron-Manistee National Forest, Michigan
Entrance Fee: No general entrance fee; some developed sites may charge fees.
Weather: Cool to cold, with temperatures around 40°F and occasional snow flurries.
Accessibility: Easily accessible by road; good for autumn foliage.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Camping: Both primitive and RV camping available, some with amenities.
Scenery: Mixed hardwood forests, rolling hills, and serene lakes.
Popular Trail: North Country Trail segment—meandering through scenic woodlands.
Crowds: Low in November, with a few late-season hunters.
Permits/Reservations: Permits required for dispersed camping.
Size: 978,000 acres.
Fall Experience: Last glimpses of fall color; peaceful hikes with chances for wildlife viewing.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Weather: Mild to cool, with temperatures between 60-70°F.
Accessibility: Open year-round; easily accessible with main roads and trailheads.
Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.
Camping: Both primitive and developed sites; some with restrooms, no showers.
Scenery: Unique desert landscapes, iconic Joshua trees, and rugged rock formations.
Popular Trail: Hidden Valley Trail—an easy 1-mile loop with striking desert scenery.
Crowds: Moderate; popular with fall visitors but less crowded than spring.
Permits/Reservations: Required for backcountry camping.
Size: 790,636 acres.
Fall Experience: Mild temperatures make for perfect hiking and exploring in the cooler desert climate.
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve, California
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
Weather: Mild and damp, with temperatures around 50-60°F.
Accessibility: Accessible by car, though winding roads may require careful driving.
Activities: Hiking, nature walks, and photography.
Camping: No camping within the reserve; nearby state parks offer campsites.
Scenery: Towering redwoods and lush understory vegetation.
Popular Trail: Redwood Grove Loop Trail—a 2-mile trail through old-growth redwoods.
Crowds: Light in November.
Permits/Reservations: No permits required for day visits.
Size: 1,323 acres.
Fall Experience: Quiet, with mist adding an ethereal quality to the redwoods.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Weather: Cool to cold, with temperatures in the 30-40°F range; snow is possible at higher elevations.
Accessibility: Accessible, but some higher elevation areas may be closed due to snow.
Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing.
Camping: Several campgrounds available, though some close in winter; primitive backcountry options available.
Scenery: Alpine meadows, glaciers, and sweeping mountain vistas.
Popular Trail: Paradise Valley Loop Trail—a 5.5-mile loop with alpine views and wildflower meadows.
Crowds: Light in November, with quieter trails as winter approaches.
Permits/Reservations: Backcountry permits required.
Size: 236,381 acres.
Fall Experience: Cold but rewarding, with beautiful alpine views, fewer visitors, and potential snow for a wintery scene.
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
Entrance Fee: No general entrance fee; specific sites or activities may have fees.
Weather: Cool and windy, with average temperatures between 40-50°F.
Accessibility: Accessible by ferry; bike rentals available for getting around.
Activities: Biking, hiking, and beach walks.
Camping: No camping on the island, though lodgings are available.
Scenery: Coastal landscapes, sandy beaches, and quaint villages.
Popular Trail: Sanford Farm Trail—a scenic 6-mile loop with coastal views.
Crowds: Light in November, making it a peaceful retreat.
Permits/Reservations: Not required for hiking; ferry reservations recommended.
Size: 48 square miles.
Fall Experience: Quiet and peaceful, perfect for beachcombing and relaxing walks.
Seawall, Acadia National Park, Maine
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Weather: Cool, with daytime temperatures in the 40-50°F range; nights are colder.
Accessibility: Open year-round, though some park roads may close for the season.
Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, and photography.
Camping: Primitive camping available at Seawall Campground, no hookups but has restrooms.
Scenery: Coastal cliffs, forests, and rocky shorelines.
Popular Trail: Wonderland Trail—an easy 1.4-mile trail with ocean views.
Crowds: Low in November, providing a quiet experience.
Permits/Reservations: Reservations recommended for camping.
Size: 49,000 acres.
Fall Experience: Crisp air and quieter trails; perfect for exploring coastal landscapes.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Weather: Cool, with temperatures around 40-50°F; nights are colder, especially at higher elevations.
Accessibility: Open year-round; Skyline Drive provides access to many trails.
Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing.
Camping: Both primitive and developed campgrounds with restrooms and showers.
Scenery: Rolling mountains, hardwood forests, and panoramic overlooks.
Popular Trail: Old Rag Mountain—a strenuous 9-mile loop with rock scrambles and rewarding views.
Crowds: Light in November; popular trails are quieter after peak foliage season.
Permits/Reservations: Required for backcountry camping.
Size: 199,200 acres.
Fall Experience: Beautiful vistas and wildlife viewing; less crowded trails and cool air.
Zion National Park, Utah
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.Weather: Cool, with highs in the 60-70°F range and colder nights.
Accessibility: Easily accessible year-round; shuttle service operates through much of November.
Activities: Hiking, canyoneering, and scenic drives.
Camping: Both RV and tent camping available; some sites with restrooms and showers.
Scenery: Red rock cliffs, slot canyons, and the Virgin River.
Popular Trail: Angels Landing—a 5-mile round-trip with steep drop-offs and epic views.
Crowds: Moderate, as November sees fewer visitors than peak summer.
Permits/Reservations: Angels Landing requires a permit; shuttle reservations are recommended.
Size: 147,237 acres.
Fall Experience: Cooler weather and quieter trails make this a fantastic time for challenging hikes and breathtaking canyon views.
A November to Remember: What to Keep in Mind
From the desert canyons of Big Bend to the serene shores of Nantucket Island, each of these destinations offers a unique experience for a November getaway. Fall colors, cooler temperatures, and even the occasional dusting of snow make these parks an ideal choice for outdoor lovers looking to explore the beauty of late fall.
As you plan your November adventure, remember that cooler weather brings unique considerations.
Always check the weather forecast and be prepared for quickly changing conditions, especially in mountainous or high-elevation areas. Packing and layering appropriately is key; bring moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a wind- or water-resistant outer layer. It’s also wise to have extra layers packed in your backpack in case temperatures drop or you decide to extend your hike.
In addition to layers, bring along essentials like gloves, a hat, and a headlamp—shorter days mean dusk arrives earlier, and having a reliable light source is crucial if your hike runs long. Staying fueled is also important; pack energy-rich snacks and drink plenty of water, as staying hydrated is just as essential in cooler months as it is in summer.
If camping, check each location’s requirements for permits, backcountry regulations, and availability of facilities. While some parks remain fully accessible, others may scale back amenities, so make sure to confirm details such as park closures, restroom access, water sources, and, if you’re camping, whether fires are permitted in colder weather. Camping in November often means fewer crowds and a tranquil experience, but it also requires extra preparation to ensure warmth and safety overnight.
With a bit of planning and the right gear, a late-fall adventure can be one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy the outdoors. Embrace the crisp air, quiet trails, and brilliant colors that make November a truly special time to explore. So pack smart, layer up, and get ready to experience the unforgettable beauty of the season.
Happy trails!
Hey, psst… Yeah, you there! We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s a hidden gem or a popular trail, tell us about your favorite November hiking spot in the comments below. Your go-to trail might inspire others planning a late-fall adventure!