I’ve always seen myself as an early summer and fall hiker; however, the last couple of years, I have fallen in love with late winter/early spring hiking. It’s something about the crisp air and the frozen lakes, with spurts of green peeking out from the trees and wildflowers, that creates an empty canvas for nature to paint and add color to.

Even though there are usually fewer people out during this time of year in the midwest, it is during this time that I feel safest while out on solo hikes. I can’t really explain why. Perhaps because visibility is better without the foliage. My body happens to feel the most comfortable.

Autumn will always have my heart. The combination of the fall colors and the leaves crunching under my boots calms me and screams out: camping, bonfires, good food, football, and hiking.

Being in the midwest the summers can be brutal, and July and August can be too hot to hike or be outside for more than a couple of hours, at least for me. Living in a state that gets all four seasons is the best. Tell me what’s your favorite season to get outside?