Now that the long, hot days of summer are starting to fade at last, and the fall season is growing closer, it is time to start thinking about new opportunities for outdoor adventure. The autumn brings cooler temperatures, as well as the seasonal changing of the leaves, but it also provides us with a chance to head back outside, and enjoy some of our favorite activities. Here are seven suggestions on how to take advantage of the season ahead.
Visit A National Park
America's national parks are some of the best outdoor environments on the planet, no matter the season. But the stunning landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, and Yellowstone are even more spectacular during the fall. After being filled to capacity for much of the summer, most of the parks are surprisingly quiet and empty during the autumn.
That makes it the perfect time to visit, particularly when the leaves are shifting to various shades of crimson and gold.
Take A Hike!
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor sports, although many people give it up during the summer months due to the excessive heat. The fall is the perfect time for taking a walk in the woods however, as the cool, crisp days make it a pleasant time to be on the trail. Once again, the changing colors of the fall foliage add to the experience and offer plenty of incentive to return to a favorite trail or explore a completely new one.
Go Camping
A fall camping trip is one of the best ways to reconnect with the outdoors after a long summer spent inside. The cooler weather makes autumn an enticing time to dig out your camping gear and go find a place to pitch your tent.
There is nothing quite like gathering around a campfire to swap stories and tell tall tales while making s'mores. Plus, curling up inside a cozy sleeping bag with the sounds of nature just outside your tent may provide you with the best night's sleep you've had in months. And if you're looking for suggestions on places to visit on your autumn outings, perhaps HipCamp.com can be of assistance.
Get On Your Bike
Over the past few years there has been a notable rise in the number of cycling tours that are available for active travelers. But you don't have to travel to Europe or other far-flung places to enjoy a scenic bike ride. Quite the contrary in fact, as there are typically some great places to be found just about anywhere, and the fall is a great time to go. Whether you prefer a road or mountain bike, rolling along on two wheels is one of the best ways to enjoy the season, particularly as the leaves begin to change. Cycling is also a great way to get some exercise along the way too, making your time on the bike a productive outing in more ways than one.
Take a Canoe Trip
There are few better ways to soak up the fall season than by taking a leisurely canoe trip down a scenic river or across a serene lake. You don't need to challenge yourself on big whitewater rapids to get the most of your paddling experience. In fact, quite the contrary. While kayakers and rafters may live for an adrenaline rush on Class V waters, a canoe offers a more modest pace during which you can enjoy the colors of the season at your own pace. Bring a picnic lunch and plan to make a day of it. You won't want to rush through the experience.
Climb a Mountain
Want to truly challenge yourself on an outdoor adventure this fall? Why not set a goal to climb to the top of a mountain? Whether you simply want to hike to the summit of a Colorado 14er, or you want to launch a full blown expedition to the top of Mt. Rainier, the fall is a great time to be in the mountains. You don't necessarily have to have any technical skills either, as it is more about taking the journey, and less about reaching the top. Don't have any mountains where you live? Than find some suitably challenging hills instead.
Go Horseback Riding
During my travels one of the best ways I've found to connect with a place that I am visiting is from the back of a horse. Riding along a scenic trail is always a unique and invigorating experience that it tough to match by any other form of transportation. You can capture some of that same magic by taking a ride yourself this fall, as there are few better ways to take in the season than from the saddle. Beginner and advanced riders alike will get a thrill out of trotting along on some backcountry trail on a beautiful autumn day.
These are just a few examples of the outdoor adventures that can be had during the fall. As the weather changes, I'm sure you'll think of others that will inspire you to get outside and enjoy the season as well.
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