Fall Bucket List: Outdoor Adventures to Try Before Winter

Fall might be the best season to get outside. The air is crisp, the crowds have thinned, the bugs are gone, and the leaves put on a show you only get a few weeks a year. But the window is short, so you need to pack in all the fall activities while you still can.

Whether you live near the mountains, the coast, the desert or a small-town park, there's plenty to do outside before winter arrives. Here's our fall bucket list of outdoor adventures to check off while the season allows it.

10 Outdoor Adventures to Try This Fall

1. Go Leaf Peeping on a Scenic Hike

Peak fall color only lasts a couple of weeks, so make it a priority. Look up a local trail known for its foliage, or check a fall foliage map to see when colors peak in your area. Go on a weekday morning if you can, when the trails are quieter and the light is soft. Even if you can find a scenic lookout that you can drive to, it will be worth the view.

2. Take a Fall Road Trip

Fall road trips are all about the stops along the way: overlooks, small-town diners and roadside farm stands. Pack the essentials in a tote you can grab on the go, like our Taxiway Tote, and keep a first aid kit in the car for anything unexpected. Some of the best road trip routes are the roads less traveled, which means you’ll need to be prepared in case of an emergency.

3. Have a Picnic With a View

Fall weather is perfect for a long lunch outside. Pack sandwiches, a thermos of something warm and a blanket, then find a spot with a view. The Jeffrey Cooler keeps food and drinks fresh, and it carries like a backpack, so you can hike it to the good spot instead of settling for the parking lot.

4. Go Car Camping

Cool nights and no bugs make fall one of the best times to camp. Car camping is an easy way to start, since you can bring all the comforts without carrying them on your back. Check whether your campground stays open into late fall, and pack warmer layers than you think you'll need.

5. Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Apple Orchard

Not every adventure needs a trailhead. Spend an afternoon picking apples or hunting for the perfect pumpkin. It's an easy outing for families, friends or a laid-back date.

6. Ride a Trail Before It Gets Muddy

Fall is prime riding season, with tacky dirt and cool temperatures. Get your rides in before winter rain and snow close the trails. If you're hauling bikes, the Basecamp 3.0 tailgate pad keeps them secure and your truck protected on the way to the trailhead.

7. Watch a Sunrise or Sunset From a Summit

Shorter days mean you don't have to wake up at 4 a.m. to catch the sunrise. Pick a short hike to a high point, bring a warm layer and a headlamp for the walk back, and watch the sky change color.

8. Go Stargazing

Fall nights are longer and often clearer, which makes it a great season for stargazing. Drive away from city lights, bring a blanket and a warm drink, and let your eyes adjust for about 20 minutes.

9. Try a New Outdoor Hobby

Use the cooler weather to try something new: fishing, bouldering, trail running, kayaking or photography. Look for local groups or beginner classes. They're a great way to learn and meet people who love the outdoors as much as you do. Facebook is a great place to look for established groups and events. 

10. Host a Tailgate Party

Whether it's a game day, a trailhead hangout or a post-hike get-together, a tailgate is one of the best fall traditions. Bring snacks, drinks and your favorite people, and drop the tailgate for an easy place to gather. 

What to Bring on Your Fall Adventures

Fall weather can change fast, so a little preparation goes a long way. Here's a quick checklist to keep in your car or bag all season:

• Layers: a warm mid-layer, a rain shell, a hat and gloves

• Headlamp: the sun sets earlier than you expect

• Water and snacks: plus a thermos of something warm

• First aid kit: a compact kit like the Cache Med Kit covers scrapes, blisters and minor injuries

• A bag that can get rained on: for muddy boots, wet layers and everything in between

• A cooler: for longer outings and picnics, the Jeffrey Cooler

• A map or downloaded directions: cell service gets spotty on back roads and trails

Make the Most of the Season

Fall doesn't last long, so don't wait for the perfect weekend. Pick one or two adventures from this list, grab a friend and get outside while the leaves are still on the trees. At Cache, we build gear for people who would rather be outside, in every season.