10 Amazing Outdoor Events Happening in October
October is the month where the autumn colors are in full effect, and alongside the scenic beauty, it’s also the month for some amazing outdoor events. Ranging from the last weekends of kayak runs, fall festivals, and amazing trail races, when considering October, you also can’t forget to mention all the Halloween activities. So wherever you find yourself in October, be sure to get outside and have some fun.
National Apple Harvest Festival, Biglerville, Pennsylvania – October 3, 4 & 10, 11
Celebrate the coming of fall properly with the National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, happening during the first two weekends of October. Filled with the sights and smells of perhaps the best time of the year, the National Apple Harvest Festival also includes tractor rides, chainsaw carvings, and multiple days packed with live music and fresh apple picking. Can’t you already smell the sweet aroma?
Warrior Dash World Championships, Pulaski, Tennessee – October 9 & 10
For those elite athletes who placed in the top 25 of any 2015 Warrior Dash race, the Warrior Dash World Championships are taking place in Pulaski early this month. Featuring all the obstacles you’d expect from your ordinary Warrior Dash, plus a few extra, this 5K world championship aims to push its participants to the edge and into the mud. If you didn’t qualify this year, or perhaps you can’t make the trip to Pulaski, be sure to run on over to MudRunFun.com to find an obstacle race that’s right for you.
Red River Rocktoberfest, Lexington, Kentucky – October 9-11
Sponsored by the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition, Rocktoberfest is a rock climbing weekend worth checking out. As the organization’s largest fundraiser, all weekend long the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition keeps the fun rolling with climbing comps, a screening of the Reel Rock Tour, and live music. A party for all ages, all proceeds of this event go towards expanding the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition’s reach in safely protecting the land you like to play on.
Lehigh RiverFest, Weatherly, Pennsylvania – October 10
Celebrate the end of season in style with the Lehigh RiverFest in Weatherly, Pennsylvania. The Lehigh RiverFest effectively commemorates the last dam release of the Lehigh River the only way they know how: by throwing a big party, and everyone is invited. Besides paddling or rafting the river, attendees can also expect to rent bikes, take a ride on a zip line, and take part in some culinary creations from the food vendors at this free admission event. A great way to pay homage to the warmer season behind us, the Lehigh RiverFest will get you ready and excited to start your winter adventures right.
Walking Tour of Pennhurst Asylum, Spring City, Pennsylvania – All Month Long
October is the month of Halloween, and what better way to celebrate the ghoulish season than visiting a local haunted house? If you’re looking for a truly scary time, there is no better haunted house to visit than the Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, Pennsylvania. With a frightening history, the Pennhurst Asylum comes to life, so to speak, every year in October and features some of the most frightening horror actors, and perhaps a little dose of actual haunting to provide one of the scariest attractions found in the month of October.
24 Hours of Rocky Hill, Smithville, Texas – October 17
Featuring a 10-mile loop, the 24 Hours of Rocky Hill will test teams of mountain bikers to see who can log the most laps and enable the glory that is Rocky Hill mountain biking in Smithville, Texas. This is no gravel road you’ll be riding on, and Rocky Hill lives up to its name including features like Fat Chuck’s Demise, the Longhorn Loop, and Miracle Mile, which are sure to test even the most seasoned athlete in a 24-hour span. If you don’t have a whole 24 hours to donate to the sport you love, but would still like to find a mountain biking event near you, be sure to aim the handlebars on over to SingleTracks.com
Indian Creek Fifties, Sedalia, Colorado – October 17
Marketed as one last hurrah for the year you just had, the Indian Creek Fifties, sponsored by the Human Potential Series, is your choice between a 52 miler or 51 kilometer trail race through some of Colorado’s best singletracks. This Indian Creek trail run takes participants into the Pike National Forest and the Front Range Valley of Roxborough State Park, giving users enough scenery and fresh Rocky Mountain air to keep them going all winter long. For more trail runs through beautiful places, jog on over to American Trail Running Association.com to find a race near you.
Warwick Disc Golf Championship, Warwick, New York – October 17 & 18
Fling your disc in the direction of Warwick, New York this month to check out the Warwick Disc Golf Championship. Featuring four different courses and a trophy for the winner, the Warwick Disc Golf Championships are just another good example of the burgeoning sport of professional disc golf. Whether you show up to play or just watch some good disc golf action, the Warwick Disc Golf Championship is sure to be a good time. To find an event or disc golf course near you, find some chains at Professional Disc Golf Association.com
Willowsford Tenderfoot Adventure Race, Aldie, Virginia – October 18
The Willowsford Tenderfoot Adventure Race is a sprint competition that welcomes all skill levels into the outdoors. Featuring running, biking, paddling, and orienteering, this 5 to 15 mile course is the perfect introduction or refresher to adventure racing. Plus, it’s a good reason to get outside and do something fun. Akin to a giant scavenger hunt in the woods, the only thing that will be more exciting than crossing the finish line will be actively engaging in the beautiful scenery of northern Virginia. To find other adventure races happening throughout the country, check out United States Adventure Racing Association.com.
Devil’s Chase 6.66 Miler, Salem, Massachusetts – October 31
Run with the devil at the annual Devil’s Chase 6.66 Miler in Salem, Massachusetts this Halloween. With hundreds of red-clad, animal-horned runners hitting the streets in Salem, runners are also encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes to participant in this fun run. Open to all ages, this family friendly event helps offset the sugar rush garnished on your trick or treat route, and if you happen to see the red devil behind you in this race, be sure to run like hell!
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