If you're anything like me, you enjoy those brisk autumn walks. You appreciate the variety of colors in the leaves, the smell of the air, crisp with perhaps a hint of a nearby bonfire.

In Lexington County, there are many trails with all this to offer and more. Many are good for biking, walking, running or setting a picnic blanket down on the side. Some even have a spectacular view of the water.

Here are some trails I have personally been on—some on foot, some with my dog, Maple, and some on my bike.

Virginia Hylton Park

Virginia Hylton Park, located at 111 Maiden Ln. in Lexington behind Town Hall, is shady, beside lots of playground equipment, and has a mile-long loop. It's best for walking and jogging. There are picnic tables, restrooms, gazebos and more.

South Carolina Trails says it’s accessible to people of all abilities.

Old Mill Pond Trail

Old Mill Pond Trail, located at 711 E. Main St. in Lexington, is near Virginia Hylton but is less shady.

The 1.15-mile paved loop wraps around the Lexington Mill Pond and is great for walkers, joggers or bikers.

If you're on foot, it’s easy to go from this trail to nearby downtown shops and eateries.

The town's website says it’s ADA-accessible.

If you're enjoying some coffee at Second Wave Coffee & Books, you can actually go behind the establishment and find wooded pathways that connect to the Old Mill Pond Trail. My dog helped me discover this.

Cayce Riverwalk

Cayce Riverwalk is my absolute favorite Lexington County trail so far.

It’s relatively flat and great for walking, jogging or biking. It’s shady, with excellent views of the Congaree River throughout.

There are several access points along the riverwalk. My favorite place to start is behind H. Kelley Jones Park off Riverland Drive.

South Carolina Trails says it’s accessible to people of all abilities.

Saluda Riverwalk

This one isn’t in Lexington County, but I still wanted to include it. Saluda Riverwalk in Columbia is similar to the Cayce Riverwalk in that it’s relatively flat and great for a variety of activities, plus it’s shady!

Located at 650 Candi Ln., you can even walk on many of the rock formations in the Saluda River at your own risk. The trail has paved parts, boardwalk sections and spans 3.6 miles, according to South Carolina Trails.

Here are some Lexington County trails on my bucket list:

Fourteen Mile Creek Trail

Located in the town of Lexington at 1104 N. Lake Dr., this 1.7-mile trail has 10-foot-wide pathways with bridges, designated areas for pets, places to sit and an outdoor classroom. Parking for trail access is available at the Exxon gas station in the back-right area, according to the town's website.

Gibson Pond Park

Gibson Pond Park, located at 241 Gibson Rd. in Lexington, has a half-mile-long trail with plenty of amenities for a great picnic.

There are many more great outdoor areas throughout Lexington County for a variety of activities.

South Carolina Trails lists Shealy's Pond Heritage Preserve, Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, Bundrick Island, Town of Pelion Rail, Saluda Shoals Park, Granby Gardens, Guignard Park and more.