I’ve traveled far and wide through America’s national parks, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that some landscapes are simply better with a little fall color. Come September and October, sweeping valleys turn gold, forests flare in riots of red and pops of orange, and high country trails welcome that crisp, exhilarating drop in temperature that makes you want to keep trekking a little farther. Even parks we know and love in summer feel completely transformed: the sunsets shine differently, wildlife activity changes, and the seasonal crowds begin to give way to a quieter, more immersive experience.
Thanks to the breadth of terrain across the US national parks, there’s no single version of how to experience fall. You might be leaf-peeping beneath the peaks of the Tetons, winding through Acadia’s brilliant coastal forests, hiking Yosemite in the cooler weather, or watching the aspens flicker across the Rockies. And when the sun goes down, the day doesn’t have to end: there are campfires to linger around, stars to seek out, and hot springs to slip into.
Below, I’ve rounded up 11 national parks that are particularly spectacular in autumn. Take note: Fall may be shoulder season, but don’t assume that means easy availability—lodges, campgrounds, permits, and popular activities can still book up, so check current park conditions and reservation requirements before you go. —Jessica Chapel
Jump to:
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Big Bend National Park, West Texas
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
- Yosemite National Park, California
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Canyonlands National Park, Utah
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
