5 Fall Activities in Jackson

True to form (as a Utah-based, pumpkin spice-loving millennial woman), I’ve been counting down the days to fall from the moment September 1 rolled around. Crisper days, orange leaves, and apple cider bring out the best in my fall-loving soul. And while it is a little sad that summer passes so quickly, fall opens up so many new activities and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Let’s check out five fall activities in Jackson.

Visit a fall festival

Besides being an ideal location for your next Instagram post (I’m kidding!), fall festivals are a fun and usually inexpensive activity for the whole family. From art festivals to Oktoberfest and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. For example, every year, our Utah community hosts a giant pumpkin regatta, which is exactly what it sounds like. It’s quite the spectacle. The area around Jackson Hole has its own great celebrations and traditions. City calendars like this are a great place to begin your search for local happenings. There’s also this great list of festivals happening throughout the state. 

Peep the fall foliage

While New England is certainly the most widely known leaf peeping destination, you can’t write off Wyoming’s spectacular fall scenery. Last week we wrote about when and where to see some of the best fall colors in Jackson.

Get outside

The cooler days of autumn are prime time for outdoor activities, and the options in Jackson Hole are (almost) endless. As we’ve discussed in previous posts, the biking trails from Flat Creek Inn to Teton Village are so fun and beautiful and so convenient for those staying at the motel! With over 100 miles of paved trails and 115 miles of mountain biking trails near Jackson, there are plenty of places to explore. Want to get outdoors but aren’t keen on doing the work? Take a guided ATV tour or a horseback trail ride. Many companies offer tours and rides into late October, allowing you to experience stunning views without the peak crowds. What is a trip to Jackson without some hiking? For a leisurely hike, try the Putt Putt trail, which is also a favorite with mountain bikers. Looking to spot some wildlife? Try a hike to Ski Lake. No matter how you choose to get outside, you can’t go wrong in Jackson.

Visit a ghost town

Looking to kickstart your Halloween celebrations? What better way to get your spook on than a visit to a ghost town? To be fair, there aren’t many of these in Jackson, but this list has some very cool locations. Besides being a little spooky, it’s a cool way to immerse yourself in a little history and get a glimpse of the Old West. 

Kick back with a book and some apple cider

One of my personal favorite fall activities is sitting on a porch (hopefully with a nice view) with a hot mug of apple cider and a good book. Forgot your book? No worries. A few years ago, we wrote about two local bookstores in Jackson. And here’s my favorite recipe for cider:

1 cup fresh pressed apple juice

1 tablespoon of orange juice

1 teaspoon mulling spices

Combine ingredients in a mug or pot and heat to your desired temperature. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

What are your favorite fall activities in Jackson? Let us know in the comments!   Breanne Kunz was raised in the Pacific Northwest but grew up spending summers in Idaho and frequently visiting Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. She is a wife and mom who likes to write. She is obsessed with all things fall.