Fall Trail Riding Tips Great Weather & Beautiful Colors Make for an Exciting Adventure

Fall Trail Riding Tips:

Great Weather & Beautiful Colors Make for an Exciting Adventure

Written By: Shya Beth

Autumn is one of the best times for riding - fresh, cool weather is a welcome reprieve from the searing summer heat, and spectacular fall foliage is on full display. While some areas of the United States have had quite a drought this summer, which has a major effect on the vibrancy of the tree’ leaves, each region has its own unique locations and colors. Here’s how to plan your ride safely and have a fun time, whether you’re taking an overnight stay, a weekend trip or riding with students at your local state forest.

Planning for Color

If spending time with horses and nature is one of your favorite things, then autumn most likely is one of your favorites. To take full advantage of one of the most colorful times of the year, find out when the leaves are expected to change color where you are planning to ride. Weather, latitude, type of trees, and elevation all play a part in the level of vibrancy.

The most colorful deciduous trees are maple, poplar, birch, aspen, and oak, so make sure to look for areas where their trees grow in large numbers so that you can see the best color selection. The colorful leaf change only happens for about two weeks

during the fall weather, and it can be even shorter depending on stormy weather.

Depending on where you reside in the States, you’ll get to see the explosion of color at a different time than others. Remember, the higher the latitude, the earlier fall leaves change color. For example, in New England and the northern regions of the Midwest, the leaves will generally be at their peak color in mid to late September, sometimes even early October, depending on the weather. While in the central Midwest and Northeast, the middle of October is known for its vibrant leaf hues. The timeframe is usually somewhat the same In the mountains of the West and Southwest, but it’s even later in the South and Southeast, as the best colors appear in late October or early November.

A Guide to Fall Color of the USA

Northeast Region: The fall air is crisp and cool, perfect riding weather. The entire northeast is known for producing some of the best and brightest fall colors, so if you are located there or planning a fall riding trip, you are in luck. Depending on the location within this region, you’ll often see the brightest colors in late September/October, and with large forests with many types of trees but mainly oaks and maples, you’ll have a visual feast waiting for you.

Pacific Region: With a large part of the Pacific Region known for being deserts, they are also home to some of the biggest and most colorful mountains in the country. In California, for example, you have the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range that is over 400 miles long and has countless trails. Although Oregon and Washington are known for the vast amount of evergreens, there are huge swaths of fall colors. They are known for vast mountains with trails that have a vibrant show of fall colors along with vines and other bushes that burst in deep shades of red, orange, and yellow and the dark green.

Southwest Region: With an arid and desert terrain, the southwest has a unique variation of desert sands and a mix of oranges, yellows and reds when it comes to fall leaves. States like Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona are home to some of the brightest in the region, and make for some of the most stunning trail riding destinations.

Last, but not least, make sure to take your time and soak in the color and beauty of the natural world from horseback

Rocky Mountain Region: The Rockies have a huge collection of trees, namely Aspen, which put on some of the biggest and brights color shows. From deep red to brighter oranges, yellows and sometimes even the rare pink alongside massive mountain peaks. The Rockies stretch several states, so you could see meadows filled with fall flowers and babbling brooks or mountain scenery rich with fall colors.

Midwest Region: Known as the heartland of America, the forests come alive in late September/October, offering spectacular views of maples, aspen, oak, and tamarack that turn a variety of red, yellow, and orange. Fan favorite trails are location in Chequamegon and Nicolet of Wisconsin, and the Shawnee in Illinois.

Southeast Region: The south does not come up short when it comes to competition of color. West Virginia is a magnet for scenic views, and both North and South Carolina are both colorful and are home to large equestrian communities.

Safety For Fall Riding

While riding safety and trail-riding etiquette is important all year-long, there are some important things to keep in mind for fall riding. Some parks or forests do allow hunting on the trails and park lands, and a good tip is to wear bright or reflective clothing while riding so other park users are aware of your presence and do not mistake your horse’s noises for a deer or other animals.

Additionally, you’ll most likely be sharing the trails with other park or forest users, like mountain bikers, backpackers or runners, which can be a good learning experience for your horse. Other trail users often recognize that they must step off the trail or stop to allow equestrians to pass. Be sure to ask mountain bikers to stop or walk their bikes past, and if your horse seems nervous with dogs, ask if their owners would stop and move off the trail if possible to allow you and your horse to pass.

Depending on the length of your ride, consider what tack to use. If you are planning to bring lunch, raincoat, treats for your horse or other gear in saddlebags, make sure your horse is accustomed to the feeling of carrying things ahead of time, so you can have a stress-free ride.

Last, but not least, make sure to take your time and soak in the color and beauty of the natural world from horseback - it’s the best place to view the world from, for sure! Bring your phone or camera for a few memorable snaps, and enjoy the fall foliage from the saddle.