Tag: autumn

Tackle rainy trails in these fall hiking boots for the whole family

Don’t let rain scare you off the hiking trails this fall.

When the rain starts falling, thoughts usually turn to jackets and ponchos. But water dripping from above inevitably means mud accumulating below. Wet and muddy terrain can quickly ruin a fall hike. Slipping and falling on trails, walking in drenched and nasty socks — who needs all that? Smart hikers think ahead and prepare by bringing quality hiking boots. Find the best shoes for you with these reliable options. Handle tricky trails and wet weather with these picks that are sure to keep you happy and your socks dry. Because a dry and cozy hiker is a happy hiker. Remember to pack your favorite waterproof rain jacket, too.

Find the best layers for fall hiking to stay cozy this autumn

Prepare for sweater weather season.

As all hikers know, a beautiful fall morning walk usually starts just a little chilly. But by the time you get to the top of that first big hill, you’re burning up. It takes some planning to maintain a comfortable temperature on an autumn hike. The secret to a safe and happy trek through the woods? Layers light enough to stuff in your backpack or tie around your waist. Subtract them as the day heats up, then add them back as the sun sinks. Here are some of the best layers for fall hiking to keep you cozy and fashionable but not too hot.

Fall camping destinations with dreamy views of nature

Enjoy the most scenic autumn campgrounds.

Want to break out your camping gear before the weather turns cold? Fall might be your last chance to enjoy a trip outdoors this year, so make sure to plan ahead. As autumn ushers in cooler temperatures and stunning scenery, outdoors enthusiasts will be searching for the best fall camping destinations. Before choosing a camping site, consider what you want out of your trip. Are you looking for a weekend full of serene nature-gazing? Or would you prefer to spend your day on an adventurous hike? Pick campgrounds that cater to your interests and offer the best seasonal views. If you need some inspiration, check out these seven lovely locations.

This fall foliage map will help you catch the best autumn color

You’ll love this unbe-leaf-ably helpful tool.

Across the United States, fall enthusiasts are planning their leaf-peeping trips. October has arrived, and the race is on to soak up the autumn scenery before winter begins. Up north, many people are already enjoying the season’s most vibrant colors. Meanwhile, the Southeast will have to wait until late October or early November for peak autumnal scenery. If you’ve been wondering when your neck of the woods can expect to see some fall color, check out the 2022 fall foliage map from SmokyMountains.com. This helpful tool features a slider that users can adjust to see when each region of the contiguous U.S. will reach peak color.

A landscape of red, yellow, orange, and green trees.

For ambitious leaf-peepers who want to scope out fall leaves all over the country, this map is an indispensable tool. Another cool part of this resource? You can contribute to it. By submitting a fall foliage report when autumn color graces your neighborhood, you can help make the map more accurate. The short form asks basic questions about what area you’re in, if the leaves there have begun changing color, and how brilliant the colors are.

A forest of think pale trees with orange leaves.

Curious minds can peruse SmokyMountains.com for more information on why leaves change color in the fall. The map and page are also great resources for teachers seeking seasonal lesson plan ideas. Kids in the classroom will love the site’s free print-out autumn coloring book, too.

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See why Vermont has the country’s most gorgeous fall foliage

Fall in love with the colorful leaves.

Now that the Autumn Equinox has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s time to embrace the oncoming fall foliage. As vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges begin gracing trees across the United States, dedicated leaf-peepers will start traveling to find the country’s best autumn leaves. While many states enjoy spectacular fall scenery, one state in particular is known for its out-of-this-world seasonal landscapes. Vermont, that charming little East Coast state between New York and New Hampshire, earns its popularity as a top leaf-peeping spot by offering incomparable views. While countless online travel guides celebrate Vermont’s fall foliage, people who have never visited the state may wonder what all the excitement is about. Wonder no more with this gallery that shows off some of Vermont’s most dazzling fall color.

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Try these fall outdoor activities for peak autumn vibes

Orange you glad fall is on the way?

Now that the hottest days of summer have passed, it’s time to break out the sweaters and get outside for fall. As colorful foliage and cool temperatures settle in, outdoor adventurers can enjoy the gorgeous scenery only available during autumn. Still, with so many options for outdoor activities, it can be hard to choose what to prioritize this season. While it’s a great time of year to enjoy a variety of hobbies, these five fun fall activities will make your autumn picture perfect. Before the season’s official start arrives, make plans to try everything from apple-picking to leaf-peeping. Here are a few great ways to get outdoors and celebrate fall. 

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Fall vacation spots with the most scenic views of nature

Get ready to fall into the autumnal scenery.

As the sunny days of summer come to a close, fans of sweater weather can look forward to colorful autumn leaves sweeping across the United States. While there’s no place like home for the holidays, a well-planned trip can introduce you to stunning new landscapes this fall. Go on an outdoor adventure this autumn with a hike or hay bale ride through a new environment. Natural wonders all over the country are just waiting for visitors to explore their seasonal beauty. If you’re ready to embrace autumn and start planning a seasonal getaway, explore these outdoor vacation spots for some of the country’s best fall foliage.

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Stadium’s map shows why SEC is insistent on playing football this fall

Stadium released a map illustrating where FBS football will be played and will it will not, as well as the middle grounds of the division.

College football is currently in a state of disarray unseen in most of our lifetimes, with the novel coronavirus pandemic throwing a monkey wrench into the monolithic machine that is collegiate sports. This chaos is made evident in a visual representation of where Football Bowl Series schools will be playing their games put together recently by Brett McMurphy of Stadium.

On Thursday, the college football insider released his map that illustrates where FBS football will be played and where it will not, as well as the middle grounds of the division. The results are rather striking and in many ways completely unsurprising.

Note that the red states will not be having any FBS programs play in the fall, states in yellow have a mix of some playing, some not and the green states have all FBS programs playing in the fall.

At first glance, there is one particular characteristic of the displayed data that jumps off the map: the cohesion of the southern states in their commitment to playing college football this fall. With every state represented in the Southeastern Conference shaded in green, it is pretty clear why the league seems insistent upon playing out its schedule through the autumn months.

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