Fall walks or hikes

[TeenHelp]

Fall walks or hikes

By Emmie (Golfing girl)

The benefits of going outside for a walk are well known, but when it starts to get colder it can be hard to find the motivation when you can stay huddled up indoors. So what are fall walks and hikes? Have you ever tried to go on them before? You can try doing this with your friends or family members and if you have pets you can bring them along with you too. You will all have so much fun together and you will see such beautiful scenery. If you do not have anyone to come along with you, that's okay, you can always have fun doing a solo walk.

The difference between going for walks and hikes is: going for walks can be anywhere that is near you, such as in a park or by a restaurant, while going for hikes is usually longer and you are in the woods with wildlife and it can be more calming because you have fewer people around. You can go at any time of day but if you go in the morning you will be able to see and hear wildlife on your hikes and it's amazing, because you will be able to hear birds singing and that's when deer, rabbits, squirrels and many other animals are moving around. You can take pictures of them if you want to, just make sure your flash is turned off and you have to be very quiet so that you don't scare the animals. You can also see how the trees are changing and you can collect leaves, pinecones and other things to make a fun project when you get back home. In some national parks you are not allowed to take something from them, just make sure you read the rules before you go in.

What to wear?

Wear some warm clothes, you can wear just leggings or jeans over leggings, a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt and a hoodie, along with tennis shoes or boots or comfortable shoes that are good for hiking. You can wear a hat and gloves if you need to.

What to bring?

• You can bring water or something hot to drink with you. (Hot chocolate, tea, coffee, apple cider or something else that you enjoy to drink.)
• Snacks or lunch if you're outside for a long time.
• Portable battery to charge your phone.
• A bag or bucket for the items you collect.

What to look for?

• Look at all the trees changing colors and soak in the beauty of nature around you.
• Collect some leaves, pinecones, chestnuts, berries or whatever you can find.
• Learn about the plants you find. You can download a plant identifying app in advance.
• See how many animals you can spot and take pictures of them.

Most importantly, have fun walking together with someone that you enjoy being with or if you are by yourself. Take your time walking around on your hike or walk and it is always a good idea to check the weather beforehand to see what it is going to be like outside. Some people do not like to get caught in the rain, snow, etc. Sometimes this can make your hike or walk more interesting.

When you get home you can all sort your leaves and other items in different piles of colors and you can make something pretty together, such as a wreath or other decorations.

If you live in the southern hemisphere and are just coming out of winter, you can go for a walk or hike to see the changing colors of spring. Seeing new life is just as rewarding!