Fall is the perfect time to get some wonderful outdoor hikes in - here are some of the most beautiful fall foliage hikes to enjoy as the seasons change!

Don’t let a little snow keep your hiking boots from treading the trails till springtime. Walking in the fresh air — even if said fresh air is freezing — has substantial health benefits, such as improving circulation, strengthening immunity, reducing the risk of depression and even keeping your memory sharp.

No one goes through a life-changing experience like climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro without coming home with stories to tell. When 18 women started out on their journey, they had no idea how their climb would impact them -- physically, mentally and emotionally.

In the 1980s, the antidepressant Prozac was released in the West, while Japan made “forest bathing” a part of the national health program.

Sure, a lounge chair on a warm, tranquil beach has its allure, but fit people don’t often enjoy sitting still for an entire vacation. With that in mind, here's a list from around the globe of some of the best active vacation destinations.

Take a page from the Boy Scout handbook and always be prepared for your outdoor adventures.

The key difference between hiking boots at your local retailer is the soles. Although they may all feel similar, there are significant differences. The secret to hiking soles lies in the midsoles. Between the rubber bottom and the inside of the boot are layers of protection that vary based on your activity.

As temperatures rise, many people retreat to mountain trails to escape the heat and enjoy time with nature. Hiking can be a challenging activity and requires a positive attitude and determined frame of mind. This form of exercise strengthens the muscles, improves heart health and boosts mood.

Delayed soreness from a hike is sometimes preventable. Nutritional supplements, stretching, proper footwear and trekking poles are touted as having preventive powers when it comes to the aches and pains of a hike, especially one with prolonged periods of descent.

What type of shoes you choose to wear for hiking is largely a matter of personal choice.

Hiking is typically a healthy activity that burns roughly 223 calories in 30 minutes if you weigh 155 pounds. But like any other form of exercise, it’s not 100 percent risk-free. You can injure your ankle in a variety of ways, causing it to swell. Hiking may also exacerbate an underlying ankle problem.

At higher altitudes, the air is thinner, there is less available oxygen and it becomes more difficult to breathe. There are serious risks involved with high-altitude hiking, including altitude sickness, acute mountain syndrome and pulmonary edema, all of which can result in death.