Painting Fall Colors

The Best Trail for Painting Fall Colors

Original artwork available for purchase in my store.

The Abyss Trail is famous for its vibrant fall colors, and so I wanted to experience it during peak week. Knowing it would be crowded with fellow leaf peepers, I arrived at the trailhead at 4:30 a.m., securing a prime parking spot. I just sat there for a while, sipping coffee in the quiet darkness, anticipating the day. By 5am the parking lot was already full!

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With my headlamp on, I ventured into the woods around 5:30 a.m., eager to reach the lower viewpoint by sunrise. What greeted me was breathtaking. The early light illuminated a tapestry of bright yellows, deep reds, oranges, and lingering greens. It was a symphony of color that felt almost otherworldly. I couldn’t stop marveling at it.

I hiked a total of twelve miles that day, pausing constantly to absorb the scenery, sketch, and snap photos. At the upper viewpoint, I set up to do a little plein air painting, letting the scene unfold onto my watercolor board while savoring a small snack. Eventually and reluctantly, I decided to head back.

On the way down, I nearly walked right by a massive bull moose standing just off the trail. I carefully made a wide detour to continue my hike. The encounter left me both exhilarated and humbled.

By the time I returned to my Jeep, my body ached with exhaustion but my spirit was overflowing with awe and gratitude. This is the kind of wonder I seek, being immersed in God’s glorious creation, fully alive to the beauty around me. Plein air painting allows me to possess this beauty in a deeper way. It demands attention, observation, and openness, which lets the landscape sink into both memory and being.

I can already tell this will be a tradition I return to every year, chasing the golden glow of autumn, brush in hand, heart wide open. Put it on your painting bucketlist!

Original artwork available for purchase in my store.