Autumn Activites: Hiking vs. Rucking + Top Trails for Fall

It's officially autumn, and as the jackets and boots come on, it's the perfect weather for outdoor activities. Autumn provides a great opportunity to get outside before the winter rolls in and it gets too cold for comfort. While it may not be ideal for swimming or beach volleyball, fall is the perfect season for two super popular activities: hiking and rucking.

We've all heard of hiking, but what exactly is rucking and how do the two compare?

Keep reading to learn the difference between the two, popular trails for fall, and more.

Jump to:

• Hiking vs. Rucking
• Why You Should Go Hiking & Rucking in the Fall
• Top Trails for Fall
• Hiking & Rucking Wardrobe Essentials

Hiking vs. Rucking

Hiking is an outdoor recreational activity that involves walking through nature, often on designated trails. Hikes are usually done in areas with notable scenery, as a major part of hiking is immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.

As an enjoyable hobby and form of exercise, hiking is currently trending on social media—the #hiking hashtag boasts over 12.1 billion views on TikTok. Some famous figures that promote hiking on their social channels include Reese Witherspoon and Oprah Winfrey.

Additionally, according to our Myprotein user survey, community members like you voted walking/hiking as your second most preferred exercise activity.

There are many reasons why people love hiking:

1. It's an outdoor activity that provides an exercise opportunity.
2. It allows you to disconnect from modern life and embrace nature.
3. It can be done alone or in groups.
4. It can be de-stressing and have a positive impact on mental health.
5. It's a widely accessible activity—anyone can try it.
6. It provides a sense of adventure.

Additionally, hiking is a great form of physical activity. It's predominantly a cardio workout but also works muscles like the legs and core and can enhance flexibility.

So, now that we've established the gist of hiking, let's talk about its counterpart, rucking. Rucking is a practice that comes from the military and involves walking or hiking with a weighted backpack. Rucking is growing in popularity on social media, with the #rucking hashtag at over 19.3 million views.

Prominent figures like Melissa Urban (co-founder and CEO of Whole30) and Andrew Huberman (neuroscientist and fitness enthusiast) cite rucking as part of their wellness routines on social media.

Rucking is more strength-oriented than hiking, as the added weight increases the demand on your muscles, specifically in the legs, back, and core. While hiking is generally done on nature paths, rucking can be practiced in various settings.

Rucking can be done in an urban setting through city streets or parks, in the suburbs, on indoor tracks, or even on a treadmill at the gym. Rucking is considered more of a training activity than hiking, which is generally done for recreation or leisure.

While a large part of hiking is the environment and enjoyment of scenery, rucking is more focused on training for specific fitness goals. For this reason, you'll find people rucking in many different settings, not just in nature, including the gym.

The major distinction between the two activities is that rucking is more intense than hiking and provides a full-body workout due to the added weight, while hiking is a lighter form of exercise.

Why You Should Go Hiking & Rucking in the Fall

You can go hiking and rucking in any season, but fall is arguably the best.

There are many reasons why fall is an ideal season for these activities. For starters, autumn provides cooler temperatures and fresh air. It's the perfect compromise between the strong heat of summer and brisk cold in the winter. Another reason is the fall scenery. While all seasons possess their own beauty, the changing leaves in the fall provide an epic landscape for nature walks, hiking, and rucking.

While you would think trails would be packed in the fall, it's actually one of the calmer seasons for hiking and rucking. This may be because summer is viewed as the on-season for outdoor activities. People also tend to vacation in the summer, and then get back into work routines in the fall.

Another benefit of an autumn nature excursion? Less bugs! Now we know no one is opposed to that... Fall also offers a better chance at seeing wildlife, as many species are more active during this season in preparation for winter.

Thus, if you want an unforgettable hiking or rucking experience, fall is undoubtedly the perfect time to go.

Top Trails for Fall

If you're looking to go hiking and rucking in the fall, the US offers tons of scenic locations that will make for an epic experience...

Old RagTop Mountain Loop—Shenandoah National Park

Starting strong on the East Coast, the Old RagTop Mountain Loop trail in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, is a super popular hiking trail for the fall season in September and October. With views of colorful foliage, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, this hike is exceptionally scenic during this time of year.

Mount Mansfield, Vermont

You can't get the full fall experience in the US without visiting the Northeast, and for hiking or rucking, Vermont offers some epic trails. One example is Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. Mount Mansfield is known for its captivating fall foliage, but in addition to the changing leaves, you'll also find views of Vermont's valleys below as well as mountains to the East and South.

Zion National Park, Utah

At Zion National Park in Utah, fall provides the perfect weather and scenery for hiking or rucking. The park is known for its red rock terrain, and in the fall, you'll see this alongside bright colors from the changing trees, creating a stunning natural display. The sun is also at a lower angle this time of year, which means the lighting will be soft and golden, creating a dreamy, picturesque view of the park's rocky landscape and canyons.

Hiking & Rucking Wardrobe Essentials

Hiking and rucking are loads of fun, but can require substantial amounts of physical exertion. To get the most out of your experience, it's important to wear clothing that supports you.

Here are a few of our favorite picks for hiking and rucking:

Men's 2-in-1 Training Shorts

On a warmer day, our Men's 2-in-1 Training Shorts are a great option for hiking or rucking. They're tailored for a comfortable fit and are super flexible. With a 4-way stretch fabric and side split hems, the shorts are easy to move around in. They also come with zip pockets for storage—always a win.