Trail Snacks That Taste Like Fall: Pumpkin, Apple, and Maple-Inspired Ideas
Oct 28, 2025
Trail mix—a classic hiking snack, packed full of all the good stuff you need for even the most challenging of hikes. This autumn has likely brought plenty of adventures already, with some trusty trail mix tucked away in your backpack or jacket pocket. But, after a while, the same flavors can start to feel a bit stale. This season, why not embrace the taste of autumn and take them with you on the go? Below is a list of some easy trail snacks inspired by all your favorite fall flavors!
Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix (cottercrunch)
Ingredients:
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2 ¼ cups raw walnuts, chopped
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½ – ⅔ cup raw cashews
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½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
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½ – ⅓ cup chopped pecans
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¼ cup coconut sugar (or maple syrup for clusters)
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2 tablespoons coconut oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon pumpkin spice (or 2 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp clove & nutmeg)
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Dash sea salt
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Extra cinnamon, if desired
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1 cup dried cranberries
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¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Place nuts and seeds in a slow cooker.
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Add sugar, spices, coconut oil, and salt; stir to coat.
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Cook on high for 1 hour (stir occasionally).
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Spread mixture on parchment to cool and dry.
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Stir in chocolate and cranberries.
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Store airtight for trail adventures.
Fall Trail Mix with Homemade Apple Chips (dietitiandebbie)
Apple Chips:
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2 apples, thinly sliced
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3 cups water
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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Cinnamon & nutmeg
Trail Mix:
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⅓ cup popcorn kernels or 1 bag microwave popcorn
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2 tbsp canola oil
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¼ cup dried cranberries
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¼ cup sunflower seeds
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½ cup walnuts
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½ tsp cinnamon
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Dash of salt
Instructions:
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Soak apple slices in water and lemon for 10 mins.
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Air-dry and bake on parchment, dusted with spices, at 200°F for 45–60 mins per side until curled and lightly browned.
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Pop popcorn with oil; sprinkle with cinnamon and salt.
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Mix popcorn with cooled apple chips, cranberries, seeds, and walnuts.
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Store airtight for snacking.
Maple Glazed Trail Mix (rei)
Ingredients:
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½ cup raw almonds
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½ cup raw pecan halves
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⅓ cup unsweetened coconut chips
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¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
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3 tbsp maple syrup
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⅛ tsp sea salt
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¼ cup chocolate chips
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¼ cup dried cherries
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 300°F.
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Mix nuts, coconut, pepitas, syrup, and salt; coat evenly.
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Spread on lined sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
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Cool, break apart, and stir in chips and cherries.
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Store in an airtight container.
Autumn Apple Maple Trail Mix (eddiebauer)
Ingredients:
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1 cup pecan halves
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½ cup almonds
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½ cup walnut pieces
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⅔ cup coconut chips
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½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
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⅓ cup maple syrup
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¼ tsp sea salt
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1 cup dried apple chips
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½ cup chocolate chunks
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½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 300°F.
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Mix nuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut, and syrup. Spread, top with salt.
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Bake for 20 mins, cool, then break up.
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Stir in apple chips, chocolate, and cranberries.
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Keep airtight for trail use.
Maple-Roasted Trail Mix (fitandfedbysteph)
Ingredients:
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1 cup peanuts
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½ cup cashews
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½ cup almonds
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp salt
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⅓ cup raisins
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¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet.
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Mix nuts; coat with syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
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Roast for 12 mins, toss, and cool.
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After cooling, add raisins and chocolate chips.
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Keep in an airtight jar.
Each of these trail mixes captures a little piece of autumn—warm spices, roasted nuts, sweet maple, and tart fruit—perfect for fueling your next hike or cozy afternoon walk. They’re simple to make, easy to pack, and guaranteed to make even the most familiar trails feel new again. As the leaves turn and the air cools down, take the taste of fall with you. A handful of these mixes is not only a snack, but also a reminder to slow down, savor the season, and enjoy the trail ahead.
