Fall Outdoor Activities for DMV Millennials

As we enjoy the dog days of summer, it’s time to prepare for arguably the best season of the year — fall. For those living in the DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area, fall is full of great opportunities for spending time outdoors. From food festivals to catching your own food, here are four outdoor activities for DMV-area millennials.

Hunting
While hunting is illegal in Washington, DC, there are areas just outside of the capital that provide a great opportunity to get outdoors and try a new sport. The DC tradition of hunting runs deep in American history where it was done mainly for survival, providing an excellent food source before supermarkets were readily available. Although hunting today isn’t for survival, most shooters will try to use every part of their hunt. The general hunting season for black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer and mule deer runs from October 15 to 31. If this is your first time hunting in the area, be sure to research the regulations and stock up on the  essential hunting gear you’ll need for a successful trip.

Hiking
As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to change color, fall is the best time to do some  hiking in the DMV area. Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls is a challenging 4.7-mile hike near Carderock, Maryland, that requires hikers to scramble over boulders while providing some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. If you’re looking for a longer backpacking trip, the Appalachian Trail, which runs 2,179 miles, is a great four-day excursion.

Fishing and Crabbing
Fall means fishing, and luckily for DMV residents, DC’s waters are home to more than 70 species of fish. The Potomac and Anacostia Rivers both offer great opportunities for recreational fishing with boat launches and marinas. Before you head out, be sure to purchase a fishing license. Crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay is also a must for people living in the area. As a recreational crabber, you may fish from docks, piers, bridges, boats and shorelines using dip nets and handlines without a license, but if you decided to crab in the bay by chartering a boat, you’ll need to purchase a  recreational crabbing license.

Attend a Festival
The DMV area goes big when it comes to their  fall festival season. Whether you’re a foodie anxious to sample what local restaurants and eateries have to offer, a culture junkie ready to embrace exotic food and music, an artist interested in broadening your creative flare or a sucker for the holidays, there’s a festival for just about everyone. Here are just a few to check out:

September: Latino Festival – Fiesta; Mt. Washington Wine, Art and Jazz Festival, Maryland Seafood Festival; Adams Morgan Day Festival; H Street Festival; DC Shorts Film Festival

October: German Oktoberfest; Taste of Georgetown; Taste of DC; Mount Vernon’s Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour; Taste of Bethesda; Baltimore Rhythm Festival; Maryland Renaissance Festival; Kids Euro Festival

November: Maryland Irish Festival; Baltimore Whiskey Festival; First Sunday Arts Festival; Holiday Festival of Trains at Ellicott City Station