Hiking Trails To Explore This Fall

There's a reason people flock from all over the country to enjoy the views a Northern New England fall has to offer. Experience the wonder and beauty for yourself when you view fall colors on these New England hiking trails recommended by our real estate agents. 

• Pawtuckaway State Park - 7 Pawtuckaway Rd., Nottingham, NH 03290
  With 15 miles of trails crisscrossing the 5,500-acre grounds, Pawtuckaway State Park has something different to offer with every visit. Many visitors head to South Mountain, where a moderate 2.4-mile hike to the summit leads to a fire tower with spectacular panoramic views. Another favorite is Boulder Field, created when glaciers melted at the end of the Ice Age. The boulders are large enough for rock climbers to use them for practice. Animal lovers should check out Fundy Trail, bordering on Burnham's Marsh, where wildlife frequently makes an appearance. The pet-friendly park is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance fees are $5 for adults and $2 for kids aged 6-11.
  
  
• Rattlesnake Mountain - Raymond, ME 04071
  Don't be frightened off by the name. Rattlesnake Mountain is actually known as a top family-friendly hiking spot. Thanks to its location in Maine's Lakes Region, you'll have wonderful views of Crescent Lake, Panther Pond, and Sebago Lake along the 2.5-mile trail. The Huntress family maintains the well-marked trail, named Bri-Mar in honor of Brian and Marlene Huntress. Stop at the nearby Good Life Market before or after your hike for some delicious grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. Hours are sunrise to sunset daily.
  
  
• Little River Community Trail - 7 Perkins Rd., Belfast, ME 04915
  What's better than enjoying the fall foliage in Northern New England? Adding water views to this picturesque scene! The Little River Community Trail in Belfast is a moderate trail where you'll crisscross the forest while being near a lake and the Little River. With a total of 5 miles in distance, the trail is great for an intermediate hike and stunning views. Dogs are allowed to accompany you on your hike as well! 
  
  
• Falling Waters Trail - White Mountain National Forest, Lincoln, NH 03251
  While it's considered a challenging hike, the natural wonders promised by the name make Falling Waters Trail well worth the effort. The 5.6-mile trail, which leads to the summit of Little Haystack Mountain, passes three waterfalls along the way. First is Stairs Falls, with the 60-foot drop of Swiftwater Falls a few hundred feet above. Then it's on to the main event, Cloudland Falls, an Instagram-worthy 80-foot cascade into a classic horsetail. Leashed dogs are welcome. 
  
  
• Sterling Pond Trail - Smugglers' Notch State Park, 6443 Mountain Rd., Stowe, VT 05672
  The name of the park conjures up visions of Prohibition-era rumrunners, but hiking Sterling Pond Trail is a refreshingly wholesome activity. The 2.3-mile pet-friendly trail takes about 90 minutes to complete, making it a great choice for a relatively quick outing. Enjoy a delightful perspective on fall colors with the trees reflected in the waters of the placid mountain-top pond. If you want a longer hike, Long Trails North and South branch out just past the pond, both of which lead to stunning mountain views. Entrance fees are $5 for adults and $2 for kids aged 4-13.
  
  
• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park - Woodstock, VT 05091
  The name "Woodstock" is famously associated with another outdoor area in upstate New York, but Vermont's Woodstock is noteworthy in its own right. Referred to as the "quintessential New England village," Woodstock is one of the best places to view fall foliage, especially at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Nearly three dozen pet-friendly trails, ranging from easy to difficult, comprise part of the 30-mile Walk Woodstock network, which connects the park to the town center along with meadows, woodlands, and other scenic areas. Park hours are dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Admission is free.
  
  
• Shelburne Farms - 1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, VT 05482
  At the turn of the 20th century, William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb consolidated 32 farms into a massive agricultural estate called Shelburne Farms. In 1984, the Webb family donated the property to a non-profit organization that now runs it as a public facility to promote education and awareness of sustainable food practices. The site was named a National Historic Landmark in 2001, and the campus includes 10 miles of trails with splendid views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Don't miss the Formal Gardens, a personal project created by Lila Webb that's situated on a bluff overlooking the lake. Hours are 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily. There is no admission fee, but donations are gratefully accepted. 

Find out why each season in New England has its own special delights. Contact us at The Masiello Group for experienced and dedicated help with all your real estate needs.