As summer slips away from the northern hemisphere, it seems like all the land puts on its greatest show. The autumn foliage may be the most captivating piece of natural scenery that mother nature provides. This season is “a second spring when every leaf is a flower,” as Albert Camus once phrased it. From crisp yellows and burnt oranges to the very deepest red and ochre, woodlands are suddenly crowned with a new majesty before the long sleep of winter.
The allure of fall leaves creates so many opportunities for quality time in the great outdoors. Not only can you bask in a landscape that looks as if it were painted by hand, but you can also discover physical and spiritual nourishment. Outdoor activities often associated with leaf-peeping, like hiking and biking, contribute to essential cardiovascular fitness. Plus, these can easily be made into spaces for social connection, which is vital for mental health.
Your presence of mind while enjoying the natural splendor, combined with some moderate physical exertion, acts as a kind of ecotherapy. This contributes to everything from lower blood pressure and reduced stress to positive self-esteem and decreased risk of depression. For these reasons, and for the simple wonder of pretty colors, autumn is the perfect time to plan some outdoor adventures.
How to make the most of leaf-peeping season
If you really want to take full advantage of this spectacular seasonal showcase, don’t leave things to chance. There are lots of helpful resources that can help you pinpoint where and when to spot the best leaves, like this map of the peak fall foliage in New England.
Keep in mind a few factors that determine the timing of peak foliage. As a general rule of thumb, areas in the north tend to experience fall earlier, with southern latitudes often lagging behind for a few weeks. But like any rule of thumb, there are exceptions here! Places at higher altitude, such as the mile high city of Denver, dip into autumn well before cities like New York that are more northern but lie at very minimal elevation.
Activities that naturally pair with fall foliage
Some people plan outings to do nothing more than look at the beautiful trees. But you may find it helpful to add another layer of motivation to your leaf-peeping itinerary. This way, you not only have a great excuse to get outdoors, but you also create a more enriching experience that combines natural wonder with physical fitness and the spirit of community.
For example, on Wednesday, October 4, you could go birdwatching in the Dan Ryan Woods with Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Group. This community of more than 30,000 members will be enveloped in fall foliage while a trained naturalist from the Forest Preserves of Cook County organization helps them discover migratory and residential birds.
For something more intentionally fall-focused, you could join Asheville Nature, Wisdom and Wellness Events for a harvest festival on Sunday, October 15. This Meetup group of nearly 150 members will participate in a traditional ceremony, giving thanks to the cycles of nature, and embracing its constant change. This event will take place at the Sacred Fire Council House, which will be abundantly decorated with natural gifts from the surrounding area.
For a truly life-affirming experience of autumn beyond the fall foliage, you could join Magic Hour Adventures for a sunrise hike in Valley Forge National Historic Park, just 20 miles outside of downtown Philadelphia. On Friday, October 20, this Meetup group of more than 400 members will witness a new dawn climb over the horizon and wash the hills in gold.
More ways to celebrate the passing season
Even if the leaves don’t change where you are, there are still plenty of meaningful autumn activities you can pursue, such as:
- Baking — You can fill your home with the aroma of fall without needing to be an expert baker. Check out this seasonal recipe for easy apple crisp with oat topping.
- Pumpkin carving — For lots of people, the first day of fall is the official start of Halloween season. Most grocery stores will have pumpkins even if they don’t grow in your area. And if you think pumpkin carving is only about jack-o-lanterns, think again! Here’s a list of 75 creative pumpkin carving designs.
- Plein air painting — Bring your creative eye to the outdoors and capture some of that magic. Even if the leaves don’t turn bright colors, you can still appreciate the changing of the sunlight and its effect on local scenery with a Meetup group like Dallas Art Circle.
Maintain your connection with nature throughout the year
The essence of fall is a sense of fleeting beauty—it always seems to go by too fast. Follow this guide to make the most of autumn while it lasts, then keep up the habit of planning outdoor activities all throughout the calendar year. You can even create your own Meetup group and invite others to appreciate each season’s majesty in different ways.
Last modified on September 19, 2023
