20 Things to Do Before Winter: Fall Walking Bucket List Challenge
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been taking full advantage of every opportunity to enjoy everything that fall has to offer. Though the mornings have been getting chilly—and I don’t love having to add extra layers—the colorful leaves, the crisp fall air, and the morning glow have been worth every minute spent talking myself into getting out of the car and hitting the trail. And though the sun keeps setting earlier and earlier every night—and after-dinner walks almost always end in darkness—my husband and I have been getting out for as many evening strolls as possible.
In the back of my mind, though, I’m well aware that this time is limited. Each time I reach for a wind-breaker and those light dollar-store gloves, I know that it’s just a matter of time before I’ll be reaching for my fleece pants and jackets—and maybe my hand-warmers, too. And okay…let’s be totally honest here: it’s just a matter of time before even the dreadmill will be preferable to frigid, dreary outdoor walks.
But let’s not think about that just yet. Right now, there may be an ominous chill in the air, but there’s plenty of time to enjoy your fall walks. So I’ve put together a bucket list challenge for November: 20 fun and simple things to do before winter comes along and spoils all the fun.
1) Walk Somewhere New
It’s always fun to explore someplace new—whether it’s a new neighborhood, a new park, or a new trail. It doesn’t have to be anyplace noteworthy or special—but the fall colors and change of scenery can make it feel magical.
2) Leaf Peep!
The leaves are so pretty right now: oranges and yellows and bright, vibrant reds. Track down the prettiest fall colors in the area and make that your walking spot for the day. Be sure to take some pictures and share them!
3) Take a Sunrise Walk
The colors of fall can go from beautiful to absolutely breathtaking if you take them in at the right time—like just as the sun is rising. Make a plan to take in one early morning walk and enjoy the scenery, some movement, and a little bit of peace to start your day.
4) Go for a Coffee Walk
Coffee walks are my favorite walks—and there’s just something about a coffee walk in the fall that makes it feel even more cozy and comforting. Whether you brew your own coffee at home or stop by your favorite shop before you set out for your walk, it’ll make your walk feel special.
5) Visit a Local Park
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a fall walk. Head to your neighborhood park to take in the fall colors. If your park has different trails and areas, take the time to explore some of the areas that you don’t normally visit.
6) Walk in the Rain
A walk in the rain in the fall hits differently that a walk in the rain in the summer. Be sure to come prepared with umbrellas, a rain jacket, and some warmer layers to keep you from getting too cold. But that rainy walk will make you see everything in a different light.
7) Take a Closer Look at the Leaves
As I’m walking, I love noticing the different kinds of leaves that I see on the trail: the little ones, the big ones, the red ones, the brown ones… On one of your fall walks, take the time to really notice the leaves. See if you can find five different types.
8) Walk with a Friend
The last couple of months have been hectic in our house, and I’ve missed out on quality time with my friends. I’m guessing I’m not alone here. So instead of catching up over lunch, meet up for a walk! You can spend some quality time together while getting some steps in and enjoying the fall weather together.
9) Explore a New Neighborhood
You’re probably pretty familiar with the houses in your neighborhood, right? For a chance of scenery, try walking in a different neighborhood. Check out the houses, the seasonal decorations, and the gardens while you explore.
10) Snap a Pic of Your Favorite Fall View
Sometimes I find that I appreciate the views more if I’m looking for something to capture in a picture. Whatever really strikes you this fall, take a picture and share it!
11) Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
We’ve already talked about looking for different leaves—but there’s so much to see during the fall! Spend one walk looking for other things in nature: birds, squirrels, pinecones, nuts, berries, and more!
12) Plan a Longer Weekend Walk
Weekend schedules can fill up quickly—but be sure to set aside one weekend day for a longer walk than you’d normally take. Go a little farther, explore different parts of your favorite park or trail, and spend more time enjoying the fall magic. You’ll be so glad you did!
13) Walk Near Water
Walking near water in the summer can help you stay cool; walking near water in the fall is completely different.Last week, on a particularly chaotic morning, I ended up on a different trail—one that went past a small lake. And the view of that lake in all of its fall splendor was spectacular—from the steam rising from the lake to the colorful reflections. It’s a view worth experiencing at least once this fall.
14) Walk After Dark
Lately, our after-dinner strolls have turned into nighttime strolls. We’ve had to start bringing a flashlight, so we don’t trip over uneven patches in the sidewalks in the areas without streetlights. But walking after dark offers a completely different view of the streets you’re used to walking.
15) Visit a Market or Festival
There are so many fun activities to enjoy in the fall—from farmers markets to fall festivals to visits to the local pumpkin patch. They allow you to take in all of the sights and smells of fall while getting extra steps at the same time! I’ve even got some ideas for making your fall adventures even more active!
16) Walk Somewhere with a View
One of our local parks has a trail leading to a scenic cliff overlooking the river. Another has a tower that looks out for miles. Fall is the perfect time to visit those places and enjoy the colorful view.
17) Listen to Something New
Any little change can make the same old walk feel new and fun again. This fall, try listening to a new podcast while you walk. Or check out the audio version of a book you’ve been wanting to read. Or create a new playlist just for fall.
18) Go Screen-Free
It still amazes me how often I walk on the trail and pass people who are walking with their heads down, staring at their phones. They’re missing the best part! While out on your fall walk, leave your phone in your pocket; those texts can wait. Enjoy the fall beauty all around you instead of scrolling through social media.
19) Bring a Piece of Fall Home
My daughter is a collector. She’s always picking up rocks and shells and lost treasures wherever we go. To be fair, though, she got it from me. These days, I try to stick with taking pictures of pretty things—but there are so many pretty things this time of year. On your walks this fall, collect some of the prettiest things on your walk: colorful leaves, nuts, pinecones, whatever. And turn them into a pretty fall display.
20) Take One Last Big Fall Walk
When winter comes, I’m less likely to go on longer outside adventures. Before the cold weather rolls in, make a plan to go out on one big fall walk. Bring a friend or your family and take advantage of the beautiful fall weather before it’s gone!
As the holiday season kicks off, it’s so easy to get caught up in holiday shopping and planning and decorating and other events that you might forget to take the time to enjoy this beautiful time of year.
This month’s challenge, then, isn’t about time or distance or any of those things; it’s about the experience. It’s about enjoying the fall days while we’ve got them. So lace up those shoes, grab some light layers, and see how many of this month’s adventures you can check off the list before winter comes to spoil all of the fall fun.
