10 Fall Outdoor Activity Ideas for National Take a Hike Day

Cooler temperatures and changing autumn colors have many of us thinking about outdoor activity ideas for the fall season. After all, what's better than putting on your favorite hoodie, breathing in the crisp fall air, and hearing the sound of leaves crunching beneath your feet?

Since Tuesday, November 17th, is National Take a Hike Day, it's time to put on your walking shoes or hiking boots and get out to explore. If you need some new ideas for outdoor fall activities, this list can help you find some new happy trails to explore.

1. Hike to your favorite fishing spot. Bring along a portable travel fishing rod and take a stroll to a nearby lake or pond to catch a bluegill or bass. Summer isn't the only time to wet a line; fishing is one of the most popular outdoor fall activities for families.
2. Navigate your way through a fun corn maze. Make a trip to a classic corn maze. Check with local farms to find a maze near you, and then get ready for one of the ultimate family-friendly fall outdoor activities.
3. Go on a fall camping trip. Find a state park that has a few hiking trails, pitch a tent, and stay for a few days to take in the crisp fall weather and changing colors on an autumn hike.
4. Visit a local nature preserve and go on a guided trail walk. Outdoor recreational activities that teach you something new about local natural ecosystems will encourage you to have a deeper respect for conservation. Make a trip to a nearby nature preserve and find out if guided tours by a professional naturalist are offered. Make it an educational day by giving the whole family an opportunity to learn more about plant identification and ecology.
5. Plan an afternoon of apple picking. Stroll through an apple orchard for a fall day of apple picking. When thinking about fun things to do outside, remember that the best part of apple picking is that you'll be able to take home some fresh apples for fall recipes. BONUS!
6. Since autumn is sunflower season, make a trip to the nearest sunflower field. Wander through the yellow blooms while soaking in the fall sunshine. Not only is a walk through the sunflowers one of the best outdoor activities for fall, but it's also the ideal place to snap a few family photos.
7. Walk through your local farmer's market and pick up some of fall's freshest fruits and vegetables. Bring along a thermos of hot apple cider and sip while you stroll.
8. Go on an autumn nature scavenger hunt. Be sure to include acorns, pinecones, pumpkins, migrating birds, colored leaves, and squirrels.
9. Layer up and plan a night walk to watch the fall meteor showers. Stargazers and aspiring astronomers love outdoor activity ideas like this. Look for a country spot, away from the bright lights of the city, and keep your eyes open for meteor showers. The next period of Leonid meteor shower activity will peak on the nights of November 16-17th, 2020.
10. Stroll to a nearby pumpkin patch. Gather up the family and visit a local pumpkin farm to pick out the perfect Thanksgiving pumpkin. Have your favorite pumpkin pie recipe ready!

Now that you have plenty of outdoor activity ideas that fit right in with National Take a Hike Day, it's time to head outside and put yourself in motion.