Summer’s over! Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage are great incentives to hike this autumn. Get ready to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery by reading the 6 tips for hiking in the fall below:
1. Chase The Leaves
There are lots of great hiking areas around the country and you should adapt your hikes to where the leaves are best. The three most visited National Parks are the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. All three are nearby day trips for major metropolitan areas so they’re easy to visit when the leaves are at their peak.
Leaf colors change depending on their north-south geographical location, as well as their elevation. Look for hikes at higher elevations in the early fall and hikes at lower elevations later in the season. Daily temperatures and precipitation also play a factor in when the leaves start to change colors, what colors are most vibrant, and how long they will stay on the trees.
Since a lot of different elements play a part in when the leaves will be at peak, some years will be better than others for colors and usually at different times. There are a few websites you can use to help predict when and where the leaves will be the best. The website, Smoky Mountains, covers the entire United States. They give great estimates for when the leaves will be at “peak” near you or your favorite hiking destinations.
2. Dress for the Occasion
Fall brings colder weather and more rain so bring layers for your hiking trip. When you start out, you might need a jacket or sweater. You’ll warm up as you hike and temperatures increase during the day, so you might want to tie your top layer around your waist or throw in your pack later on. Stick to wool or synthetic fiber clothes for your hikes. Cotton clothing easily absorbs moisture and is slow to dry once wet. If you wear wet cotton clothes combined with colder temperatures in the fall, your body can expend a lot of energy trying to keep you warm. In extreme cases, this could lead to hypothermia.
Cotton socks should also be avoided because damp socks can lead to soft feet and eventually blisters. Cotton is best to avoid. Don’t wait until you get home to dry your gear. You can dry out your socks and boots during your adventures by using the portable boot dryer, MobilDri by VersaDri.
If you don’t have a good raincoat and the weather forecast calls for heavy rain, consider packing a plastic emergency rain poncho. They’re cheap, lightweight, and really great in a downpour!
3. Start Early
Get a good start when hiking in the fall. The sun starts to set earlier each day so you’ll want to make the most of your day. By getting up and beginning your hike early you will be able to finish before it gets dark. You don’t want to stumble your way back in the darkness or cut the hike short. Many hiking spots close after sunset or lock up their parking lots, too.
4. Remember Water
Even if the weather is starting to get cooler, it’s important to bring water on your fall hikes so you don’t get dehydrated. It depends on the individual and what level of activity you’re performing, but the general rule is to bring a half liter of water with you per hour of activity. You can fill a backpack reservoir or simply carry a water bottle with you. You can even bring a hot drink like tea in an insulated bottle to keep you warm during the hike when you’re hiking in cooler temperatures.
5. Don’t Get Lost
Hiking this fall can be a great way to escape. Exploring the great outdoors can mean that cell reception is spotty at best. Using an offline map is a great option to know where you are going even if you don’t have good data coverage.
Maps. me is a mobile app for Android and iOS and it’s free to use. Before you go on your trip download the app on your phone and select the region you plan to explore. Once offline and on your hiking trip, your phone can show your GPS location without data or cell reception. Maps.me is really great for trails compared to Google Maps and provides walking distances and elevation changes. It also provides live navigation on roads if reception is poor on the way to your trailhead.
AllTrails has some limited features for free on their website and is a great resource to find new trails and reading reviews. The paid subscription allows you to download offline maps.
If you are going to a remote area to hike this fall, it’s a good idea to let someone know where you are headed and for how long you will be gone. Accidents can happen while you’re out and letting someone know your whereabouts can save your life in an emergency. 
6. Pack Your MobilDri
Rain and perspiration are bound to happen in the fall when hiking. Don’t let wet gear ruin your day. Pack your MobilDri portable dryer in your truck or car so you have it with you when you need it most using the included VersaDri kit bag. The MobilDri is the best portable dryer solution on the market.
The MobilDri base unit fits into your cup holder or can attach to any metal surface with its powerful built-in magnet or built-in hang tab. This portable boot dryer easily dries out your shoes as quickly as 15 minutes depending on the material and moisture level. MobilDri also comes with attachments to dry your wet gloves and hat on the go, too. The MobilDri portable boot and glove dryer plugs into the 12 volt AUX outlet or cigarette lighter in your vehicle so you can dry your gear anywhere you are.
The 12 volt boot dryer has two settings: Fan Only Mode and Heat Mode. Use the Heat Mode for the most efficient drying and warm comfort. Use Fan Only Mode for drying using less energy. Heat Mode is perfect for chilly hikes to warm up your gear before you put it on or use it to quickly dry gear after you go out.
Bacteria that cause bad smells can start to grow immediately after your gear gets wet so don’t wait. By using the MobilDri before you get home, you can help prevent mold and other foul-smelling odors in your outdoor gear from forming. Avoid stinky gear this fall! Make sure to take advantage of the great fall season with its mild temperatures and colorful foliage displays. These 6 tips should ensure that you enjoy your hike!
Check out VersaDri to purchase your portable boot and glove dryer for your next adventure!
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