Summer has been fun, but I’m ready for the season where being outside doesn’t feel like a race against temperature. 

Here’s what I’m looking forward to this fall! 

Fall Hikes  

Cooler temps, changing leaves, and overgrown trails finally starting to recede for the season.

There are A LOT of trails that I really enjoy and plenty of new ones that I have been adding to my list, but they just haven’t been as accessible during the summer.

I’ve talked before about checking recent hiking reviews to get an idea of trail conditions, overgrowth, and high tick reports. In the fall, that’s not quite as much of a concern. 

Am I still checking reviews? Absolutely. 

But the question I’m asking changes from  “Would this trail be miserable to do today?” to “Is there anything preventing me from doing the trail today?” 

Things like downed trees, washed out trails from rain, or just general closures.

And, yeah, that’s a nice change. 

Cool-weather Camping 

Campfires, cozy mornings, and not waking up wondering why you have the same scenic tastes as ticks and mosquitoes. 

Fall camping is one of those things that makes all the hot summer camping days worth it.

In Missouri, most of the state parks shut off their water facilities, like bathrooms and shower houses, from November to May. While privately owned campsites might have different schedules, there are a few state parks that offer these facilities year-round albeit in a very limited capacity:

• Table Rock State Park
• Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
• Echo Bluff State Park
• Bennett Springs State Park

And yes, I’m still going to complain about vault toilets.

Adventures with Dutch 

One of the best parts of fall is being able to take Dutch along without worrying quite so much about the heat and ticks.

This is the season where we start to transition back to “dog-friendly” actually meaning it’s a dog-friendly activity and not:

“Dog-friendly, BUT…”

Too hot.

No dogs on the beach.

The trail is overgrown.

Fall just opens up a lot more possibilities for us to get outside together in a way that is safe and enjoyable.

The Little Adventures

Those little outdoor days that aren’t really adventures. 

A short trail.

A creek walk.

A pretty overlook. 

A picnic without a million bugs.

And, of course, fall brings plenty of opportunities that don’t involve hiking at all: pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and a warm cup of apple cider afterward.

Because enjoying the outdoors during the fall can look like a million different moments.

Not every outing needs to be a big adventure to be worth getting outside.

Pack It Up

I have a few different fall trips planned that I can’t wait to share with you. This fall, I’m looking forward to having a little more time outside, finding a few new places, revisiting some old favorites, and seeing where the season takes us.

~ Mo