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Jesse Weber | 09.12.2018

When the temperatures drop and the leaves turn color, it's time to crank your pedals and spin your wheels. Fall is the year's best time for mountain biking across many parts of the continent. Here are a few reasons why and some of the best places to go this season.

Perfect temps

When summer's heat and humidity subsides, it feels good to sweat a bit in the autumn air. This is the time to push a little farther and faster on your favorite trails. Some places are especially prime in the fall because they bake in summer or snow over in winter.

Good trail conditions

The drier air and cooler temps of fall bring better conditions to trails over much of the country. The dirt is less likely to get too dry and dusty, so it stays tacky longer with moisture from summer showers or the autumn rains. Here are some trails that are likely to come into perfect condition in fall.

Thinner crowds

Popular trails can get crowded in the summer with the added numbers of people traveling during vacation season. At top destinations, you're often better off waiting until fall when fewer visitors are about.

Fall colors

Of course, one of the highlights of fall is the color show. In parts of the country that light up when the season turns, riding through the forest is one of the best ways to enjoy it.

Daylight savings

Fall is the last of daylight savings time, when there's still enough light for rides after work. Make the most of the best season for mountain biking before the clock falls back by hitting your local trails after punching the clock.

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