Backpacking popularity on the rise in Algonquin Park
The Metro has a good article on the growing popularity of backpacking and day hiking in Algonquin Park north of Toronto. Of course making the jump from day hiking to backpacking can be a pretty big leap for some. Backpackers need to carry sleeping (tent, sleeping bag, air mattress) and cooking gear (stove, pots, utensils, water purifier) which means a heavier load - but it also means more potential rewards. Backpacking allows hikers to truly immerse themselves in the outdoors and campsites along the trail are often completely private and secluded unlike most car-camping experiences.
The Metro article also makes the point that September and October can be the best time of year for hiking and backpacking in many parts of the US and Canada:
McEathron recommends September or October as the best time of year to venture into the interior. The bugs are at a minimum, the water is often still warm enough to swim in and the changing leaves will distract hikers from their burning muscles.
Here in the southeastern US I’ve been backpacking in December on more than one occasion and found the weather to be surprisingly pleasant (carrying all that gear up a mountain means you’ll work up a sweat in all but the coldest temperatures!). Stay tuned to this blog for more tips and info on backpacking and hiking this fall!
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