10 Fall Hiking Tips for 2023
Would you like some fall hiking tips to start out within 2023?
Make this fall’s hiking season a good one with some hiking tips aimed to help you better enjoy your outdoor experience.
Fall Hiking Tips for 2034
Here are 10 Fall Hiking Tips for Fall 2023:
1: Start hiking on easier trails and gradually hike harder trails. Your first hikes should be easy and short. As you get better, you can hike on longer and harder trails. Enjoy a better hiking experience by gradually tackling the harder conditions.
2: Consider weather conditions and seasonal impacts when choosing a hiking trail. For example, don’t hike on a trail that is prone to flooding during the wetter fall season. Always pay attention to the weather so that you know how to dress and prepare for your upcoming outdoor adventure.
3: Wear comfortable hiking footwear and clothing. Fall means the weather is cooler and might even be cold in the mornings and evenings. Make sure you wear warm socks made for hiking. Wear water-resistant hiking boots. Wear comfortable outdoor clothing that will keep you warm and dry.
4: If you buy new boots or shoes for hiking, break them in on shorter trails before you take them on longer ones. Using them on longer and more rugged trails might result in blisters and pain from the footwear that hasn’t been broken in properly.
5: If you have issues with balancing, especially when crossing creeks or getting on rocky and uneven terrain, you might want to invest in some trekking poles. You might even consider getting a hiking stick. Either or, they’re designed to help keep you on the trail and off the ground.
6: Pack a layer’s kit. A layer’s kit is extra clothing you may need in the event of an emergency, such as extremely cold weather, or if you get your clothing soaking wet and it’s dangerously cold outside. I keep my layer’s kit lightweight by packing insulated running tights, an insulated running shirt, a beanie, and a pair of wool socks.
7: Hike at your own pace. Some hikers hike quickly. Some hikers hike very slowly. Some might be in between. It’s best to find your perfect pace and hike it. This might mean that you don’t fit well in a hiking group, or maybe you need to find other hikers that match your speed.
8: Water and snacks are important. The main weight in your backpack should be water. Bring enough water and snacks to be able to survive for multiple days if you have to. You don’t want to get into a situation where you run out of food and water.
9: Pace yourself and take a break as needed. Don’t feel like you need to get in a race when hiking. If you pace yourself and take a break every now and then, you’ll lose less energy during your hiking trip. If you rush it and don’t stop to smell the flowers, you might wear down easily.
10: Bring the right hiking gear. Having gear means you’re prepared for anything to happen while on the trail. Not having gear means you won’t be able to properly handle things when they happen. Most injuries and incidents happen to hikers who are not prepared or don’t have the right gear.
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Shawn Gossman
Founder, Hiking with Shawn
Howdy folks! My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. I’m an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and never want to leave. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman