Taking Your Exercise to the Outdoors

As the air becomes cooler and the leaves take on their colorful hues, it might just be the perfect time for you to make some adjustments from your summer exercise routine. While you're still required to sweat a little, you don't have to do it in sweltering heat of summer and you don't have to necessarily trap yourself inside of the local gym or health club. Fall is a time to get out and get moving while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Take a bike ride along the Silver Comet Trail. This trail is 61 miles long and offers free use. It begins 13 miles north of Atlanta in the Cobb County town of Smyrna and travels through Paulding and Polk counties. The trail is paved over old railroad lines. The landscape is stunning in the fall season. While biking on the trail, don't be surprised to see others roller blading, walking, or even horseback riding. But there will never be any motorized transport. The Silver Comet trail is a peaceful way to exercise.

If jogging or brisk walking is your preferred method of exercise, don't look beyond Stone Mountain Park. This 1,686 foot mass of exposed granite rock provides the perfect opportunity for you to stroll around a natural setting and get your heart pumping. If you walk the entire circumference of the mountain, you'll find it more than five miles. Plenty of people jog around the base of the mountain in addition to skating and biking. The views provide a relaxing and calm atmosphere as you move around the area and the fall season might give you a view of the Confederate Daisy Flowers. However, if you really want a workout and are up for it, hike or jog the mountain. The trail is 1.3 miles to the top and offers a few strenuous climbs along the way. When entering the park, be prepared for a small parking fee of ten dollars if you are visiting for just one day.

The magnificent North Georgia Mountains provide excellent conditions for fall exercise and hiking. I personally recommend Amicalola Falls Park. This state park provides a gateway to the famous Appalachian Trail and also boosts several hiking trails throughout the region. A special treat is being able to hike near the pristine Amicalola waterfall. The Native Americans in the area named it Amicalola or "tumbling waters." The setting is simply astounding and the fall views are unbelievable.

Finally, summer might be over, but down on the coast the opportunities for exercise abound. Try your physical skills at ocean kayaking on St. Simons Island. Kayaks can be rented from local dealers in the area. A day at the beach in the fall can be very rewarding and you'll avoid the typical crowds of noisy visitors that frequent the location during the days of summer.

Overall, fall is a time of transition. Change up your customary exercise routines or at least practice them in a new and refreshing setting. Outdoors in the fall grants you the perfect chance to do just that.