The Great Outdoors: the fall/winter getaway guide: autumn, when Mother Nature is in fall glory, is the perfect setting to embark on an adventure outdoors

In Alabama's Gulf Coast and Orange Beach, fall brings a migration of monarch butterflies and a burst of vibrantly hued wildflowers. Hikers will enjoy several Alabama wildlife areas where they can gaze at gators and shorebirds. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (251-540-7720), a 6,200-acre refuge with beach access, is a great place to see the large migratory bird stopover in October. Catch bass, bluegill, and bream in the 40-acre freshwater Gator Lake; or cast for trout and flounder or scoop up crabs in the nearby lagoon.

For a deep-sea adventure, take a charter trip for some inshore and offshore saltwater fishing. Go after elusive blue marlin, yellow fin tuna, amberjack, cobia, and red snapper, or take an educational dolphin sightseeing tour.

In Fort Morgan, don't miss the Fall Bird Banding (October 9-23; 251-968-7511), sponsored by the Hummer/Bird Study Group, which will record height, weight, health, and species of the many birds heading south for the winter. The Alabama Coastal Birdfest (October 14-17; 251-990-0420) in Fairhope features birding field trips along the state's Coastal Birding Trail.

October is fishing month on Little St. Simons, a privately owned barrier island off the Georgia coast. Each fall, the island's Lodge becomes an angler's paradise as redfish, sea trout, flounder, and other species migrate through its tidal creeks and near-shore waters. Call for the best fishing tides (tel. 888-733-5774). Little St. Simons will feature instruction in both fly-fishing and surf-casting and offer chef-prepared menus loaded with "Today's Catch."

In the fall, the Pocono of Pennsylvania are ablaze with fall colors. And until November 2, leaf peepers can call a twenty-four-hour fall foliage hotline (570-421-5565) telling them exactly when and where to catch peak colors through out the region. The Stourbridge Rail Line, in Honesdale, is offering Fall Foliage Excursions (October 2-3, 9-10, 16-17). These five-hour train rides ($25 adults, $15 for children) let visitors revel in the breathtaking colors along the shimmering Lackawaxen River and view deer, herons, bears, and more.

In addition in brilliant colors, the Poconos offers visitors numerous falls festivals. The 20th Annual Shawnee Autumn Balloon Festival (October 15-17, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee-on-Delaware) includes a balloon glow and fireworks Friday night, hot-air balloon launches Saturday and Sunday (with a spectacular view of the foliage), exhibits, rides, and plenty of fun for the entire family.

Before you embark on any end-of-the-year adventure--whether to Maryland, Alabama, Georgia, or Pennsylvania--pick up a free copy of L.L. Bean's Fall Catalog or the L.L. Bean Guide to Winter Warmth (800-441-5713). You'll find hundreds of great buys, from time-tested classics to a wide selection of new items, to make your autumn and winter adventures easier. Visit llbean.com to browse through a variety of outfits and a full array of hiking gear. The website's "Explore the Outdoors" section offers products that will prepare you for any camping, hiking, cycling, fly-fishing, paddling, or winter sports.