Fall Hikes Around the U.S.
Posted
by
WinterWomen
on Thursday, September 8, 2016
The changing from summer to fall can bring many mixed emotions. There may be sadness for the loss of the beach days and steady doses of Vitamin D. Some feelings could be exhaustion from the constant sneezing and need to boost the immune system. And then, there is the annoyance that can come with the time-consuming home and garden winterizing process. There is also the excitement that the AC will finally be able to take a break, and that we’ll soon be floating on hills of white gold. No matter how you feel about fall, you can’t deny that it also brings a beautiful show. Along with the sneezing and raking, Mother Nature provides an incredible presentation showing off her artistic skills. We’ve put together a list of a few places where you can see the spectacle for yourself.
Kebler Pass, Colorado
Kebler Pass, outside of Crested Butte, CO, is home to one of the largest aspen colonies in the country. It provides a vast grouping of bright fall foliage. The Horse Ranch Park Loop is a moderate hike with spectacular views of various mountains in the area, as well as paths through thick aspen groves. The trailhead is a 30-minute drive up Kebler pass from Crested Butte. The hike is about 6 miles and can take an average of 3.5 hours.
Extra Tip: Impress the locals by pronouncing it correctly. It’s KEBlur, not KEEbler pass. There are no elves here, at least of the cracker or cookie kind.
Updated Tip: They have started repairs on Kebler Pass from heavy rains in 2015. The pass will only be open in 2-hour increments during the week. It will be open during the weekends starting at 12:30pm on Fridays. This will last through mid-October.
Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia
Dolly Sods Wilderness is in the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia. It has a total of 47 miles of hiking trails to take your pick from, all with great views. This National Forest is full of maple, beech, birch and cherry trees providing a nice variety of reds and oranges in the leaves. A great option is to take the Fisher Springs trail to the Rohrbaugh trail for a moderate 5.2-mile hike, out and back.
Extra Tip: This area was used for WWII training in the 1940’s. While many mortar shells were located and deactivated in the 1990’s some may still remain, so stay on the designated trails.
City Creek Trail System, Idaho
The City Creek Trail System is just outside of Pocatello, Idaho and offers trails for multiple activities such as biking, ATV’s, and hiking. In less than 10 minutes you can go from the middle of a city to an outdoor escape. The Grove Trail, in particular, is an easy hike of only 0.9miles, but that doesn’t mean it’s not packed with vibrant colors and great views.
Extra Tip: After a jaunt on a City Creek Trail, head on over to a local favorite. The Sandtrap has a great selection of beers and cocktails where you can indulge in a hand pressed, seasoned burger.
West Bolton, Vermont
Vermont has long been known as a popular destination for fall leaf peepers. Burlington is mere minutes from multiple excellent fall trailheads. Libby’s Outlook is a bit further, 30 minutes south of Burlington, but worth the drive. Due to being slightly further, it can tend to be less crowded. At the end of this canopied, 1.1 miles out and back trail (2.2 miles total) lies breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re looking for a longer, more challenging hike, you have the option of connecting with the Preston Pond Loop to visit a pond that is 3,500 years old.
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Extra Tip: The Preston Pond’s unique location connecting the lowlands to the highlands provides an ideal spot for many different types of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for animals such as moose, otters, and bobcats, to name just a few. To learn more about the area, check out The Friends of Preston Pond.
What are some of your favorite hikes? Let us know in the comments below!
Categories:
Things We Love
Tagged: fall, vermont, Idaho, West Virginia, Crested Butte, changing of seasons, City Creek Trail, Dolly Sods Wilderness, fall colors, fall hikes, Kebler Pass, leaf change, Libby's Outlook, Preston Pond, The Sandtrap
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