Fall is one of the best times of year to take advantage of the great outdoors, idyllic weather, and fresh air before winter’s chill arrives. In many places, you can enjoy all sorts of activities while surrounded by colorful autumn foliage too. While it might be tempting to stay inside and sip hot cider by the fire, don’t waste those last moments – these are just a few ideas to you out there and enjoying the season.
Hit the Trails
While summer’s heat makes places like Zion National Park far too hot for an enjoyable hike, fall is the perfect time to hit the trails. In Zion, daytime temperatures are typically in the 60s or 70s, while the trees have transformed into brilliant yellows that are stunningly contrasted against fiery red rocks. If you’ve purchased one of the Minneapolis houses for sale, you’ll have plenty of great hikes to enjoy nearby before the frigid cold hits. Minnehaha Regional Park offers some of the best fall foliage right in the city, offering the chance to walk scenic trails and visit the falls framed by gorgeous hues.
Play on the Beach
Most people think about visiting the beach in the summer, but fall can be even better depending on the destination. In San Diego, the weather is mild year-round, and the crowds of summer will have diminished while accommodations are cheaper. In fact, October and November bring some of the best weather, with clear, sunny skies and water temperatures still in the upper 60s, making swimming possible too.
Fishing
Fall can be an ideal time for fishing in many places around the country like Glacier Creek in Colorado, where you can fly fish for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Or in Montana, the Bighorn River, a gem in the fly fishing world, offers prolific hatches when temperatures begin to drop, making it ideal for brown and rainbow trout that are snatching insects off the surface. As the autumn leaves are peaking in color, typically during the second half of October, Lake of the Ozarks is one of the top spots for fishing with largemouth bass chasing shad up in the backs of coves and creeks.
Mountain Biking
National Geographic named Moab one of America’s top mountain biking towns, and fall is the best time to enjoy it with pretty much perfect weather. It’s a favorite spot among experts, but there are plenty of easy routes that are ideal for beginners too. While you’re riding, you’ll be able to marvel at more than 2,000 sandstone arches, framing the blue sky through peek-a-boo windows. The colorful landscape is filled with everything from an array of pinks, browns, and purples to brilliant oranges and reds. Some of the highest-rated mountain biking trails include the Navajo Rocks Chaco Loop, Bull Run, Porcupine Run, and the Brand/Bar M trail system. If you stop into one of the local bike shops, the staff can provide recommendations based on your interests and experience level.
Some of the other outstanding places for autumn mountain biking include Crested Butte, Colorado; Sun Valley, Idaho; Park City, Utah; and East Burke, Vermont, where you’ll enjoy plenty of vibrant foliage too.