Getaways

Catch Colorful Fall Foliage

Hitch up, and enjoy stunning fall colors from the back of your horse.

By Audrey Pavia

PHOTO BY CLIXPHOTO.COM Riding through the crisp fall air surrounded by the reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn foliage is one of the most glorious experiences you can have on horseback.

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Riding through the crisp fall air surrounded by the reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn foliage is one of the most glorious experiences you can have on horseback. Use our guide to enhance your leaf-peeping treks.

Know Your Leaves

For the best experience riding in fall color, do your homework. Leaves turn color at different times, depending on the latitude and elevation. Tree type determines color variations and peak times.

The phenomenon of fall foliage happens only in deciduous trees, which are trees that lose their leaves in order to survive the winter. Evergreen trees—such as pines, spruces, cedars and firs—retain their leaves. (The mixture of evergreens and warm fall foliage can be stunning.)

To catch colorful fall foliage, find an area where deciduous trees grow in large numbers. And the trees must be of a species where the leaves turn yellow, orange, or red before they drop off, instead of just turning brown. The duration of time between when a leaf turns color and when it drops off the tree is relatively brief. Most trees don’t hold their colorful leaves for more than two weeks, at the most.

Peak-color dates depend upon several factors, including the current temperature, and the previous seasons’ weather patterns. A warm, wet spring; a moderate summer; and a fall with warm, sunny days and cool nights make for the best fall colors. Drought can seriously affect the colors’ timing and vibrancy. A general rule: The higher the latitude, the earlier fall leaves change color.

In New England and the upper Midwest, the leaves are typically at their peak color in middle to late September, or early October, depending on the weather. In the central Midwest and Northeast, the middle of October usually shows

the best colors. In the South and Southeast, the best colors in early November. In the mountains of the West, peak color is typically in September and October.

Consider the Weather

With fall colors comes autumn weather. While clear, crisp weather is ideal weather for a fall ride, you may experience other weather scenarios. Some of the more popular riding destinations for seeing fall foliage offer unpredictable weather. In the fall, New England is typically 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. While most fall days are pleasant and sunny, some New England fall seasons are also wet and chilly. The South A general rule for catching peak color: The higher the latitude, the earlier fall leaves and Southeast change color. In the mountains of the West (shown), September and October offer are usually very the most vivid colors. comfortable during fall-foliage season, with dry, sunny days and temperatures in the 60s. However, hurricane season extends into late fall. A hurricane is dangerous and can tear leaves right off trees. In the Rocky Mountains and the upper Midwest, fall weather can be glorious. Cool, crisp air is a mainstay, but this time of year also brings snowstorms and freezing temperatures.

PHOTO BY KENT AND CHARLENE KRONE

Staying close to home is convenient, but it might not feel like much of an adventure.

PHOTO BY CLIXPHOTO.COM Going on a road trip takes planning, but offers you an opportunity to ride on new trails and view spectacular fall colors.

Fall trails can be a real joy. But fall can also bring seasonal trail hazards, including frost, slippery leaves, deep puddles, and thick mud. You can choose to leaf-peep close to home, or you can plan a longer road trip. Here are a few pros and cons of each choice. Close to home. The easiest way to see the colors of autumn on horseback is to go on a day or overnight ride close to home. If you live in an area where deciduous trees turn colors and drop their leaves in the fall, you just need to find a private facility or public land that allows horses and plan your trip.

On the plus side, you won’t need to take time off from work, you’ll save money on fuel, and you can plan your ride around your horse’s condition. You can also closely watch fall-foliage reports and trailer out on a day you know the colors will be at their peak.

Of course, the con of staying close to home is that you’ll probably be seeing the same trees in your own neighborhood. It may not feel like much of an adventure. Road trip. If you’re looking to view fall foliage you’ve never seen before, a trip farther from home is in order. Opting to take your own horse means considerable planning. Book accommodations for you and your horse well in advance of your trip. Check the rules and regulations for your chosen destination. Make sure your horse is in condition for the type of riding you’ll be doing.

While all this requires planning—along with plenty of driving—the rewards are great. You’ll have an opportunity to ride on new trails and view spectacular fall colors.

If you’d rather leave your equine friend at home, consider a riding vacation instead. A variety of resorts, ranches, and outfitters are available in areas known for beautiful fall foliage, and will provide you with a mount well-suited to the terrain.

Fall Trip Tips

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you embark on a fall-foliage riding tour. Invest in fall riding wear. Fall weather can vacillate from warm to chilly, or dry to wet, depending on where you are and the time of day. Dress in layers. Tie a duster or rain slicker on your saddle’s cantle for sudden downpours. Prepare your horse. Fall is a great time to ride, because the air is cool, making trail trekking easy on your horse. If the summer heat has kept you from riding much, slowly build up your horse’s condition over a few weeks >>

PHOTO BY CLIXPHOTO.COM Cool, fall days are perfect for trailering, but check road conditions before you leave.

before you take him on a long fall ride. Pack your saddlebag. Carry a rain cover for your helmet, a jacket, gloves, lip balm, and sunscreen. Invest in a waterproof cover for your cellphone so it doesn’t get wet in fall rains and mists. Also pack a small thermos filled with a warm beverage. Trailer safely. Cool, fall days are perfect for trailering, but check road conditions before you leave; fall hailstorms and snowstorms aren’t uncommon in certain parts of the country. At your destination, park your trailer in a dry area so your horse doesn’t slip during unloading and loading. Watch for trail hazards. Trails in the fall can be a real joy. But fall can also bring seasonal trail hazards, including frost, slippery leaves, deep puddles, and thick mud. If it’s been raining, bridges can be wet and even icy, making it hard for your horse to keep his footing. Be aware of trail conditions, and ride slowly over slick terrain. Watch for wildlife. Fall can be a busy time for wildlife. Autumn is mating season for deer, moose, and elk; males can be more aggressive than usual. If you come across one of these animals on the trail, keep your distance. Bears are also more active in the fall as they prepare for winter hibernation in colder areas. Don’t let bears or any wildlife feel cornered. Most wild animals will run away from a horse unless they feel like they can’t get away. Watch for hunting hazards. Fall is hunting season in many areas of the country. Avoid riding in areas that are popular hunting spots. If you do ride where hunting is allowed, wear a bright-orange vest, and apply bright-orange wraps to your horse’s head and legs. Avoid white tack, clothing, or gloves; a hunter may mistake a flash of white for a deer’s tail. USR

Audrey Pavia is an award-winning equine journalist and competitive trail rider based in Norco, California. She’s the author of Trail Riding: A Complete Guide.

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