Your Complete Fall Hiking Guide: What to Wear, Pack, and Expect on the Trail

There’s something undeniably special about hiking in autumn. The air turns crisp, the trails quiet down after the summer rush, and the forests are painted with golds, reds, and ambers. It’s that short window when the weather is cool enough for comfort, yet not too cold to make you pack like it’s winter. But as beautiful as fall hiking can be, it also brings unpredictable weather — which means what you wear truly matters.

Why Fall Hiking Feels Different

Fall is often called the “sweet spot” for hikers. You’re less likely to deal with heat exhaustion or buzzing insects, and yet you can still enjoy long daylight hours before winter sets in. Trails that might have been too crowded in July suddenly become peaceful. Whether you’re chasing foliage in Vermont or exploring the open ridges of Colorado, this season rewards those who love both scenery and solitude.

However, autumn’s biggest advantage — its shifting weather — is also its biggest challenge. Morning frost can give way to sunlit afternoons, and a calm trail can turn misty within minutes. That’s why layering becomes the golden rule for any fall adventure.

The Golden Rule: Layers, Always.

When it comes to autumn hiking, the answer — as always — is layers. But it’s not just a fall thing. Layering is the one rule that works across all seasons, all altitudes, and all conditions. From a breezy coastal trail to a high-elevation summit, temperature swings can catch you off guard. The best way to stay comfortable — not too hot, not too cold — is to build a smart system you can adjust as you move.

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer — something soft, light, and breathable. Willit Women’s Lightweight Base Layer Top or Willit Men’s Quick-Dry Long Sleeve Tee are great examples, designed to keep sweat off your skin so you don’t chill when the temperature dips.

Add a mid-layer for insulation, such as a fleece or thermal pullover, and top it off with a weather-resistant shell — a rain jacket or windbreaker depending on your trail conditions. And for bottoms, comfort and flexibility matter most. The Willit Women’s Hiking Pants or Willit Joggers are ideal for fall: stretchy enough to move with you, yet durable enough for rocky terrain.

Pro tip: When starting early, don’t dress to be warm — dress to be a little cold. You’ll warm up quickly once you start hiking, and it’s easier to shed a layer than to deal with overheating.

What to Wear Hiking in Fall

1. Start with a Moisture-Wicking Base Layer

Early mornings are cool, but you’ll warm up quickly once you start climbing. A lightweight, breathable base layer helps manage sweat so you stay dry instead of clammy.

Look for technical fabrics like polyester or nylon blends that pull moisture away from the skin — cotton tends to trap it.

Pro tip: Dress to be slightly cold when you start. You’ll warm up faster than you think.

2. Add a Mid-Layer for Warmth

As the temperature drops or if you pause for a break, you’ll want a fleece or light insulated layer to keep your core warm.

• Fleece jackets are great for mild, dry days.
• Packable down or synthetic puffers work better when temperatures dip below 50°F.

This middle layer should be easy to take on and off — flexibility is everything in fall.

3. Top It Off with a Weather-Ready Outer Layer

Even if the forecast looks clear, autumn weather can change quickly. Bring a lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker that’s waterproof and breathable.

Think: a shell that can handle light rain and wind but still fits comfortably over your other layers.

4. Choose the Right Hiking Pants

For October hiking, pants matter just as much as your jacket. You want something that keeps out the chill but doesn’t trap heat as the day warms up.

That’s where our Fall Hiking Pants come in — designed for shifting fall weather with:

• Stretch-woven fabric for unrestricted movement on steep trails.
• Lightly brushed inner finish for warmth without bulk.
• Durable water-repellent (DWR) coating to handle mist, light rain, or damp foliage.
• Quick-dry comfort for long hikes or unpredictable weather.

They’re breathable when the sun comes out, yet warm enough when the wind picks up — exactly what autumn hiking calls for.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure what to pack, think layers on top — and one great pair of hiking pants on the bottom.

5. Don’t Forget Accessories

Small details make a big difference on fall hikes:

• Hat or headband: Keeps you warm during early starts.
• Light gloves: Ideal for frosty mornings.
• Wool socks: Keep feet dry and blister-free.
• Waterproof gaiters (optional): Protect against mud and wet leaves.

Best Places to Hike in the U.S. This Fall

If you’re looking for where to go this season, here are a few of America’s best fall hiking destinations — where the colors, climate, and conditions align perfectly for an October escape.

1. Vermont – The Classic Foliage Escape (40–65°F)

Vermont’s Green Mountains explode with fiery reds and golds in mid-October. Expect cool mornings and mild afternoons — ideal for layering a base top, fleece, and hiking pants. Trails like Camel’s Hump or Mount Mansfield offer stunning views with minimal crowds.

2. Colorado – Crisp Air and Golden Aspens (35–60°F)

The high Rockies light up with golden aspens from late September through early October. At higher elevations, mornings can dip close to freezing, so pack a Thermal Base Layer and Fleece Pants that move easily but keep you warm.

3. Oregon – Misty Trails and Mossy Forests (45–65°F)

Pacific Northwest hikes in fall have a magical feel — think foggy mornings and lush green forests. Waterproof layers are key. Pair a Quick-Dry Long Sleeve with 4-Season Hiking Pants to stay dry and comfortable even when the mist rolls in.

4. Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains – Mild and Scenic (50–70°F)

One of the country’s most colorful regions in fall. The Smokies’ rolling trails and moderate climate are perfect for Willit Lightweight Hiking Pants and a Packable Windbreaker Jacket. Late October is peak color season.

5. Utah – Desert Trails with Autumn Cool (45–75°F)

Southern Utah’s red rock canyons are stunning in fall — cooler days mean longer, more enjoyable hikes. Opt for breathable joggers and a sun-protective top; temperatures swing widely between day and night.

Final Thoughts

Autumn is, without question, one of the best seasons to hit the trail — but it’s also the one that demands the most thoughtful preparation. Dress smart, layer wisely, and choose gear that adapts as you do.

Whether it’s your first fall hike or your fiftieth, the key is the same: stay comfortable, stay flexible, and savor every step under the changing leaves.

And when you’re ready to refresh your trail wardrobe, Willit’s Hiking Collection — featuring lightweight, quick-dry, and water-resistant pieces — is built exactly for this season’s adventures.

👉 Explore the full collection here: Shop Willit Outdoors Collection