Authored By: The Circuit Trails | November 13, 2019

That nip in the air, the beautiful sights of fall foliage, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot— being out on the trails in the fall is a thrilling feeling. Thinking about taking your runs, walks, or rides off the beaten path this season? Although traveling the trails is similar to being on the roads, there are some differences to make note of before you set out #onthecircuit. To help you get started, we pulled together a list of our best trail tips that will help guide you to staying safe #onthecircuit this fall.

Photo courtesy of thewirecutter.com

Always wear reflective gear 

Reflective running gear and bike reflectors are ideal for those that like early morning or late night runs. With the end of daylight savings, it’s getting darker out faster, so it is important to wear reflective gear if you’re running or walking on the trails. Reflectors help draw attention to you, helping to eliminate low light safety hazards.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Keep an eye out for safety hazards (like wet leaves)

The best way to treat injuries is to avoid them. When hiking, biking, running or walking on the trails, it is important to take preventative measures. With the drop in temperatures leaves can look like they are easy to pass over, but they can end up causing major damage to you. Since plants and trees generally take in water through their roots, leaves are specifically designed not to allow water to penetrate. Instead, water sits on top of the leaf’s waxy coating, creating a film similar to that found on ice. Make sure you take it a little slower when passing over that patch of leaves on the ground and help prevent injuries to yourself and others.

Photo courtesy of Coach Magazine

Layer up

The temperatures on the weather forecast won’t feel the same when you’re moving so make sure to layer up when you hit the trails. When dressing to run in the cold, remember that once you start moving, your body heats up fast, which could result in overheating if you’re bundled up. Layering properly will help you to regulate your body temperature and keep risk of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia at bay. Once you stop exercising you will cool down quickly, so be prepared to throw those layers back on after.

Use these tips to help you navigate fall #onthecircuit, and be sure to find a trail near you to get some fresh air before it is too cold to go outside!