Fall hiking tips

Stay safe on the trails as season shifts.

It's pumpkin spice season, y'all! As the temperatures drop, the leaves change, and the birds migrate, it’s a great time of year to get out on the trails before winter's chill arrives.

The list of hiking essentials is useful all year round, but there are some special considerations to keep in mind during this season of change.

• Temperatures can vary widely from place to place and during the course of the day. When you left home, it was 45 degrees and chilly. Now it's mid-day, the sun is shining, and the temperature has nearly doubled! Be sure to bring an extra layer (especially a hat!), pack rain gear, and check the weather for where you’re headed.
  
• Don’t forget the sunscreen! Fall’s cooler temperatures may have you feeling grateful for the lack of humidity, but sunburn can happen in any season.
  
• Bring plenty of water. Cooler temperatures may mean that you sweat less, but you still need to stay hydrated!
  
  
• Be wary of ticks. These hungry little bloodsuckers are still very much active! Make sure you pack insect repellent, hike in the center of trails, wear light-colored clothing that covers your skin, and tuck your pants into your socks (and your shirt into your pants!). Be sure to perform a thorough tick check before leaving your hiking spot, and check again when you get home. Bringing your dog? Be sure to check Fido or Fluffy for ticks too.