Late Fall Hiking Safety Tips

Posted by Jeff on Oct 9, 2015 @ 3:40 am in Hiking News | 0 comments | Last modified: October 8, 2015

As October gives way to November, winter begins to arrive in the high country. The fall color fades and the trees shed their leaves. The summits and peaks get their first serious dusting of snow, and dirt trails vanish under a white or leafy blanket.

As a result, hiking in the mountains changes. Backcountry exploration in late fall can present dangers that far exceed those of hiking in the summertime. Rain can quickly turn to white-out, snowy conditions – disorienting even for the most experienced of hikers.

Trails buried under snow can be difficult to follow. Ice can make the tread slippery. Steep side slopes covered in unstable snow are a recipe for a very nasty fall. And it gets dark early.

Despite the increased risks, hiking can be a pure joy in late fall. It’s easier to find solitude, which also increases your chances of glimpsing wildlife. The air is crisp and exhilarating. And with the trees bare, new views open up.

Still, hikers need to do plenty of advanced planning and take precautions before hitting the trail.

Here are some tips for safer backcountry exploration in late fall…