13 East Coast Fall Foliage Travel Essentials

As a New Yorker of 20 years, I’ve had more than my fair share of opportunities to hop around the East Coast in search of the loveliest leaves. The East Coast (and New England, in particular) is blessed with more than its fair share of fall foliage hotspots that can be reached by plane, train, and automobile. I’ve spent the most time exploring New York state’s forests, parks, and wilderness areas, such as the Catskills, which are amazing in the fall, and my personal favorite, the Adirondacks, a 6-million-acre swath of land upstate exploring the High Peaks region, Lake Placid, and the Lake Champlain Region. 

However, I’ve also done my fair share of time exploring the foliage in New England. I’ve taken several trips to Maine’s Acadia National Park during fall, where I’ve hiked and biked along the park’s scenic carriage trails. I’ve also enjoyed fall foliage trips around New Hampshire, where I’ve biked through picture-perfect forests and farmland, rented kayaks to paddle around on mirror-like lakes, and explored Franconia Notch State Park and the White Mountains. Beyond New England, I also spent time taking in autumnal scenes in New Jersey, taking foliage hikes around the sparsely trekked Surprise Lake, which is near another great leaf-peeping destination, Wawayanda State Park.

With over a dozen leaf-peeping trips around the East Coast under my belt, I have my fall packing list down to a science. While I may mix it up a bit depending on the focus of my trip (for instance, I’ll pack hiking boots for a trekking trip and ankle booties or slides for a casual one), there are quite a few items I pack, regardless of my trip.

Whether leaf-peeping by bike, car, or foot, here’s what should be on your East Coast fall foliage packing list for any adventure.

Matador Beast 18 Technical Pack

I don’t go anywhere without a backpack, and this 18-liter backpack has served me well on countless fall foliage hiking and leaf-peeping trips around the Northeast over the years. This is a technical hiking backpack, so it comes with a waterproof coating and has plenty of pockets and attachments for things like hiking poles. That said, it also works just as well as a basic daypack, so while I’ve used it for 15-mile hikes in the Adirondacks, I’ve also just loaded it up with snacks and blankets for leaf peeping picnics in the Catskills.

Smartwool Women’s Waffle Hoodie 

Merino wool is great because it is soft, durable, and comfortable and can be worn in any temperature or season. I love this waffle hoodie because it has the moisture management, temperature regulation, and odor resistance you want for active outdoor pursuits, but it’s designed as a cute, casual top so it also pairs well with jeans. This is what I’m packing as my go-to hoodie when I visit the Lake Champlain Region of the Adirondacks; it works well for hiking, walking around small towns like Essex, and enjoying a meal at the cozy Essex Inn.

Smartwool Active Women’s Leggings

These uber-comfy leggings are made for active people who like to hike, bike, kayak — basically, anyone who likes to be outdoors. I’ve worn them on active adventures all over the world because of their versatility thanks to the high-tech wool; they keep you cool in summer by wicking away moisture and warm in fall or winter by drying quickly so your sweat doesn’t cause you to freeze. I also love these leggings because they’re just plain practical: the side pockets hold my phone, wallet, hotel card, and keys, and there’s a hidden pocket to stash money. They come in fun colors like yellow and red, but I swear by the black because I can pair them with cute tops and blouses for dinner out on the town.

Darn Tough Hiking Socks

Darn Tough socks are highly comfortable, soft, and lightweight and made in Vermont (a.k.a. the fall foliage hotspot). They’re great for hiking because they wick away sweat so you don’t slip around and get blisters. That said, they work just as well for curling up on the couch and relaxing by the fire. Darn Tough socks are available in a ton of colors, prints, patterns, weights, and styles (no-show, ankle, crew, and knee-high) so you’re likely to find a pair you love. These mid- and high-cut socks are perfect to keep the chill out and the warm colors they come in (golden, red, russet) have fierce fall vibes. Get them in men’s and women’s sizes.

Altra Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoes

These are my favorite all-around shoes because the extra-wide toe box keeps my feet uncrowded and the outsoles provide a non-slip grip. I wear them out on dry, wet, and rocky trails and when walking around town; they’re especially great for fall foliage season because leaves can be a bit slippery under your feet. Plus, even though they’re made to handle hiking and trail running, they’re also cute and comfortable: I wear them just as much for lounging and strolling as I do for proper hiking.

Hydro Flask Vacuum Water Bottle

I’ve owned and loved numerous Hydro Flask water bottles over the years, bringing different sizes and weights along depending on what I plan on doing that day. For this most recent fall foliage trip in the Adirondacks, I relied on this standard mouth 24-ounce bottle. It’s lightweight (but not as expensive as their ultra-light series), and I love that it comes in several pretty colors (like lavender, light blue, and soft green). You can also choose between various types of lids depending on whether you want to sip or use a straw.

Nemo Victory Blanket

This Nemo Victory blanket is so much more than your usual picnic blanket. The blanket not only has a soft, comfy flannel surface, but it also has a waterproof backing so you don’t get wet during dewy mornings and evenings. The blanket comes with conveniently integrated straps and a carry handle, plus a bottle opener that is a useful surprise. There’s also a privacy pocket where you can stash personal items like keys or a phone. It’s perfect for curling up in the (appropriately named) Adirondack chairs near an outdoor firepit in the Adirondacks, but it would work just as well at the beach so it’s a great year-round blanket. Plus, the PFC-free polyester top sheet is made from recycled materials and it’s machine-washable.

Leki Carbon Collapsible Hiking Poles

Whether you’re a beginner hiker or an old pro, having a sturdy set of sticks can help you keep your balance and relieve strain on your knees while hiking. Hiking poles are especially important for balance when walking on rough terrain and when trekking downhill, as this is when your knees and ankles tend to feel the most pressure. I hike a lot and have a bad knee, so I love this pair of poles that are uber lightweight and collapse down really small for travel. However, if you’re just getting into hiking or you are on a budget, Leki also makes more affordable poles like these Spirit Lite Trekking Poles which are only $99.

La Sportiva Nucleo GTX Hiking Boots

I don’t think I’ve ever made a trip to the Adirondacks (or really, any hiking destination) without a sturdy pair of hiking boots. These days, I’m wearing the Nucleo by La Sportiva because they are extremely lightweight and just as breathable as they are waterproof. Often, the more waterproof a boot is, the heavier it is, which can really weigh you down and cause your feet to overheat. These boots, on the other hand, feel like walking on air, and the deep lugs in the soles provide great traction on the trails. Note that La Sportiva tends to run a bit narrow, but this style is also available in wide width.

Lodge Flannel Shirt

This Lodge flannel shirt is my new favorite top because the plaid pattern screams casual comfort, but it’s fall-appropriate, so I can get away with wearing it in a lot of situations. For instance, it’s perfect for exploring tiny towns, visiting historic sites, and grabbing drinks at a cozy bar, but I can also dress it up for dates or going out with friends.

Drift Vest 

Vests are great because fall is often too warm to justify a full-on jacket but too cold to wear only a T-shirt or sweater. This Drift Vest is perfect because its loose-fill insulation (which is made from 100 percent recycled PET bottles) keeps you warm without adding extra weight. The water-repellent coating helps if you get caught in some sprinkles, though it won’t replace an actual rain jacket in a downpour. Various pockets conveniently hold your wallet, phone, and other small items, meaning you can probably get away without carrying an extra purse or bag. Neutral hues like white, navy, and army green can go with anything; it’s also available in men’s sizing.

Bogg Bag

The Bogg Bag is pretty much the perfect bag because it is so extremely versatile. This summer, my family and I stuffed it with snacks to eat in the car during road trips, and also filled it with towels and sunscreen for beach vacations. Come fall, I’m using it as a picnic basket and filling it with the previously mentioned Victory picnic blanket, snacks, and made-in-the-Midwest Simple Times Mixers. (These drink mixes can be blended with sparkling wine, beer, or liquor, and because I don’t drink, I’ve been enjoying flavors like chai apple mule and blackberry smash with sparkling water or black tea.) Not only does the Bogg Bag come in several sizes and dozens of colors, but it’s also made to be super easy to clean (something I can’t say for the quaint wicker picnic baskets of yore).

Arc’Teryx Women’s Beta LT Jacket

I’ve been wearing this jacket for two years and it’s my go-to for pretty much every trip. It’s pricey but is totally worth it because of its high-quality materials — it’ll last you ages. It is 100 percent waterproof (which is way better than water-resistant when it’s pouring outside), yet it still somehow manages to be ultra-light and breathable, so you won’t overheat. This is a highly technical jacket that is perfect to keep you warm and dry on hardcore hikes, but I also wear it as an everyday windbreaker or cover-up. When the weather is fairly warm, it works on its own, but as the temperature dips, I pair it with a hoodie and/or puffy jacket underneath.

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