From Harvest to Hike: Trail Snacks Inspired by Fall Flavors

By Jem Hanan, Contributing Blogger

The leaves are turning deep reds and the air is taking on a bit of a chill. It’s that time of the year again, and the fall season means fall flavors! What better way to fuel your next autumn adventure than with an easy, DIY snack? We’ve put together a list of our favorite healthy, autumnal trail treats that keep well and taste even better. Perfect for tossing in your pack, these snacks will keep you fueled wherever the trail takes you.

Pumpkin Granola

Source: jessicainthekitchen

Ingredients

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  
  

• 1 cup chopped walnuts
  
  

• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  
  

• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
  
  

• 1/4 cup almond butter
  
  

• 1/2 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar)
  
  

• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
  
  

• 3/4 tsp sea salt
  
  

• Optional: dried fruit (like cranberries), chocolate chips
  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
   

2. Combine oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, spice, and salt in a large bowl.
   
   

3. Stir together almond butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree in a separate bowl until smooth.
   
   

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until all oats are coated.
   
   

5. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and press down for clusters.
   
   

6. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring gently halfway through.
   
   

7. Cool completely before breaking into clusters. Add chocolate chips or dried fruit, if desired.
   
   

8. Store in an airtight jar (keeps up to a month).
   
   

Maple Nut Trail Mix

Source: rei

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw almonds
  
  

• 1 cup raw pecans
  
  

• 1/2 cup coconut chips
  
  

• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
  
  

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  
  

• 1/2 tsp salt
  
  

• 1/2 cup dried cherries
  
  

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet.
   
   

2. Mix almonds, pecans, coconut chips, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup, and salt in a bowl.
   
   

3. Spread on the sheet in an even layer.
   
   

4. Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway.
   
   

5. Once cool, fold in dried cherries and chocolate chips.
   
   

6. Store in an airtight container for easy trail snacking.

Apple Chips

Source: downshiftology

Ingredients

• 2 large apples (Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
  
  

• Ground cinnamon
  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
   

2. Slice apples paper-thin using a mandoline or sharp knife.
   
   

3. Arrange apple slices on the sheet in a single layer and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
   
   

4. Bake for 1 hour, flip each slice, then bake another hour until crisp.
   
   

5. Cool on the pan in the turned-off oven for extra crunch.
   
   

6. Store in a container for portable, healthy snacks.
   
   

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

Source: quakeroats

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  
  

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  
  

• 1/3 cup chopped almonds
  
  

• 1/2 cup almond butter
  
  

• 1/4 cup honey
  
  

Instructions

1. Mix oats, cranberries, chopped almonds, almond butter, and honey in a medium bowl.
   
   

2. Stir until thoroughly combined; mixture should hold together when pressed.
   
   

3. Form into 12 tablespoon-sized balls using your hands.
   
   

4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
   
   

5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
   
   

As the trails begin to fill with crisp leaves, there’s no better time to get outside and soak in the season. With these healthy, packable snacks on hand, you’ll have the fuel you need to keep exploring, whether it’s a long hike, a weekend camping trip, or just a stroll through your favorite park. Fall only comes once a year, so grab your pack, head out, and enjoy every mile (and every bite) while it lasts.