The fall is the best time of the year for hiking because the weather is cool enough and the colors are bright, stunning, and most importantly, diverse. Putting on your boots and heading out to explore expansive and inspiring landscapes with spectacular panoramas is a must-do family activity. You won’ regret going by yourself either.

Spending time in the wilderness is one of the best ways to cope better with stress, feel happier and have more self-esteem, according to science. The ethereal views will recharge you for weeks ahead. Sometimes people are lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time to see unique natural color combinations that can blow their minds. Different hues have a way of changing emotions.

The various dazzling shades peak between September and October all across the country. Adventurers and fans of outdoor activities can’t wait to set up a tent for an unforgettable camping experience among purple dogwoods and maroon leaves. Others prefer to buckle up and take a relaxing drive along scenic roads surrounded by landscapes bursting with vibrant, contrasting colors outlining lakes, mountain hills, and valleys.

Clean air, panoramic views of bursting bright colors and miles of forests – the New England states are not the only ones boasting awe-inspiring fall foliage. Chances are you already live a short road trip away from spots with phenomenal mixtures of yellow, red, orange and green.

If the scenery is at least half of the reason you go hiking, the places on the following list are worth your time and effort.

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Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park, VirginiaThe Old Rag route is widely considered a classic hike and is known for attracting crowds of climbers, especially in the summer. Aptly named for its rugged terrain strewn with boulder fields and bare rocks, the trail is 8 miles round-trip that has it all – panoramic views of dramatic fall colors and a tough rock scramble, making it one of the most popular routes in the mid-Atlantic.

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Appalachian Trail, Tennessee and North Carolina

Rather than tackling the entire 2,200 miles of this National Scenic Trail, you can opt for a small but spectacular section within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited in the country. Drive to the parking area at Newfound Gap and take the Appalachian Trail to Indian Gap. The 3.4-mile roundtrip will give you a taste of this historic route and allow you to see beautiful fall foliage. The best time to see the changing leaves is typically from mid-October to early November.

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