North Park Brings Us Together in Fall

With summertime in the rearview mirror, the nights are getting longer and soon that crisp feeling in the air will become the first snows of the season. Winding down from summer means a change of pace in North Park. Over the summer months, there has been plenty going on in our little corner of the Rocky Mountains, but getting ready for a long stretch of winter ahead also means a vibrant season of change for our community. 

Last week you got to find out about so many of the best places in North Park to see the changing leaves and fall colors in Jackson County. Outdoor recreation draws so many visitors to our community. North Park is also a great place to stop over on your way to busy mountain towns and resorts. So while you are stretching your legs, taking photos of our fall colors, or getting a meal in Walden, you should get to know our community a little bit better.

What is Happening in North Park in the Fall?

The change in weather usually means a season has come that brings locals together for all sorts of events. Though our population is tiny compared to other counties in Colorado, we have a lot of pride. Our community is made up of a mixture of newcomers as well as long-term residents who can trace their heritage in North Park back several generations. Many of these traditions go back decades and bind our community in ways that have nearly been lost in other places.

Jackson County Fair

The first big event in North Park is the Jackson County Fair. A tradition with its roots going back to our agricultural roots, the Fair lets locals show off the fruits of their labor over the last year. The competition over blue, red, and white ribbons reflects the pride in creativity and hard work in the community. It’s a great place to showcase the collective talent of such a small, yet industrious community.

From gardening and canning to jewelry making, artwork, quilting, and cooking, the fair gives North Parkers a chance to show off. 4-H clubs allow the county’s youth to compete in livestock showing events, from rabbits to steers, turkeys, pigs, sheep, and other livestock. 

The Jackson County Fair auction can bring in some seriously high bids for these animals that have been hand-raised over the last year. Proceeds also help contribute to education and continuing the traditions of agriculture and farming among the young people of the area. 

Held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, the Jackson County Fair starts on the first Thursday after Labor Day each September and runs through until the following Sunday.

Political Involvement

While political infighting leaves the rest of the country disoriented, many residents of Jackson County are active participants in local politics. Even though Elections are coming up in November, monthly Town Hall meetings bring together members of the community with a vested interest in the future of North Park. 

A recent event with a special guest—and former Colorado Governor—Senator John Hickenlooper let residents get together and voice their concerns over government and the issues that land closest to home in North Park. Locals seem to care less for hard-line party politics and more for getting things done in our community. We tend to think the rest of the country could learn a thing or two from us.

School Events

North Park Schools are back in full swing and Fall marks football and volleyball season. Locals gather to support our High School sporting events to cheer on our North Park Wildcats. Rivalries between mountain communities are sometimes notorious and go back generations. 

Homecoming brings alumni back from all over the USA and beyond. It’s a great time to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about the shared experiences of growing up in North Park.

Seasons Bring Change

What's it like to live in North Park? Living in North Park means that the people here have a close connection to the land. Much of the pace of life in the mountains depends on the seasons. The changing fall colors and dropping temperatures might mean early snowstorms, tricky driving conditions, or a need to stock up on firewood for the upcoming winter months,

As animals also prepare for the changing seasons, you might get a different perspective on wildlife in the area as well. Smaller animals such as salamanders, spiders, bats, and rodents are getting prepared for Fall. Mammals are typically foraging to pack on a little extra weight for hibernation or losing their summer coats to blend in with the landscape. 

When food becomes more scarce, animals might become more active as they build dens and feast on the last fruits and berries of summertime. You might see more animals such as badgers, skunks, and foxes on the roads, so be sure to keep an eye out and drive safely.

All Kinds of Wildlife in North Park

Before long, many will begin hibernation, leaving browsing animals such as pronghorn, deer, elk, and moose to range and compete for mates. The mountains and forests will echo with the haunting call of elk in the rut. 

The antlers that deer, moose, and elk spent all summer growing will begin to lose their velvet, revealing the bony structures underneath. They use these intimidating appendages to combat rival males for domination of their herds, and the right to mate and pass on their genes to the next generation.

Visitors should always give wildlife plenty of room, but this is especially important during the Fall when predators are in heavy competition for food and deer, elk, and moose are in the rut. During the fall wildlife is especially aggressive and may attack humans unprovoked if you get too close.

Hunting Season

One of the biggest draws to North Park is hunting season in the Fall. Our climate and terrain make for some of the healthiest herds of big game animals in the State, if not the Rocky Mountain region. Out of all the counties in Colorado, Jackson County has around 12% of the total population of elk in the state.

Hunting in North Park is often generational, with parents, grandparents, and children passing on the traditions and their favorite places to hunt over the years. Many out of town hunters have discovered North Park’s reputation for not only being a plentiful area to hunt game, but also a rugged and beautiful place to experience hunting season. Lots of non-local hunters have been coming back to the area year after year.

When Does Hunting Season Start?

Unfortunately this late in the game, draw deadlines have already come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t check out the area and get ready for next year. It also depends on the kind of hunting you are doing. 

Archery season and black powder season begin in early September, with rifle season following, depending on the animal for your license. Hunting season typically ends the last week of November for big game.

From big game to varmints, waterfowl and grouse, and even predators, North Park has a wide selection of wildlife to choose from for this year’s hunt. More details about hunting season in Colorado can be found on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at https://cpw.state.co.us/.  

Public Shooting Range

Just a few miles east of town, you’ll find the Jackson County Public Shooting Range. It’s a great location for plinking or dialing in your optics for your favorite hunting rifle. The facility is free to use, but donations are appreciated, and cleaning up after your time at the range is expected. Visitors should always observe proper gun safety and shoot responsibly.

Fishing in the Fall in North Park

The lakes, rivers, and reservoirs of North Park in the Fall are still teeming with some great fish. From flyfishing to lake fishing, using flies, bait, and lures depending on the waters you are fishing, you might land yourself a fine trophy sized tiger muskie or pan-sized lake trout. Ice fishing is just around the corner too, making North Park a favorite four season destination for anglers. 

There’s Still So Much to Enjoy in North Park This Fall!

If hunting isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of trails for hiking and biking, sites for camping, backpacking, and even birdwatching. This time of year, Canada geese, migratory birds, and eagles pass through North Park on ancient migratory routes or to winter over. North Park has gained a reputation for being a four season destination for outdoor recreation, sightseeing, and road trips. 

It’s more than just a pretty place to stop on your way to somewhere else. North Park is home to a thriving community of people who take a lot of pride in their heritage while looking for their place in the future. 

If you want to learn more about things to do in North Park, check out previous blog posts and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Each week another article will drop to show you more about your new favorite place to visit!