Before fall’s beauty gives way to a gray haze of cold rain and snow, get outside and take a hike.

For nature-lovers, the trails may hold a certain allure.

“I like hiking because it opens your awareness to the outdoors and your natural setting, it’s peaceful,” said child development senior Leah Mulder, an employee at Moosejaw Mountaineering, 555 E. Grand River Ave.

Fellow employee and zoology senior Dana Ruskin also likes to hike when the opportunity arises.

“Now I don’t get to go much due the fact that I’m a student and I’m working,” Ruskin said. “In the summers, though, I try to spend my time camping and hiking, any chance I get.”

Mike Birr, camping manager at Gander Mountain, 430 N. Marketplace Blvd., in Lansing, is an avid hiker who often scouts out new hunting areas and hikes with his wife.

“Occasionally the wife and I will take a walk through just for something to do, especially during the spring and the fall when it’s not so hot and there aren’t so many bugs,” he said.

Birr said hiking is more than just a walk and requires supplies and some preparation.

“The first and most important thing you want to do is get yourself a good pair of hiking boots,” he said. “Make sure you get a good fit, and wearing a wool blend sock helps wick away moisture and reduce the chance of getting blisters.”

After boots are purchased, waterproofing is essential.

“Or get hiking boots with Gortex,” he said “Then you’ll never have to worry about wet feet.”

For all-day hikes and camping trips, be sure to have knowledge of the area and a compass.

“Depending on if you go through a park where there’s well-marked trails, or do off-trail hiking, make sure you have a compass and know where to use it. If you’re planning on doing a day hike or overnight thing, always pack a poncho in case the weather starts to turn.”

Ruskin doesn’t mind the brisk cold weather that fall offers, or the colors. On a recent camping trip to Ontario she happily bundled up and trekked both water and land.

“I canoed, when you get to this part where you have to switch over to another lake, you have to hike and put the canoe on your back. When you hike, a lot of parts have lakes and water.”

“Fall is my favorite season,” she said. “And everything is 90 times more beautiful with the changing colors.”

Furthermore, hiking is virtually free.

“It’s cheap and it’s the best vacation ever,” Ruskin said.