When temperatures begin to cool and the days get shorter, many people decide to put their summer gear away. What many don’t realize is that fall is one of the best seasons to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! Leaves change colors, the bugs start to go away, and the crowds aren’t nearly as big as they are during the summer.
If any of that seemed appealing to you, be sure to continue reading to learn more about why you should definitely continue hiking and camping well into the fall!
1. Less Crowds
One of the best parts of continuing to camp and hike during the fall is that there are way less people to compete with for campsites and trailhead parking. A major reason why there are fewer people out has to do with school being back in session. Many people who enjoy camping during the year go with their children, and who could blame them!
But when school resumes in the fall, this means that large crowds will likely be back at work or school. So take advantage of the fact that you will have less competition to get prime campsites or that you’ll be able to start trekking on hiking trails that are mobbed with people during the summer!
2. Fall Colors
In addition to less crowds, the colors of changing leaves and snowcapped mountains make getting outside during the fall an absolute must. Reds and oranges and yellows all flood the landscape in a way that makes it look like the hills are on fire, but without the smoke! Add in snow on the mountains in the background and you’ve got the makings of some spectacular views.
3. Cooler Temps
Hiking during the fall is so much better than during the summer because you don’t have to deal with the sun beating down on you all day. Cool temperatures really help you go further, faster. That means that you can cover way more ground and not risk heat exhaustion like you might during the summer!
But don’t be fooled, you still need to go prepared. Bring plenty of snacks with you to ensure you keep your energy up. And in the event that you accidentally get lost, it’s always a good idea to keep some emergency food with you. A really good idea would be to bring along these survival tablets, as they are pre-portioned to help you manage the amount of food you have to eat. That way you’ll be able to visually see what you have left over so you don’t eat all your rations at once.
4. Abundant Wildlife
Another amazing part of fall hiking and camping is the fact that cool temperatures and snow in the high-country signal to animals that it’s time to seek lower elevations. This means that animals will be moving, giving you more opportunities to see them!
Animals like deer, elk, moose, and even bears are active during the fall as they are preparing themselves for the long winter months ahead. The most likely spot for you to view them is close to meadows, on trails, and close to water sources.
Be sure to bring plenty of water with you as you go out searching for these majestic creatures! And be double prepared that you’ll have enough water to drink by bringing along a way to purify water you may find along the trail. Remember that wildlife will be frequenting the same water sources you may have available to drink.
While wildlife is awesome to watch, they don’t really consider where they drop their leavings, which can risk contaminating water with parasites and other waterborne illnesses. To ensure that you don’t accidentally pick up a water-bug when drinking wild water sources, go prepared with either a water purifying water bottle or a set of water purification tablets.
Final Thoughts
Fall is the best time to get outside and enjoy nature. Between fewer people, the changing fall colors, cooler temperatures, and the increase in wildlife activity, there really isn’t much else a nature lover could ask for!
Regardless of your reasons for getting outside this fall, be sure to head out prepared for anything. Bring warm clothes, comfortable shoes, plenty of food and water, and a way to start a fire if needed. That way you’ll be sure to continue coming back every fall, no matter what!