First Hike of Fall: Tips and Destinations

Autumn brings pleasant, cool, crisp weather, which also happens to be perfect hiking weather. If you want to spend more time outdoors before the weather gets cold and snowy, it may be time for your first hike of the season.
 
There are thousands of hiking trails across the U.S. that offer awesome autumn hikes.  Here are a few popular destinations that are optimal for you to visit during the fall months:

• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Even though the Grand Canyon isn’t the best place for fall foliage, temperatures are much cooler than in the summertime. If you’re more experienced, you can hike to the bottom on your own, but there are group tours for those with less hiking experience.
• Yosemite National Park, California: Thanks to a wide variety of trails, there’s a hike for any level of hiking experience. You can see waterfalls, lakes and wildlife on these hikes.
• Zion National Park, Utah:  Zion National Park has plenty of hiking options for everyone, with beautiful canyon overlooks, waterfalls and forests. The weather is much cooler during this time of year, with temperatures in the 60s rather than 90s and 100s that are seen during the summer.
• Appalachian Trail, Maine to Georgia: This trail spans through 14 states and even though many enthusiasts take the time to hike the entire trail, you can hike just a small stretch of it. If you go in the fall, you still might see stunning fall foliage along its southern tier and comfortable, cool weather.
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: If you’re visiting the nation’s capital and want to get a dose of breathtaking views, this national park is only located a couple of hours away. There are more than 500 miles of trails with varying difficulty.
• Beacon Heights, North Carolina: This hike located in the Blue Ridge Mountains has several rock platforms that allow you to sit and enjoy the spectacular views. In the fall, the view is colorful and vibrant.
• The Lost Coast, California: If you want to hike but also feel the ocean breeze, then this is the hike for you. This rocky trail isn’t for beginners, however, and most hike the 25-mile stretch in its entirety. It typically takes around 3 or 4 days for an experienced hiker to complete the entire trail.
• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: This destination is a must for any hiking enthusiast. If you don’t mind snow during this time of year, certain trails are open year round and there are waterfall hikes, lake hikes and summit hikes that you can choose from depending on your interests and the weather.

 
If you’re planning on going on a hike, it is important to thoroughly plan your journey whether it’s a quick day-long hike or a multi-day trek. Here are a few tips that you should use to have a smooth and enjoyable hiking experience:

• Check the latest trail conditions. Each hiking destination should have a webpage that describes the trail conditions so you can prepare for your hike. Many trails also close by mid-fall due to mountain snow, so it’s good to know which trails are open during this time of year.
• Tell your loved ones where you are going and when you plan on returning. Complete an itinerary so they know where you are expected to be at any given time.
• Take the time to pack the essentials. This includes a topographic map, a compass, extra food and clothing, a firestarter, matches, sunscreen, a pocket knife, a first aid kit, a flashlight, emergency shelter and plenty of water.
• Pay attention to weather forecasts. As we head deeper into fall, mountain snow and unpredictable weather are more likely. Download the WeatherBug smartphone app so you can Know Before and plan accordingly.
• Be wary of hunters. Since autumn is prime hunting season in most places, be sure to wear bright clothing so you can be easily spotted and avoid hiking around dawn and dusk.
•  If you’re going for foliage, check to see when fall colors peak in your destination.
• Be aware of sunrise and sunset times so you can have as much visibility as possible. It also gets cold and windy when the sun is down, so that could be detrimental if you are unprepared.
• Keep an eye out for any trail closures or reroutes. If you encounter a closed trail, either turn around or take a different path. These closures typically mean that the trail is too hazardous to travel on.
• Don’t go off the trail. It’s easy to get lost if you wander off of the path since there are no markers and there usually isn’t cell phone service in the mountains.
• If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, turn around! You could easily hurt yourself if you attempt tasks you aren’t used to.
• Bring a camera to take pictures so you can remember your adventure.
• Protect yourself from wildlife. Make noise by clapping and talking loudly and keep children close to you. If you see an animal, do not approach or feed it.