Simple fall hiking tips to keep your family warm and safe

Many families hang up their hiking boots at the end of summer. School, pumpkin spice, and rainy weather keep them from getting out in nature. This is a shame. Fall is one of the best times of year to get outside. Crisp mornings, colorful trees, and fewer bugs make hiking extra enjoyable. But cooler temperatures and shorter days can catch families off guard if you’re not prepared. Our fall hiking tips will help you and your family stay warm, safe, and ready for adventure.

Key Takeaways:

• Check the forecast and recent trail reports before you go.
• Dress in layers and choose wool or synthetics over cotton.
• Keep feet warm and dry with waterproof boots and wool socks.
• Pack the essentials: navigation, first aid, food, water, and a headlamp for each hiker.
• Know your pace, share your plan, and aim to be back before sunset.
• Stay alert to fall hazards like slippery leaves, early ice, hunters, and active wildlife.
• Make kid and pet comfort a priority with extra layers, snacks, and water.
• You can get more fall hiking safety tips here.

Enjoy the Beauty of Fall on Your Hikes

Fall brings vibrant colors, crisp air, and active wildlife. Slow down for photos, listen for migrating birds, and watch for deer and small mammals stocking up for winter. Stay on established trails to protect soft, leaf-covered ground and to avoid hidden roots and holes.

The beauty of fall extends beyond the visual spectacle. Breathe in the crisp, cool air and immerse yourself in the symphony of sounds that nature provides. The crunch of leaves beneath your feet and the gentle rustling of the wind through the trees create a melodic soundtrack to your hiking adventure.

Watch the weather And Be prepared for changing trail conditions

In the fall the weather can be unpredictable and it tends to change faster than it does in the summer. Check the weather forecast before you head out, and keep an eye out for changing conditions. Don’t hesitate to cut your hike short if the weather starts getting rough. Being caught out in bad weather isn’t any fun, and can get dangerous as well. Also check the the trail conditions and recent weather patterns. This can help you anticipate any potential hazards or challenges you may encounter along the way.

• Slippery Trails: Wet leaves can hide rocks and roots. Wear footwear with good traction, take shorter steps on descents, and consider trekking poles for stability.
• Icy Conditions: Early mornings and shaded areas can hold frost or thin ice. If you expect ice, bring traction aids and move carefully. Skip icy routes if you are not equipped or confident.
• Other Potential Hazards: Watch for windfall on the trail, higher water at crossings, and areas where leaf cover hides the tread. Stay on marked routes and confirm your location at key junctions.
• Plan for shorter days: Autumn means fewer daylight hours. Start earlier than you would in summer, know local sunset time, and build in a buffer for breaks and photo stops. Carry a headlamp for every hiker, not just one per group, so you are covered if plans change.
• Hiking with kids and dogs in fall: Kids cool down faster, so pack extra layers, gloves, and warm hats. Break the hike into snack stops with high-energy foods to keep spirits up. For dogs, consider a lightweight jacket and booties on wet or cold days. Bring more water than you think you need for both kids and pets.
• Be aware of hunters: If you hike where hunting is allowed, wear blaze orange and keep dogs visible. Stick to open trails and make your presence obvious with voices or a small bell.
• Be extra aware of bears: Bears are active in fall as they feed up for winter. Make noise in brushy areas, watch for fresh sign, and carry bear spray where appropriate. Give wildlife space. You might want to check out our bear safety guid for hikers if you aren’t used to hiking around bears.

Pack the necessary gear and supplies

When going on a fall hike, it’s crucial to pack the necessary gear and supplies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Bring the Ten Essentials plus a few fall extras:

• Hiking boots or shoes that provide good traction and ankle support
• Appropriate clothing for the weather, including moisture-wicking layers, a warm jacket, and a hat
• Navigation tools such as a map, compass, or GPS device
• A first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic ointment, and pain relievers. See our article on creating a DIY Hiker’s First Aid Kit
• Food and water to keep you energized and hydrated throughout the hike. See our article on picking the right foods to take hiking
• Sunscreen and insect repellent to protect your skin from critters and the elements
• A whistle or signaling device in case of emergencies
• A headlamp or flashlight for visibility in low-light conditions. See our headlamp buyers guide.
• A multi-tool or knife for various purposes

Dressing For Fall Hiking

Probably the biggest challenge when hiking in the fall is staying warm and dry, without overheating.

Wool is better than cotton for cold weather

Wool is the best material to choose when dressing for colder weather. It’s a better natural insulator and will even keep you warm when it gets wet. Wool also dries out faster than cotton.

Dress in layers

I doubt you need us to tell you to dress in layers during the fall. We still will though. Whenever we go out hiking in the fall we make sure the kids wear at least three layers. Here’s a guide on how to dress in layers:

1. Base layer: Start with a wicking base layer made of materials such as merino wool or synthetic fibers. This will help keep moisture away from your skin and regulate your body temperature.
2. Insulating layer: Add an insulating layer, such as a fleece jacket or down vest, to provide warmth in cooler temperatures.
3. Outer layer: Finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to protect you from rain, snow, and wind. Look for jackets or shells with breathable fabrics to prevent overheating.

Bring extra socks

Taking an extra pair of socks is always a smart idea, but it’s especially important in the fall. Everyone should have at least one extra pair of warm wool socks. This way if your feet get wet you can swap them out.

Pack rain gear

The clothes you are already wearing should be good enough for light showers but you will want to be ready for more. Being miles from the car, soaking wet, and cold is awful so everyone should bring a waterproof poncho. Make sure to get one that will go over your pack and is a bright color (see earlier warning about hunters).

Adventure World Globotrekker Lightweight Backpack Poncho (Multiple Color Options Available)

Picking the right hiking hats for fall weather

Last time I counted there were like a billion hat styles to choose from. For that reason, I’m not able to tell you exactly which one to get. Instead, I’m going to tell you to take two hats. One should protect you from the sun and rain, and the other should protect you against the cold.

For cold weather protection, the choice is easy. Get your favorite beanie or knitted cap and put it in your pack. When it gets cold, you can put it on. Beanies are perfect for this because they aren’t heavy or bulky and everyone has a few already.

For sun and rain protection I recommend a sturdy waterproof shade/bucket hat. There are a lot of choices, so pick your favorite. Our family loves Tilly hats but they are a bit expensive. You can pick up a very high-quality hat for under 20 dollars so don’t feel like you have to invest a lot here.

Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat Tilley's best-selling broad brim AIRFLO hat sets the standard by which all other outdoor hats are measured. Constructed of lightweight, breathable Supplex nylon with a cooling 3/4" AIRFLO mesh band in the crown, this topper provides excellent sun protection, ventilation and moisture management - and may very well be the last hat you ever buy!

Picking the right boots

Comfort and fit come first. For fall, water-resistant or waterproof models help keep feet warm and dry. Try several pairs and choose the brand that fits your feet best.

Top Hiking Boot Companies

We said we wouldn’t recommend specific boots but these are our four favorite brands.

• Keen Footwear
• Timberland
• Danner Footwear
• Merrell

In Conclusion

Since moving to New Mexico we have learned how quickly conditions can change in the mountains during fall. Dress in layers, plan for less daylight, carry a headlamp for each hiker, and pack the essentials so you can handle slippery leaves, early ice, and surprise showers. With a little preparation, fall can be your family’s favorite season on the trail.

What to explore next

Your adventure doesn’t have to end here—explore more guides like this one in our Seasonal guides hub.

If You Found This Helpful, Please Share:

By Summer and Bill

Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.