Hiking in the Fall is Nourishment for the Body, Mind and Spirit
Fall is a great time to get into shape, with cooler temperatures and a kaleidoscope of colour combining to make your re-introduction back to nature - compelling. Eastern Canada is known for the most beautiful autumns in the country, if not the world. With the first frost shocking the leaves into brilliant shades of autumn splendor, your fall hike could be over a virtual carpet of sun drenched nature at her best. Every season is beautiful, yet hiking a forest trail in the fall is like climbing through a rainbow. Bringing a camera on your fall hike is a must, even if it’s just a phone camera, which these days can take excellent photos. If your body won’t let you run without pain and the gym is not so appealing anymore, hiking is the perfect transition sport for you. It’s walking - but over hill and over dale - and comes in many levels, from an easy stroll to reaching for tree roots to pull you up to the top of a cliff.
If you haven't hiked before or it has been a while, visualize yourself close to nature, surrounded by trees, breathing in fresh air and hearing the crunching of leaves beneath your feet, the soothing rhythm of a running stream nearby. While you’re absorbing all of that for your personal archives, you’ll be getting a pretty decent workout in the process.
Hiking is the secret ingredient for wellness of the mind and body. There are many hiking destinations to choose from where you live but here are some hiking places to explore in the Eastern Townships, which in the fall is as beautiful a destination as you’re likely to find.
According to the Eastern Townships website on events and activities, here are a couple of hiking trails for all levels of abilities:
MONT-MÉGANTIC NATIONAL PARK:
There is 25 km of multi-use trails and the 17 km of hiking trails give you access to exceptional views of the peaks of Mount Megantic (1105 m) and Mount St. Joseph (1065 m).
MONT-ORFORD NATIONAL PARK:
The hike is without doubt the best way to discover Mont-orford National Park. This is the perfect opportunity to access many of the most spectacular views in the Eastern Townships. The park is home to, among others, white-tailed deer and great blue herons, observable in their natural habitat. It also has a great diversity of amphibian and reptile species. In the fall, sugar maples offer a colorful spectacle to hikers. In the winter, the park becomes a must for crosscountry skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts.
All four of the region’s national parks, (Mont Orford, Mont Mégantic, Frontenac and Yamaska) have beginner-friendly trails.
Here are my top five hiking tips:
1. Before hiking, invest in proper gear, especially shoes – to protect you from slipping on challenging terrain. Invest in clothing made from breathable, sweatwicking fabrics. Be prepared for changes in temperature by bringing an extra layer of clothing. Wear a hat to protect you from the sun and to shield you from ticks.
2. Start at beginner level if you have gone a long time between hikes. Work your fitness level gradually to the intermediate level. Each trail is marked for level of intensity from beginner to advance. A bad situation could develop if you are too exhausted to continue before the end of your hike.
3. Preparation is the key - plan how long the hike will take and check for weather conditions before heading out.
4. Bring enough water and snacks to fuel your body. Eat a protein bar before and during your hike for replenished energy.
5. Break time - depending on how long the hike it is a good idea to stop for a rest. It’s your opportunity to capture the moment on film.
Fall can inspire you to restart a fitness program or to at least spend quality time outdoors with family and friends. For safety reasons tell your loved ones where you are going and leave details. Then imagine yourself leaping into a beautiful setting, as if in an oil painting - only better. www.runwithit.ca
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