What gear do I need for fall hiking?

For fall hiking, you'll want waterproof boots, moisture-wicking layers, a windproof shell, thermal socks, gloves, and a headlamp for shorter daylight hours. Always check weather conditions and trail reports before heading out.

How do I prevent blisters while hiking?

Choose hiking boots with proper arch support and break them in beforehand. Wear moisture-wicking socks, and carry blister pads or moleskin to treat hot spots early on.

Are fall trails safe for beginners?

Yes, many well-marked trails are beginner-friendly in the fall. Just be cautious of slippery leaves, early frosts, and shorter daylight. Stick to familiar routes and pack emergency essentials.

What is the best time of day to take fall hiking photos?

Golden hour—right after sunrise or just before sunset—offers the most flattering natural light and enhances fall foliage colors. Overcast days also create soft lighting for rich, moody shots.

Should I bring a filter for fall hiking water sources?

Absolutely. Even clear water can contain harmful bacteria. Use a lightweight water filter or purification tablets for any untreated water on the trail.

✧ Walking the Line: My Minimalist Trek on the Continental Divide Trail

By Jake – The Minimalist @ HikerHeritage.com

I’m not out here for glory. I’m not chasing trail fame. I’m chasing quiet.

When I set out to hike a solo section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) through the San Juan Mountains in Colorado, I wasn’t looking to conquer anything. I was looking to shed. Weight, noise, clutter — both on my back and in my head.

You don’t need much to walk. And the Divide, with its jagged ridgelines and brutal honesty, doesn’t let you fake it. You carry too much? You suffer. You come in loud and unfocused? The wind will strip that away.

What Is the Continental Divide Trail?

The CDT stretches over 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, tracing the spine of North America. It’s the wildest of the Triple Crown trails — less blazed, less traveled, and far more demanding. I chose a 90-mile section between Wolf Creek Pass and Spring Creek Pass, cutting through Colorado’s San Juans.

Packing Light, Living Right

My base weight? Under 11 lbs. I hike light because carrying less lets me experience more.

1-person trekking pole tent
30°F quilt + silk liner
Foam pad (no inflatables)
Wind shell, 2 shirts, 2 socks
Alcohol stove + titanium mug
Water filter + old-school compass + paper map

Every ounce asks a question. If I can’t answer “Why is this here?” it doesn’t come with me.

The Sky Is Too Big to Talk Over

My first night was just below tree line. I boiled water in silence and watched dusk roll in over the ridges. No podcasts. No scrolling. Just wind and sky.

A Trail That Doesn’t Care

On day three, a storm moved in near Snow Mesa. I bolted for cover. No panic — just quiet urgency. The CDT teaches you quickly: adapt, or get off the line.

Why Fewer People Makes the Experience Richer

I crossed paths with three hikers total. Shared trail talk, swapped miles, drifted apart. The landscape becomes the conversation. It’s not lonely. It’s aware.

Food, Water, Fire

Couscous, olive oil, jerky. Spring water from a pine-shaded trickle. A tiny blue flame under my pot. The basics sharpen out here.

The Best View I Never Photographed

Just past Jarosa Mesa, I found a saddle covered in wildflowers, fading into pine valley shadows. I didn’t take a picture. Some things you carry in your mind, not your feed.

What I Learned from the Divide

Silence teaches more than noise.
Gear doesn’t define the hiker. Simplicity > shiny extras.
The trail is the teacher.
Go light to go far.

Thinking About Hiking the CDT?

Start where you are. Don’t wait for the “perfect gear.” Respect the land. Trust your gut. If you’re into wide-open skies and fewer footprints, this trail’s calling your name.

Final Thought

At Spring Creek Pass, I ended with no applause — just pine sap, quiet, and the wind. And it was enough.

— Jake