October
With October comes cooler temperatures which make for very enjoyable hiking.
As summer flowers begin to fade leaves are already beginning to turn. During the second weekend of October, you will be able to watch the Towpath Marathon. Watching from Riverview road is especially pleasant. While you are waiting for the race to start, make sure you look around at the crisp fall morning and take in the colors, if the temperature is right, you'll see mist/fog rising above the trees.
Of course as the month wears on, you will see more and more color along the trail - yellows, oranges and reds and Fall leaves begin to cover the trail.
Fall brings its own flowers including Asters, Golden Rod, and Iron Weed. You may even spot a butterfly such as a Cabbage White.
Watch for flocks of blackbirds that fill the skies and trees and create sounds unlike anything you have ever heard.
Many birds will not be hanging around much longer, but those that do will be much more visible as the leaves fall from the trees. Late fall is a wonderful time to bird watch as you can see birds that you could not see during the lush summer months.
- Bald Eagles
Cedar Waxwings
Hawks
Cardinals
Blue Birds
Blue Jays
Nut Hatches
Flicker
November
By November the temperatures are becoming even cooler and the leaves are almost all off the trees.
The trails seem brighter and sunnier without the shade of the leaves. Much of the greenery has turned to brown. Temperatures in the 40's and 50's make for some wonderful crisp hikes. November often brings the first snow of the season.
Many people think that this is the time of year that the hiking season is drawing to a close. We challenge you to grab your coats and hand warmers (they really do help) and give winter hiking a try. It is a beautiful experience.
December
Once December rolls in, the temperatures are often in the 20's and 30's and snow is to be expected. The trail is usually passable, but if the snow is too deep, it can be difficult trudging through the snow drifts. If you are lucky enough to be the first one to get the trail after a larger snowfall, you will be able to witness a site that few are lucky enough to see. The trail, untouched by man or animal. Just pure glistening snow - almost indescribable beauty.
Of course there will still be plenty of deer on the trail. Grab a guide and try to identify the paw prints in the snow.
You will continue to see Coots, Cormorants, Pie Billed Grebe, Blue Heron, Beaver, Wood Ducks.
Enjoy the views .....