Lace up your boots, slip on your coziest flannel, and don’t forget the camera—Idaho in the fall is simply magical. As the air turns crisp and the trees ignite with vibrant shades of gold, crimson, and amber, the Gem State transforms into a hiker’s paradise. From quiet lakeshores lined with aspen groves to mountain overlooks bursting with color, these trails showcase Idaho’s autumn beauty at its finest.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best fall foliage hikes across the state, region by region.
Northern Idaho
Upper Priest Lake Navigation Trail
Winding along the pristine shoreline of Priest Lake, this trail offers reflections of fiery maples and golden birch in the calm water. The relatively flat route makes it perfect for a leisurely fall stroll, with plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities.
Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail
Stretching from Sandpoint toward Ponder Point, this easy lakeside trail is lined with cottonwoods that glow a brilliant yellow in October. With Lake Pend Oreille on one side and towering cliffs on the other, it’s a picture-perfect fall outing.
Deep Creek Trail
Just outside Bonners Ferry, this trail follows Deep Creek into a lush canyon. In fall, the maples and larches burst with color against the evergreens, creating a dramatic palette unique to North Idaho.
North Central Idaho
Headwaters Trail
Near Grangeville, this peaceful trail meanders along Crooked River’s headwaters. Cottonwoods and aspens light up the banks, making it an ideal escape for a quiet autumn afternoon.
Lewiston Levee Parkway Trail
This paved trail runs along the Snake and Clearwater rivers, surrounded by trees that blaze in gold and orange. It’s a great spot for walkers, bikers, and joggers wanting to enjoy the colors without venturing far from town.
Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve
Located near Moscow, this preserve features short, shaded trails winding through groves of aspen and birch. The small-scale trails are perfect for families and photographers seeking fall color in an intimate forest setting.
Southwest Idaho
Mores Mountain Interpretive Trail
High above Boise, this loop near Bogus Basin offers panoramic views of the Boise National Forest. In fall, quaking aspens shimmer against rugged mountain ridges, making it one of the area’s most beloved autumn hikes.
Dry Creek Trail
Just minutes from downtown Boise, this trail cuts through gulches and meadows where aspens and shrubs turn vivid shades of red and gold. The higher you climb, the broader the views across the Treasure Valley.
Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail
This trail in the Boise Foothills offers an educational walk through local ecology, and during fall, the shrubs and cottonwoods glow warm tones that contrast with the golden hillsides.
South Central Idaho
Flaming Rock Loop
Located in City of Rocks National Reserve, this loop offers dramatic granite formations framed by colorful trees. The contrast of fiery foliage against pale stone makes it a photographer’s dream.
South Hills
Near Twin Falls, the South Hills come alive each fall as aspens and maples turn brilliant hues. The winding roads and trails here provide endless opportunities to explore autumn landscapes.
Phantom Falls Trail
This lesser-known trail leads to a seasonal waterfall tucked into the South Hills. The hike is framed by cottonwoods and aspens that paint the canyon with autumn tones.
Southeast Idaho
City Creek Trail System
Just outside Pocatello, this network of trails offers a variety of routes through colorful aspen groves and foothill views. It’s popular with hikers, bikers, and runners alike.
Idaho Centennial Trail (Southeast section)
This long-distance trail crosses diverse landscapes, but in fall, the Southeast Idaho segments shine with wide valleys and cottonwood-lined creeks showing off their golden best.
West Mink Creek Trail
Nestled in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this trail winds through vibrant aspen groves and offers sweeping views of the Bannock Range.
Central Idaho
Fishhook Creek Trail
Set in the Sawtooth Valley, this trail is a fall favorite for its aspen groves that blaze gold beneath towering peaks. The gentle grade makes it accessible for most hikers.
Alpine Way Trail
This more challenging trail near Stanley rewards hikers with expansive mountain views and a colorful mosaic of fall foliage spread across the valleys below.
Chocolate Gulch–North Fork Loop
Just outside Sun Valley, this loop trail blends river crossings, meadows, and forested sections—all dressed in fall’s finest colors.
Eastern Idaho
Cress Creek Nature Trail
An easy, family-friendly loop near Rexburg, this trail offers interpretive signs and overlooks of the Snake River. In autumn, the cottonwoods along the river put on a golden show.
Wolf Flats Recreation Area
Popular with hikers and anglers, this area south of Idaho Falls features trails through cottonwood forests along the South Fork of the Snake River, glowing with yellow leaves in October.
Palisades Creek Trail
This trail near Swan Valley is breathtaking in fall, with aspens and willows lining the creek as it winds toward Palisades Lake. The colors here are some of the most vibrant in Eastern Idaho.
Plan Your Autumn Adventure
Idaho offers countless opportunities to experience the beauty of fall, whether you’re chasing mountain views or strolling alongside golden rivers. For a full list of trails and seasonal highlights, check out Idaho Tourism’s Fall Foliage Guide.
So grab your flannel, pack your camera, and hit the trail—it’s time to frolic through Idaho’s foliage. Go to Visit Idaho Fall Folliage for detailed information on trails and accessibility.