For most of the country, the official boating season ends in September with the onset of cooler weather. Before you start to winterize your boat, consider these six reasons why you could fall in love with boating in the fall!
Fall is the quiet season!
Fall boating means boat ramps, marinas, sandbars and anchorages are usually less crowded, since many boaters prefer warmer temperatures. Fall is a great time to find peace and solitude on the water, and many days in September or October could still end up being warmer than expected. You might be the only boat out on the lake or river enjoying a morning cup of coffee or a beautiful evening sunset.
Enjoy fall foliage from the water!
What better way to enjoy the red, yellow, and orange-changing fall leaves than by boat? Be sure to take pictures as the reflection of the bright colors in the water is stunning!
If you are planning a fall trip, get out on the water in these five hot-spot foliage destinations:
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington - The Pacific Northwest shines with color in the fall! The Columbia River, which flows between Oregon and Washington, is center stage for foliage displays. The gorge is a canyon up to 4,000 feet deep that extends from the Columbia and Deschutes rivers over 80 miles to the west.
Lake Tahoe, California - Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is easy to access, as it's just under an hour from Reno. The fall colors surrounding the lake from September to October are a show not to be missed!
Door County, Wisconsin - Only an hour from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Door County sits on a peninsula in Lake Michigan, and the state park of Rock Island lights up with amazing color every fall! You can cruise on a boat from Green Bay all the way to Lake Michigan, or tour vineyards, lighthouses, and fabulous restaurants in the area.
Acadia National Park, Maine - The fall season in the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park on Desert Island in Maine can't be missed. The coastal color peaks a little later than inland, so you have more time to enjoy the changing leaves. Visit Portland for views of fall-colored mountain tops, deserted beaches, and exciting wildlife!
Hudson River Valley, New York - Beautiful fall colors and fabulous river views will welcome you to the Hudson River Valley in New York. Enjoy bird watching for bald eagles, herons and egrets in the nearby marshes. Visit the West Point Military Academy for a day off the water or rent a kayak and visit the peaceful river coves and shoreline.
Bird-watching is plentiful in the fall!
Different species of birds migrate in the fall, so from the water, you will have the perfect view of different ducks, hawks, osprey or other migratory birds in your area. Bring binoculars and a picnic lunch for a perfect weekend outing on the lake!
4. Enjoy the cooler temperatures!
If you live in the South, fall is the best time to appreciate the break from the intense summer heat. Pack warmer clothing like jackets, gloves, hats, and even blankets and enjoy the warm, fall sunshine on the water!
5. Starry skies are brighter in the fall!
Enjoy longer, star-filled nights in the fall once nighttime comes earlier! Try looking for these fall constellations:
Taurus: Taurus is a bull. You can spot the giant V that makes up his face and his horns. Aldebaran is a bright red star that makes up the “eye of the bull.”
Pisces: This constellation represents two fish connected by a cord, making a large V-shape in the sky.
Pegasus: This mythological winged horse is known for carrying the thunderbolts for Zeus. Twelve star systems within this constellation are known to have planetary systems.
Andromeda: Andromeda is the name of a constellation and our nearest neighboring galaxy. This galaxy is faintly visible to the naked eye under the right conditions if you know where to look. The Andromeda constellation was known in mythology as the daughter of Cassiopeia. Pegasus and Andromeda are so close to one another that they share some space and stars in the sky.
6. Fall boating means fall fishing!
Striped bass start heading south for the season and can make a perfect fall catch. Coastal areas, lakes, and rivers are also plentiful with walleyes, catfish and clusters of baitfish in the fall. Enjoy this time on the water to extend your fishing season!
If fall boating is still leading to water in your bilge, or your boating friend is complaining about the odor or mildew in their boat, try a dry-bilge system to eliminate the source of bilge water, boat odors, mold and electrical corrosion. BILGE-B-DRY could be the solution you are looking for!
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