Six Reasons Why Backpacking Between Seasons Is Best

TOAsk any hiker what the ideal weather for hiking is and they will probably describe a clear, cool day when the sun is out but the temperature is low enough that you don’t have to carry four liters of water at a time. The problem? Those perfect days often fall just between the brutal heat of peak summer or the unpredictable snow flurries of early spring.

Six Reasons to Go Backpacking During Shoulder Season

This is why the shoulder season (especially late September through November in many regions) is the least used time for a long-distance trail or backpacking trip.

You trade the reliability of summer for an environment that is exponentially more comfortable and beautiful, solving many of the logistical and mental obstacles that can make summer hikes miserable.

1. You will get the best weather

The famous summer struggle against high humidity and exhausting heat has completely disappeared. In fall, the air is clean, low in humidity, and cool enough to walk comfortably without resorting to ridiculous hydration strategies. You can walk all day without feeling like your backpack straps are suffocating you, and enjoy the kind of cold temperatures that make your warm layers feel absurdly cozy at night.

The air itself just feels better; The absence of thick summer humidity allows sweat to evaporate efficiently, dramatically improving body temperature regulation and making your hiking efforts feel less exhausting throughout the long day.

2. There are fewer people on the road

Once the rush of summer vacationers, section hikers, and early-start hikers passes, the trails experience a dramatic collapse in crowd density. You cling to that feeling of wild solitude that is almost impossible to find during peak season. Lodges become less competitive and you can enjoy the tranquility of the forest without having to constantly manage human interactions or compete for the best campsites.

For me, the lack of crowds allows me to really slow down and settle into the headspace I want to be in during a hike. I don’t have to think about small talk or making room for people in the shelters, and that reduces the mental stress of feeling part of a competitive event.

I saw fewer than five people during the last week of my Long Trail hike and only shared shelter with anyone for two nights.

3. Goodbye bugs and soggy feet!

A later start means that the mosquitoes, gnats and other flying nuisances that make summer camp life a psychological battle have largely disappeared. Meanwhile, reduced humidity and ground saturation means that when your gear gets wet, the cooler, drier air allows it to dry overnight, protecting your sleeping bag and reducing the risk of mold and «hiker funk.»

Additionally, while wet eastern trails (like the Long Trail) can always be muddy, the general decrease in monsoon rains and cooler temperatures reduce the severity of «Vermud» conditions.

TLDR: You’re much less likely to face the perpetual, low-grade misery of saturated footwear, socks that never dry, and little bugs that swarm your face every time you drop below 2 mph.

Even when things got wet, the gear dried semi-quickly.

4. Fall foliage and other views

In many areas, especially the dense forests of the eastern US, the landscape is defined by the explosion of fall foliage. The vertical “green tunnel” that restricts views all summer is transformed into a constant, stunning scene of saturated reds, yellows and oranges.

In the west, you can still see the color changes in the golden yellow of the aspens and larches. In areas where the canopy is heavy, the leaves fall enough to open up amazing temporary overlooks that are usually blocked during the summer – you get the best of both worlds.

For me, this also makes mornings easier. The reduced density of the tree canopy allows morning light to reach the forest floor more easily, helping me warm up and get going when the sun rises.

Every view of the Long Trail was made 150 times prettier thanks to the addition of vibrant fall colors.

5. Less danger and simpler logistics

The risk of sudden afternoon thunderstorms (and the associated severe anxiety of hypothermia and lightning above treeline in the summer) is dramatically reduced when fall arrives. This means you spend less mental energy monitoring the sky and more time enjoying your walk (read: looking at your feet instead of the clouds). Furthermore, by not having to fight against high temperatures, water transport is usually simpler and lighter.

The ability to carry lighter water loads (reducing the weight of the backpack’s largest consumable) translates directly to reduced stress on the joints and better overall sustained walking pace.

Above treeline in the late afternoon without worrying about the weather? Summer could never compete.

6. Pumpkin spices everything

Cross-season hikes offer a fun opportunity to align your trail diet with seasonal flavors, whether you bring your food with you or stop in a town along the way. On my October hike along the Long Trail, the town’s grocery stores were stocked with pumpkin spice-flavored protein bars, hot chocolate mixes, and individual slices of pumpkin pie. I even managed to find some pumpkin pie flavored M&Ms, which was a fun little change away from my typical peanut butter filled snacks.

Colder temperatures also make richer, heavier foods, such as dense chocolate bars, cheesy ramen, or higher-fat dehydrated foods, much more appealing. In the heat of summer, I sometimes have to swallow the calories I know I need, but hiking in the fall makes my caloric intake feel less like a chore.

A pumpkin, maple and almond croissant in the town of Stowe, Vermont.

The trade-offs are worth it

Ultimately, summer hikes guarantee crowds, humidity and heat, while the shoulder season offers better weather, views and vibes.

Sure, you may face the slightly increased risk of a cold night or an early flurry of snow, but those potential annoyances are easily managed with smart gear choices and safety decisions along the way. You are trading minor, manageable cold for major, unmanageable heat and overcrowding. The trade-off is simple: the shoulder season offers the best hiking experience the year has to offer, and you should start planning your next trip!

Cover image: Photo via katie jackson; Graphic design by Zack Goldman.

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