Fall Boating: Experiencing All that the Season Has to Offer
Fall is a wonderful time of year to be outside. The leaves are changing, the temperatures are mild and, in many parts of the country, there are some of the year’s best fishing opportunities.
Boat ownership amplifies the ability to enjoy these activities. Complete with some of the best locations to experience all that this season has to offer, enjoy this guide to fall boating.
What Fall Boating Has to Offer
The kids are back in school. The summer’s travel plans and coordination are in the rearview. The holidays and all the details and logistics are not yet upon us. Fall offers a time of transition—for people and nature.
The result is calming and slow. Fall on a boat is especially relaxing. The sound of geese flying south mixes perfectly with the colors of fall leaves.
Along the Gulf Coast and southeast, there are runs of bull redfish. In the Great Lakes, fall offers some of the best walleye fishing of the year. No matter where you live, boat ownership makes capitalizing on fall fishing opportunities that much more doable.
If you are in New England, leaf peeping is a popular pastime. The oranges, reds, and bronzes of the falling leaves paint a tapestry that lights up the woods. When you are viewing this seasonal transition from a boat you enjoy the ability to see it twice—once in the woods and again reflected off of the water.
Many people make annual pilgrimages to New England with the express purpose of seeing the leaves. Being able to take it in from the water, on your own boat, is a special charm.
Clear, Crisp Nights and A Sky Full of Stars
On a clear fall night, the sky can be as vivid as the colors of the leaves. Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the sky. You can also spot the North Star.
These celestial landmarks are a great way to introduce kids to astronomy and the wonders of the night sky. For more inspiration, check out the star gazing article we published in August. This provides a great refresher on what to look for and some added incentive to take it all in.
A Word on Weather
In the south, fall brings with it a break from the heat of summer. It also brings shorter days and the prospect of rapidly changing weather.
Anytime you plan to be on the open water, you ought to keep an eye on the forecast. This is especially true in the fall and into winter. Cold fronts can not only bring lower temperatures but also pack powerful winds and rain.
Your fall boating supplies might include an extra jacket, some rain gear, and even a few blankets. This is especially true if you plan to boat with kids. Having gloves and hand warmers can make all the difference when it comes to the little ones enjoying a fall boating experience.
The extra layers are even more useful if you plan to incorporate star gazing or round out the day with some fishing at dusk. If you want to be a super hero on the boat, pack a jug of hot chocolate or warm cider for the kids or maybe a thermos full of coffee for the adults. This is a great way to keep warm while staying with the spirit of the season.
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Inspiration: Some of Our Favorite Fall Boating Destinations
The United States and Canada are blessed with many, many great fall boating destinations. No matter where you live, there are boating and on-the-water experiences that are available only in the fall. If you are looking for some travel inspiration, however, here are some fall boating destinations that are definitely worth the trip.
1. Columbia River Gorge. Oregon/Washington border
The Columbia River Gorge features a stunning river canyon that traverses 80 miles. With depths up to 400 feet, the Gorge is bounded by cliffs, ridges, and peaks that have been attracting tourists for generations.
2. Lake Tahoe. California
California’s Lake Tahoe features an unmatched combination of natural beauty (mountains, the lake, forests, and more) alongside a thriving entertainment and hospitality scene. There is much to love.
3.Dillon Reservoir. Colorado
At an elevation of more than 9,000 feet, Dillon Reservoir is home to stunning views of the Rockies and a well-rounded boating experience.
4.Door County. Wisconsin
Home to 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Door County blazes with foliage in the fall. If you’re looking for natural beauty and some great fishing, check it out.
5.Mackinac Island. Michigan
Mackinac Island on Lake Michigan features a wonderful combination of history, tourist amenities, and land and water-based recreation.
6.Acadia National Park. Maine
Billed as “The Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” Maine’s Acadia National Park is not only intensely beautiful but home to a rich cultural heritage as well.
7.Hudson River Valley. New York
New York’s Hudson Valley courses with vibrant fall foliage, amazing waterscapes, and an incredible variety of visitor experiences.
Back to Blue Life
Fall is a wonderful time of year to be outside. The leaves are changing, the temperatures are mild and, in many parts of the country, there are some of the year’s best fishing opportunities.
Boat ownership amplifies the ability to enjoy these activities. Complete with some of the best locations to experience all that this season has to offer, enjoy this guide to fall boating.
What Fall Boating Has to Offer
The kids are back in school. The summer’s travel plans and coordination are in the rearview. The holidays and all the details and logistics are not yet upon us. Fall offers a time of transition—for people and nature.
The result is calming and slow. Fall on a boat is especially relaxing. The sound of geese flying south mixes perfectly with the colors of fall leaves.
Along the Gulf Coast and southeast, there are runs of bull redfish. In the Great Lakes, fall offers some of the best walleye fishing of the year. No matter where you live, boat ownership makes capitalizing on fall fishing opportunities that much more doable.
If you are in New England, leaf peeping is a popular pastime. The oranges, reds, and bronzes of the falling leaves paint a tapestry that lights up the woods. When you are viewing this seasonal transition from a boat you enjoy the ability to see it twice—once in the woods and again reflected off of the water.
Many people make annual pilgrimages to New England with the express purpose of seeing the leaves. Being able to take it in from the water, on your own boat, is a special charm.
Clear, Crisp Nights and A Sky Full of Stars
On a clear fall night, the sky can be as vivid as the colors of the leaves. Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the sky. You can also spot the North Star.
These celestial landmarks are a great way to introduce kids to astronomy and the wonders of the night sky. For more inspiration, check out the star gazing article we published in August. This provides a great refresher on what to look for and some added incentive to take it all in.
A Word on Weather
In the south, fall brings with it a break from the heat of summer. It also brings shorter days and the prospect of rapidly changing weather.
Anytime you plan to be on the open water, you ought to keep an eye on the forecast. This is especially true in the fall and into winter. Cold fronts can not only bring lower temperatures but also pack powerful winds and rain.
Your fall boating supplies might include an extra jacket, some rain gear, and even a few blankets. This is especially true if you plan to boat with kids. Having gloves and hand warmers can make all the difference when it comes to the little ones enjoying a fall boating experience.
The extra layers are even more useful if you plan to incorporate star gazing or round out the day with some fishing at dusk. If you want to be a super hero on the boat, pack a jug of hot chocolate or warm cider for the kids or maybe a thermos full of coffee for the adults. This is a great way to keep warm while staying with the spirit of the season.
Inspiration: Some of Our Favorite Fall Boating Destinations
The United States and Canada are blessed with many, many great fall boating destinations. No matter where you live, there are boating and on-the-water experiences that are available only in the fall. If you are looking for some travel inspiration, however, here are some fall boating destinations that are definitely worth the trip.
1. Columbia River Gorge. Oregon/Washington border
The Columbia River Gorge features a stunning river canyon that traverses 80 miles. With depths up to 400 feet, the Gorge is bounded by cliffs, ridges, and peaks that have been attracting tourists for generations.
2. Lake Tahoe. California
California’s Lake Tahoe features an unmatched combination of natural beauty (mountains, the lake, forests, and more) alongside a thriving entertainment and hospitality scene. There is much to love.
3.Dillon Reservoir. Colorado
At an elevation of more than 9,000 feet, Dillon Reservoir is home to stunning views of the Rockies and a well-rounded boating experience.
4.Door County. Wisconsin
Home to 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Door County blazes with foliage in the fall. If you’re looking for natural beauty and some great fishing, check it out.
5.Mackinac Island. Michigan
Mackinac Island on Lake Michigan features a wonderful combination of history, tourist amenities, and land and water-based recreation.
6.Acadia National Park. Maine
Billed as “The Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” Maine’s Acadia National Park is not only intensely beautiful but home to a rich cultural heritage as well.
7.Hudson River Valley. New York
New York’s Hudson Valley courses with vibrant fall foliage, amazing waterscapes, and an incredible variety of visitor experiences.
Back to Blue Life
