Blue Cross Blue Shield Vermont: Late-Fall Hiking in Vermont

This article is republished from our Fall 2002 issue of Vigor.

Late-Fall Hiking in Vermont
By Nathan Venet

As the weather gets cold, it’s tempting to spend all your time cuddled in a blanket with a warm cup of tea. But don’t give up on the outdoors yet! Late fall is an excellent time of year to catch some late fall foliage, and get some exercise hiking on many of Vermont’s trails. From conquering trails only an expert should attempt to strolling through a pleasant day hike, spending the day outdoors is a great way to keep fit and to enjoy the natural beauty of the state you live in.

The benefits of walking are numerous. Getting any type of regular exercise can greatly cut your odds of getting various cancers, reduce the likelihood of suffering from hypertension, and reduce your risk of heart disease. Not only that, but walking just one mile can burn 100 calories or more, so it is an excellent way to stay fit.

If you’re planning on hiking, there are many things you can do to prepare so that you have a fun and safe time. For instance, make sure you pack and dress appropriately for your hike.

Footwear: Wear something that’s going to be comfortable. If you’re just hiking through the woods, running or walking shoes may be fine. If you intend on hiking some steeper and rockier terrain (or if it’s very cold), you might want to consider wearing hiking boots.

Clothing: Dress in layers. As the temperature continues to drop, dressing warmly is especially important. Wear layers so that you can stay comfortable both while you are hiking and while you’re sitting to enjoy lunch or a snack.

Water: Be sure to carry water with you. Especially if you are planning to spend a long day hiking, water is essential. Even moderate exercise such as walking can tax your body’s water reserves, so drink frequently.

While hiking can be fun, it’s important to remember to follow some basic guidelines in order to maintain hiking trails’ beauty for others:

“Pack it in, pack it out,” is a hiker’s mantra. Make sure that you leave your hike with everything you came with, including food scraps and wrappers.

Leave the environment as you find it. Leave plants, rocks and artifacts where you find them.

Do not feed any animals you may see. Enjoy watching them from a distance.

There are many hiking trails and walking paths across the state. The Green Mountain Club, which maintains the Vermont portion of the Long Trail, has regional branches that organize hikes and walks. This organization, which promotes outdoor hiking and walking, will host several events in late fall. Please be sure to call or e-mail the contact person for each hike before arriving. You can go to the Green Mountain Club’s website, www.greenmountainclub.org for more information, and to find more scheduled hikes in your area.

If there isn’t a scheduled hike in your area, grab a friend and go it on your own. It’s hard to go far in Vermont without coming across a beautiful trail.