The weather is getting chilly on the East Coast and it’s time to get out and enjoy the season.

Some of the best places in the country to see the fall colors are no more than a two- or three-hour drive from the nation’s capital. So if you are planning a trip to Washington soon, make sure to budget time for a memorable hike in the region.

Study up on the Appalachian Trail, especially the section in Northern Virginia - www.appalachiantrail.org. Also visit this site, which offers exact conditions of fall foliage: www.foliagenetwork.com/reports/southeast-us/.

Start with a few strolls close to the Washington metropolitan area. The 180-plus mile C&O Canal - www.nps.gov/choh/ - is an excellent place to take a leisurely fall walk. Or drive farther out near Frederick, Md., and take a hike at Sugarloaf Mountain - www.sugarloafmd.com. The mountain offers several hikes and vistas with prime fall foliage.