Autumn is a beautiful time of year. The leaves are changing colors and the air has taken on a crisp feel. It's perfect weather to go for a hike in a nearby park or trail. Autumn makes way to wondrous landscapes and offers some vantage points through fallen leaves which may hidden during the summer.
As you venture out, you may encounter some chilly weather and even some slick leaves, but these challenges will be worth it as you and fellow hikers take in the many advantages of hiking in fall.
Views
Unique to autumn in temperate climates, leaves will change color in countless ways, so it will never be the same no matter where you look. Oranges, reds, and browns fill the landscape that was a sea of green in the summer - so even that hike you've taken many times before will suddenly have a different look.
As the leaves fall all over the ground, they create more than just a satisfying crunch under your feet. Their absence creates new vantage points along the summits and overlooks on your trails. These windows in the trees are covered by branches and leaves in the summer, but the fallen leaves open them up for all to see during crisp autumn treks.
Weather
Autumn is the sweet-spot of hiking weather. Most of the season is beyond the point of muggy, hot afternoons but before the exposure of frigid temperatures and frozen trails. The brisk autumn air makes for a refreshing walk that will get your heart rate up without the accompanying heavy sweat.
Cool autumn breezes will await you at the summit and will be carrying that leaf-filled full-time scent. On your way down the trail, you'll have a longer exposure to the "golden hour" when the sun sets in beautiful fashion - something that is much more rare during summertime day hikes. Just keep in mind that an earlier setting sun means an earlier loss of daylight, so be sure to not venture too far from your destination in the mid-afternoon. Darkness settles in quickly!
Traffic
One of the wonders of hiking is the tranquilness that surrounds your walk. During peak summer, popular trails are often overcrowded which can take away some of the tranquility. Trails certainly won't be empty during the autumn months, but you can expect fewer fellow hikers. Kids are back in school, novice hikers aren't prepared for chilly hikes, and vacationers are likely gone from popular trails which will leave you with a trail less traveled than in the summer months.
Find yourself a mountain trail with an overlook view of fall foliage colors and you'll be sure to be in some autumn bliss. Get out there and enjoy it!
