This is the best time of year to be outside, whether on a bike, in a canoe or ‘yak, or on foot. It doesn’t matter whether the day is sunny or overcast, rainy or misty. The colors here in the Adirondack foothills are turning fast, and I like to get outside to enjoy them as much as possible, even as my desk piles high with work to be done. In a month’s time the trees will be stripped of leaves, and a month passes quickly—too quickly.

If you’re stuck inside and simply cannot get out into the countryside, take a few moments to enjoy a vicarious hike to enjoy the views hereabouts. The River and its bordering woods can always be relied upon to lift the spirits and calm the soul. Let’s reflect with this photo:

 

 
I can’t get enough photos of reflections, and this one reminds me of hammered metal. The sky is broken overcast, the pool is agitated by a restless wind, and the blueberry bushes are turning color. Further up the rocky spine, other blueberry shrubs are more advanced in their colors:

 

 
Most of the berries have been harvested by hungry birds and animals, though a few remain. These berries are another matter. At first I thought they were cranberries, but after consulting the guidebooks, it seems more likely they’re winterberry:

 

 
Looking up across the main channel you can see how the blush of autumn is working its way through the woodland. Smaller exposed maples have turned completely from green to red, while back in the forest orange and yellow are filling in. And speaking of orange, these maple saplings are bright in autumnal plumage:

 

 
A patch of blue sky is reflected in another pool:

 

 
The patch widens and in another pool compliments the reflection of red maple leaves:

 

 
It’s time to head back to the trailhead as dark clouds loom in the northern horizon. The trail winds through the woods and around a backwater which is bespeckled with fallen leaves and orange hemlock needles.

 

 
Downstream of the backwater pool, the ferns are turning yellow and russet:

 

 
A shower passes overhead and I pull out my umbrella to keep my gear dry. Water beads on leaves carpeting the trail.

 

 
The sun peeks out but not for long. No sooner do I return home than a deluge brings down more leaves. And so it goes. More photos of this colorful season can be found in the Outside Up North Photo Gallery Enjoy!

 
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