Exploring the beauty of Fall – Hiking Adventures in Autumn

Why Fall is the Perfect Time for a Hike

As summer fades and the air turns crisp, fall invites us to step outside and explore the changing landscape. Hiking in the autumn is a special treat, offering vibrant colors, cool temperatures, and peaceful trails that are perfect for a day out in nature.

Why Fall Foliage is a Must-See

One of the best parts of fall hiking is the stunning display of leaves. Trees transform into a colorful mix of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a beautiful backdrop for your hike. Each step feels like walking through a living painting, with the crunch of leaves underfoot and sunlight casting a warm glow through the trees.

Cooler Weather, Better Hikes

Fall’s cooler weather is perfect for hiking. Gone are the hot, sweaty days of summer, replaced by refreshing breezes that keep you comfortable on the trail. It’s the ideal time to tackle longer hikes without the need for heavy winter gear.

Spotting Wildlife

Fall is also a great time to see wildlife. Animals are busy preparing for winter, and you might spot squirrels gathering nuts, deer grazing, or birds migrating. Bring a camera and binoculars to capture these moments—you never know what you’ll find!

Enjoying Quieter Trails

With summer over and kids back in school, the trails are less crowded. This peacefulness lets you truly connect with nature, whether you’re hiking solo or with friends.

Tips for Fall Hiking

Before you head out, remember to dress in layers, as fall weather can be unpredictable. Start with a light base layer, add a warm middle layer, and finish with a windproof jacket. Also, pack a flashlight—daylight fades quickly in autumn.

Where to Go

• Island Lake to Beauty Lake is a gorgeous hike and fairly short and you pass several lakes. You still have gorgeous views of peaks as well even though you’re at the top of the pass.  And very little foot traffic, easy hike and 5 miles roundtrip.
• Glacier Lake (off of the Main Fork right outside of Red Lodge – as you go up the pass) is stunning and super busy all summer – but this would be a good time with all the kids back in school – it’s a steep 2 mile hike to a gorgeous lake – you’ll need to ford (it’s not very deep) across the mouth of the lake and follow the trail to EMERALD lake – it’s quite a TREAT and a surprise and NOBODY is back there. Literally it’s right around the corner from Glacier and the views are outstanding of the peaks.  (THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST ROMANTIC)
• Again, in the Red Lodge area – Timberline is my absolute favorite local hike – it’s 9 miles roundtrip and super steep at the beginning but then it winds through a gorgeous canyon and thanks to the Senia fires over 10 years ago – you can see all the way to the river. You’ll pass Gertrude lake at the very top and once you hit Timberline – you can’t believe the gorgeous cirque and massive lake. Views are amazing.
• If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful spots in the Beartooths, East Rosebud Valley is an absolute gem! I truly think it’s the most stunning valley in the entire range. But if you’re up for an adventure and want to escape the sea of cabins, I highly recommend hopping in the car and driving about an hour and a half to the top of Beartooth Pass. It’s a breathtaking experience, and with the short window we have each year to access it, it’s worth every minute.

Get Out There!

Fall is a magical time to explore the outdoors. The beautiful colors, cool weather, and quiet trails make it a season worth celebrating. So grab your hiking boots, head out on the trail, and soak in all the beauty that autumn has to offer!