Signs That Fall Is Almost Here
This post is part of our Summer of Simple Walking series. Check out the intro post
for more information and links to other helpful posts.
As much as I love the summer months—the vacations, the adventures, the long, sunny days—by the time we reach the end of August, I’ll admit that I’m ready to move on. My kid is back in school. I’m back to my school-year routines. I’ve had my first nutty pumpkin iced coffee. I am ready to trade my shorts and T-shirts for full-length leggings and hoodies.
This is also the time of year when I start noticing the subtle signs on my morning walks. Things just start to feel different—just gradually, a little bit at a time.
The transition from summer to fall doesn’t happen overnight, but there are signs—and you’ll start to notice more and more of them on your daily walks:
1) Mornings Feel Cooler
I think this might be my favorite part. After a few months of getting up in the morning and hitting the trail, only to come home drenched in sweat, the cooler morning temperatures make me so ridiculously happy. I can bring back my colorful legging rotation—and it won’t be long before I’m grabbing a light hoodie on my way out the door.
Now is the time to enjoy those cool morning walks—the time when you’re no longer sweating bullets on your walk, but you’re also not layering up to keep from freezing.
2) The Sun Rises a Little Later
If you’re an early-morning walker, you’ll start to notice that the sun’s coming up a little later. The morning light feels a little softer. And the start of the day feels even more laid-back and peaceful than before.
An early walk is a great way to enjoy that slower start to the day.
3) Sunsets Become More Breathtaking
I always love a good sunset stroll—but as we approach fall, there’s just something about those nighttime colors that seems extra striking. As the sunsets come earlier and earlier, now is the time to enjoy an evening walk to take in the sunset and enjoy that warm, soothing feeling that it brings.
4) New Flowers are Blooming
In late summer, the wildflowers of summer make way for the wildflowers of fall. Instead of the purples and pinks and whites, you’ll start to see more fall colors. You’ll see yellow fields and trail-side blooms of goldenrod—maybe some sunflowers, too—with plenty of bees swarming around, racing to get more pollen before the cold weather arrives.
5) Butterflies and Bees…Oh, My!
Speaking of new blooms and pollinators…now is the time to take notice of the creatures flying around you on your walks. Look for bumblebees and butterflies. Search for shimmery hummingbirds. They’ll all be on the hunt for the latest batch of pollen to store up for the coming months.
6) Trees Show a Glimpse of What’s to Come
While most trees are still green, you’ve probably noticed that the changes are coming. You may see more fallen leaves on the trail—and some might be shades of yellow. I do love the changing colors of fall—so when the leaves start changing, I definitely take notice. It’s only a matter of time before the green leaves are turning into vibrant reds and oranges and yellows.
7) Squirrels Are Extra Busy
I love seeing wildlife out on the trail—and now you may be noticing that the squirrels are out and extra busy as they stock up on food for the winter. Keep an eye out for these busy little gatherers out on the trail. You’ll probably see them racing across the trail in front of you as you walk.
8) School Buses Return
If you walk on the streets instead of on a trail, the changes will be pretty obvious here. You’ll see the kids at the bus stop. You’ll notice buses passing as you walk. The schedules are different, the traffic is different, and everyone is getting used to their new routines.
9) The Air Smells Different
This is another one of my favorite things about fall: the smell. As the temperatures change, the air smells crisp and a little woodsy—of fallen leaves and cool mornings. You may not notice it much quite yet, but that change is coming soon.
10) Traffic on the Trail Changes
As families’ routines change, you’ll start to notice a difference on the trail. If you walked in an area that was normally filled with families, you may notice that things have gotten a lot more peaceful. If you walk on a trail that’s mostly used by adults, the traffic may pick up as moms and dads head back to the trail once the kids are back in school. Whatever the case, the traffic on the trail isn’t the same as it was a month ago.
11) You Find Yourself Walking a Little Longer
It wasn’t long ago that stepping outside—even in the morning and evening—felt…unpleasant. Summer walks can be hot and humid and uncomfortable, and you may have found yourself struggling to get in a quick, sweaty walk.
Now, however, the temperatures are starting to get a little cooler, and your walks are starting to get a little less sweaty. And you may feel like taking the longer trail…or adding another block…or staying out a little longer. Take advantage of those comfortable days—and get those extra steps!
12) But…Summer Isn’t Over Yet!
Though you’ll notice the changes on the trail, it’s not fall yet! Take advantage of these late summer days. Enjoy the flowers and the sunshine and the leaves on the trees. Enjoy the warmth days and after-dinner sunsets. Fall is coming, but we’re not there yet—so take the time to enjoy this beautiful time of year.
One of the greatest things about walking is that it makes us slow down and take a look at the things around us. We notice these small changes—and get to celebrate each one. Before the summer ends, take the time to go for a walk. Take a deep breath. And notice the world around you. Because it won’t be long before everything changes into something new and different but equally beautiful.
What are the first signs of fall that you notice? Have you started to notice any of them yet?
