Between cooler weather, incredible colors, and fewer crowds (and bugs!), fall is the perfect time of year to get outside and explore. The only catch? Shorter daylight hours鈥攅specially after daylight saving time鈥攃an make it harder to fit in big adventures.

But just because sunlight is in limited supply doesn鈥檛 mean you need to cancel your plans鈥攜ou just need to upgrade your kit with the right tools. In fact, exploring after dark can be one of the highlights of an overlanding trip if you have the right lights.

Adding to your adventure rig is a great way to get the best visibility after the sun sets. The company engineered its lights to be extra durable and have superior optical design. Its brightest light, the , puts out an astounding 19,440 lumens, which means you鈥檒l have no trouble lighting up the trail home or finding a campsite in the dark. Plus, the lights are backed by a lifetime limited warranty and built by a company with more than 100 years of lighting expertise.

Once you鈥檙e fully equipped, head to one of these top fall overlanding destinations.

Baja California, Mexico

Welcome to the overlanding and off-road racing capital of the world. Featuring lonely highways, rugged back roads, and isolated beach campsites, Baja is a wall-to-wall adventure, and a good set of off-road lights goes a long way here. John Meek, owner of Voyager Motorsports and one of SYLVANIA鈥檚 race team drivers, first used SYLVANIA LED Off Road Lights in the Baja 1000 off-road race.

鈥淚 raced our entire night section, so I was in the car for eight hours with SYLVANIA lights leading the way. I went through some of the most dusty and remote areas of the course,鈥� he said. 鈥淵our lights are your lifeline out there鈥攜our race is dependent on your ability to see, and you can only go as fast and as far as you can see in front of you.鈥�

The mark of a great piece of gear is that it does its job and you don鈥檛 think about it. That鈥檚 the kind of greatness SYLVANIA had in mind while designing its line of off-road lights: Drivers should forget they鈥檙e even using the lights and are free to embrace the experience.

When it came time for Meek鈥檚 turn behind the wheel during this year鈥檚 Baja 500 race, he was 180 miles from the finish line and five miles behind their closest competitor. The team was in ninth place, but Meek credits his rig鈥檚 50,000 lumens鈥� worth of SYLVANIA LED Off Road Lights with being able to catch them. 鈥淚 was going 80 miles an hour, drifting turns, because I was able to see around the turns and far ahead of us,鈥� he said.

Ready to explore Baja? A good place to start is , which is full of incredible scenery, great camping, and, as a bonus, lots of taco stands.

San Juan Mountains, Colorado

You don鈥檛 have to be racing across the desert to benefit from good off-road lights. Overlanders simply looking to extend their drive time or find an epic campsite will appreciate SYLVANIA LED Off Road Lights鈥攁nd they could even run the same setup Meek and his race team do in Baja. 鈥淭he lights we run are their recreational light bars and light pods. You can pick them up at Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and O鈥橰eilly, so you could have the same light setup that we have on our race car by tonight,鈥� he said.

Colorado鈥檚 San Juan Mountains are another overlanding hub, and if you鈥檙e going to venture there in the fall, you鈥檇 be wise to add some extra lights to your rig. While the is a classic, if you base out of Silverton, Colorado, there are hundreds of miles of old logging and mining roads worth exploring. If you time it right, you鈥檒l be rewarded with incredible views of changing aspens.

While you may not need 50,000 lumens on the front of your overlander like Meek, a on the front bumper and a set of as ditch lights can help you see obstacles on the trail and light up your campsite for an easy post-sunset setup. SYLVANIA offers lightbars from 10 to 50 inches, along with various Pods, so choosing the right setup for your rig is easy.

Yukon and Northwest Territories, Canada

Head farther north to drive one of Canada鈥檚 most famous overland routes, the , during the fall and you鈥檒l definitely need some auxiliary lighting. The mostly gravel highway stretches about 458 miles from near Dawson City, Yukon, to Inuvik, Northwest Territories. It鈥檚 extremely remote and the only public road in Canada that crosses the Arctic Circle. You鈥檒l get picture-perfect views of the Richardson Mountains and traverse stunning arctic tundra. If you鈥檙e feeling extra adventurous, you can continue your journey right up to the Arctic Ocean in Tuktoyaktuk. By the end of October, Inuvik will see only seven hours of daylight, so you鈥檒l likely be traveling after dark. Chances are also good that you鈥檒l experience some precipitation and wet conditions on the back roads of Canada鈥檚 northern provinces, a perfect opportunity to try out the of lightbars and pods.

While the ULTRA series is the brightest in the SYLVANIA Off Road lineup, the Rugged series is specifically designed to withstand the most challenging conditions drivers will encounter. It even earned an IP69K certification, meaning they鈥檙e superbly waterproof. Chris Apkarian, senior applications engineer at SYLVANIA, says these lights are great for ATVs, side by sides, or serious off-road rigs that will cross creeks and ford deep puddles. 鈥淵ou can submerge one up to several feet and it will never take on water,鈥� Apkarian says. 鈥淓verything will work as intended, and that’s really important, especially for some of these vehicles that have the capability of going into remote areas.鈥�

Johnson Valley, California

With cooler temperatures, Johnson Valley, California, becomes an especially appealing off-roading destination. During summer, daytime temperatures regularly hover around 100 degrees鈥攁nd can climb even higher鈥攕o fall and winter are ideal for camping and outdoor adventure. The 96,000-acre OHV riding area has something for everyone, from hardcore rock crawling in the 鈥淗ammers鈥� area to desert-racing-style roads and more traditional overlanding trails like .

There鈥檚 so much variety in Johnson Valley that Ohio-native Meek now calls the area home and says he鈥檚 still flabbergasted by the miles of trails he has access to. 鈥淵ou could go exploring for months and never ride in the same place. There鈥檚 hundreds and thousands of acres you can go ride鈥擩ohnson Valley is just an amazing place.鈥�

is a trademark of OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc. and part of the . SYLVANIA鈥檚 integrated, in-house skills allow for the development of products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing. SYLVANIA鈥檚 long history of delivering innovative aftermarket solutions continues to drive its mission to create a more connected road for everyone. To learn more, visit our .

The post The Best Fall Overland 国产吃瓜黑料s appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Our national park system is gorgeous year round, but some park units are made for fall, thanks to their abundance of hardwood forests. The annual changing of the leaves is like nature鈥檚 version of performance art as those hardwoods put on a dazzling show of color before winter sets in. The fact that the performance is fleeting is one of the reasons听it鈥檚 so spectacular. Summer is gone and winter is coming, but for a brief window in September and October, we get to experience the outdoors with near-perfect temperatures, reduced crowds, and a forest canopy that is ablaze with color.

Here are the top national parks for witnessing mother nature鈥檚 last gasp before winter takes hold鈥攁nd the best fall adventures in each park.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park might be the perfect fall foliage destination. The mountains are covered with hardwood forests, while drastic elevation changes within the park extend the window for finding color from mid September to mid November. The 200,000-acre park is covered with beech, birch and hickory trees that turn yellow, while black gums and maples offer shades of red. And it鈥檚 not just the hardwoods that perform during the fall; Virginia Creeper, a vine that covers most of the rock walls inside the park, turns a reddish purple in September. A two-lane road cruises through the heart of the park for 100 miles, giving you fast access to long range views with every overlook. It鈥檚 also a great park for late fall adventures, as the season finishes with giant poplars that occupy the stream valleys, and turn yellow in the middle of November.

The 国产吃瓜黑料: Hike Upper Hawksbill Trail

Half the fun of visiting Shenandoah is cruising Skyline Drive, a 100-mile two lane road that follows the crest of the mountains through the heart of the park. Overlooks that give broad views of the peaks beyond and the valleys below are situated at regular intervals, so you鈥檒l have plenty of reasons to stop and nab a photo or two. Shenandoah is a hiker鈥檚 park, and dozens of trails begin and end on Skyline Drive. There鈥檚 no bad hike when it comes to foliage views, but I like the perch on top of Hawksbill Summit, the tallest mountain in the park with a 360-degree view that encompasses the Shenandoah Valley below, Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, and the Piedmont to the east. Start at听 at milepost 46.5 on Skyline Drive and tackle the 1-mile climb to the top of the 4,049-foot peak.

Where to Stay: Fall weekends are busy and campgrounds and lodges inside the park are booked well in advance, but has 30 first come/first serve sites that remain open until December 1. It鈥檚 tough to get these sites on a weekend, but if you show up on Thursday, you have a good shot at scoring one ($30 a night).

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is best known for its rugged coastline, where the Atlantic meets the rocky edge of Maine. But when the weather turns crisp, visitors should turn their attention to the interior of the park, where New England hardwoods like oak, maple, and beech offer punches of color to the evergreen forest. According to the National Park Service, mid October is typically peak color inside the park. You can check the state of Maine鈥檚 for weekly updates so you don鈥檛 miss the show.

The 国产吃瓜黑料: Bike the Carriage Roads

Acadia manages 45 miles of , which were built in the early 1900s by landowner John D. Rockefeller Jr. on Mount Desert Island. The roads traverse the forest on the interior of the island, crossing streams via 17 stone bridges. The crushed-stone roads aren鈥檛 open to vehicles, so you can enjoy a car-free ride as you pedal through history. Target the Tri-Lakes Loop, an 11-mile romp through the heart of Mount Desert that skirts the edges of Eagle Lake, Bubble Lake, and Jordan Lake. The grades are casual and the climbing is minimal, so you can knock it out quickly if you鈥檙e in a hurry, but you鈥檒l also have the chance to extend your ride into a full day adventure if you’d like.

Where to Stay: , on the interior side of Mount Desert Island, has wooded sites and is open until October 20 this year. Tent sites are $30 a night. I found open sites throughout September and October, but if you can鈥檛 score the nights you鈥檙e looking for, the gateway town of Bar Harbor has plenty of camping resorts and hotels.

Gauley River National Recreation Area, West Virginia

The Gauley River National Recreation Area is situated less than an hour from New River National Park, but gets a fraction of the attention. To be fair, the national recreation area protects a rugged gorge without much visitor infrastructure, but what it lacks in visitor centers, it makes up for in beauty. The recreation area is particularly stunning听in the fall, when its 25-mile long gorge鈥攚hich is blanketed by a hardwood forest鈥攊s ablaze with color.

The 国产吃瓜黑料: Whitewater Rafting

For seven weekends in September and October, recreational releases fill the Gauley, turning a 25-mile stretch of the river through the National Recreation Area into a torrent of high-volume whitewater. Pairing that rare adventure opportunity with the annual kaleidoscope of colors that paint the wall of the Gauley鈥檚 gorge, is an absolutely transcendent adventure known as 鈥淕auley Season.鈥� The river drops 668 feet over 25 miles and is known for its big volume waves and drops. It鈥檚 divided into two sections, the Upper Gauley being the most intense (rafters have to have some whitewater experience and be at least 16 years old), while the Lower Gauley is a slightly more tame (12 miles of class III-V open to all boaters 12 and up). The ultimate move is to combine the two sections of the Gauley with an overnight camping trip in the middle ( from $459 per person).

If you want to experience the Gauley River without the thrill of whitewater, show up any day outside of the release days and bring your fly rod. The Gauley is loaded with听trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye, all of which are feeding heavily during the fall.

Where to Stay: Try to score a spot at the , situated below Summersville Dam. There are only 18 drive in sites, and you’d be听pitching a tent in the grass, but it鈥檚 as close as you can get to the Upper Gauley put in. (And it鈥檚 free!) If you鈥檙e looking for something a little more refined, 听has cabins and campsites on an expansive campus 30 minutes from the Gauley (from $39 a night).

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Aspens and cottonwoods: that鈥檚 what you come to Rocky Mountain National Park to see in the fall. Oh, and the elk, which are busy sparring and bugling as part of their annual mating ritual. Because of the high elevation of the park, the changes to the leaves begin to happen in the middle of September as the aspens and other hardwoods turn gold, yellow, and red. October can be the sweet spot with color still lingering in the lower elevations and crowds thinning all over the park.

The 国产吃瓜黑料: Hike Fern Lake Trail

Fern Lake Trail is a听 along the Big Thompson River, passing the 60-foot Fern Falls along the way. At the lake, you can see several 11,000 and 12,000-foot peaks on the horizon, including the 12,331-foot Knobtop Mountain. The majority of the trail is forested, so you鈥檒l be treated with a canopy full of cottonwoods, aspens, and willows turning different shades of yellow and orange throughout fall.

For elk viewing, head to the meadows in Upper Beaver Meadows or Moraine Park, where elk are known to gather around dawn and dusk. But stick to the roads and established trails鈥攖he meadows are closed to foot traffic during September and October to protect the annual rut. The Kawuneeche Valley, on the west side of the park near Grand Lake, is a great place to see aspens and elk at the same time. The 7-mile Green Mountain Loop passes through forests of lodgepole and quaking aspen as well as the Big Meadow, which draws elk in the morning and late afternoon.

Where to Stay: Camping inside the park gets scarce come fall. Longs Peak Campground and Glacier Basin Campground are both closed for 2025, and Moraine Park Campground and Aspen Glen Campground both close for the season at the end of September. is open until October 6 this year, though. It鈥檚 a quieter campground on the west side of the park near Grand Lake with 30 tent-only sites, but you鈥檒l need reservations ($35 a night). has historic cabins on the edge of the park if you want a roof over your head as the temperature drops (from $137).

The Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee

The Natchez Trace is 444 miles of rolling scenic road through the heart of the South that follows the original trading route established by Native Americans and later adopted by European settlers. It鈥檚 particularly stunning in the fall as the hardwood canopy forms a tunnel of color surrounding the sinuous blacktop.

The 国产吃瓜黑料: Bike the Natchez Trace

Technically, the road was built for vehicles, and a thru-drive beginning in Nashville, Tennessee and ending at the Mississippi River is certainly a worthy endeavor. But the Natchez Trace also offers a primo opportunity to pedal through that same gorgeous landscape, and the Parkway operates bicycle-only campgrounds and bicycle service stations throughout its corridor. Riding the entire road takes at least a week. The听guides regular trips (from $2499 per person). If you want to tackle a piece of the Parkway, check out the northernmost 60 miles, where you can use Nashville as your basecamp and pedal the hilliest portion of the road past waterfalls and overlooks as you cruise through a deciduous hardwood forest.

Where to Stay: Nashville is loaded with hotel options, and there are two campgrounds within the northernmost stretch of the Parkway. 听is bicycle only at milepost 408, but the , at milepost 385, is more scenic as it鈥檚 tucked into the forest. Both are first-come first-served and free.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park put on one of the best displays of fall color in the west. The forest surrounding the iconic craggy peaks of the park are scattered with aspens, cottonwoods, and willows, all of which turn different shades of yellow in September and October. You鈥檒l also find splashes of red from the black hawthorn shrubs that grow along streams and wetlands. But the colorful landscape is just part of the show; the park鈥檚 wildlife is the most active during this season so it鈥檚 a good time to see pronghorn sheep gathering before migrating south for the winter and elk bugling and sparring in the meadows.

The 国产吃瓜黑料: The Fall Safari

You鈥檙e going to see color if you hit Grand Teton in late September and October鈥攖he aspens and cottonwoods are hard to miss. But put in a little effort and you can increase your chances of seeing some spectacular wildlife, too. You can take your chances on your own and head to easy to reach spots like Oxbow Bend, a slow moving section of the Snake River where elk and moose are known to frequent. Or explore the park on a guided tour with naturalists who know exactly where to go to see the big game, and have the best equipment, like binoculars and spotting scopes, that will allow you to see these animals at a safe distance. offers half day tours through October (from $170 per person).

Where to Stay: If you want to camp inside the park, , which has 81 sites near Jackson Lake, is open until October 14. ($55 per night). If you want to stay in town, the is a renovated motel with a variety of accommodations, from RV spaces to bunk rooms to suites (RV sites start at $139 a night; rooms start at $344).

Glacier National Park, Montana

Winter comes early to Glacier National Park, but the hardwoods that are peppered throughout the park鈥檚 evergreen forests put on one last show in September and October before the snow begins to fall in earnest. Glacier is a particularly good spot to see larch trees, which are common in the western side of the park, and turn gold in the middle of October. Maybe the best part of visiting Glacier in the fall? The crowds have thinned, so you don鈥檛 have to worry about timed entries or angling for a parking spot. And while many of the park鈥檚 facilities shut down for winter at the end of September, Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically open until the third week of October.

The 国产吃瓜黑料: Float the Flathead River

The North Fork of the Flathead River forms the southwestern border of Glacier, and is a fun, family-friendly whitewater rafting experience during the summer months when snowmelt creates bigger rapids. But by fall, the water level has dropped and the river has mellowed, making for a relaxing float where you can take in the fall splendor without worrying about taking an unexpected swim. runs full-day float trips through September on a remote section of the North Fork that鈥檚 surrounded by hardwoods exhaling their last gasp of color (from $152 per person).

The North Fork is also a world-renowned fly fishing destination, famous for its fiesta cutthroat trout. runs half day float trips where you鈥檒l stay dry and cast from the boat with Glacier鈥檚 peaks as the backdrop (from $550 for two).

Where to Stay: A lot of the park鈥檚 facilities shut down at the end of September, but operates primitive camping until November 1, unless the snow falls heavy and early. It鈥檚 a remote campground at the end of a long, dirt road drive with 48 sites tucked into the trees near Bowman Lake. Sites are first come/first serve. ($15 per night).

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

You can鈥檛 talk about national parks and fall foliage without mentioning Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). This 500,000-acre preserve protects one of the most biodiverse forests in the world鈥攁 forest that is made up predominantly of hardwoods that turn every shade of the rainbow in fall. The show begins at the end of September at the higher elevations of the park and carries on through the beginning of November in the lower valleys.

The 国产吃瓜黑料: Backpack to Big Trees

GSMNP is crowded most weekends throughout the year, but it reaches another level of activity during peak leaf peeping. Fortunately, most of those people stick to the same spots鈥擟ades Cove, Newfound Gap Road, Kuwohi鈥攕o it鈥檚 easy to find solitude, especially if you鈥檙e willing to put in some leg work. Hike the 14-mile Cataloochee Divide Loop and you鈥檒l bag the trifecta of fall splendor inside the park: expansive mountaintop views, the chance to see elk, and massive old growth forests. The backpack combines , Caldwell Fork Trail, and Rough Fork Trail trail on the eastern border of the park, far away from the crowds at Gatlinburg, and crosses over Hemphill Bald, a 5,000-foot grassy mountaintop, before dropping deep into the forest where a stand of massive old growth poplars can be found. Elk also frequent the area, so keep an eye out in the morning and before sunset. You can tackle this loop as a full day hike, but it鈥檚 best as an overnight trip, which will give you time to cast for trout in Caldwell Fork, a narrow backcountry stream near that forest of poplars.

Where to Stay: The best backcountry campsite on this loop is closed because of damage from Hurricane Helene, but you can pitch your tent at the next best site, , Big Hemlock, at mile 10 of the loop, and still be a quick stroll to Caldwell Fork for fishing. Get a backcountry permit for the campsite ($8) in advance.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. He believes that fall is one of nature鈥檚 greatest magic shows, especially in the Southern Appalachians where he lives. He recently wrote about the most picture-perfect spots in Yosemite National Park.听

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As if your local Starbucks releasing pumpkin spice lattes in August wasn’t pushy enough, now nature is getting the early jump on fall.

Folks across the U.S. are to neighbors and local weather stations on the shocking early arrival of fall foliage at their homes, nearly a month before the usual hello.

The in Denver, Colorado reported that leaves are already turning yellow, orange, and red in the western half of the state. The transformation is linked to statewide drought, caused by a weak snowpack during the 2024/25 winter, and insufficient summer rainfall.

But it’s not just that color change is prematurely happening.

“Trees are experiencing stress,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist, Tom Kines, told 国产吃瓜黑料. There’s another dynamic at play with trees that Kines also shared.

What We’re Missing

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the natural process of color change occurs. Trees are sent signals to slow down on their production of chlorophyll and vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red emerge.

Drought conditions such as high heat and less rain fall deprive leaves of the moisture needed to produce chlorophyll that keeps them green. Soaring temperatures and drought also sends trees into stress, dulling the experience of fall foliage.

“The leaves are turning colors too quickly,”Kines said. “They are not as bright or vivid as they would be.”

Current reports of early fall foliage are that the colors are less vibrant than in other years. Areas experiencing drought-like conditions, may see a less impressive fall.

Drought Happens Often. What’s Different This Year?

“In New England, a lot of those areas, while it’s been dry recently, they have received enough rainfall that their colors should be okay,” Kines said. For Western states, it’s a different story.

Kines also said that the timing and brilliance of foliage depends on when it rains. “If you have dry weather in the early part of the summer and rain second half, it will balance out things,” Kines said.

That checks out. In the Pacific Northwest where I am based, we’re used to high heat in June, this year it came later in the season. Excessive heat warnings have been across the Pacific Northwest as we end August. Washington and Oregon are still breaking 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The bushes in my front yard started turning yellow last week.

国产吃瓜黑料’s associate editor Madison Dapcevich recently reported on the best places to catch fall foliage this year, per the 2025 Farmer’s Almanac. As Kines mentioned, the Northeast will be the place to be, Acadia National Park (Maine) and Adirondack and Catskill Mountains (New York) made the top five.

The post The Leaves Are Changing Early This Fall Thanks to Widespread Drought appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I used to have a recurring dream in which I鈥檓 sitting on my mat awaiting instructions from a panel of my yoga teachers. I鈥檓 at an Iyengar yoga assessment, for which I鈥檓 completely unprepared. And I am terrified. After what seems like an eternity, they tell me my task: I鈥檓 to carve a Thanksgiving turkey right there on my mat using the props in front of me鈥攁 plastic fork and knife.

It鈥檚 possible that I had some anxiety about cooking holiday dinner.

From My Fondest Memory to the Fear of Failure

I can still smell my mother鈥檚 kitchen on Thanksgiving morning. The fragrance of her homemade pies mixed with the aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven created an air of anticipation that could be felt throughout the house. My sister and I would watch the Thanksgiving Day parade on TV in our pajamas and would periodically be called into the kitchen to help my mother stir a pot or lick a bowl. The whole day was spent waiting for the moment we were called to the table. By the time dinner was ready, we were practically giddy as we loaded our plates with my mother鈥檚 delicious food in the most anticipated meal of the year.

Now that the torch of cooking the family鈥檚 holiday dinner has passed to me, my anticipation has morphed into recurring anxiety about living up to my memory of all those Thanksgivings past. One year, the turkey wasn鈥檛 fully cooked, the side dishes were cold, and I sat at the table feeling totally defeated. The pressure to replicate the magic of my childhood memories combined with the fear of failing turns out to be the perfect recipe for a really bad time.

Whether in the kitchen or on the yoga mat, fear is like a big bucket of ice dumped on the spark of adventure. Fear leaves us either too much in our own heads to access our inherent creativity and intuition鈥攐r so paralyzed that we convince ourselves we鈥檙e not even capable of trying. Fear seduces us into a place of complacency, inviting us to avoid what scares us in favor of dwelling in the comfort of our familiar beliefs. Fear prevents us from making mistakes and gaining the kind of wisdom that only comes from taking risks.

How Yoga Transformed My Holiday Stress

Patanjali鈥檚 classic text, the , offers several tools to help manage fear. Foremost among them are the principles of practice and . Practice, as outlined in Sutra 1.14, includes three aspects: We must practice for a long time, without break, and in all earnestness. This last one means we have to believe what we鈥檙e practicing is actually possible.

Sutras 1.15 and 1.16 describe detachment, which essentially means that our identities are not dependent on our successes or failures. This knowledge leads to freedom and a very real connection to the .

Practicing鈥攃ontinuously showing up in the face of real or potential failure鈥攊s trusting that the process is the goal. Ultimately, it鈥檚 the intention behind my cooking, the effort I鈥檝e devoted to the meal, and the heart I鈥檝e poured into each dish that will make the meal a success.

Even a botched attempt at cooking Thanksgiving dinner is an opportunity to practice detachment. One year, my apple pie fell apart and I had no backup plan and a table full of guests awaiting dessert. I had to let go of my original plan and quickly adapt to the new situation. So I decided to scoop out the apple filling and spoon it over some vanilla ice cream. No one knew the difference; in fact, it was a huge hit!

It鈥檚 often when things have fallen apart that I鈥檝e realized just how much I limited myself with my own expectations. 听It鈥檚 often in those moments that you get to know your own resilience and experience a true connection to the moment. Opening myself up to life often results in something greater than I could have imagined. And some of my best memories are of times when nothing went according to plan鈥攚hen I was forced to surrender.

How to Make Thanksgiving Less Stressful

Once I remembered that the truth of who I am does not depend on my producing a flawless meal, I felt more at ease. Now I know how to overcome holiday stress because I鈥檝e realized the ways that being in the kitchen cooking dinner is a lot like showing up on the yoga mat.

1. Connect With Your Inner State

Bring your yoga practice into the kitchen by tuning into how you feel as you create your Thanksgiving menu. Anxiety, doubt, and fear can all be felt in the body and are signs that you need to reevaluate your approach. Focus your attention on the process of executing what you can manage to the best of your abilities.

Taking risks in the kitchen is about listening to the motivations that drive your efforts. If I鈥檓 considering a challenging recipe, such as an apple pie with pastry made from scratch, and I can feel myself getting excited about the process, I go for it. I know that no matter how it turns out, it will have been worth it because it was my commitment to the adventure, not the result, that inspired me to be daring in the first place.

If, on the other hand, I stare at the recipe with a sense of dread or expectation, or if I鈥檓 hoping that the finished product will prove something to myself or to others, then I know that no matter how it turns out, I will not enjoy the fruits of my efforts.

2. Focus on the Journey鈥擭ot the Outcome

When you can鈥檛 do a challenging pose in yoga, the practice is to focus on and appreciate what you can do. Flailing toward an end result will get you nowhere. And if you somehow arrive at the 鈥渆nd goal鈥� by doing so, you will have missed the point because you weren鈥檛 connected to yourself in the process.

It matters how you feel during a yoga practice鈥攏ot what you look like. Cooking is the same: A dish鈥檚 value lies in how it was created.

3. You鈥檙e Allowed to Change Your Mind

Let go of your expectation that you need to whip up elaborate food just because it鈥檚 Thanksgiving. Really. This mindset can free you from the pitfalls of self-inflicted suffering.

It鈥檚 perfectly okay to opt out of a challenging recipe if it doesn鈥檛 feel right. I鈥檝e learned over the years to ease up on myself by swapping out difficult, time-consuming recipes for simple, foolproof ones, such as incredible, crispy roasted brussel sprouts with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. (They take about five minutes to prepare before I pop them in the oven.)

4. Follow Your Intuition

Cooking, like yoga, is about connecting to yourself in the moment. Pose cues such as 鈥渟tand equally on all four corners of your feet鈥� are useful only when you can feel them in your own body. Similarly, a recipe is only a guideline. Great cooking happens when you listen to your gut, trust your instincts, and make the recipe your own. Follow the instructions as a starting point, but allow yourself to experiment, play, and have fun.

I鈥檓 not nervous anymore because now I know how to make Thanksgiving less stressful. No matter how the meal turns out, the people who matter most in my life will celebrate the love and effort I put into our shared experience. What I鈥檒l remember most is the attitude I chose to bring to the kitchen and the wisdom I鈥檒l gain from letting go.

This article has been updated. Originally published October 2, 2013.

The post Making Thanksgiving Dinner Doesn鈥檛 Have to Be Stressful. Here鈥檚 What You Need to Know. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Just because the temps drop doesn鈥檛 mean you have to stop mountain biking. Before the snow flies weekly in western mountain towns, these crisp cold days can lead to incredible riding conditions鈥攎orning frost and just enough sun often give way to silky smooth hero dirt. Still, it can be hard to motivate for a frigid fall bike ride, especially since temperature regulation on a mountain bike is highly elusive. Here are a few of our favorite gear picks for extending your mountain-bike season way past the summer.

At a Glance

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Wild Rye Gnarnia Glove

Warm digits are crucial when riding in low temps. I鈥檝e found the fleece-lined Wild Rye Gnarnia gloves to be just the edge I need for riding in the mid-30s and 40s. In the fall and winter, a glove swap is crucial, so I often wear a standard glove for a long climb, then keep these gloves in my pack (stashed in a sealed plastic bag if it鈥檚 raining) for a cozy respite before a chilly descent. They鈥檙e not fully waterproof, but the nylon shell does wonders for shedding dirt and mud while you plow through puddles.

Curious Creatures Sun Dog Pant

Pants season is my favorite part of mountain-bike season. The Sun Dog pants are lightweight enough to be reasonable for summertime bike park laps, but I鈥檝e found them to be a fantastic layer for fall rides since they鈥檙e plenty warm for brisk days. The stretchy polyester construction is breathable yet durable鈥擨 found it to be abrasion-resistant while picnicking in the forest鈥攚ithout feeling stiff.

A few other features I love are the dual-zippered pockets for a phone and snacks. I also appreciate the stretchy drawcord waistband that doesn鈥檛 require a zip or button, allowing a hip pack to sit comfortably around my waist. Plus, the colors are wickedly cute, making it a versatile pair of pants I also take hiking and climbing.

Skida Pursuit Hat

Those massive vents in mountain-bike helmets come in handy for hot summer days, but come December, they feel like they funnel ice-cold air straight into my brain. Thankfully, Skida launched its Pursuit series this fall, which includes this sleek and synthetic beanie, ideal for layering under a bike helmet. This hat is thin enough not to feel bulky under a helmet, and it鈥檚 easy to tuck into a pocket while I鈥檓 pedaling up. If you want even less coverage, the lightweight ($24) is the perfect swath of soft, breathable poly-spandex for high-output rides on frosty days.

Norr酶na Fj酶r氓 Equaliser Lightweight Long Sleeve

听

Even when it鈥檚 hovering close to freezing, the minute I start pedaling, my internal furnace goes nuts. So I like to opt for a lightweight long-sleeve jersey, like the Norr酶na Fj酶r氓 Equaliser, which breathes well while climbing and can be paired with a warmer jacket for long descents. When it鈥檚 closer to 40 degrees, I find this top perfect for rides on rolling hills where I don鈥檛 want to stop and adjust my layers every ten minutes. The polyester fabric is airy and quick-drying, with a slim fit that I appreciate when I wear it under a vest or backpack. Plus, the back of the jersey is a touch longer than the front, so it provides plenty of coverage while you鈥檙e pedaling.

Branwyn Swag 24 Jogger

Nothing motivates me more while riding in the cold than the promise of a hot shower and a cozy pair of sweats. Branwyn鈥檚 merino joggers are the ultimate post-ride bottoms (there鈥檚 also a matching ), a seriously luxurious reward for toughing it out in the frosty air. These subtly slim joggers are the perfect swap for my chamois on the drive back home鈥攕oft, stretchy, and stink-resistant, thanks to their 85 percent merino wool construction.

7Mesh Chilco Anorak

Temperature regulation while pedaling a mountain bike is no easy feat. I find myself seeking out water-resistant but not waterproof layers that provide some protection from the elements while also dumping heat. The Chilco Anorak is an ideal put-on-and-leave-on layer for brisk fall rides thanks to its breathable polyester with a wind-blocking yet air-permeable design (hence the grid pattern). The synthetic outer shell is wind- and weather-resistant, with a cozy grid fleece lining that鈥檚 soft enough to wear over a T-shirt. There鈥檚 a large zippered hand pouch you can stash snacks in if you want to go pack-free for a short jaunt, and the hood can fit over a helmet or cinch down over your head for off-the-bike adventures.

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Temperatures are starting to drop and snow is starting to fly here in Montana. For me, that means beginning to tackle my list of chores to prepare my home for winter. I have to clean the gutters, stain the deck, clean the garage, and winterize our cars. All of that time outside in the chilly autumn months means that I need warm and practical clothing to keep me comfortable while I work. I’ve optimized my layering system over the years and have a few pieces that I go back to again and again. Here are the fall layers I find myself grabbing first.

At a Glance

• • Best Work Shirt:
  • Best T-Shirt:
  • Best Work Pants:
  • Best Baselayer:
  • Best Puffy jacket:
  • Best Work Gloves:
  • Best Softshell Jacket:
  • Best Work Boots:

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Best Work Shirt

Sitka Snowcrest LS Fleece Shacket

The Snowcrest is a simple, heavyweight polyester fleece styled and cut like a shirt, complete with metal snap closures. It鈥檚 probably my most-worn cold weather staple鈥擨鈥檝e thrown it on for at least seven days in a row now. It keeps me comfortable raking leaves in 50-degree temperatures and sitting in front of the fire writing this article. It layers perfectly over a T-shirt and, with the collar turned up, just as well under a puffy or rain shell.

Best T-Shirt

Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt

With warm afternoons, cool evenings, and unpredictable precipitation, fall demands versatile layers. That鈥檚 what a good mid-weight merino wool T-shirt delivers. The hard thing with merino wool Ts is finding ones that fit well, come in a variety of colors, and can survive regular washing. Proof鈥檚 72-hour shirt is made from 87-percent merino, and 17-percent nylon, 150-grams-per-square-meter blend that features all听of the temperature regulating, low-stink properties of wool. It’s durable enough for everyday wear and comes in a smooth fabric that鈥檚 just heavy enough to create a flattering drape without clinging to your skin.

Best Work Pants

Fjallraven Vida Pro Trousers

I鈥檝e gone on the record with my feelings for the stretchier Fjallraven Kebs, but for daily wear, I find myself wearing the Vida Pros more often. Employing the brand鈥檚 G-1000 waxed polyester cotton, they fit and look similar to a pair of jeans, and are even more hard-wearing. I fill the pockets with all sorts of essentials like dog poop bags, multitools, headlamps, and, when we鈥檙e in grizzly country, spare magazines. These pants have sturdy belt loops that stand up to stiff belts and heavy holsters.

Best Base Layer

Beyond Bask LS Base Layer Top

It鈥檚 the job of a base layer to wick moisture and help regulate body temperature. Made from a very light version of Polartec鈥檚 Power Grid fabric, these Beyond shirts听perform that job better than anything else I鈥檝e ever worn. The open nature of the weave is super breathable: it dumps heat and keeps me feeling cool even during strenuous exercise. Slow down, and that same pattern traps tons of air next to your skin, providing an impressive amount of insulation. They鈥檙e warm when you need them to be, cool when you don’t, and the polyester-spandex blend absorbs virtually no moisture. Best of all? These base layers are on sale right now for less than half of their retail price.

Best Puffy Jacket

Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody

Much warmer than Patagonia鈥檚 ultralight Micro Puff, the Macro is perfect for when temperatures plummet and the nights grow long. The other evening, I swung by a bonfire to greet some friends I hadn鈥檛 seen in a while. I was exhausted, emotional, and not dressed properly after a long weekend worrying about a sick dog. Pulling this jacket out of my truck enabled me to stick around well听after听the sun disappeared. As a bonus, the Macro Puff is听long for a more parka-like fit, but still packs away to virtually nothing. Complete with warm-when-wet synthetic insulation, this layer is a reliable fall staple.

Best Work Gloves

Showa 282-02 Waterproof Gloves

These Japanese offshore fishing gloves are a cult favorite in the ice climbing world, where their rubber construction keeps your hands reliably dry. While I can report that their waterproofing is top-notch for working in wet conditions, the extremely thin fleece liner isn’t听warm enough for less-strenuous activities in below-freezing conditions. So instead, I wear them for chilly, wet, messy jobs before deep cold makes them impractical.

One of those jobs was cleaning out my gutters last night. Digging through muddy leaf waste to clear clogged drains is a job I wouldn鈥檛 wish on any of my leather gloves, but these things offer just the right blend of tactility, durability, and a tiny bit of warmth. Plus, the rubber makes them easy to just rinse off under a tap. Just be aware that their sizing runs small. I wear the largest size鈥擷XL鈥攁nd they鈥檙e still not quite big enough for my size-ten hands.

Best Softshell Jacket

Sitka Jet Stream Jacket

Renowned in the hunting world for providing reliable protection from nasty conditions, the Jet Stream combines a burly, woven polyester exterior with a Gore Windstopper membrane and a cozy microfleece liner. Windstopper isn鈥檛 fully waterproof, but provides enough protection for a light shower or most snow conditions, while completely blocking wind and remaining reasonably breathable. It’s perfectly comfortable in most cool-to-cold conditions. Sitka redesigned its most popular jacket in 2022 with new cuffs and zippers and more colors, but I wear the same one I鈥檝e had since 2016. It still looks like new.

Best Work Boots

Lowa Camino Evo Boots

These boots听aren鈥檛 as light, agile, or good looking as the now-discontinued Lowa Baldos, but they鈥檙e close enough to still transition well from a casual night out to a mountain trail. With conditions getting wetter, it鈥檚 time to re-oil this pair, which is now entering its third year on my feet.

I鈥檒l switch the Lowa Camino听out for a taller pair of Lowa Hunter GTX Evo Extremes once the snow starts sticking. The Hunter GTX is听insulated with 200 grams of Primaloft Gold, which keeps my feet warm in below-freezing conditions.

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Every fall, my family piled into our station wagon and set out from suburban Boston to view the foliage in northern New England. I still have a shoebox full of the home movies my father shot on those weekend outings; the grainy, jouncy footage shows a succession of white band stands, weathered barns, mom-and-pop roadside motels, and my sister doing cartwheels in swirls of falling leaves.

Even then, I got the message that while New Hampshire and Maine were indeed pretty (and, bonus points, had amusement parks with trained bears and pet-able deer), Vermont鈥攑ristine, billboard-free, and broad-vistaed鈥攚as the gold and orange and crimson standard of leaf peepery. It turns out it wasn鈥檛 just my family鈥檚 opinion. There鈥檚 solid science to back that up.

Things to Know About Vermont鈥檚 Fall Foliage

A combination of factors makes Vermont foliage hard to beat in North America, according to William Keeton, a professor of forest ecology and forestry at the University of Vermont, in Burlington. For starters, more than three-quarters of the state is forested鈥攁nd one out of four trees are showoff-y maples. A riot of species comprise the other 75 percent.

鈥淲e have such diversity here: American beech, yellow and paper birch, red oak, white ash, poplars, willows, aspen, alder, and others鈥攁nd they each yield different colors,鈥� Keeton says. 鈥淭hen there鈥檚 the diversity of the topography, with different elevations and aspects and landforms, and different climate conditions that influence foliage timing and intensity. The result is a mosaic of color that鈥檚 quite breathtaking.鈥�

This magic triggers in late summer by the onset of cooler nights and shorter days, signaling chlorophyll, the green pigment that allows trees to create energy from light, to dissipate. When it does, the leaves鈥� true colors emerge in what Keeton calls 鈥渢he great reveal.鈥�

Vividness varies from year to year, depending on rainfall, temperatures, and other factors leading up to the season. While scientists are concerned that climate change may be leading to a dulling, shortening, or shifting of the foliage period, they admit that the exact recipe for optimal color remains a mystery.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 part of what makes it so fun and exciting,鈥� Keeton says. 鈥淲e never know how it鈥檚 going to play out.鈥�

What is certain is that the technicolor wave starts in northern Vermont in the highest elevations around mid-September and and ends in the valleys in the southern part of the state sometime in mid-to-late October. You can watch it as it unfolds with a or you can just get in the car and drive. Here are nine of the most beautiful places to check out Vermont鈥檚 big show.

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1. Underhill

You could join the masses in Stowe and ascend Mount Mansfield, Vermont鈥檚 highest peak, by car, gondola, or foot. But for a less congested approach, consider starting in Underhill, on the mountain鈥檚 western flank. A rewarding roughly five-mile loop follows the Frost Trail to the more challenging Maple Ridge Trail and a rocky scramble up to Mansfield鈥檚 鈥淔orehead,鈥� then descends via the mellower Butler Lodge Trail through hardwood forest. Find more bliss back in Underhill鈥檚 Pleasant Valley, where a 20-mile gravel and paved bike loop winds through a wonder of silo-studded farmland backed by Mansfield鈥檚 snaking ridgeline.

Don鈥檛 Miss: , a self-service bakery near Underhill Center, selling sweet (maple cream!) and savory (pulled pork mac-n-cheese!) pies.

2. Shelburne

, a 1400-acre education nonprofit, was founded by a Vanderbilt heir in the late 19th century as an agricultural showplace. Walk the pastoral grounds along the Lake Champlain shoreline and past the grand estate house turned inn, and visit the Farm Barn, where听 cheesemakers produce award-winning cheddar (my go-to is their clothbound variety) with milk from the resident Brown Swiss herd. Then head south to hundred-year-old and its diminutive 968-foot namesake peak. The summit trail was recently improved with stone stairways; the killer view of farms, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks remains the same.

Don鈥檛 Miss: The ridgetop , in nearby Monkton, for you-pick apples and their signature Dreamee, that is, maple soft serve ice cream atop a warm cider donut.

3. East Burke

The renowned Kingdom Trails 100-mile mountain bike network, carved out of private land in the state鈥檚 rugged Northeast Kingdom, celebrates its 30th anniversary with three new trails in the Kitchell area, including Drop It!, a triple black diamond with jumps and drops. When and if you鈥檙e ready to get off the bike, make the 15-mile drive north to cold, deep Lake Willoughby, a fjord-like glacial gash between the sheer flanks of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor; trails on both peaks lead to magnificent overlooks.

Know Before You Go: Most of the bike center鈥檚 trails and roads damaged by two bouts of flooding rains in July have been repaired, but check for updates.

4. Waitsfield

The funky, slow 1948 single chairlift at the co-op-owned cranks up for foliage viewing on three consecutive weekends starting September 28 and costs just $20 ($15 for kids and seniors) to partake. Once you reach the summit, head north or south for an out-and-back ramble on the ridgeline . For a different perspective on the Mad River Valley, make your way to nearby Fayston to saddle up for a guided trail ride (from $133) on country roads and through open meadows.

Don鈥檛 Miss: , just off Route 100, serving stellar IPAs, including their flagship Sip O鈥� Sunshine, in a soaring post-and-beam taproom with a mountain-view outdoor patio.

5. Windsor

Mount Ascutney, an isolated 3,144-foot monadnock, dominates the landscape in the Upper Valley of the Connecticut River, where I live. You can pedal or drive the narrow 1930s Mount Ascutney Parkway or hike the five-mile round-trip Weathersfield trail to get to the top, but since the summit is mainly forested, you鈥檒l want to climb the 25-foot observation tower for the 360-degree, Green and White Mountains panorama. Back in the valley, book a self-guided canoe or kayak trip with ; they鈥檒l shuttle you and your chosen craft to a put-in on the broad Connecticut (from $43).

Don鈥檛 Miss: The 1866 Cornish-Windsor bridge, the longest wooden covered span in the United States, connecting Vermont to New Hampshire.

6. Woodstock

With its flawless brick-front shops and whitewashed historic homes, Woodstock is la-la land Vermont. And sometimes that鈥檚 what you want鈥攅ven if it means dodging tour groups. I like to take in the tidy village from the top of Mount Tom, either by hustling up the heavily used Faulkner Trail or by taking the longer Pogue route, which begins on Victorian-age carriage roads in Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Mount Peg, another in-town peak, has 16 miles of woods and meadow trails co-managed by the Woodstock Area Mountain Bike Association and the , where you can spend the night. (Rooms from $669).

Know Before You Go: After being overrun by social media followers vying for shots of the ridiculously scenic Sleepy Hollow Farm, Cloudland Road is closed from September 25 through October 16 to all but residents.

7. Manchester

Stately 19th century homes, flanked in the west by soaring 3,848-foot Mount Equinox, the highest peak in the Taconic range, and yes, a strip of designer apparel outlet stores, make this southern Vermont shire town a hot spot for visitors. You can drive to the top of Equinox on the serpentine five-mile toll road or hike up on the relentlessly steep Blue Summit trail through forests of beech, yellow birch, and maple. For more level miles, walk the landscaped grounds of Hildene, the 1905 summer estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln鈥檚 son and the president of the Pullman Palace Car Company.

Know Before You Go: Hildene鈥檚 Many Voices exhibit chronicling the lives of the Black Pullman porters is the southernmost stop on the , which takes you to historical and cultural sites that explore the stories of Black Vermonters.

8. Bennington

It鈥檚 no surprise that this is Robert Frost country; the poet is buried in the Old First Church cemetery near the curved white picket fences and stately homes of sugar maple-lined Monument Avenue. A 20-mile loop drive through North Bennington and Shaftsbury takes you past Frostian covered bridges and old stone walls. Make time to stop at the , the poet鈥檚 home for most of the 1920s, where readings, lectures and workshops are held throughout the fall. . From there, the gently sloping two-mile Robert Frost trail traverses his old apple orchard and leads to Lake Paran, with inspiring views along the way of the Berkshires, Taconics, and Greens.听

Don鈥檛 Miss: The classic 1948听 , saved from post-Covid closure by a nostalgic Bennington College alum. The menu features lots of vegetarian options, but let鈥檚 be honest, post-leaf-peeping moments usually call for a Reuben.

9. Newfane

The town green in this tiny village is at the center of an extraordinary collection of architectural gems, including a columned Greek Revival courthouse and inn, two imposing Gothic Revival churches, and a brick Romanesque bank. Grab snacks at the 1822 Newfane Country Store, then head east to the for a low-key woodland stroll or run to the wide-open summit. You鈥檒l have the company of birdwatchers participating in the annual Hawk Watch; every autumn, thousands of migrating hawks and other raptors can be seen riding the ridgeline thermals.

Know Before You Go: Newfane鈥檚 adorableness peaks on October 12 and 13 during its , when local volunteers sell (by the slice or whole) the more than 200 apple pies they baked for the occasion.

The post The 9 Best Places to View Vermont鈥檚 Fall Foliage in All Its Glory appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Colorado is home to four seasons of vast wonders, with its mountain views, wide-open spaces, and opportunities to connect with the land. It鈥檚 no surprise the state attracts hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, and road-trippers from around the world. But Colorado鈥檚 beauty is on full display in fall, when the landscape transitions into a golden masterpiece鈥攁 dream for any outdoor enthusiast. To fully capture the magic of , we talked to three members of the , an inclusive community dedicated to mountaincraft education, adventure, and conservation.

Road Trips

Fall road trips are an excellent way to explore Colorado鈥檚 diverse landscapes. The best person to ask about the state鈥檚 is Matt Enquist. As the author of Colorado鈥檚 Best Hikes for Fall Colors, Enquist has driven all over the state in search of the best destinations to see the changing leaves. He lives in a hiking, skiing, and climbing haven鈥攖he San Luis Valley, in south-central Colorado. The area is home to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the impressive Sangre de Cristo Range.

国产吃瓜黑料: Colorado is packed with beautiful driving routes. What do you love most about fall road-tripping in Colorado?听

Matt Enquist: I love the fresh, cool air and the hunt for the perfect campsite. There鈥檚 no time to be outside like in the fall. The beauty of the changing leaves, the perfect weather, and the opportunity to get outside before a long winter truly make fall the best time of year.

Out of all the fall road trips you鈥檝e been on in Colorado, which one is the most memorable?听

When I was writing my book, my research took me all over the southwestern part of the state. The drive from up to along the famed , through , and down into via was truly incredible. The route has jaw-dropping color at every turn, prominent peaks, and some of the best camping I鈥檝e found. Ouray is full of hot-spring pit stops, Ridgway has great food, and Last Dollar Road is an adventure in and of itself. The dispersed camping overlooking Wilson Peak and its sea of yellow, red, and orange aspen leaves is world class.

Mountain Biking

The cool fall days in Colorado are perfect for mountain biking. And Riley Hanlon knows the state鈥檚 mountain biking trails well as a Colorado Mountain Club member and a freelance filmmaker based in . Home to miles and miles of glorious mountain biking areas, including North Table Mountain and White Ranch Park, Hanlon loves spending time riding with family near the Front Range and beyond.

There鈥檚 nothing quite like biking through colorful aspens in the crisp autumn air. Can you describe your perfect fall ride in Colorado?

Riley Hanlon: It鈥檚 finally time for layers and warm drinks! After the heat of summer, I get so excited for brisk fall mornings. I enjoy having cozy layers and hot coffee for the drive to wherever I鈥檓 riding and getting to start with some layers on for the ride, shedding them as I go without ever getting too hot. My perfect fall ride in Colorado also includes finding the best spots to fly through golden aspens!

If you could only recommend one Colorado mountain biking destination to someone planning a fall visit, what would it be and why?

People staying in the Rocky Mountain Front Range鈥攆rom to 鈥攖end to focus on getting out to or other far-out destinations, but I personally love . You can get some lift assist at if that鈥檚 your thing. Or get laps on the trail systems off Vasquez Creek for some easy-access rock rolls and great flow through aspen groves. And afterward you get to stroll through the village or get a beetroot latte from (my favorite!). It鈥檚 an enjoyable day trip from the Front Range or a good first or last stop on a camping trip out in the mountains.

Hiking

When it comes to finding scenic fall hiking trails in Colorado, Urszula Tyl knows exactly where to go. As a trip leader for Colorado Mountain Club, Tyl spends a lot of time safely guiding hikers into beautiful areas. She also enjoys exploring new trails and backpacking in Colorado鈥檚 pristine wilderness. Her vibrant energy and zest for getting people together outside made her the perfect person to ask about fall hiking in the state.

Colorado is a well-known hiking destination with a seemingly endless selection of trails to explore. Why is the state鈥檚 fall hiking unlike anywhere else?

Urszula Tyl: There are many reasons I look forward to fall hiking in Colorado. Fall brings pleasant temperatures, making it a perfect time to enjoy a hike. As summer ends, so does the monsoon season, which brings less risk of afternoon storms and more time on the trail.

Colorado also has spectacular fall foliage. The aspens all around the state begin to change color and create a beautiful contrast against the green pine forests and mountain landscapes. You don鈥檛 have to go far to get a glimpse of fall color. However, many areas across the state, such as , are especially breathtaking to see. If you visit RMNP in fall, you might hear elk bugling, too.

There are a variety of ways to experience the magic of fall in the state. Whether you鈥檙e looking for a multiday adventure, a morning hike in the mountains, or a cool evening stroll along the river, the options to get out and explore around the state are seemingly endless. There are trails for everyone in Colorado, including accessible trails in .

To experience the magic of Colorado trails in the fall, what area do you recommend visitors explore and why?

For a truly magical fall hiking experience in Colorado, I recommend exploring the in . This trail offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the vibrant fall colors of the aspens among the rugged mountain peaks and pine trees.

The 3.1-mile Raccoon Trail is easily accessible to anyone staying in the Front Range and provides beautiful panoramic views throughout the hike. As you meander through the colorful foliage, you鈥檒l find serene spots that capture the essence of fall in Colorado.

After your hike, unwind in nearby Golden, where there are plenty of food options available. One of my favorites is the , a food hall with a diverse range of dining options, plus beer, cocktails, and wine on tap. Enjoy a variety of foods, from Mexican to sushi, and take advantage of the rooftop with views overlooking Clear Creek.

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 28 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state鈥檚 breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, 26 scenic and historic byways, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit or call 1-800-COLORADO. Follow Colorado on , , , and .

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Whether you鈥檙e looking for beautiful fall colors, a change of scenery for your remote office, or both, North Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for any getaway. From its scenic hiking trails to the breathtaking lakeshore, the area鈥檚 vibrant fall colors just make everything better. To learn more about this awe-inspiring escape in the Sierra Nevada, we have some fall adventure tips from the team. Here鈥檚 what they said.

Why Fall Is Special

If you like vivid autumn colors, fun events, and open space, you鈥檒l love . During this secret season, the community celebrates with the Made in Tahoe Festival, two Oktoberfests (one in Tahoe City and one at Palisades Tahoe), a collection of food and wine festivals, and more. It鈥檚 also a perfect time to leaf-peep while exploring hiking or biking trails, taking a swing on a golf course, zipping down treetop ropes courses, walking along the beach, strolling around the destination鈥檚 12 unique towns, hopping in the water to kayak or stand-up paddle鈥攖he opportunities are endless. Come for a weekend getaway or midweek escape to breathe it all in and experience Lake Tahoe in the secret season.

Take a Trail

While there are hundreds of trails to explore, we collected the for hiking and biking in North Lake Tahoe to help narrow the selection. These are some of the trails that made the list:

• Tahoe Rim Trail North Shore Segment: A well-known 165-mile point-to-point trail, the Tahoe Rim encircles the entirety of the Tahoe Basin. Hiking a short segment of the trail along the North Shore is a great way to experience fall color along Lake Tahoe.
• Tunnel Creek Trail: The view at the top overlooks one of the best panoramic views in Lake Tahoe. This 4.7-mile out-and-back trail is also home to Monkey Rock.
• Eagle Rock Trail: This short 0.7-mile trail only takes about a half hour but carries a huge payoff. From the top of Eagle Rock, you get an incredible view of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
• Vikingsholm Trail: Take this 1.7- mile trail down to the Emerald Bay beaches and the historic Vikingsholm Castle (open for tours May 25鈥揝eptember 30). Keep in mind that it鈥檚 a steep hike back to the parking area from the shore.

Hiking and mountain biking are some of the most popular activities in the region, and it鈥檚 important to leave no trace by staying on the trail, packing out what you packed in, and giving wildlife space. Learn more and help in the region.

Get on the Water

The crystal-blue waters of Lake Tahoe create a one-of-a-kind fall backdrop. From an early morning walk on the beach to a sunset dinner cruise, time spent creates truly unforgettable experiences. Kayaking and paddleboarding are favorites, and you can use the to guide your journey along 72 miles of fun. The route connects designated launch and landing sites that feature restrooms and interpretive displays.

For a truly unique experience, during the day, or paddle an LED-lighted kayak on a guided stargazing tour. And if you plan to bring your own watercraft, please wash, clean, and dry it before putting it into the lake to help prevent the spread of invasive species.

along the lakeshore or on the river is a great activity for any age. You can also cast a line from a boat or kayak. Trout and salmon are common catches along the West Shore, in Sawmill Lake (reservations required), and at Martis Reservoir. Be sure you understand safe fish handling and catch-and-release practices.

Try the Bites and Brews

North Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most enticing options in Northern California and Nevada. And the beer scene isn鈥檛 too shabby either! Take your pick of more than 150 restaurants and breweries. Some spots will also welcome your four-legged companions.

The ultimate resource for finding a frosty brew after an outdoor adventure? The . From most trailheads, there鈥檚 a world-class brewery, bar, or restaurant nearby. This means you can start your day working up a sweat and end it with regionally crafted refreshments. If rum is more to your liking, check out the 鈥攁 collection of five restaurants and bars located around the North Lake Tahoe shoreline offering specialty rum cocktails.

Looking for the ?听Dine in or take your meal to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables along the beaches鈥攋ust be sure to dispose of your trash in the designated receptacles.

国产吃瓜黑料 Deeper

Midweek adventures offer more open space and, with , there are a variety of base camps to choose from. By extending your stay, you have time to explore more of North Lake Tahoe. If you need a hand in planning, we have your . Just spin the compass and uncover your ideal itinerary in the mountains, on the lake, and around town. Ultimately, an extended trip allows you to more freely explore the region, escape into nature, and feel rejuvenated.

North Lake Tahoe spans two states鈥擟alifornia and Nevada鈥攁nd boasts two dozen beaches, 11 downhill ski resorts, ten cross-country ski areas, hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails, and communities filled with local artisans and shopping experiences. North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport, and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. Visitor information centers are located at 100 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City, 8611 North Lake Boulevard in Kings Beach, and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. For more information, visit听.

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The brisk bite of autumn air always adds some pep to my step on my morning runs, but it also puts me in the mood for apples, which are just beginning to tumble off their branches. As we sink into fall, freshly-picked Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and more begin popping up everywhere, from farmers鈥� markets to bakeries to hot apple cider stands. In that vein, 鈥檛is the season to remember one of the world鈥檚 most delightful and overlooked spirits, apple brandy, whose golden glow and heady apple perfume makes it the perfect sip on brisk autumn evenings.

Apple spirits are everywhere from New York state to California to the Carolinas; a welcome, trendy drink that becomes even more profound if you know a little bit about its crucial and complicated heritage on this continent. The bitter history that follows makes today鈥檚 rich apple spirits all the more sweet.

The Potentially Dangerous History of Apple Jacking

America鈥檚 original 鈥渇avorite drink鈥� was not bourbon or rye like you鈥檇 expect, but apple cider. The apple tree was key for settlers who tamed the rugged North American continent. As most people know, Johnny Appleseed was not out distributing seeds of Granny Smiths or Pink Ladies, but rather tart, indigestible apples. Although they don鈥檛 sound particularly appealing, these apples were grown to produce cider, a godsend that was safer to drink than water, and both cheap and easy to make . As delicious as they are, typical 鈥渆ating鈥� apples that we enjoy as snacks make bland cider. Bitter apples may be inedible, but via fermentation and distillation, effuse aromas and flavors vastly more complex and beguiling than anything you鈥檒l ever get from a piece of raw fruit.听

Apple cider is best turned to hard alcohol using a dedicated pot still. But these weren鈥檛 common in the early centuries of this country, hence the funny-sounding technique known as jacking. Alcohol freezes at a lower temperature than water, thus, in winter, when cider is allowed to freeze outdoors, chunks of ice can be periodically removed from the vat. This leaves behind a liquid of even more concentrated alcohol.

Alas, the process of apple jacking lacks precision. While the hard spirit in applejack contains methanol, a dangerous chemical (think blindness, kidney failure), is removed during the responsible, modern distillation of today, that wasn鈥檛 always the case with jacking. And at the end of the 19th century, the degradations on the health of American drinkers (and general drunkenness) made applejack the major target of the rising temperance movement, whose ascendance led not only to but also to the destruction of of apple orchards, effectively killing the apple spirits industry.

Cider apples never came back. In their place, farmers planted grain鈥攃heaper, quicker to grow, and easier to distill鈥攇iving rise to our dominant domestic whiskey industry. The destruction of the American orchard had a cost beyond fruit. Lost too was the cornucopia of genetic material contained in apple trees that had adapted from their European roots to American soils and climates.

The Best Apple Brandy听

The original and, in my opinion, best apple brandy is called Calvados, which comes from Normandy in the northwest corner of France. Here, ancient apple (and pear) orchards thrive, and scores of different varieties are blended to create a complex, vivid spirit. Oak aging is key, as unaged apple spirits can be a bit harsh. Allowing a raw apple spirit to mature for years in a barrel, can make the difference between tart, unripe fruit and apple pie. Look for Calvados producers like Adrien Camus, Lemorton, and Roger Groult for examples of addictively good spirits. They still have a little bite, but also the warm, familiar, comforting flavor of baked apple. Longer-aged spirits are more expensive, but also more rich and complex.

Because of the loss of cider trees, a fair bit of American apple brandy comes from eating apples, which makes for a simpler, less exciting spirit. That said, America’s bourgeoning apple brandies are well worth trying. New Jersey鈥檚 , dating from 1698 and the oldest continuously run distillery in the country, is still the largest producer. Out west look for wonderful apple brandies from old-school distillers like Oregon鈥檚 Clear Creek and California鈥檚 St. George Spirits. But all over the country, newer craft distillers are also getting into the game. Black Dirt Distilling, Copper & Kinds, and Neversink from New York鈥檚 Hudson Valley make very flavorful stuff. Outfits like Saint Paul Farms from North Carolina are already producing good spirits, but also growing thousands of new, bitter apple trees whose fruit will be perfect for cider. Follow these spirits over the next few years鈥攖hey will only get better and better.

So, as the weather turns colder and we all become more contemplative, warm yourself up with a little apple brandy and take in not only the beautiful present autumn moment but also the apple鈥檚 deep .

How to Drink Apple Brandy

For good quality, I recommend aged Calvados. I love to drink it neat in a little spirits tasting glass, tumbler, or snifter. If it鈥檚 over proof or simply tastes too strong, it鈥檚 perfectly acceptable to add a splash of water to tame the alcohol.听

Calvados is also great in cocktails or even just mixed with a little soda water or tonic. For a simple, yet delicious fall Calvados cocktail, I might recommend an apple blossom. This version I adapted from the recipe on Difford鈥檚 Guide, which is adapted from the version in Trader Vic鈥檚 Bartender’s Guide, 1972 edition.听

Apple Blossom Cocktail

Ingredients听

• 2 oz Calvados or Apple Brandy
• 1.5 oz Red Vermouth (I prefer Dolin)听
• 2 dashes orange bitters听
• 1 dash of saline solution or a tiny pinch of salt听

Directions

1. Stir all the ingredients together in a pitcher filled with ice and strain into a chilled cocktails glass.听

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