Now with the coming of Fall and it’s crisp, clean air, your adventures are just getting started! Fall hiking offers more than just a change of colors, it is also a great way to get outdoors, while spending time with friends and family, enjoying Nature. Plus, it’s a great low-impact workout offering multiple mental and physical benefits, such as reducing hypertension and anxiety. So get outdoors, get active and smell that fresh, autumn air with our list of the best less crowded places to hike in the Northeast.
1. Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area, NJ: Avoid the popular Stairway to Heaven Trail and opt for the longer Van Campens Glen Loop, a beautiful woodland hike that includes waterfalls. Starting at the Pioneer Trail parking area, follow the yellow-blazed trail northeast along Van Campen Brook. Take your time as your meander through the lush hemlock glade surrounding Van Campen Brook. The bridge that used to cross the creek to access the Watergate Parking area was wiped out at some point over the past few years. The parks department has since put an orange safety fence in that location and huge thorn bushes have grown in. Once you reach this point, you'll need to either retrace your steps back to the south parking lot or cross a bridge about a 1/4 mile back which leads to Old Mine Road, if you want to continue north.
2. Bare Rock Loop, Sterling Forest State Park, NY: Instead of Breakneck Ridge, hike Bare Rock Loop. Take the blue trail from the visitor center along the lake and past the ruins to the start of the orange trail on your left. Take it up the hill and turn left onto the blue/white trail. Continue to the fire tower and then take the red/white trail from there, then to the red triangle trail which will return you to the lake. Four-legged family members can use this trail, but must be kept on a leash.
3. Lehigh Parkway, Allentown, PA: The Little Lehigh Parkway Path is a jewel in Allentown's park system. The greenway consists of soft-surface trails tracking either bank of Little Lehigh Creek for three miles. Trees line nearly the entire route. The trail has numerous points of interest including a fish hatchery on the western end that raises 30,00 trout a year, the Museum of Indian Culture and Bogert's Covered Bridge near Oxford Road at the mid-point of the trail.
4. Race Brook Falls, Mount Everett State Reservation, MA: Start at the trailhead parking area on Undermountain Road and follow the trail as far as you like. The right branch is relatively short and goes to the base of the first falls while the left steeply ascends over two miles until it joins the Appalachian Trail. There is a nice campsite shortly before the trail intersects the Appalachian Trail with tent platforms and an outhouse. This trail is steep and will cross over a river multiple times, including crossing near the waterfall with fast moving water. You'll need to cross using rocks, except one of the times where there's a bridge made from a log. If you are up for a challenge, you'll be rewarded with great views!
5. Mount Cardigan West Ridge Trail, Cardigan State Park, NH: From the Summer Parking lot, this trail winds its way through dense new growth forest. Closer to the summit of Mt. Cardigan, the trail becomes rocky and steep, with the final half mile on steep bedrock. It is the most direct route to the summit and the view is worth the climb!
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