What Are the Best National Parks to Visit in the Fall?

Fall is a great time to visit national parks. The cool weather, colorful leaves, and smaller crowds make it a perfect time for a trip. This guide will show you the best national parks to visit in the fall and what makes them special.

Why Visit National Parks in the Fall? 

Fall gives you a special experience in national parks. Here are some reasons why fall is a great time to visit:

• Beautiful fall colors 🌈: Many parks have trees that change colors 🍁, creating amazing views.
• Cooler weather ❄️: Hiking is easier when it's not too hot.
• Fewer people 👥: Most people travel in the summer, so fall is quieter. You can enjoy nature 🦌 in peace.

Best National Parks to Visit in the Fall

Here are the best national parks to visit in the fall:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Location 📍: North Carolina and Tennessee
• Best Time to Visit ⏰: Mid-October to early November

The Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most popular parks in the United States. In the fall, the trees turn red, orange, and yellow. The park is also known for its misty mountains and waterfalls 💦.

Must-see spots:

• Clingmans Dome: A high point where you can see the colorful trees from above.
• Cades Cove: This valley has great views and chances to see wildlife 🦌 like deer and bears 🐻.

2. Acadia National Park

• Location 📍: Maine
• Best Time to Visit ⏰: Late September to mid-October

Acadia National Park is one of the first places in the U.S. to see the changing leaves 🍁. The trees are full of bright colors 🌈, and the coastal views are beautiful. You can hike, bike 🚴, or drive 🚗 along Park Loop Road to see it all.

Must-see spots:

• Cadillac Mountain: Be one of the first to see the sunrise 🌅 on the East Coast.
• Jordan Pond: Enjoy a peaceful walk along this pretty pond, surrounded by colorful trees.

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

• Location 📍: Colorado
• Best Time to Visit ⏰: Late September to early October

In Rocky Mountain National Park, fall means you get to see the aspen trees turn bright yellow 💛. The cool weather makes hiking the high trails more enjoyable. You may also hear the elk bugling 🦌 during mating season.

Must-see spots:

• Trail Ridge Road: This road takes you to high points for views of the golden valleys below.
• Bear Lake: Walk around this lake to see the reflection of the colorful trees in the water.

4. Zion National Park

• Location 📍: Utah
• Best Time to Visit ⏰: October to November

Zion National Park has tall red rock cliffs that look amazing with the blue sky and the changing leaves 🍁. Fall temperatures are perfect for hiking 🚶, and it's not as hot as summer.

Must-see spots:

• The Narrows: Hike through the river with colorful leaves above you.
• Angels Landing: A tough hike with incredible views of the canyon below.

5. Shenandoah National Park

• Location 📍: Virginia
• Best Time to Visit ⏰: Early October to early November

Shenandoah is close to Washington, D.C., making it a great getaway for seeing fall colors. The Skyline Drive 🚗 is a road that goes through the park, giving you beautiful views of the rolling hills and changing leaves.

Must-see spots:

• Skyline Drive: Drive along this road for miles of colorful views.
• Dark Hollow Falls: Take a short hike to see this beautiful waterfall, surrounded by colorful trees.

6. Yosemite National Park

• Location 📍: California
• Best Time to Visit ⏰: September to November

In Yosemite, the crowds leave after summer, and the park gets quieter. The changing colors of the maple, oak, and dogwood trees make the granite cliffs and waterfalls 💦 even more beautiful. It's a great time for hiking 🥾 and taking pictures 📸.

Must-see spots:

• Glacier Point: View the Yosemite Valley from above.
• Mirror Lake: The calm water reflects the fall colors and the cliffs.

7. Grand Teton National Park

• Location 📍: Wyoming
• Best Time to Visit ⏰: Late September to early October

The Grand Tetons have beautiful mountain views, and in the fall, the aspen trees turn gold 💛. This makes a beautiful contrast with the snowy peaks ❄️. You can also see wildlife like moose 🦌 and elk 🐏.

Must-see spots:

• Schwabacher Landing: A popular spot for pictures with reflections of the mountains and trees.
• Jenny Lake: Take a boat ride 🛶 or hike around this lake to see the fall scenery.

8. Glacier National Park

• Location 📍: Montana
• Best Time to Visit ⏰: Late September

Glacier National Park has beautiful views of mountains, lakes, and valleys 🏔️ covered in fall colors 🍁. The larch trees turn bright yellow, adding color to the landscape. It's also a great time to see wildlife like mountain goats 🐐 and bighorn sheep 🐏.

Must-see spots:

• Going-to-the-Sun Road 🚗: This road gives you amazing views of the changing colors 🌈.
• Many Glacier: A great place to see the park's fall colors.

Tips for Visiting National Parks in the Fall

• Dress in layers 👕🧥: Fall weather can change quickly, so it's good to wear layers you can add or remove.
• Start early ⏰: Days are shorter in the fall, so start your hikes early to have enough daylight.
• Check for closures 🚧: Some parks close certain roads or facilities in the fall. Check the park website before you go.

Comparison of National Parks in Fall

If you're inspired by the beauty of these parks, consider capturing the memories with our unique national park posters. They’re a great way to keep the essence of your fall adventure alive, long after the season is over.

Pick a park from this list and plan your fall adventure today! You will love the amazing colors 🌈, the fresh air, and the feeling of being in nature's beauty.