Crispy, chilly fall mornings are on the horizon, with reds, oranges, and yellows decorating the trees all over the Northeast. Fall is one of the best seasons for hiking because of the cooler weather and beautiful fall foliage. If you’re planning your fall adventures out like I am, you’re likely mapping out the best time to take a trip into the woods to see those peak fall colors. For the hikers, there are plenty of great trails to explore that don’t. Here are 10 hikes under a five(ish) hour drive from New York City that are perfect for all your fall adventures.

Under 2 Hours From NYC

These hikes are perfect for a day trip. Hop in the car or take the train to see fall foliage from new heights.

Beacon Fire Tower (NY): about 1.5 hours from NYC, 5 miles long out and back, and 1,719ft elevation gain.
- Right off of the Hudson River, this trail is challenging but rewarding with amazing views.
Stairway to Heaven (NJ): about 1 hour from NYC, 2.8 miles long out and back, 882ft elevation gain.
- A popular New Jersey hike, this trail has great views of the valley with some rock scrambles along the way.
Mt. Tammany (NJ): about 1 hour from NYC, 3.7 miles long loop, 1,217ft elevation gain.
- A personal favorite, this trail has great views of the changing leaves all around the Delaware Water Gap. I recommend taking the steep, short red trail up, then taking the blue trail on the way down.

2-3 Hours From NYC

Just a tad farther, these hikes have slightly more elevation gain and may be better for an overnight trip.

Overlook Mountain (NY): a little over 2 hours from NYC, 4.7 miles long out and back, and 1,391ft elevation gain.
- This hike is perfect if you’re looking for a spooky fall adventure. Towards the top of the hike are the ruins of the Overlook Hotel. A creepy background for a fun fall hike.
Balsam Lake Mountain (NY): about 2.5 hours from NYC, 4.3 miles out and back, 1,181ft elevation gain.
- This is also another fire tower hike in the Catskills. There are scenic views from the fire tower and along the trail. Heads up: it does get steep.
Hunter Mountain (via Becker Hollow Trail) (NY): about 2 hours from NYC, 4.8 miles long out and back, 2,234ft elevation gain.
- There are several different trails that lead to the fire tower at the top of Hunter Mountain. I traversed the Becker Hollow Trail, which was steep and rocky. Take your time, and you’ll reach the top where you can take in views of the foliage from the fire tower.

Processed with VSCO with m5 preset — Hunter Mountain Fire Tower

Under 5 Hours from NYC

These hikes are perfect for fall weekends away with friends and family. I would plan to stay nearby overnight either before or after conquering these hikes to rest and recover.

Check out my weekend guide to Lake Placid, one of my favorite places to stay in the Adirondacks.

Moxham Mountain (NY): about 4 hours from NYC, 5.3 miles long out and back, 1,341ft elevation gain.
- I hiked this trail over the summer, and I know this would have great views of fall foliage (the pics on AllTrails prove it). It was windy at the top, so make sure to hold on to your hat or anything else that isn’t secured to your hiking pack.
Bromley Mountain (VT): about 4 hours from NYC, 5.7 miles long out and back, 1,414ft elevation gain.
- Oooo a Vermont hike! Hikers say this trail has beautiful views of the Green Mountain range, so it makes sense it would be great when the leaves change during autumn. It’s on my list of trails to conquer in the Northeast.
Cascade + Porter Mountains (NY): about 4.5 hours from NYC, 5.7 miles long, 2,293ft elevation gain.
- My first High Peak hike in the Adirondacks! It’s a great intro hike to the 46 High Peaks and has amazing views of all the other mountains in the ADKs. Plus, the two peaks are close together, so you can say you hiked two mountains when you’re celebrating over beers in Lake Placid.
Mt. Van Hoevenberg (NY): about 4.5 hours from NYC, 4.3 miles long out and back, 898ft elevation gain.
- This has incredible views of the fall foliage in the Adirondacks. This hike wasn’t too steep, didn’t take too long, and rewarded us with a whole sea of orange and red leaves.

While I love the summer sun, I’m excited for the changing colors of fall and cooler air coming soon. I’m in the middle of planning my own fall adventures, making sure I hit a trail or two (or more) before the snow starts. Subscribe to this blog and follow my socials to keep up with my travels this season.