Montana Ranks In Top 5 For Best Fall Hiking States

Fall is by far my favorite time of year, especially in Montana. The East Coast may get all the attention for its fall colors, but I'll stand firm that nothing beats our side of the map. The jagged Rockies, painted with fire-red aspens and gold-dusted larches, make for the kind of scenery that makes you pull over "just for a quick photo." Crisp mornings, no mosquitoes, bugling elk, and trails that finally belong to locals again.

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A new national study from Pulsz ranked the best hiking states in America, and (drum roll please) Montana proudly landed in fifth place. Sure, we didn't snag the top spot, but we are in pretty legendary company. Washington came in first, followed by Alaska, California, and Colorado.

According to their study, we've got 1,636 trails scattered across Big Sky Country, and each one offers something different. They noted some of our most enduring natural wonders, like mountain lakes that mirror the sky, forests that fill the air with fresh pine scents, and switchbacks that make you question your life choices. The study gave us major points for natural beauty, elevation gain, and air quality. No surprise there.

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So, whether you are chasing larch trees in the Bitterroots or crunching through leaves up near Hyalite, it has never been a better time to lace up those boots. Let The East coasters keep their hype for chasing leaves and Montana will take the crown for best fall hiking trails.