Fall is officially here. As the summer winds down and the weather cools, many people turn their attention to the outdoors in search of vibrant foliage. So, what are the best national parks to visit in the fall?
This list includes some of the most popular National Park Service destinations in the country, along with a few lesser-known spots. One thing they all have in common is an abundance of colorful leaves. Unfortunately, parks like Zion and the Grand Canyon won’t make this list. While they offer epic scenery and breathtaking views, if leaves are what you’re after, here’s where you should go—based on insight from around the internet.
The Best National Parks to Visit in the Fall
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Great Smoky Mountains is the most popular national park site in the country. It brings in millions of visitors every year. And in the fall, the thick wooded Appalachian Mountains provide a stunning array of colors as the leaves go from green to red and yellow.
Shenandoah and New River Gorge National Parks – The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the other two parks along the Appalachian Mountains. They also showcase spectacular fall foliage, making them prime destinations for leaf-peeping.
Acadia National Park – When it comes to fall, it’s hard to argue against New England as a top destination. Maine’s Acadia National Park offers vibrant autumn colors, but keep in mind that winter arrives earlier here than in many other parts of the country. Plan your visit sooner rather than later.
Olympic National Park – Fall foliage isn’t exclusive to the East Coast. Plenty of West Coast destinations, like Olympic National Park, also provide an explosion of colors as they transition from long summer days to cool winter air.
Yosemite National Park – Yosemite, being a popular destination, continues into the fall. With a wide variation of trees, this may be one of the best bets to find an explosion of color in the fall west of the Rockies.