Autumn brings a fresh perspective to Northern Ireland's landscapes, making it the perfect season to get outdoors and explore. Quiet forest trails, coastal paths to colourful gardens, country parks and more: these walks offer a chance to enjoy the changing colours, cooler days and some of the region's most scenic surroundings.

From Glenariff Forest Park and Tollymore Forest Park to Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, Cave Hill and Downhill Demesne, here are some of the best autumn walks in Northern Ireland. 

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Glenariff Forest Park, Co. Antrim

Known as the Queen of the Glens, Glenariff Forest Park is one of the best places to experience an autumn walk in Northern Ireland. Spread across more than 1,000 hectares of woodland, lakes and nature-rich landscapes, the park offers a range of trails suitable for all abilities.

The popular Waterfall Walk leads visitors along a timber boardwalk through the glen, following the river gorge past a series of waterfalls and through an area recognised as a National Nature Reserve thanks to its rich variety of mosses, ferns and other plant life. As the leaves begin to change colour, the forest provides a beautiful setting for an autumn stroll, with opportunities to spot local wildlife including red squirrels and Irish hares.

Whether you choose the short Rainbow Trail and Viewpoint Trail or take on the longer Scenic Trail, there are plenty of ways to explore this corner of the Antrim Glens. After your walk, you can enjoy a stop at the park's tea house or visit the nearby villages of Waterfoot and Cargan for a bite to eat. 

Blackhead Coastal Path, Whitehead

Set against the coast at Whitehead, the Blackhead Path offers an autumn walk with sea views, fresh coastal air and the chance to spot local wildlife along the way. Following a scenic route towards the iconic Blackhead Lighthouse, the path hugs the shoreline where seals, seabirds and, if you're lucky, dolphins and porpoises can sometimes be seen offshore.

One of the highlights of the walk is the stretch around the base of the headland, where waves have carved impressive sea caves into the cliffs. A climb up the steps brings walkers to Blackhead Lighthouse, where views stretch across Belfast Lough, the Copeland Islands and, on clear days, as far as the Scottish coastline.

The route then follows a quiet country road back towards Whitehead, passing historic wartime structures and offering more coastal views before returning to the town, where a well-earned coffee or sweet treat awaits in one of its local cafés.

Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle

At the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest Park is a wonderful place to enjoy an autumn walk surrounded by colourful woodland, flowing rivers and mountain views. Covering almost 630 hectares, the park is home to a network of trails that weave through ancient trees, along the banks of the Shimna River and past a collection of unique stone bridges, grottos and follies.

Fans of Game of Thrones® may also recognise parts of the forest, which featured as one of the first filming locations seen in the series. As you explore, you'll find everything from towering giant redwoods and Monterey pines to rare and unusual tree species from around the world.

The park is steeped in history too, with many of its distinctive features designed by Thomas Wright in the 18th century. Whether you're looking for a gentle woodland stroll or a longer route with views towards Newcastle and the surrounding mountains, Tollymore is a great choice for an autumn day outdoors.

Kilbroney Park & Cloughmore Stone, Rostrevor

Set on the northern shore of Carlingford Lough, Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor is a fantastic place for an autumn walk, with woodland trails, riverside paths and views across one of Northern Ireland's most scenic landscapes. The park is home to a range of walking routes, including the popular Cloughmore Trail, which leads to the famous Cloughmore Stone high above the village.

Along the way, walkers can enjoy sweeping views over Carlingford Lough as vibrant autumn colours transform the surrounding forest. Families will love exploring the Narnia Trail, inspired by C.S. Lewis, who is said to have drawn inspiration from the local landscape, while the Fairy Glen offers a peaceful walk through woodland and alongside flowing streams.

The park is also home to a rich variety of trees and wildlife, making it a great spot to slow down and enjoy the season. After your walk, you can relax with a coffee at the on-site café or take time to explore the charming village of Rostrevor nearby.

Gortin Glen Forest Park, Co. Tyrone 

Located just outside Omagh at the gateway to the Sperrin Mountains, Gortin Glen Forest Park is a great choice for an autumn walk, with woodland trails, far-reaching views and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing colours of the season.

The park features five waymarked walking trails of varying lengths, all starting from the main trailhead and winding through quiet forest scenery before returning to the car park. Part of the Ulster Way also passes through the park, making it a popular spot for walkers looking to explore more of the Sperrins

For those who prefer to take in the views at a more leisurely pace, the five-mile scenic drive offers several stopping points overlooking the surrounding countryside. With picnic areas, a play park and a café on site, Gortin Glen Forest Park is an ideal place to spend a refreshing autumn day outdoors.

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, Co. Fermanagh 

Rising above the landscape of County Fermanagh, the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail is one of Northern Ireland's most popular walking routes and a great place to experience the season's changing colours from a different perspective. Often known as the "Stairway to Heaven", this 12km return walk takes visitors through one of the largest areas of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, following a mix of gravel paths, boardwalks and steps.

Along the route, walkers can spot reminders of the area's past, including abandoned cottages, dry stone walls and old cultivation ridges scattered across the landscape. As the trail climbs higher, views open up across the surrounding countryside, with the distinctive ridge of Cuilcagh Mountain coming into view.

The final climb brings you to the viewing platform, where wide-ranging views across the UNESCO Global Geopark and beyond provide a rewarding finish to the journey. While the route can be challenging in places, the unique landscape and far-reaching scenery make it well worth the effort. 

Roe Valley Country Park, Limavady

Located on the outskirts of Limavady, Roe Valley Country Park is a great place for an autumn walk, with riverside paths, woodland trails and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing colours of the season.

Following the banks of the River Roe, the park offers a network of walking routes that pass through mature woodland and alongside dramatic gorges carved by the flowing water. Along the way, visitors can discover the area's rich industrial heritage, with the remains of former linen mills, a restored water wheel and the Green Lane Museum telling the story of life in the Roe Valley through the centuries.

The largely level riverside paths make this an accessible option for many walkers, while regular seating areas provide plenty of spots to pause and take in the surroundings. After exploring the park, visitors can round off their day with a coffee at the nearby café before heading home. 

Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast 

Overlooking Belfast and one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, Cave Hill Country Park is a rewarding spot for an autumn walk, with woodland trails, rich history and panoramic views across Belfast Lough and beyond.

The park is named after a series of caves set into the hillside and offers several walking routes suitable for different abilities. For those looking for a challenge, the Cave Hill Trail climbs to the historic McArt's Fort, an ancient hilltop fort sitting high above the city and offering far-reaching views across the surrounding landscape.

The Estate Trail follows woodland paths on the lower slopes of the park, making it a great option for a gentler walk among the autumn colours, while the shorter Castle Trail explores the grounds surrounding Belfast Castle. Along the way, visitors can discover archaeological remains, varied wildlife and some of the best views in Belfast, making Cave Hill Country Park a must-visit destination this autumn. 

Crawfordsburn Country Park, Bangor

Located between Belfast and Bangor, Crawfordsburn Country Park is a wonderful place for an autumn walk, combining coastal scenery, woodland paths and views across Belfast Lough. Home to two sandy beaches and part of the North Down Coastal Path, the park offers a variety of routes that take visitors along the shoreline, through wooded glens and beside a picturesque waterfall.

As the seasons change, the park's woodland areas are filled with autumn colour, creating a beautiful setting for a day outdoors. Wildlife is never far away, with seals often spotted offshore and a variety of birdlife including herons, jays and, during the winter months, Brent geese.

Walkers can also catch sight of the historic Grey Point Fort overlooking the coast, adding a fascinating layer of history to the landscape. With its mix of beach, woodland and coastal views, Crawfordsburn Country Park is an ideal destination for an autumn stroll.

Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne, Causeway Coast

Perched high above the Atlantic Ocean on the Causeway Coastal Route, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne offer one of the most memorable autumn walks in Northern Ireland. Set within dramatic clifftop surroundings near Castlerock, this historic estate combines coastal views, open parkland and fascinating heritage at every turn.

Walking trails weave through the grounds of Downhill Demesne, where visitors can take in sweeping views across Downhill Strand, Magilligan Point and, on a clear day, the coastline of County Donegal. The iconic Mussenden Temple, built in 1785 as a summer library, stands at the heart of the estate and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Northern Ireland.

As autumn colours begin to appear across the landscape, the clifftop paths provide a wonderful setting for a brisk seasonal walk, with the sound of the waves below and far-reaching coastal views in every direction.

The Palace Demesne Public Park, Armagh 

Located within walking distance of Armagh city centre, The Palace Demesne is a beautiful place to enjoy an autumn walk, with historic parkland, formal gardens and winding pathways spread across 300 acres. Once the residence of the Church of Ireland Archbishops, the estate offers a variety of walking routes that range from gentle strolls through landscaped gardens to longer walks around the meadows and woodland areas.

As the leaves begin to change colour, the park provides a lovely setting to spend time outdoors while discovering one of Armagh's most treasured green spaces. Visitors can also explore the Garden of the Senses, a thoughtfully designed space created to engage the senses and welcome visitors of all abilities. With its mix of history, nature and accessible trails, The Palace Demesne is an ideal spot for a refreshing autumn walk.

Botanic Gardens, Belfast 

Botanic Gardens is one of the city's best-loved green spaces and a wonderful place to enjoy an autumn walk. First established in 1828, the gardens combine colourful seasonal planting, mature trees and historic Victorian features, creating an attractive setting in every season.

Strolling through the grounds, visitors can explore the extensive rose gardens, herbaceous borders and a collection of rare trees, including oaks planted more than a century ago. The gardens are also home to the iconic Palm House, one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear cast-iron glasshouse, and the beautifully restored Tropical Ravine, where exotic plants thrive beneath its Victorian glass roof.

Whether you're looking for a short lunchtime stroll, a family walk or a chance to enjoy nature in the heart of the city, Botanic Gardens offers a welcoming escape with plenty to discover along the way. 

Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim 

Antrim Castle Gardens is a wonderful place to enjoy an autumn walk, combining colourful gardens, historic features and peaceful riverside paths. Spread across 400 years of history, the gardens are home to beautifully maintained avenues, formal parterre gardens, Victorian planting schemes and striking Anglo-Dutch canals that make every turn worth exploring.

Visitors can follow a circular route through the grounds, discovering fascinating stories along the way, or extend their walk across Deerpark Bridge and along the banks of the Six Mile Water towards the shores of Lough Neagh. At the heart of the gardens, Clotworthy House offers an insight into the site's rich heritage, while the Sensory Garden provides an inclusive space designed for visitors of all ages and abilities.

With its blend of history, nature and seasonal colour, Antrim Castle Gardens is a great choice for an autumn day outdoors. 

Stormont Estate, Belfast 

Stormont Estate is a great place to enjoy an autumn walk, with tree-lined avenues, woodland trails and beautifully maintained parkland spread across one of Northern Ireland's most recognised green spaces. Home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the estate offers visitors the chance to combine the outdoors with local history, as paths wind past memorials, statues and historic landmarks throughout the grounds.

The two waymarked woodland walks, ranging from 2km to 4km, provide an easy way to explore the estate as autumn colours begin to appear among the trees, while the fitness trail offers an active option for those looking to stretch their legs. Families can also enjoy the playground and picnic areas, making it a great destination for all ages.

Whether you're looking for a lunchtime stroll, a weekend walk or a chance to escape the bustle of the city, Stormont Estate offers plenty of space to get outdoors and enjoy the season.