(DAN WALTON / iNFOnews.ca)

Cool autumn temperatures hit the sweet spot for hiking in Kamloops and the Okanagan.

For anybody who enjoys hiking, this time of year is far less sweaty and smoky than the summer months. And the colours of the changing leaves, along with the earthy smells of the world getting ready for hibernation, are fleeting qualities that can’t be enjoyed for long.

Below is a list of hikes in Kamloops and the Okanagan that most people can do with nothing more than a pair of running shoes and a water bottle.

Battle Bluff in Kamloops

A 4.8 kilometre trail that challenges hikers with some inclines, and rewards them at the top with panoramic views of Kamloops Lake, the city, and the area’s vast rolling landscape.

BX Creek & Falls Trail in Vernon

Months have passed since the spring runoff so it’s a tranquil time of year at this creek. The 3.7 kilometre hikes takes 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, and offers several scenic viewpoints, as well as evidence of historical logging operations in the area.

Angel Springs Trail at KLO Regional Park in Kelowna

This 10.3-kilometre trail takes hikers through largely shaded pathways. This trail was first built by high school students but was lost to wildfires in 2003. It was restored in 2010. One point of interest along the way is a village of rock cairns.

Mount Boucherie in West Kelowna

For a clear and wide view of the Central Okanagan, this 5.6 kilometre trail is worth the hike to the top, and its starting point is close to downtown. Hikers are presented with a mix of tree cover and exposure, while circling around the mountain for views from every angle.

East Ridge Loop of Giant’s Head in Summerland

Giant’s Head Mountain was upgraded last year in 2020, offering hikers a few new ways to the top. The East Ridge Loop is a scenic trail that presents great views of Trout Creek and Okanagan Lake that weren’t accessible from the traditional trail to the top. The East Ridge portion of the trail is about 4.8 kilometres, and hikers must first start the trail on the paved path to reach it.

READ MORE: Need outdoor inspiration? Enjoy these gorgeous Thompson, Okanagan hikes

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