We’ve run this post before. It’s what we call an “evergreen,” meaning, with a tweak or two, it stands the test of time: What held true when it first rain — the hikes we thought were classic fall hikes then — we feel remain the classics.
This year, though, we run it with added enthusiasm because one of the trails mentioned has just reopened after being closed for nearly a year: the Mount Mitchell Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park. A couple quick caveats:
The following first appeared at the start of Fall 2019. It appears again today, updated and tweaked, but relevant as ever as we head into the Fall 2025 hiking season.
From an astronomical standpoint, fall doesn’t begin until around 2:19 p.m. on September 22. That would be the autumnal equinox, that magical day when we have as many hours of daylight as dark.
Passeggiata. It’s an Italian custom of taking a stroll, especially after the evening meal, usually in the neighborhood. Among other things, it aids digestion. But really, it’s just a swell way to end the day. Though not necessarily a sweltering summer’s day, especially if you live in the South.
Editor’s note: We run a tweaked version of this post every fall to help you avoid crowded trails in this, the most popular hiking season.
Astronomically, fall doesn’t start until Sept. 22 at 2:19 p.m. EST. Culturally, most of us associate the handoff of summer to fall with Labor Day weekend (this weekend). This year, however, it feels like fall is already well underway: for the past week or so morning temperatures here on the North Carolina/Virginia line have been in the low 50s, daytime highs in the upper 70s. If that doesn’t scream call in sick and grab your pack, I don’t know what does.
The first time I hiked the area known as Pink Beds in the Pisgah National Forest, I was skeptical of reports that the 5-mile loop was nearly flat. Nearly flat? On the Blue Ridge Escarpment?
Poppycock.
The first time I hiked John Rock I was skeptical that the hike, midway up the same escarpment, could have one of the best views around.
