by Joan H. Young

Created on: October 05, 2010   Last Updated: October 18, 2010

Autumn presents the outdoor enthusiast with wonderful opportunities. In northern zones the foliage is brightly colored and the air is crisp, but the sun may yet be warm. However, nights are cold and hunters are likely to be in the woods. One can hike in any season of the year, but what makes hiking in the fall different? Here are a few tips to make your fall hike a success.

 * * General Safety

There are many simple steps one should take to hike safely in any season of the year. Anyone who is new to hiking should learn what these general principles are before venturing into the woods for an afternoon or a week. These include dressing appropriately, taking the correct gear, knowing your route, having emergency plans, etc. Such information is not the focus of this article.

 * *Tips to maximize your enjoyment on a fall hike

 * Observe Fall Color
Check on-line or with your visitors’ bureau for fall color information, to find the peak weeks for local color. You may be able to cross-reference this with information about local trails to find potentially beautiful hikes in a length appropriate to your skills.

 * Observe Bird Migrations
Fall (and spring) are bird migration seasons. Again, armed with some information from your local Audubon society you can pinpoint hot spots for seeing a variety of birds that don’t normally spend time in your area.

 * Observe Geology
As the leaves begin to fall the lay of the land is revealed. Late fall, and into winter, are a perfect time to observe the various rock formations, hills, valleys, folds, and watershed features of your local area. Much of this geologic information can not be seen when the leaves are on the trees

 * Observe Plants
We all love to see flowers in bloom, but often the seeds can be just as interesting. Make a game out of finding as many different types of plant seeds as you can. This can be done “scientifically,” or just look for different shapes, etc. for fun. A small reference guide, such as “Winter Weed Finder” by Dorcas Millier, can be helpful.
    
 * *Tips to minimize your risks on a fall hike

 * Cooler Temperatures
The cooler air can be invigorating. Many people feel more like hiking in the fall than they did in the too-hot days of summer. Although the cool weather feels wonderful there are extra risks associated with it. People are often lured into feeling so good when they begin a hike that they take on a longer distance than they

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