There is really nothing like fall in the Northeast. With foliage turning orange and gold, cool breezes and warm sunshine, fall drives many of us Northeasterners to take a hike, literally. With hundreds of trails of varying degrees of difficulty, the region is one of the most breathtaking places to be this time of year and a great source for exercise that doesn’t feel like work.
“I’ve always referred to the type of hiking in the Northeast as intimate,” says hiking expert Eli Burakian, whose new regional hiking guide, 101 Classic Hikes of the Northeast, published by Falcon Guides, outlines the diversity of trails available. With such a varied landscape—alpine summits in New Hampshire, traprock outcrops in Connecticut and oceanside trails from Rhode Island to Maine—there is topography for every sensibility and physique. “The seasons are special as well, from the green tunnels of summer to the kaleidoscope of the fall,” says the Dartmouth grad and professional photographer who has authored and photographed seven Falcon Guides on hiking. “And of course, there’s the challenge—from the White Mountains to the Adirondacks, the Northeast has some of the most difficult terrain anywhere in the country.”
With that in mind, Burakian shares his best advice for hitting the region’s trails this season:
Ease in.
Start with easier hikes and work toward more difficult ones, advises Burakian. The Newport Cliff Walk is unique in his guide in that it is the only urban hike he describes. “It’s a fun stroll along the ocean next to beautiful and historic buildings.
Carry only essentials.
Wear hiking or trail running shoes when possible and carry as little weight as possible on your back and feet. A scarf or an extra pair of socks are light weight and allow for added warmth if the temperature takes a turn.
Use GPS:
“I highly recommend getting an online mapping app such as GaiaGPS and spending a little bit of time learning how to use it,” advises Burakian. “You can download the maps for offline use and use the GPS in airplane mode. By tracking your hike, you know you can always follow your line back, even if you somehow go the wrong way.”
Be cautiously adventurous.
With the right preparation and guidance, hiking can be a memorable and enjoyable experience in any season, says Burakian. “One thing I am constantly reminded of is the fact that I enjoy hikes in all weather conditions,” he adds. In writing the book, the full-time photographer and dad of two often didn’t get to choose the days he hiked on but, no matter the weather, finished happy. “When it’s raining, waterfalls are more dramatic,” he adds. “I love hiking in the fog; it gives the forest a sense of true depth and mystery.”
A few of his favorite experiences in writing this book were those that maximized adventure. “The most dramatic trail in the book is Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin in Maine,” he says. “I personally love epic adventures and there’s nothing more epic than the Great Range Traverse in the Adirondacks. It includes some incredible views and extremely steep sections with 10,000 feet of climbing in the first 15 miles.” Meanwhile, the Caps Ridge Trail up Mount Jefferson in New Hampshire leaves from the highest trailhead in the whole region at just over 3,000 feet above sea level making for an alpine hike above the tree line.
“I love hiking in the fall, because instead of a green tunnel of summer, even a moderate trail at low elevation feels like a journey through a kaleidoscope,” says Burakian. If you’re looking to maximize color, opt for hikes in forests with lots of maple trees. “Late fall is a great time to hike, too, with few crowds, no bugs and views that were otherwise obscured by foliage emerging,” he adds.
Photography: Eli Burakian from 101 Classic Hikes of the Northeast.
