11 Best National Parks to Visit in Fall (in USA)

As temperatures take a slight dip and crowds disperse after summer season, Mother Nature starts the show for her annual autumn spectacle. But this time of year brings around a different kind of tourist—the leaf peepers.

While New England boasts some of the most brilliant leaf color changes in the USA, it’s certainly not the only place where leaf season can be enjoyed.

With gorgeous landscapes and tons of activities the national parks are some of the best places to visit in fall.

From top-rated hiking trails to spectacular scenic drives, you have many choices when it comes to autumn vacation spots.

Here is a look at the best national parks to visit in fall to view the changing of the leaves and enjoy a variety of outdoor fall activities this year.

These national parks are some of the best places for fall foliage in the USA and make a perfect fall travel destination whether it’s a weekend getaway or a full two-week autumn road trip.

1. Acadia National Park (Maine)

The changing of the leaves in Acadia paints the perfect fall scene. It’s something straight out of a postcard. No wonder people flock here to see the last remnants of summer dwindle away.

For some of the best views, hike the Beehive Loop Trail. Here, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of Newport Cove and trees of every color from green to red.

Enjoy a gorgeous hike along the coast on the Ocean Path Trail, and be sure to hike the Jordan Pond Loop, then enjoy popovers at Jordan Pond House.

Hiking isn’t your only option either; there’s lots of things to do at Acadia. You can also drive, bike, or even paddle your way through the park, making this the ideal place for a “choose your own adventure” fall outing.

Fall colors at Acadia National Park peak around mid-October. You’ll see why Acadia is one of the best places to visit in Maine!

With rugged rocky coastlines Acadia National Park is a gorgeous fall destination in the USA

2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia / North Carolina)

NOTE: October 26, 2024, Per National Park Service website alert: Ridge Parkway is partially closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Most of the road closures are in the North Carolina section. Check for road closures before traveling in the area.

If you love road trips, this could be the perfect way to enjoy the changing of the seasons. The Parkway meanders through both Virginia and North Carolina for an astonishing 469 miles.

Whether you only take a short drive or a multi-day road trip, you’ll want to stop at the many overlooks along the way to take in the views.

Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best places to travel in October.

To ensure you see leaves closest to their peak color, try driving at different elevations along the path. Leaves at high elevations will peak earlier in the season than leaves at lower elevations, offering you the full fall spectrum.

For anyone who prefers two feet over four wheels there are 369 miles of hiking routes along the parkway.

Linn Cove Viaduct in autumn foliage at Blue Ridge Parkway.

For the perfect fall foliage road trip drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in October

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee / North Carolina)

For a beautiful fall display, take a visit to the 2^nd most visited national park in the US.

With over 100 different species of trees in the park, you will get to see fall in every shape and color.

As you marvel at the colorful leaves, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for various wildflowers, which also bloom throughout fall.

There are several options for scenic drives through the park, as well as multiple trails you can hike to take in the crisp autumn air. Check out all the cool things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park.

Keep in mind that October is one of the busiest months at the park, so plan your visit accordingly. Gatlinburg Tennessee is the best place to stay while exploring the Smoky Mountains. Pigeon Forge is another popular option.

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains in October for the best fall foliage

4. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

The undulating hills of Shenandoah National Park bursting into vivid fall colors isn’t a scene you will soon forget.

Skyline Drive winds its way through 105 miles of the park, offering the best views of Virginia’s changing landscape.

There are plenty of places to stop along the way with great panoramas where you can get the perfect picture.

Hiking is also one of the most popular activities in Shenandoah, but in fall you might come across very congested trails over weekends.

The perfect hiking weather draws crowds from near and far, so try and do a weekday hike to have some more space to yourself.

Visit Shenandoah National Park in autumn for vibrant fall colors

5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

There is a particular phenomenon that brings many people to this park in autumn—the quaking aspens.

The signature quaking aspens glisten like gold in a boisterous display. This spectacle makes the Rockies one of the best national parks for fall colors. Nearly the entire park is drenched in vivid hues.

By visiting in fall, you may also bear witness to elk rutting as mating season approaches. As elks move from the high country to the plains you may hear them bugling in the distance or see them fighting over herds of female elk.

Peak fall foliage at Rocky Mountain National Park is from the end of September to early October.

Rocky Mountain National Park aspen foliage.

Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in autumn for golden aspen foliage

6. Yosemite National Park (California)

Because many of the trees in Yosemite are evergreens, you will need to be intentional about where you go if your goal is to enjoy the colorful fall foliage. Finding areas with dogwood, oak, and maple trees will prove promising.

Some of the best places to visit include Yosemite Valley, El Portal, and Wawona.

Yosemite Chapel is a hot spot for photographers in autumn and also offers spectacular views of Yosemite Falls.

There are tons of activities in the park throughout the season, including fishing, hiking, camping, birdwatching, and even the Grand Grape Celebration for the wine lovers among you.

Yosemite Chapel with fall foliage is particularly beautiful

7. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Grand Teton is one of America’s most incredible scenes on any ordinary day of the year, but there’s something truly enchanting about watching summer shed its verdant shades to make room for autumn’s warm hues here.

While the leaves on deciduous trees are busy in their transformations, it is also time for the migratory animals of the park to venture to their winter homes.

This is a great time of year to enjoy a wildlife tour where you can learn all about the animals native to the area.

Additionally, you can easily visit Yellowstone National Park in combination with your trip to Grand Teton.

Fall is the perfect time to visit Grand Teton National Park

8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

There are many ways to enjoy the beauties that lie within this underrated national park.

With 125 miles of trails to hike and bike at Cuyahoga National Park you can watch in pure admiration as the colors change before your very eyes.

But perhaps the best option here is to take a historic train!

All aboard the Fall Flyer! Hop on this scenic 2-hour sight-seeing tour through the natural wonders of Cuyahoga Valley.

Keep your eyes peeled as you journey through the valley; you never know what wildlife you’ll spot along the way.

Everett Covered Bridge at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in fall.

Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a superb place for fall colors

9. Zion National Park (Utah)

Don’t be fooled by the red rocks and semi-arid climate of this desert park. There are plenty of opportunities to see the changing of the leaves while enjoying the best of Zion National Park.

Hiking The Narrows slot canyon is one of the best ways to enjoy fall’s brilliant colors while ticking off this bucket list item.

You could also explore the park on horseback if hiking isn’t your cup of tea. And if you’re looking for an adventure fix, give canyoneering a try.

When night falls, finish the day off with some stargazing on a clear night.

For the road less traveled, head to the north portion of the park and drive the scenic Kolob Canyons Drive for views very few visitors get to see.

Bring a picnic lunch and hike the beautiful Taylor Creek Trail or La Verkin Creek Trail.

For a short easy hike take a walk to the Timber Creek Overlook from the top of the scenic drive.

Zion National Park in October with fall foliage.

Fall is an excellent time to visit Zion National Park for perfect hiking weather and stunning fall colors

10. Mt Rainier National Park (Washington)

If you’re looking for an unforgettable autumn adventure, look no further than Mt Rainier National Park in the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you want to escape into a pine tree forest, wander to a hidden waterfall, or marvel at a gargantuan glacier, there’s a picturesque route just waiting for you.

If your travels bring you to the west coast, Mount Rainier happens to be one of the best national parks for fall foliage.

The landscape contrasts with reds, oranges, and yellows against the evergreen forests, creating truly striking views.

In the Pacific Northwest Mt Rainier National Park is the best national park to visit for fall foliage

11. Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)

When you think of traveling somewhere to admire the changing of the seasons, Texas probably isn’t one of the first places you think of.

Yet due to elevation, the Guadalupe Mountains are adorned by a remarkable display of crimson, auburn, and yellow.

This southwestern anomaly brings in a lot of spectators, particularly during the peak color-changing weeks towards the end of October—perfect timing for a TX weekend getaway.

With over 86 miles of trails, if you choose not to hike the popular route to the summit, you will still be able to find a path suitable for soaking in all the fleeting autumn colors.

In the mountains of Guadalupe National Park in Texas fall brings beautiful foliage

Final Thoughts

While you may be visiting the national parks for the autumn foliage, don’t forget to take advantage of all the other activities they have to offer. Interact with the rangers, get out and explore, and join in on the local festivals. The parks are a great place to reconnect with nature and experience the beautiful and varied terrain across the country.

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