Fall is in full swing! And since it is, it's probably high time for a Netflix marathon with a cup of warm tea, right? Oh no, no! We have a better idea for you! How about autumn in the mountains? Forget about crowded trails and hot hikes – for many, this is when the mountains show their best face. Don't believe me? Find out why you should pack your backpack and hit the trail in the fall. We promise – it will be an adventure you won't forget! And when you get back? A movie screening will be the perfect reward!
Autumn in the mountains? It's simply an explosion of colors! Imagine a trail where with every step you discover new shades of gold, red and brown. But be warned! If you like taking pictures, we have to warn you - it can be hard to decide what to actually photograph. Every bend in the path, every clearing is a potential place for really great photos. And the best part? These colors change from day to day, so each trip can look completely different. It's a bit like watching nature get ready for a winter nap, except in the mountains it does it with a real bang!
The mountains in autumn are a great place for active recreation. The temperatures are pleasant, so you can hike without worrying about overheating. The fresh air gives you energy, and the lack of summer heat makes even the most difficult trails more pleasant. This is a good time to conquer a peak you've always dreamed of or discover new, beautiful routes. And if you go hiking at dawn, you'll have the opportunity to see mists rising over the valleys, which give the area a unique character.
Autumn is a time when the summer crowds of tourists have already disappeared, and winter sports enthusiasts have not yet arrived. The mountains become calm and quiet, which is hard to find at other times of the year. It is a great time to enjoy nature, listen to the sound of the wind and the rustle of leaves underfoot. Joint hikes with family or friends have an absolutely unique charm then.
What's more, less traffic on the trails means easier access to shelters and accommodation. In autumn, you are more likely to spontaneously plan a trip to enjoy the mountains without the crowds and queues for tea at the shelter.
Although admiring autumn views in the mountains is one of the arguments that speaks most for setting off on the trail, it is worth remembering that hiking in the mountains in autumn is also a great opportunity to test your abilities and overcome your own limitations. Moderate temperatures are conducive to longer and more demanding routes. For example, you can take on the challenge of a multi-day trekking, which you have been thinking about for a long time. The satisfaction of conquering a difficult route or conquering a demanding peak tastes especially good in autumn. Or maybe it is time to learn to climb under the watchful eye of professionals or go to less crowded, cycling routes?
A trip to the mountains in autumn is a great way to prepare for the coming winter. Just think – instead of sitting at home and complaining about the shorter days, you can treat yourself to a solid dose of fresh air. And that mountain air? It can work wonders! And the best thing is that you absolutely don't have to plan intensive trekking (unless you really want to). Even a few hours of walking in the autumn mountain scenery can put you in a good mood. You can also spend hours gazing at view from the window of a rented house and no one will tell you that you are wasting your time. Autumn mountains are the perfect place to just slow down.
Do you think that autumn in the mountains is only about hiking and admiring the views? How about a little hunt... for mushrooms? Just remember - in national parks and reserves, mushrooms are untouchable, so give up mushroom picking there. But don't worry, you don't have to give it up completely! The surroundings of the mountains, such as the Śnieżnik Massif, are a real a paradise for mushroom pickers. There are plenty of forests at the foot of the mountains. There you can easily look for bay boletes, butter mushrooms, and if you're lucky, you might even come across the king of mushrooms - the boletus. Remember the basic safety rules: take your phone with you, inform someone about your plans to go to the forest, and most importantly - only pick mushrooms that you are sure are edible.
So how? Have we convinced you? You don't have to be an experienced trekker or an expert on mountain trails. Just pack a backpack, throw in a warm sweater (because the evenings can be chilly), a camera (because the views will be spectacular) and hit the road.
Without a doubt autumn in the mountains has something magical about it – colorful leaves, crisp air, peace on the trails. It’s the perfect time to catch your breath before winter, recharge your batteries, take a picture of a lifetime, or even find your new favorite place on Earth.
