Autumn is a pleasant time to hike at city and state parks. Temperatures are cooler, crowds are lessening and the many trees are showing their brilliant fall colors. The trails tend towards gentle terrain, ideal for family members of all ages. Explore these local parks.
KATHRYN ALBERTSON PARK, BOISE
Awash with red, yellow and orange foliage in the fall, this peaceful park offers the chance to see wildlife.
Deer and waterfowl, songbirds, great blue heron frequent the 41 acres encompassing several small wetlands and quiet paths.
Getting there: Take Americana Boulevard to the park on the northwest side of the road. Online: CityOfBoise.org/Departments/Parks.
EAGLE ISLAND STATE PARK
More than 5 miles of trails meander through this 545-acre park that is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. You can stroll past the historic Eagle Island Prison Farm buildings, walk through meadows and wander along the lake. Trails that can be wet in the spring and early summer are drier this time of year with fewer mosquitoes and flat, easy terrain. While there, add a game of disc golf on the nine-hole or 18-hole course.
Getting there: Take Idaho 44 to Linder Road, turn south. Follow Linder Road to Hatchery Road, turn east and follow the road to the toll gate. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Annual passes are available.
Online: ParksAndRecreation.Idaho.gov/Parks
INDIAN CREEK GREENBELT PARK, KUNA
This “rail trail” next to Indian Creek is close to an active railroad track. The paved path accesses the park’s family-friendly diversions including a BMX bicycle track, skateboard park and the Kuna History Center.
The 1.2-mile out-and-back trail starts from the Kuna Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, which serves as an information center for the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.
Getting there: Take the Meridian/Kuna exit 44 off Interstate 84 and turn left on S. Meridian Road (Idaho 69), which becomes East Avalon Street as it enters Kuna. Turn left on South Swan Falls Road, then right into the parking lot near the bridge over the creek.
Online: KunaChamber.com
Natalie Bartley authored the Boise’s Best Outdoor Adventures mobile app, available through iTunes, and two trail guidebooks. Email: natbartley@earthlink.net.
