In a recent poll, REI Facebook followers judged that autumn (in an upset over heavily favored summer) is your favorite season of the year. Well, don't look now, but fall is just a few weeks away on the calendar.

What makes fall such a great time of year for hiking? My own list looks like this:
• Spectacular foliage: Some areas of the country put on an amazing display of fiery reds, oranges and yellows. Other areas are more subtle, but still good. Don't forget your camera!
• Fewer crowds: Once school is in session, busy campgrounds and trails tend to thin out fast.
• Fewer bugs: Bedeviled by pesky insects in summer? Fall is a much better bet for slap-free hiking.
• Comfortable temperatures: Summer, especially in the South and the desert Southwest, can be just too darn hot to hike. Fall temps are a lot more pleasant.

To help you get out more this upcoming season, the REI Blog will be highlighting a few of REI staff members' favorite fall hikes over the next couple of months. In addition, you can search REI Guidepost at any time for additional hiking opportunities near you.

Need gear? REI.com is launching its Keep Hiking page to showcase some of the more popular items for the season.

Where are your favorite autumn hikes? And do you have any insider tips to share about these places?