why fall is the best time to pretend you’re an outdoorsy person

fall is here, and you know what that means—it’s time to convince everyone (including yourself) that you’re the kind of person who loves the great outdoors. but let’s be real—most of us are just in it for the instagram pics and an excuse to carry around a mug of hot coffee like it’s a survival tool. here’s why fall is the perfect time to fake it till you make it.

let’s face it, no one likes to “hike” when it feels like the sun is out to get you. but fall? fall is that sweet spot where you can walk through the woods without looking like you just ran a marathon.

2. layers make you look the part

in the summer, it’s hard to hide the fact that you’re not exactly bear grylls when you’re wearing a tank top and flip-flops. but fall? throw on a flannel, wrap yourself in a scarf the size of a small blanket, and carry around a thermos of hot coffee—suddenly, you’re a seasoned outdoor explorer. the layers hide everything, including your lack of actual outdoor skills.

3. photo ops are literally everywhere

fall is nature’s way of saying, “here, i made everything beautiful so you can pretend you enjoy this.” just stand in front of some trees and snap a pic. caption it with something deep like “finding peace in nature” and no one will know you only walked ten feet from the car.

4. pumpkin patches require zero effort

here’s the thing—fall activities are the least strenuous of all the seasons. go apple picking? sure, as long as there’s a coffee stand nearby. visit a pumpkin patch? absolutely, just make sure you get a picture holding that giant pumpkin (with your coffee in the other hand, obviously). these activities are basically designed for people who want to look outdoorsy without doing anything too physical.

5. campfires: the lazy person’s outdoor adventure

what’s better than sitting around a campfire pretending you’re roughing it? fall is the only season where it’s socially acceptable to spend more time roasting marshmallows than actually doing anything that requires effort. plus, the smoky scent will fool everyone into thinking you’ve been chopping wood instead of just chilling

6. the best part? everyone else is faking it too

here’s the secret no one tells you—fall is when everyone pretends to be outdoorsy. you’re not alone in your charade. your friends are also in it for the aesthetics and the chance to wear that cute beanie. so go ahead, join the crowd. we’re all just here for the pumpkin spice, after all.

7. cozy drinks are the ultimate prop

nothing says “i belong in the great outdoors” like holding a hot cup of coffee while you “explore” (aka stroll through a park). and if anyone asks, yes, you totally brewed it in a kettle over a campfire (even if it was really made in your kitchen). because fall is the season where a hot drink in hand makes you look like you’re ready to take on the wilderness—one cozy sip at a time.

8. it’s all about the illusion

fall is basically an instagram filter for real life. the leaves are colorful, the air is crisp, and you can fake being an outdoorsy person without even trying. and hey, if you start feeling too cold or too close to actual nature, you can always retreat to your couch. after all, that’s where the real adventure happens.

so there you have it—fall is the perfect time to trick the world into thinking you’re outdoorsy. grab your flannel, fill up your thermos with coffee from kettle, and get ready to fake it all the way to winter. because if there’s one thing you can’t fake, it’s the joy of taking in a chilly fall day.