Fall has finally arrived. And with it, the bugs are sent packing, the forestry’s color palette diversifies, and more. However, for all its beauty, fall also brings some difficulties for hikers. Terrain becomes slippery, ticks multiply, and more.

Hiking is still enjoyable in the fall, and it’s even more enjoyable due to the weather. That being said, here are some things you need to account for to hike safely in the fall.

Slippery Surfaces

One of the most significant risks while hiking is falling due to slippery surfaces. As leaves fall, they cover the ground, including all the roots, rocks, and surfaces. You can step on slippery surfaces or rocks, or get your foot caught in a root.

Typically, you can avoid this in other seasons, but since the hazards are covered up, you need to be extra diligent while hiking. Besides, the leaves may reduce the friction of the terrain, so the risk of slipping is even greater.

The best way to prevent slips is by using trekking poles, as they’ll give you a more stable base. You can also supplement hiking with other physical exercises, such as yoga and core work. These will improve your balance and strength, helping you avoid falls and recover quickly if you do fall.

Ticks

Mosquitos typically retire in the fall until spring, but ticks replace them. Adult ticks are active during October and November, and they can spread diseases like Lyme.

If you find a tick on you, remove it with a tweezer and keep it in a container to get it checked by a medical practitioner. There’s plenty you can do to avoid ticks, like avoiding overgrown areas, using insect repellant, and treating your clothes with permethrin.

Weather

Fall weather can be unpredictable. For instance, it brings omens of winter, but what those omens are isn’t always predictable.

Typically, you can expect cool temperatures, but if you’re hiking in the fall, you may find yourself plodding through snow. Accordingly, you should pack some extra layers, shelter, and more. The snow and ice can make the terrain even more slippery, so take some boots with a good grip.

If you’re looking for a comfortable and lightweight backpack to store your hiking gear, get in touch with us at Light Hiking Gear. You can buy the best and most comfortable hiking daypacks from us, so visit our shop, and augment your hiking experience.