7 Of The Best National Parks In The US This Fall (2024)

Visiting a US national park is on the bucket list of every wanderlust traveler, seeking untamed landscapes, exhilarating adventures, and connecting with nature. Each national park provides unique opportunities for hiking, climbing, camping, wildlife viewing, as well as cultural and historical experiences amid diverse landscapes.

All national parks offer year-round adventures and scenery, except for Islye Royale, which closes during the winter. However, some of the most popular US national parks are transformed into a wonderland of vibrant fall colors during the autumn, making them perfect for leaf peepers. They provide incredible opportunities to view vivid fall foliage, with the landscapes painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Moreover, pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than in peak summer, and gorgeous surroundings make the fall season ideal for soaking in the national parks' splendor via scenic trails and overlooks. Here are some of the most beautiful national parks to visit in the US in the fall, each offering epic hikes, extraordinary views of the changing leaves, and unique autumnal experiences.

7 Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Fall Foliage Season: Late September to mid-October

Grand Teton is an underrated national park in Wyoming, but its scenic splendor and exhilarating outdoor adventures make it worth visiting in the fall and, indeed, all year round. As fall approaches, the temperature drops and the aspens' verdant leaves begin to turn a vivid golden color.

Between late September and early October, hikers, nature lovers, leaf peepers, and photographers swarm the Tetons to behold the vivid fall colors. There are lots of scenic hikes, overlooks, and drives to see the fall foliage here.

Also, animals are moving to their wintering grounds, making the fall a good time to spot a variety of wildlife.

6 Denali National Park (Alaska)

Fall Foliage Season: Early August until early September

For those interested in extraordinary fall splendor in the northwest corner of the United States, Denali National Park is the place to be.

Remember that fall colors start to appear here in early to mid-August at high elevation. However, the vibrant deep amber, orange, and red sweep down the mountainsides and valleys by the second week of September.

So, Denali is a great choice for travelers planning a late August or early September fall vacation in one of the least crowded national parks in the US for leaf peepers.

Visitors can hike any scenic trail, camp at Riley Creek Campground, explore the visitor center, or capture stunning views from overlooks.

Plus, the Denali Star train offers breathtaking views of Alaska's fall foliage alongside some other unforgettable experiences. Take the train from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Denali National Park and enjoy amazing fall experiences.

5 Yosemite National Park (California)

Fall Foliage Season: Late September to November

Yosemite National Park is one of the best nature spots to visit in California in the fall. While it might not have the same brilliant splendor as the other parks on this list, it is the place to see the remarkable contrasts between the evergreen forests and the fiery fall colors.

Around mid-October, a variety of trees, including bigleaf maples, aspens, black oaks, and Pacific dogwoods, display magnificent colors.

While hiking is a popular activity in Yosemite, there are other fantastic ways to experience the park's stunning fall landscape, such as driving along Tiaoga Road, witnessing cascading waterfalls, or simply enjoying a picnic at Yosemite Creek.

4 Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Fall Foliage Season: Mid-September until late October

Rocky Mountain National Park is a wonderful place to visit in the fall. It is the time when the air is fresh and crisp, as the Aspen leaves in the Rockies change color. Visitors can enjoy a range of fall activities in the park, such as hiking, scenic drives, and photography.

There are many scenic attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park worth exploring in the autumn, such as pristine lakes and creeks and cascading waterfalls. It's also the elk mating season, so visitors can see them and hear their eerie sounds.

Not only that, fall is also a fantastic time to see a wide range of other animals, such as bighorn sheep, black bears, and moose.

3 Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

Fall Foliage Season: Late September through early November

Shenandoah National Park is among the most popular places to visit in the fall in America, attracting so many leaf peepers that it becomes extremely congested on weekends throughout October and early November.

Still, the entire landscape turns into pictures of yellow and orange, making it worthwhile.

Hikers can get their fall foliage fix by exploring the many trails the park has. Additionally, there are opportunities to go horseback riding and enjoy the gorgeous autumnal scenery.

Moreover, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Shenandoah besides hiking for those who want to see the park's best fall scenery; leaf-peepers can take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive, but they should be prepared to meet crowds along the way.

2 Acadia National Park (Maine)

Fall Foliage Season: Mid-September to late October

Maine is especially stunning in the fall, from mid-September to late-October, when there is an explosion of vivid reds, yellows, and oranges. There are several locations in Maine to witness the state's best fall foliage, but nothing matches the splendor of Acadia National Park.

Hike the Jordan Pond Path or the Beehive Loop Trail to see vibrant fall colors. Alternatively, enjoy incredible views while driving along the Cardillac Summit Road as well from the highest point in the park. Plan this drive early in the morning to catch the sunrise as it first strikes the United States.

Kayaking, canoeing, sailboating, and motorboating are other excellent ways to take in the fall foliage while cruising the water.

1 Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

Fall Foliage Season: Late September to early November

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is among the best US national parks for stunning fall foliage. It welcomes the crisper fall season, usually between late-September and early November, when the area's expansive hardwood forests create kaleidoscopic fall hues.

With over a hundred different species of maple, oak, beech, and birch trees, the park turns into a vibrant palette of yellows, reds, and oranges that draws in a throng of leaf-peepers.

There are lots of scenic viewpoints (like Clingmans Dome) and hiking opportunities to take in the park's fall foliage, but the Cades Cove Loop is unquestionably one of the best choices for those seeking a relaxing drive amid amazing scenery.