Though the weather starts to cool in the autumn, that’s no reason to head indoors and start to hibernate. There’s plenty of adventure to be had in Prince George’s as the leaves change, from picking your own fall produce to hiking under colorful tree canopies. Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and head outside.

 

Savor the season with one of these Prince George's experiences:

 

  1. Experience the joys of a traditional pumpkin patch at Queen Anne Farm in Mitchellville. The farm has grown vegetables for more than 30 years, and it sells much of this produce at its on-site farmstand. In the fall, you can head to the farm to pick your own pumpkins, purchase mums and other autumn decor for your front porch, explore the Pumpkin House, and take home fall vegetables.

 

  1. Stroll along the easy route of Blueberry Trail in Greenbelt Park. The route takes most people about 20 minutes to finish, so it’s a great option for a quick morning walk or a nature-centered lunch break. Despite its convenient location, it’s often quiet, so you can find some peace from the hustle and bustle of the town. It’s also a loop, which makes for a simple and enjoyable stroll.

 

  1. Savor the flavors of local wineries at the Fall Wine Tasting event at the Tanger Outlets in National Harbor. The evening, hosted with support from local wine concierge Vino301, will be held at the site’s Food Truck Plaza. Ticketed guests will get six samples, a commemorative wine glass, and deals at the outlets. If you’d prefer to enjoy the experience without the alcohol, you can get a ticket for just the glass and the deals.

 

  1. If you’re hoping to move your body more this season, the Hot Cider Hustle might be for you. This flat, fast course, which starts and finishes at National Harbor, is a great way to get a bit of exercise and see the beautiful, changing colors along the Potomac River. The event benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, D.C. At the finish line of your 5K or 10K race, you can get hot apple cider, a caramel apple, a finisher mug, and a medal.

 

  1. Get a closer look at the changing season at Patuxent Research Refuge. The 13,000 acres of protected, tranquil landscape covers forests, meadows, and wetlands — and that protection and space provide a home to birds, mammals, pollinators, amphibians, and other creatures. There, you can practice wildlife photography, go fishing, take a hike, or push out in a canoe. Just be sure to leave the space as pristine as you found it.

 

  1. Bike along the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, which you can easily catch near Hyattsville or College Park. This trail is part of the national shore-to-shore American Discovery Trail and includes miles of paved path along the river.  If you ride it long enough, you’ll pass through multiple ecosystems, including woodlands, open fields, and wetlands. In the fall, you’ll get to see how the season changes each one of those natural spaces.

 

  1. Venture to Miller Farms in Clinton for apple cider, donuts, and homemade ice cream. The cake donuts bring the smells of the season year-round, and seasonal flavors add to the fun. You can also find fresh-baked pies, butterflake rolls, cookies, brownies, and other pastries. When you visit the farm in the fall, you’ll also find a scenic hayride, a massive jump pad, a tire obstacle course, yard games, pedal carts, and photo displays.

 

  1. Hike the trails at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park in Clinton. Get some advice on which trail is best for you and your crew at the Clearwater Nature Center, where you can also pop in for a nature-themed program and peruse displays of birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish. Extend your stay by booking one of the campsites in the park — just bring some warm blankets and a sleeping pad for those chilly autumn nights.

 

Get your pumpkin for the season at one of these local pumpkin patches.