Five Fall Favourites

I have never understood why people talk about summer as the best time to get outdoors. For me, hiking has always been most enjoyable in the fall; the temperatures are more moderate, the air is clearer, and most importantly: no mosquitoes!

Even in September you can observe the first change in colour in the leaves of the hardwoods. The National Capital Commission's Fall Rhapsody festival does not begin until early October, but here are five recommendations for fall hiking.

King Mountain: Climbing to the top of a knoll on the Eardley Escarpment in Gatineau Park, this trail provides panoramic vistas of the Ottawa River Valley as well as excellent views of the predominantly hardwood canopy of the surrounding parklands. The 6.5km route description found on pg. 83 of Hiking Trails of Ottawa should be a pleasant, if occasionally challenging, 2-3 hour walk for most people.

Wakefield to Lac Brown: Climbing to the top of the hills overlooking Wakefield, this hike is the perfect fall excursion for those who like a little effort and have healthy knees. This 9.5km route, found on pg. 175, contains a difficult climb at its start and near the end, but takes you to a pleasant picnic site beside a small lake, or the chance for a meal in Wakefield afterwards at one of the village's many restaurants.

Murphys Lake Provincial Park: Although I enjoy climbing hills for their expansive view, in the fall, being surrounded by trees while you walk is an unquestioned delight. This 7.5km route, passing beside a lake, a river, and through interesting archaeological exhibits, should make a quite enjoyable weekend excursion for the casual outdoor enthusiast at any time of year. It may be found on pg. 264.

Manitou Mountain: Ascending Dillion Mountain on the shores of Calabogie Lake, the Manitou Mountain Trail features numerous lookouts with expansive views of the lower, surrounding countryside. But be warned, this 11.5km trek more is suitable for advanced hikers, as it requires both a good fitness level and competent navigation skills, especially when falling leaves carpet its indistinct footpath. The route description is found on pg. 200.

Pine Grove Forestry Trail: What path could be more ideal in the fall, when the glory of the forest's display captures so many imaginations? This 6km route, located in Ottawa's Greenbelt, is ideal for young children and novices, both because of its relatively level and wide pathway and because of its many interpretive panels, provided by the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, which helps identify many of the tree species found along the route. The route description is on pg. 46.