Autumn is prime for hiking, but it’s also a time of the year when the weather is transitioning from warm to cold, especially at higher elevations. Here a few things you should know before you go:

• In addition to the usual layers and rainwear, bring gloves and a wool hat. It might be 60 degrees and calm at the trailhead, but 40 degrees and blowing 30 mph at the summit.
• Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Daylight is much shorter as the fall equinox approaches, and hikes can take longer than you anticipate.
• If you’re hiking in New Hampshire, consider purchasing a HikeSafe card (www.hikesafe.com). As long as the situation is not deemed reckless or intentionally creating an emergency, this inexpensive insurance policy ($25 per person, $35 per family) relieves you of the costs of rescue if you are lost, sick or injured in the backcountry, and it helps support search-and-rescue programs in the state of New Hampshire.
• Bring water for both you and your pet if you bring it along. Streams often dry up by fall.

Photos from the gallery above are from the Fall 2016 called 6 Fantastic Hikes.

For more info check out these resources:

Hiking the Green Mountains (FalconGuides)

Hiking the White Mountains (FalconGuides)

Hiking the Adirondacks (FalconGuides)

Best Hikes with Dogs: New Hampshire & Vermont (The Mountaineers Books)

Appalachian Mountain Club, www.outdoors.org

Adirondack Mountain Club, www.adk.org

Green Mountain Club, www.greenmountainclub.org