“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
And no, we’re not talking about Christmas.
It’s all about fall y’all!
The bugs are retreating back to where they came from, the weather is cooling down, and the ponies are starting to get their cozy coats back. Not to mention all of the stunning autumn rides that we know you’ll be going on this season. Whatever your reason for loving fall, let us add some more to your list. Keep reading to find some amazing rides and a tasty treats to keep your autumn spirits alive.
Where are the best places to trail ride in the fall?
It’s no secret that with the turning of the season comes the Bright natural colors of the forest.
Bright yellows, crisp reds, and crunchy shades of orange greet you as you set out on your first trail of the cozy season.
You make sure to step on every leaf possible and inhale the cooling scents of autumn.
California
Shiloh Ranch Regional Park
Location: Windsor, CA
Length: 8.0 miles
Details: This beautiful park is located just outside of Windsor, California. You will be riding through the Mayacamas Mountains, and enjoying all of the scenery that this 850-acre park has to offer.
There is a full restroom and a drinking fountain at the head of this trail, and the parking lot is big enough for larger gooseneck trailers. Dogs are not allowed on the trails but can hang out in the group picnic area.
There is a $7.00 day-use fee. So make sure to bring a little cash with you. Make sure to check out their website for any trail closures and weather updates.
Helen Putnam Regional Park
Location: Petaluma, CA
Length: 6.0 miles
Details: There are two locations for you to go to at Helen Putnam Regional Park. The first is located at the Chileno Valley Trailhead 411 Chileno Valley Road Petaluma, CA 94952
The second is at the Windsor Drive Trailhead 373 Windsor Drive Petaluma, CA 94952.
The Chileno Valley entrance has a playground, restrooms, and a drinking fountain. While the Windsor Drive Trailhead only has a portable restroom.
There is a $7.00 day-use fee, and the park is open from 7:00 am to dusk. Dogs are welcome but must remain on their leashes at all times.
This park has stunning views of the Sonoma County countryside and is home to many types of wildlife. This trail is ideal in the fall when the whole valley is changing colors and the crisp breezes are a welcome reprieve from the hot summer sun.
Oregon
Trail of Ten Falls & Buck Mountain Loop
Location: Silverton, OR
Length: 16.9-mile loop
Details: This 16.9 mile trail makes it’s home in Silverton, OR. It is considered a challenging route. But, don’t let that stop you from taking a ride down the trail to enjoy the autumn waterfalls and local wildlife.
There is a $5.00 day-use fee. So, make sure you bring a little cash with you. Dogs are also welcome on some trails, but must stay on their leash. Bikers are also welcome on this trail, so make sure that your horse is okay with them before you set out.
Bald Hill Trail
Location: Corvallis, OR
Length: 2.7 miles
Details: Bald Hill Trail boasts beautiful views, and incredible bird watching. That being said, there may be some parts of the trail that are closed due to habitat restoration.
But! Don’t let that discourage you from setting out on this 2.7-mile loop. Check-in with the Greenbelt Land Trust for updates.
This trail overlooks the Willamette Valley and Coastal Range Mountains. So you’ll have the best views of the trees changing colors with the seasons. Part of this trail is paved and offers excellent footing, while the rest is well-maintained and wide enough that two horses can fit side by side almost all the way through
Washington
Whipple Creek Park
Location: Ridgefield, WA
Length: 4.3 miles
Details: Whipple Creek Park is home to over 300 acres of land to explore. The trails are interconnected and are home to all types of trees including Douglas firs, maples, and cedars. All beautiful when ridden through in mid-fall.
If you’re lucky you’ll also be able to take a glance at the local wildlife. Beavers, woodpeckers, hawks, and herons all make their homes at Whipple Creek, and will actively be getting ready for winter.
This park is open to bikers, hikers, and horses. Ensure your horse is okay with bikes before heading out on the trail.
Cooper River Trail
Location: Ronald, WA
Length: 6.8 miles
Details: Cooper River Trail is approximately an hour and a half outside of Yakima, Washington. You’ll be riding through the stunning old-growth trees of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
This trail is open all year round and welcomes many forms of outdoor travel such as running, biking, and horseback riding. If you’re looking for an easy trail that you can spend a whole day exploring, then this is the one for you.
Dogs are also welcome, but they have to be on a leash. The park asks that if you bring any food in that you make sure to bring a trash bag and to pack out everything that you pack in.
If you’re a person who enjoys fishing with the appropriate permits, then you are more than welcome to bring your fishing gear with you on your ride as well.
Take Apple Cider for a Tasty Trail Ride Treat
Whether you’re pressing your own apples, juicing them, or buying store-bought, there’s no denying that a signal to the start of the coziest time of the year is with a mug of hot apple cider.
You can even have apple cider in July if you’re determined enough!
Need a recipe for your next hot- to- trot, sure to have them wanting more, new tradition trail ride apple cider?
We’ve got just the recipe for you!
Hot-to-Trot Apple Cider Recipe
This recipe will need to simmer in a crockpot for 2 hours. Make sure to plan accordingly.
INGREDIENTS
- 7-8 medium apples, quartered it doesn’t matter what type
- Large container of apple juice
- 2 oranges peeled and quartered
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 1 whole nutmeg
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine all your ingredients in your crockpot you can also choose to simmer this in a pot on the stove, just make sure to keep an eye on it. Adding the apples, oranges, cinnamon, cloves, and seasonings. Cover with water and apple juice. Let simmer on low for two hours make sure you set a timer
- When your timer goes off, take a potato masher and mash the apples and oranges. This will help release more of their flavor.
- Using a fine-mesh strainer strain out all of the apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and spices you can use a cheese-cloth if the strainer doesn’t get it all out the first time,
- This step is optional, but you can add your desired amount of brown sugar
- If you are planning on bringing this on a trail ride you can store it in a Thermos. Or if you are an avid camper, bring your cooking stove to heat it up when you’re done with your ride keeping in mind the fire safety rules of your chosen destination
Need some hand warmers or a high-quality drinkware for your next autumn trail ride? Mosey on down to your local Wilco Farm store for all your trail riding needs.
