Fall is officially here, and living in Boston, we can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend than hiking a mountain in one of New England’s famous fall forests. Hiking rocks (haha, get it?) because you get to spend the day outside, hang out with your friends, and score a good workout in the process. This is why we are sharing our picks on the top New England hikes to get you out into the beautiful autumn air and experiencing some of most incredible fall foliage in the country.

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Mount Major (Alton, NH)

Photo Credit: New Hampshire State Parks

• Mileage: 3.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1122 feet
• Estimated Time: 1.5 hours

Snake Mountain (Addison, VT)

• Mileage: 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 974 feet
• Estimated Time: 2 hours

Popular among college students in the area, Snake Mountain is known for its wildlife and scenic views throughout the trail. From the summit, you can see both Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains.

The Stowe Pinnacle Trail (Stowe, VT)

Photo Credit: wayfarer.com

• Mileage: 3.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1433 feet
• Estimated Time: 3 hours

Hike The Stowe Pinnacle Trail for incredible summit views. Much of the trail is shaded in trees and covered in wildflowers - very Instagrammable.

Mount Monadnock (Jaffrey, NH)

Photo Credit: Cathryn McCann

• Mileage: 3.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1637 feet
• Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

Mount Monadnock is the second most hiked mountain in the entire world (after Mount Fuji in Japan.) Located in a cozy New Hampshire town, this mountain is especially popular for sunrise hikes. If you go during the day, however, make sure to stop by Kimball Farm, a locally owned business, for a giant post-hike ice cream.

Welch & Dickey Loop Trail (Thornton, NH)

Photo Credit: Ben Penningroth

• Mileage: 4.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1751 feet
• Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

The Welch & Dickey Loop Trail is a fun hike that offers two of New Hampshire’s best features: trees and granite. Large slabs of rocks throughout the loop provide clear, open views of the White Mountains.

Caribou Mountain (Bethel, ME)

• Mileage: 7.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1500 feet
• Estimated Time: 5 hours

Caribou Mountain offers a more difficult hike but worth the effort to see its spectacular waterfall and swimming hole! This trail is less frequently travelled, making it ideal for those looking for a quiet day with nature.

Mt. Mansfield (Underhill, VT)

Photo Credit: The Curious Zephyr

• Mileage: 8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2913 feet
• Estimated Time: 4-5 hours

Mt. Mansfield is Vermont’s highest mountain, named for its resemblance to the human face when viewed from the east. It is rated a difficult hike and is known for beautiful sights at the top and arctic peaks along the trail.

Mt. Lafayette & Franconia Ridge Loop Trail (& Mt. Lincoln)

• Mileage: 8.9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 3900 feet
• Estimated Time: 6-7 hours

Mt. Lafayette & Franconia Ridge Loop Trail features two 4000 footers (potentially three if you’re feeling ambitious!) connected by a unique ridge trail. There are multiple trails you can choose to take, but be sure to take the Falling Ridge Trail on Mt. Lincoln to see a cascading waterfall. This hike is often rated the best summit of the White Mountains, and while it is challenging and a full day’s adventure, it’s definitely worth it.

Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail (Bar Harbor, ME)

Photo Credit: National Parks Service

• Mileage: 7.7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2178 feet
• Estimated Time: 4-5 hours

Cadillac Mountain is located in Acadia National Park, so you know the views are going to be insane. At the summit, you can see a panoramic view of the entire park and the South Ridge Trail will also take you past The Featherbed, a quaint New England pond.