Happy Friday everyone. Happy September. Happy Labor Day weekend. Happy almost-Fall!
As much as I hate to say goodbye to summer, my kayak and my flip-flops, I still look forward to all the things that come with fall including:
The colors of fall
Less humidity
Crisper night temperatures
A change of wardrobe
Sitting by a firepit
More hiking with the dog
Fall wildlife photo opportunities
It is time to start thinking about what places might be on your list to check out this fall. It could be the foliage, a winery or brewery, or a new hiking trail. Personally, I have some familiar favorite places I like to go but I also always have a list of new places I have been dying to check out. A common thing you will regularly hear me remind folks is how great being outdoors is for your mental health, in whatever way you enjoy. Your fitness level doesn't even matter. There are ways for everyone to enjoy this season, before the chaos of the holidays sets in. So, get out there! #hiking #wildlife #photography
Start Planning that Getaway!
It doesn't matter if your getaway is a day trip, a long weekend, or a week. Or if the trip is solo, couple time, a family affair, or pet-friendly. It is time to start planning. As much as I know being outdoors is good for your health in so many ways, I also know that when you have adventures on the calendar you are looking forward to, that has its own mental health benefits as well.
Fall Hiking: The BEST Hiking Weather of the Year
Let's just say that summer can be hot. So, once fall arrives the cooler air is a welcome relief. Wildlife gets just as excited about that as we do. Many animals are far more active in the fall so keep that in mind when venturing out. Know what animals could be in the area and the do's and don'ts if you encounter them.
In addition to that, the weather can have far bigger swings in temperature and storms can be severe. Fall hiking requires more layers and potential clothing changes. Do your homework on the weather prior to the trip so that you can pack appropriately. Rain just prior to a fall trip can be a blessing in disguise. Waterfalls are common in the mountains but can dry up after a long, hot summer so a good rain can make a good trip a great one!
If you like to hike but are tired of the same old trails, check out All Trails. https://www.alltrails.com/ This is by far one of my favorite and most used apps on my phone. I use this near home for day trips as well as when we travel because we aren't familiar with the area. You can search for trails by area or by park or distance. You can easily review them for the "features" you like in a trail. I personally like a loop trail over an out-and-back trail. I also like both views and water. Trails that follow streams or creeks or have waterfalls will always catch my attention. Our adventures often involve new trails. While the trails in this app are very good, they are not perfect. One such case a few years ago involved a new loop trail we had never done. But the trail disappeared when we got to the stream. I think it was in part from lack of use and also from storm damage that had made portions unpassable. So, we had a choice, cross the fairly deep stream with our faithful dog who is afraid of water or the really, really long way back the way we came. We opted for crossing the stream. Our faithful girl was practically swimming across it, but she made it. It was a memorable experience.
Not a Hiker? Take a Scenic Drive Instead
All along the east coast there are some beautiful scenic drives. The beauty of these is that they generally go through at least some mountains which provide those beautiful overlooks which are especially pretty in the fall when the leaves are changing. Make sure to check out the local foliage calendar for best viewing times. The further south you go the later into the fall you will need to wait.
Scenic drives allow so many opportunities. They often have hiking trails along them if you are interested but they also provide opportunities for wildlife sightings including deer and black bears. The white-tailed buck above was photographed near the Big Meadows area along Skyline Drive in Virginia. He was only about fifty feet off the road.
Here are a few of the top scenic drives along the east coast:
Acadia National Byway (Maine)
Kancamagus Scenic Byway (New Hampshire)
Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina)
Skyline Drive (Virginia)
Cherohala Skyway (North Carolina)
If you like the cooler temperatures and want to see the foliage sooner, go north to New Hampshire and Maine. If you can't get away until later in October and November head south. The best viewing for the mid-Atlantic area is often mid to late October to the beginning of November.
Photos: You do not need to be a Photographer
Hopefully by now I have motivated you enough to want to start planning a fall adventure trip. You do not need to be a photographer to take great photos of your trip. The photo below is from my cell phone taken on the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina.
Hopefully everyone is starting to think about getting outside to enjoy the fall. I am already starting to plan a few weekend day trips for us up in Pennsylvania. (I haven't told Darrell that yet though) One of them is a trip we tried to do a few years ago, but it is a trip that would have been much more enjoyable in the fall rather than in winter. As long as it doesn't snow too early this year, we should be good.
Stay tuned for more of our adventures next week.
Feel free to share your favorite fall hiking and foliage places with me!
I will be adding new photos to my shop in the next week or so.
Shenandoah Valley is one of my favorite areas along the east coast states for a scenic drive and to hike. Thanks for sharing your ideas.