This time of year is my favorite.  I love being outdoors but the fall season is the best in my book.  The leaves changing colors gives a new spin to the same ole landscape that we see every day.  The splashes of reds, yellows and orange just lifts my spirits.

We went for a short ride last night along some familiar trails and I was surprised to see so few people on the trails.  As we rode up South Ridge in Bent Creek a huge Great Horned Owl flew across the trail in front of us and landed in a tree.  We stopped to get a better look at him and he flew from tree to tree not wanting the attention.  A squirrel on the side of the road made this weird chatter sound as the owl was flying around, I am sure he was thanking us for allowing his get away.  I guess owl’s eat squirrels?  Anyway, it was an interesting evening ride.

Another great area to ride is Dupont State Forest in Brevard, NC.  Dupont boasts over 80 miles of trails.  The waterfalls out there are just wonderful, they can be crowded, but when you see them you will know why.  When you get back on the trails of Dupont you will hardly see anyone, so don’t let all the cars at the trails heads deter you from riding.  Dupont is also open and is a favorite to horseback riders.  Keep in mind your trail ettiquite and stop for all horses and dismount your bike.  Most horses haven’t seen a bike before and it makes them nervous.

Fall in WNC is a special time of year and unfortunately it isn’t very long, so get out there and enjoy the great temperatures and great color.