Friday Favorites - My favorite fall hikes

I. Love. Fall. I love the colors, the smell, the weather - everything about it. It is a great time to enjoy the last few moments of outside weather before the winter weather strikes.
I also love to hike in the fall! We pack the family and food up and off we go for a short, day, or a weekend trip. Hikes are a great way to soak in the fresh air, get unplugged, and spend time with family and friends. Bonus - it can make you happier! Add some geocaching or check out an orienteering meet from OLOU for even more exploring and you won't even feel like you are getting exercise!

Garden of the Gods in Illinois

Here are a few of my favorite places to hike:

Half day Hikes
1. The Parklands - a great place to spend a few hours hiking on the trails along the creek
2. EP Tom Sawyer - a few trails with geocaching or check out their permanent orienteering course

Day Hikes
1. Jefferson Memorial Forest - get away from the city without traveling too far. The trails vary in difficulty and have some great views
2. Bernheim - just south of Louisville a great place to enjoy the colors of the season especially walking out on the tree canopy
4. Clifty Falls - in Southern Indiana a great day trip to explore with friends and family 

Weekend Hikes
1. Natural Bridge - trails of varying difficult with beautiful views to make it worth the climb
2. Shawnee National Forest - a favorite weekend getaway for us - great hiking, rocks for kids to climb - Garden of the gods is breathtaking. 



Honorable Mention- Of course, I have to mention Brown County State Park in Indiana - I practically grew up there. Having said that, I do avoid it in the fall because of the crowds. Happy Hiking!