As summer comes to a close, it’s time to start planning your fall vacation. National parks offer some of the best scenic views during autumn, with trees changing colors and cooler temperatures making it a perfect time to explore these natural wonders. Here are some of the best national parks to visit in the fall.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park in Maine offers stunning views of fall foliage along the coast. The park has over 120 miles of hiking trails and a scenic drive along Park Loop Road. The peak season for fall foliage usually falls in late September to mid-October, making it a perfect time to visit.
2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is known for its striking landscapes, geothermal features, and wildlife. During the fall, the park’s colorful foliage, including the bright yellow and orange aspens, make it an even more picturesque destination. The cooler temperatures also offer a more comfortable experience when hiking around the park.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning across North Carolina and Tennessee, is the most visited national park in the United States. During the fall, the park showcases stunning hues of red, orange, and gold. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the park’s many roads, including Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove Loop Road.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park in Utah is known for its dramatic landscapes of tall sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons. In the fall, the park’s cottonwood trees and big-tooth maples change to a vibrant yellow and orange, making it an even more gorgeous destination. Visitors can hike the park’s many trails or take a scenic drive along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado offers some of the best panoramic mountain views in all of North America. During the fall, the spruce, aspen, and willow trees turn a golden yellow and make for a picturesque landscape. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Old Fall River Road or hike along the park’s many trails.
6. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is a stunning destination during the fall months. The park’s Skyline Drive offers incredible views of the park’s foliage, including the bright reds and oranges of the black gum and sourwood trees. Visitors can also hike along the park’s many trails, including the popular Old Rag Mountain trail.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park in Montana is home to pristine mountain lakes, stunning glaciers, and diverse wildlife. During the fall, the park is aglow with colorful foliage, including the red and orange hues of the larch tree. Visitors can take a drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road or hike along one of the park’s many trails.
In conclusion, visiting national parks during the fall season offers some of the best scenic views with colorful foliage and cooler temperatures making for an even more enjoyable experience. Plan your next fall vacation by visiting one of these stunning national parks.
