The fall can be an incredible time to visit the national parks. You can have great weather and usually less crowds than the busy summertime. Wondering where you should go first? Here we will cover the best national parks to visit in the fall as submitted by several bloggers with first hand experience.
Before planning your trip to visit the US national parks, consider grabbing the America The Beautiful Annual Pass. It is $80 and good for one full year. As each park can charge in the range of $10-$35, it's definitely a good deal if you plan to visit 3 parks in a 12 month period.
A pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites (so it's not just for national parks!). Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as day use fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Love the national parks but not going to have time to make it to one this fall? Check out this post on the best national parks to visit in the winter.
Fall in the Eastern U.S. just hits different- especially in the Blue Ridge mountains. There's no place quite like Shenandoah National Park to witness the leaves change. With such a variety of trees turning shades of yellow, orange and red, it's a magical display you have to experience!
At higher elevations (3,500 ft+), the leaves begin changing as soon as early October. The mid to lower elevations gradually follow suit, with peak foliage hitting sometime near late October/early November. The park usually provides a weekly foliage report.
No matter your activity preference or your timetable, there's a fall adventure waiting in Shenandoah for everyone.
Planning to stay a few days? There are several options to choose from, including campgrounds, cabins, Airbnb's, resorts and hotels. Skyland Resort and Big Meadows lodge are great accommodations right inside the park- both have access to hiking trails right outside the doors. Outside of the park are several quaint towns like Culpepper, Front Royal and Luray.
The best way to enjoy the fall magic is to get all up in it with a hike! Stony Man Mountain is at the top of the hike list, with a trail to the summit accessible from Skyland Resort. It's a short, very moderate hike to an epic mountain view. Some other great trails for mountain vistas include Mary's Rock, Hawksbill, Bearfence and the beloved Old Rag. For those wishing to avoid the crowds, try Hightop peak near Swift Run Gap entrance station. If waterfalls are more your thing, the popular Dark Hollow Falls and White Oak Canyon won't disappoint. A quieter (yet equally beautiful) option is Lewis Spring Falls.
For those who'd rather not hike, you can't go wrong cruising Skyline Drive (either by car or by bike). Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, this scenic 105-mile road runs the entire length of the park. Accessible from 4 different entrance stations, Skyline Drive has over 70 scenic overlook points. Stop at any of them to snap some shots or stay to enjoy a full-on picnic. If you're short on time, make the most of it by picking out a segment of Skyline and planning your stops in advance!
Mary's Rock tunnel just south of Thornton Gap entrance station is worth a stop (even if it's busy). It's the only tunnel in the park, and you can even climb to the top! After your hike (or your drive), you can quench your thirst at one of the area's wineries. Many of them offer mountain views to gaze upon when you sip on a glass of Virginia wine. There are breweries too! If you'd rather not leave the park, both Skyland Resort and Big Meadows lodge offer dining options with a view.
COVID-19 Considerations: At this time, all visitors are asked to wear masks inside NPS buildings (including rest rooms, visitor centers, etc), regardless of vaccination status.
The Smoky Mountains light up with hues of yellows, oranges, and reds during autumn. Visiting the park in the fall is a special experience. If you're a fall foliage lover, then there's truly nowhere better making this one of the best national parks to visit in the fall.
During the fall, there are plenty of things to see and do in the park. You can drive through and go to the scenic overlooks like Newfound Gap or get more active to see other sights. Some of the best hikes in the park are Mount Leconte, Chimney Tops, and Clingman's Dome.
Because the Smoky Mountains is a popular park, you'll find plenty of places to stay around the area. You can find lodges, campsites, and even glamping sites in and around the park. Most people stay in Gatlinburg, but you can also stay in Pigeon Forge or Cherokee. You'll never forget your trip to the Smokys!
COVID-19 Considerations: if you're going during COVID, you may want to stick to trails that are less crowded. This park has a lot of visitors year round!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located just south of Cleveland, Ohio following along the Cuyahoga River. Although his park might lack the mountain views of the more well-known parks of the west, it surely makes up for it in the vibrant colors of the changing autumn leaves. The variety of trees put on a jaw-dropping display of reds, yellows, and oranges that is worth a trip! Plus, CVNP has FREE entry!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is conveniently located close to many cities in the Northeast Ohio area. This park isn't known to be a camping park and there isn't a park lodge, but there are plenty of nearby hotels, charming inns, and AirBnB's.
-Take a hike! Brandywine Falls and Blue Hen Falls* are popular hiking trails in the park. Brandywine Falls is just a short walk via the boardwalk, or can be an extended hike following the 1.4 Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail. Blue Hen Falls is a 1.2 mile out-and-back trail located close to the Boston Mill Visitor Center. It's a less-impressive waterfall compared to Brandywine Falls, but hiking through the vibrant gold trees in the fall is lovely!
-Take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Possibly one of the coolest ways to experience fall in CVNP is to ride the train through the park. Visit their website for tickets and more information: https://cvsr.org/
-Visit Everett Covered Bridge is one the most iconic photography locations in the park. The vibrant red bridge pops out amongst the yellow leaves and is simply stunning!
*Blue Hen Falls is currently closed due to the Buckeye Trail closure, but should be reopening in late September.
COVID-19 Considerations: Masks are required in NPS buildings.
We visited Carlsbad Caverns in September and found the timing absolutely perfect. There were less visitors than the Summer, it's cooler and a good time for the iconic bat flight which fizzles out in October.
With over nearly 120 caves, the magnificent Carlsbad Caverns National Park is in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. The big draw is the phenonmenal Big Room - the largest single cave in North America, and certainly the largest cave we've ever seen. The scale is quite breathtaking. In fact, it feels like a canyon with a roof over it. The limestone formations are bold and beautiful. The hike along the Big Room Trail is 2 km, but it took us an hour and a half to marvel at the stunning stalactites.
We also did the Natural Entrance Trail, which, unlike the relatively flat Big Room Trail, is quite steep. It's also 2km long and feel less explored with the Devil's Spring as a highlight. The dusk and dawn bat flights are observed from an amphitheatre at the Natural Entrance. We were amazed by the amount of bats we saw, it smells a bit musty, but is incredibly memorable.
We camped in the town of Carlsbad 20 miles away, it also has a range of chain hotels and motels. You need to purchase reservations ahead and online.
We visited Carlsbad during our gap year in the USA, if you want to find out more about US Gap years click here.
COVID-19 Considerations: Due to Covid 19, reservations are required are required. Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask inside all park buildings.
The glistening golden leaves of the Aspen trees, a chilly morning breeze and a glimpse of the first dusting of snow on the mountain peaks. A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is a true Colorado mountain experience and should be on everyone's bucket list. There are opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing and so much more. Fall is absolutely the best time to visit the park. Come for the smaller crowds, cooler temperatures and spectacular changes in scenery around every corner.
Rocky Mountain National Park is most easily accessed from the towns of Grand Lake and Estes Park. While the Estes Park entrance is certainly the more popular destination, Grand Lake should not be ignored. Anglers, wildlife enthusiasts and hikers enjoy the area surrounding Grand Lake and the southwest region of the park. Drive across Trail Ridge Road (closes mid-October) to the Estes Park side and don't be surprised to be greeted by a large herd of elk. This side of the national park, especially Bear Lake Road, is extremely popular for a reason. Waterfalls and gorgeous alpine lakes await, just a few miles from the various hiking trailheads.
Getting to RMNP requires some planning. The park has a timed entry permit reservation system that provides permits for either the entire park, including the Bear Lake Corridor (5am-6pm) or for the park excluding the Bear Lake Corridor (9am-3pm). Permits can be reserved for a $2 processing fee here. A national parks pass or entrance fee is also required for entry. Masks are required in all NPS buildings, including visitor centers, buses and restrooms.
Colorado is an amazing destination any time of year, but visiting after the busy summer months and right before ski season is an opportunity to experience great weather and secure an amazing hotel deal. To visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, fly directly into Gunnison, CO or rent a car and drive 4-hours from Denver. Downtown Gunnison has boutique hotels, breweries, and delicious restaurants making it a perfect home base for a fall trip to Colorado.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has two main areas, the South Rim and the North Rim, visiting both sides of the canyon will require more than one day. From Gunnison, it's a 1.5 hour drive to the South Rim and a 2 hour drive to the North Rim. To drive from rim to rim directly it is over 2 hours. Many visitors choose to go to the South Rim and spend one day visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
There are many viewpoints along the South Rim. Be sure not to skip Dragon Point, Painted Wall or Chasm View. If you want to stretch your legs for a short 1.5 mile round trip hike, then stop at Warner Point and follow the trail until you reach a stunning overlook of the canyon. After completing the viewpoint road, drive down to the base of the canyon on East Portal Road. This road is very steep, don't forget to keep your car in low gear and enjoy the views!
Yellowstone is my top pick for national parks to visit in the fall and here's why! I love to visit around September because a majority of the summer tourism has died down and crowds are smaller but the snow hasn't started flying yet! You might not see as many fall colors, just because the most dominant trees in the area are all evergreen but you'll see hints of yellow and orange as you go through the park.
Livingston is a great place to grab a hotel for the night before you head over to the park. Make sure you stop by the Mint Bar and try their Ribeye! As you leave Livingston you'll drive through Paradise Valley and be at the north entrance to the park in Gardiner, MT. Gardiner and the original entrance to Yellowstone National Park- Roosevelt Arch was built in 1903 and still remains in Gardiner, MT. You can even drive through it on your way into the park. This place is a cool photo op if you love your vehicle like me!
Mammoth & The Boiling River- bring a towel and some water shoes! You can hike in about a half mile to a swimming hole where a natural hot spring mixes with the frigid Yellowstone river. Make sure you check the park website before attempting to go because it does get closed periodically due to water level. As you sit and soak you can watch buffalo and elk graze along the river bank if you are lucky.
Once you're done swimming you'll pass through mammoth where there is a post office and the local elk like to hang out. It's worth noting that all the animals ARE wild, and should never be approached!
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone- this is my favorite place in Yellowstone. The canyon is beautiful and just makes you realize just how big the world around us is! I highly recommend seeing this one at sunset if you time the loop around the park correctly! And while you're in Yellowstone, it's the perfect opportunity to go see Grand Teton and stay the night in Jackson Hole!
COVID-19 Considerations: Swimming holes may be closed, and many in-park dining options are take out only! Be respectful of guidelines in place by local businesses in surrounding communities and follow posted signs for guidance!
If you're in Yellowstone, you absolutely need to make the extra effort to go see the Grand Tetons, since it's right next to Yellowstone on the southern side. You should have a yearly park membership by now, but if you don't, grab one in Yellowstone because it will pay off when you enter Grand Teton. This park is absolutely stunning and no pictures will ever do it the justice it deserves.
There's trails for every hobby (especially hiking!) in the nearby area to check out:
Taggart Lake Loop- This trail is a 3.8mi round trip with views of the Teton range the entire way to the lake, and a stunning view of the mountain range over the lake once you reach it. If you're looking for a longer hike, you can continue on to Bradley Lake for a 6mi loop. This trail even allows horses between May & October.
Monument Ridge- If you have a Jeep and you'd like some fun hardware, be sure to download the Jeep Badge of Honor app and hit Monument Ridge. It's an easier trail that a stock jeep (or any high ground clearance rig) can tackle. You'll receive a hard badge to display on your Jeep (Jeeps only, unfortunately!) in the mail, courtesy of Jeep, a few weeks after checking in with the app.
Once you're done exploring the park, head down to Jackson Hole to shop the town square and stay the night! If you plan to hike in the park make sure to carry bear spray and stay bear aware. Always remember to never approach the wildlife!
COVID-19 Considerations: Many in-park dining options are take out only! Be respectful of guidelines in place by local businesses in surrounding communities and follow posted signs for guidance!
How would you like to complete one of National Geographic's most thrilling hikes in the world? Take a trip to Glacier National Park (Montana) and Waterton, NP (Alberta, Canada) and that dream could be a reality. These two parks make up the first International Peace Park. So to go to one without the other is not advised.
When planning a trip to GNP many people have to choose between the east vs. west side of the park. Going-to-the-Sun-Road will take you the 50 miles around the park but the road often closes in early October and may not open until June or early July. (In 2021, it opened on June 25) Your lodging will depend on where you enter the park. We entered and stayed on the East side, which is the most popular. Hotels and camping are available in both parks but please check their respective websites for permit and camping information.
Things to do include hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife viewing and enjoying the beauty of the parks. Wildlife that we saw include ground squirrels, marmots, deer, bighorn sheep, black bears and grizzly bears and we had a close encounter with Big Horn Sheep that was featured on the GNP Instagram page.
1. Highline Trail. This epic trail is 11.8 miles with an elevation gain of 1950 feet. You start the hike at Logan's Pass and parking is limited. This hike is #1 on every hiking list. It is rated as difficult but it is worth every step.
2. Our 2nd hike was to Iceberg Lake and our third hike was to the Ptarmigan Lake and Tunnel. The trailhead for both hikes is located behind the Swiftcurrent Inn. You take the trail until you see the markers for Iceberg Lake to the Left and Ptarmigan to the right. Iceberg Lake is a 9.6 mile hike with 1210' of elevation gain, with incredible views of the Lake with ice chunks floating in the water (even in summer). To hike Ptarmigan Lake and Tunnel turn right to head to Ptarmigan Lake. Ptarmigan Lake is a beautiful place for lunch and if you want to go the 600" steep climb to the tunnel, the views are worth it.
After hiking in GNP we traveled 30 miles up to Alberta, Canada and into Waterton National Park. Canada requires both a passport and vaccination card to enter. Our decision to go to Waterton was the best!
Waterton has similar accommodations as GNP but you will need a valid camping permit and Parks Canada Pass to camp. You will also need a fire permit for each night you have a fire.
The highlight of our entire trip, Crypt Lake. One of National Geographic's most thrilling hikes in the world! To reach the trailhead for Crypt Lake you take a 15 minute boat ride from the Waterton Marina. The trail starts off easy enough until you reach a portion of the trail that is only about a meter wide and looks down onto the canyon floor. It is definitely not for anyone who is afraid of heights.
You may have to spend extra time here since there is only room for one-way traffic. After that you will pass through a low tunnel, so you may need to carry your backpacks in front of you. When exiting the tunnel there is another steep, treacherous portion of the trail with a steel cable to hold onto. From there the lake is a few meters away. The lake provides a great place to swim, take a nap or eat lunch. Just remember the last boat leaves Crypt Lake at 5:30 pm.
COVID-19 Considerations: Both parks require masks regardless of vaccination status. Waterton requires a US Passport and a vaccination card. GNP has fire restrictions due to all the wildfires on the West Coast as well.
Located just a few miles from Moab, Utah; Arches National Park boasts some of the most beautiful natural stone formations and well, arches, of course, in the world! Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a plethora of trails that range from short and easy to long and difficult in the areas not frequented by visitors.
The best way to experience the park is by foot, in my personal opinion; however, those who would prefer to enjoy the sights from the comforts of their own vehicles, can travel along the paved scenic drive starting at the park's entrance with plenty of viewpoints and turnouts along the way.
Despite the absence of food and restaurant options within the park itself, there are camping sites available, though the majority of them are only first-come, first-served. Reservable campsites are typically booked up months in advance of the busy season from March-October.
My personal favorite activity in the park - nightscape viewing and photography. Utah currently outshines with its list of Dark Sky Parks compared to other areas in the world. Arches National Park is a certified Dark Sky Park, and believe me when I say that the nighttime skies do not disappoint. Numerous times, I've found myself posted up in an empty trail parking lot in the middle of the night, just staring up at the sky and watching the Milky Way make its way across the vast abyss with minimal light pollution. The daytime views and the nighttime views are ones that you definitely do not want to miss!
Located in south-central Utah just outside the town of Torrey, Capitol Reef National Park enjoys relative peace and quiet in comparison to the other Utah National Parks. Fall tends to be its "busy" season with perfect hiking temperatures and little chance of rain.
Capitol Reef has something to do for every type of visitor. Whether you enjoy scenic drives, photography, canyoneering, and everything from short walks to multi-day backpacking trips you will conclude your visit with happy, tired smiles and pondering when you can return.
The park is divided into three regions: The Historic Fruita region is the main area of the park, and one of the main reasons that this is one of the best national parks to visit in the fall. It has heirloom fruit orchards which have u-pick apples and pears in the early fall, and bright yellow fall colors later in the season.
Enjoy hiking among the fall colors contrasting with the white and red sandstone canyon walls, domes, and arches. After enjoying the orchards and hiking trails, drive down the scenic drive ($10 or America the Beautiful Pass) for more hiking and adventure through the narrows of Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.
Cathedral Valley has towering spires and castle-like monoliths rising starkly out of the desert. To visit this remote region of the park, high clearance is required and 4 x 4 is highly advised.
The Waterpocket district is home to slot canyons, arches, and the stunning Strike Valley Overlook. In addition to hiking, one can drive the breath-taking "Loop the Fold" tour to take in the geology, scenic vistas, and history of the area.
There are three campgrounds in the park. The developed Fruita campground (reservations required) and free primitive camping in Cathedral Valley and the Waterpocket fold districts on a first-come, first-served basis. Outside the park, there are many hotels, airbnb's, and dispersed camping on BLM land.
COVID-19 Considerations: Required to wear masks in all park buildings regardless of vaccination status. The Gifford House and Visitors Center close daily from Noon to 1 PM for cleaning.
If you are looking for one of the best national parks to visit in the fall, Zion National Park is a beautiful place to visit. If you are just dipping your toes into hiking, or have been backpacking for years, there are opportunities for the whole family. When heading to the park, you have the option to park in Springdale - be prepared to pay $30-$50 for parking - & take a free shuttle into the park. If you arrive early enough in the morning, you may be able to snag a parking spot in the park.
To enter the park, it is $35 for a 7 day pass. Or my best tip? Pay $80 for a National Park Pass & enjoy parks all over the country for a full year. That's what we did! The front gate will give you a free map.
You're able to plan out your hikes by how many miles you feel comfortable going! Beginners can start their journey off by driving along the scenic view of Zion - Mt Carmel Tunnel. This adventure allows you to see many sites, stop as you please, & hike as far as you want to. This is great for kids to see the park, nap & snack as needed. Want to go deeper into the park? Hop on a shuttle, ride into the park, & hop off when you're ready to explore. There are various hiking spots along the way:
After a day of adventure, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area & take a snooze in a hotel or continue the journey by camping just outside the park! Whichever adventure you choose.. You won't regret these stunning views. While you are in the area, check out this post for a list of fun things to do near Zion National Park.
COVID-19 Considerations: Masks are required on shuttles & in all NPS buildings.
Fall can be an excellent time to visit Yosemite National Park, especially if you're looking to avoid the crowds usually seen there throughout the summer months! All areas of the park are open through October generally, so you can explore high and low throughout most of the fall.
A great hike for jaw-dropping views is Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. These trails can be done together or separately, are fairly short, and offer spectacular views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and the valley below. Exploring down in Yosemite Valley is also beautiful in the fall, and is often warmer than the higher elevation hikes!
With lots of trail options it's easy to wander around the valley floor for an afternoon and take in the magic of Yosemite. If you're a waterfall chaser, unfortunately most of the falls are dried up by the time fall rolls around, but you can usually count on Vernal Falls to still be flowing, and is a fun hike from the valley floor.
If you're looking to camp, several of Yosemite's campgrounds are open through the fall, although reservations are typically required. Prefer hotels? Unless you're planning a year in advance, the few hotels within the park are usually fully booked, but you can usually find available hotels just a short distance outside the park in Oakhurst, or even down in Fresno.
Plan ahead- Due to Covid, reservations are still required through September 30th 2021, so keep that in mind when planning your trip! The weather in Yosemite can also be extremely variable in the fall, from sunny to rainy to snowy- make sure you check the forecast and pack accordingly! Check out this post for the best two day Yosemite itinerary.
Also to be aware of, September and often into October is the height of wildfire season in California. It's a good idea to check with the National Park Service and local forest service to be sure there are no fires in the surrounding area. And even if there are no nearby fires, it's not uncommon for the air to be smoky due to other fires throughout the state, especially in Yosemite valley. It's a good idea to check the air quality index to know if it's at a healthy level or not!
COVID-19 Considerations: Reservations are required through September 30, 2021.
Hopefully this post on the best national parks to visit in the fall has helped you get ready to explore the great outdoors! Do you have any plans to hit up one (or several) of the national parks as the weather cools down? Let me know where you are headed first in the comments!
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