10 Best hiking and mountain places to visit in the USA this September
Embark on an unforgettable September journey through the USA's top 10 hiking and mountain destinations. Experience nature's beauty at its finest and make the most of the autumn season.
September is one of the best months of the year to travel; these are some of the best spots in the USA you could travel to. There are some very amazing September vacations in the US, especially the breathtaking mountain peaks!
1. MOAB, UTAH
Moab, Utah, is undoubtedly among the top destinations in the USA to visit in September. In addition to being a spectacular location, Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse State Park are all located here. September is a great time to visit because there are fewer tourists around.
At this time of year, there is also a beginning of a cooling trend, with daily highs of 88F and lows of 54F. You'll also appreciate that the region is in full bloom, with fall foliage in the Manti-La Sal National Forest area peaking in late September.
Go for a picturesque, 2-hour drive on the La Sal Mountain Loop Road before viewing Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden trail and Fiery Furnace at Arches National Park.
Next, proceed to Canyonlands, making sure to see the Island in the Sky and Needles districts.
Take a beautiful, winding journey through Island in the Sky, in particular. The Shafer Canyon Viewpoint, the Greenriver View Point, and the Buck Canyon Overlook are just a few of the 10 captivating vistas that can be found in this area of the park.
You can also pause en route at the magnificent Mesa Arch and do a mile-long hike there just in time for sunrise.
2. MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN
Mackinac Island in Michigan is one of the cutest places you'll ever see. This place is fantastic for fall and is situated on the Great Lakes at the edge of Lake Huron, just before it merges with Lake Michigan.
A fantastic month to travel to Mackinac Island is September. Given its northern location, this island receives a lot of summer visitors. By September, the hordes of tourists have mostly dispersed, leaving you to explore the island at a much more leisurely pace.
Visit the charming Main Street and go shopping. Spend the day relaxing at one of Mackinac Island's many spas. To visit the sites, take a carriage trip or traverse the island on foot or a bicycle. Enjoy a sunset cruise excursion with stunning Mackinaw City Shore.
Take a kayaking tour to enjoy breathtaking shoreline views while getting some workout. One of the island's biggest attractions, Arch Rock stands 50 feet above the water and is something you should definitely see. While strolling very close to it on land, it can also be observed.
There aren't many lodging options on the island, so make reservations as soon as possible.
It's not difficult to understand why Mackinac Island is among the top destinations to visit in September. It has a little bit of everything for everyone with its wide range!
In September, make sure to bring layers. The park has chilly mornings and evenings, but the sun warms things up wonderfully during the day, especially at higher elevations. If you intend to hike this park, good hiking shoes with traction and trekking poles will be useful.
3. STANLEY, IDAHO
For your next September vacation, Stanley, Idaho—the entryway to the magnificent Sawtooth Mountains—is a fantastic outdoor playground. It will be in the high 60s during the day, with sunny, clear skies that are ideal for experiencing Stanley's alpine scenery.
The Sawtooth Wilderness can be explored on foot by any of Stanley's myriad breathtaking walks in September.
For instance, a number of pathways, like the Alice Lakes trail, can take you past any of Stanley's 300 glacial lakes. This must-hike trail, which can be completed as a 21.3-mile backpacking trip or a 12.5-mile day hike, will take you through a stunningly clear lake, spectacularly craggy mountain peaks, and expansive views of the forests of Ponderosa pine trees below.
Given that the water level is at its lowest point of the year in September, it is the ideal time to try out Stanley's rapids if you want to get a taste of white water rafting. Class IV rapids may not be accessible in September, but you may still experience the roar of the river while seeing Stanley's breathtaking scenery.
What could be better than soothing those sore muscles in one of the area's stunning hot springs after all that exercise? Kirkham Hot Springs, which has a thermal waterfall, is among the greatest to visit. Try Pine Flat Hot Springs instead, where you may relax in your very own natural hot tub while watching rafters float by on the Payette River.One of the top September travel destinations for outdoor fun is Stanley, Idaho!
4. SMOKY MOUNTAINS
The Smoky Mountains are a great choice if you're seeking for the best destination to visit in September. The Tennessee-North Carolina boundary is shared by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Due to the pleasant weather and low tourist traffic, September is the ideal month to travel to the Smoky Mountains. Given that October and November are the ideal months to view the fall foliage, summer visitors have significantly decreased and the influx of people interested in leaf peeping hasn't yet begun.
Less people will be around on the trails and roads, which will make your experience much better than it would be most of the other times of the year.
Clingman's Dome offers 360-degree vistas of the Smoky Mountains; visit it. Make sure to explore the Laurel Falls Trail and Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains for the best waterfall treks.
If you enjoy camping, make sure to reserve your site in advance because park campsites fill up quickly. As an alternative, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a terrific base for your travels in the Smoky Mountains. You can discover something to suit your needs and budget among the many hotels and vacation rentals available!
5. BURLINGTON, VERMONT
One of the most picturesque cities in the United States to visit in September is Burlington, Vermont. Late in the month, the foliage is at its best, while September weather is still warm and sunny.
The first stop on any trip to Burlington should be Waterfront Park. The Adirondack Mountains can be seen across Lake Champlain in awe-inspiring panoramas. With a maple creemee, a traditional Vermont ice cream delicacy, stroll around the waterfront.
On the lake, you can also enjoy a cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen. You will learn important details about the region's natural and cultural history throughout the boat ride's narration. The mountains surrounding Lake Champlain will be colored in autumnal hues, making for stunning vistas.
Explore the Burlington Bike Path by renting a bike. As you ride north, you'll see beaches and breathtaking vistas. Or go hiking in one of the many places that are accessible within the city.
Visit the Echo Center, a science and wildlife centre on the waterfront in Burlington, for a slightly less strenuous activity. The engaging exhibitions will appeal to children of all ages.
Give yourself enough time to stroll down Burlington's Church Street, a pedestrian-only street. Enjoy the diverse dining options, adorable shops, and street performers. Farm to table cuisine is a specialty of city chefs. A visit for a craft beer won't let you down because this state has more breweries per capita than any other.
Just be sure to return to the riverfront in time to see one of Burlington's spectacular sunsets! For the ideal way to conclude the day, see how the colours of red and orange spread throughout the sky.
6. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONATANA
Without a question, it's among the top locations to visit in September. You'll quickly understand why Glacier National Park has been dubbed the "Crown of the Continent" when you first visit there because of its spectacular splendour.
Visits to Glacier are especially enjoyable in September. Massive tourist throngs are no longer present, enhancing the enjoyment of the numerous hiking trails, alpine lakes, and breathtaking waterfalls.
You could visit the breathtaking Lake McDonald while you're there to see nature's version of skittles, which are stunningly beautiful and one-of-a-kind colourful rocks. Consider hiking the Avalanche Lake Trail as well; it will take you to the most breathtaking lake scenery.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is the park's brightest star. 50 miles of breathtaking views of the craggy mountain peaks, roadside waterfalls, and several overlooks allow you to take it all in.
You must make a vehicle reservation with the National Park Service through the beginning of September. Between mid- and late-September, the road is open for exploration.
The leaves usually start to change for fall by mid-September, offering a breathtaking array of fall hues to admire. They continue until mid-October, when the majority of the leaves have fallen and winter officially begins with snowfall.
7. MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON
There is no better place to travel in September than Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. One of the most notable landmarks in Washington and the Pacific Northwest is the magnificent Mount Rainier, and for good reason.
On a clear day, you can see it from Seattle, and it's even more beautiful up close! In Mt. Rainier, there are so many amazing things to do. From the Nisqually Entrance to the Stevens Canyon Entrance, take the picturesque south side of the park's road, which features roadside waterfalls and magnificent vistas.
Visit Paradise Mt. Rainier to experience the closest possible proximity to the summit and breathtaking vistas. In Paradise, there are numerous hiking routes to discover, such as the Myrtle Falls, Bench and Snow Lake, Narada Falls and Skyline Loop Trail.
Visit Mt. Rainier in September when the fall foliage is just beginning to emerge. The mountain really sparkles with yellows, reds, and oranges from mid-September to mid-October.
A bonus is that there will be much less traffic than in the summer.
Layers are a must for a visit in September. Your time on the trails will be much more pleasant and pleasurable with the help of good hiking boots, trekking poles, and a hiking backpack.
8. TELLURIDE, COLORADO
The USA's best September getaway is to Telluride, Colorado. Particularly gorgeous peak fall foliage is on full show in the latter part of September.
Telluride is a charming mountain town with a charming downtown. You'll enjoy strolling around here because there are so many stores and eateries.
Be sure to hike Bridal Veil Falls and Power House route, one of the most well-known in the area, if you're seeking for additional picturesque views. Alternately, take a day excursion from Telluride to the stunning San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway (including Million Dollar Highway), one of Colorado's most beautiful drives.
For more breathtaking fall views, return to Telluride and take a gondola ride from Ridge Trail to Mountain Villa. Or visit a nearby brewery, which is one of Colorado's best features!
9. WHITE MOUNTAINS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
You'll adore the White Mountains of New Hampshire if you enjoy exploring the great outdoors and waterfalls. This area of northern New Hampshire is home to picturesque little villages and breathtaking natural landscapes.
One of the most well-liked communities to use as a base is North Conway. You can drive to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the Northeast, or ride the vintage Conway Scenic Railroad through the mountains. Diana's Baths is a cluster of lakes in the woods with waterfalls.
You can travel the Kancamagus Highway, a stunning American scenic byway jam-packed with natural sights, from North Conway to get near to Franconia Notch State Park.
The Flume Gorge, one of the nicest easy walks in the area, and the Lost River Gorge, which is full of caves you may slip into along the route, are both located in this region of the White Mountains.
You're in luck if you enjoy touring breweries and distilleries! This region excels in both categories.
In contrast to normal New England brewing, Schilling Beer Company in Littleton offers small-batch European-style brews, while Cathedral Ledge Distillery is the only organic distillery in the Granite State and produces an excellent maple liqueur.
All seasons are wonderful for visiting the White Mountains, but September is particularly lovely. One of the best September vacation destinations in the US is the White Mountains in New Hampshire!
The leaves are just starting to change in September, but the eye-catching hues don't appear until early October. While it's still summerlike throughout the day, it gets chilly and sweater weather in the evening.
There are plenty clear, blue sky days in September. There are a lot less people because kids are back in school. It might be the ideal month to travel out of all of them.
10. ALASKA ROAD TRIP
Alaska is a great option if you're looking for a vacation in September. This state in the USA boasts unmatched beauty because to its five national parks and several preserves.
Of course, the weather is important when thinking about a trip to Alaska! The better the weather for travelling and sightseeing, the earlier in the month you'll receive it.
September marks the beginning of the shoulder season, when many businesses begin to close. In September in Alaska, fewer restaurants and travel operators are open. So while taking a road trip in Alaska, have a backup plan!
It is possible to drive through Alaska in a week, but spending 10 to 14 days there will allow you to see more. The distances between locations are wide, and the map can be misleading!
Fly to Anchorage to begin this amazing drive. You should then visit Denali National Park. home to numerous incredible species, including bears, moose, and caribou!
As an alternative, you might travel south to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward, Alaska, to observe glaciers. Take the Alaska Marine Highway to the Kenai Peninsula, watch the ice break off the Columbia Glacier, or feed reindeer at Eklutna Lake.
A road trip through Alaska is a fantastic adventure and is something to think about doing in September.
In summary, the USA boasts a diverse array of hiking and mountain destinations that are perfect for September adventures. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or an avid hiker, these breathtaking spots offer a chance to experience the beauty of the outdoors. As you plan your trip, consider utilizing the FlyFi travel app to enhance your journey with its unique features and insights. Get ready to explore, discover, and create unforgettable memories in the captivating landscapes of the USA this September.
