13 Best National Parks To Visit in the Fall – Spots Near You

Autumn truly stands out as the ideal season to explore our national parks. Across the nation, temperatures start to drop, and the foliage transforms into a stunning array of colors. Visitors who flocked here during the summer months gradually dispersed, making the parks less crowded. For numerous fall national parks, September, October, and November offer an unmatched experience. This is especially true for the carefully curated top 13 list featuring the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Similar to my approach for ranking summer destinations, this list is thoughtfully compiled, taking into account elements like weather, crowd levels, scenic beauty, distinctiveness, lodging options, available activities, and ease of access. Undoubtedly, this provides one of the most thorough guides on which parks shine brightest in autumn. But don’t simply rely on National Park Shops’s recommendations, venture out and see their splendor for yourself!

Congaree National Park (South Carolina)

Choosing Congaree, the only national park in South Carolina, might seem unexpected for a list like this, but that uniqueness is precisely why it deserves a spot. It’s often said that Congaree is overlooked in favor of more famous destinations like Great Smoky Mountains or the Blue Ridge Parkway, yet some travelers believe it absolutely belongs among the best national parks to visit in the fall. The park’s ancient old-growth forest offers a stunning display of late-season fall colors, making it an excellent option for families planning a quieter getaway.

Visitors note that Congaree National Park provides peaceful opportunities to enjoy nature, whether through paddling along its calm waterways or hiking miles of trails through towering trees. Its status as one of the least visited fall parks adds to the appeal, offering solitude that many consider rare among the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Still, it’s worth keeping in mind that Congaree isn’t known for dramatic landscapes or a wide variety of activities, beyond hiking and canoeing, there’s not much else. Most accommodations are found in nearby Columbia, and the park can be harder to reach unless you’re within a day’s drive. That said, for those already including stop #4 on their itinerary, adding Congaree could be a peaceful and worthwhile detour.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is frequently ranked among the best national parks to visit in the fall, thanks to its ancient, misty ridges that come alive with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Many travelers describe its fall transformation as especially magical, elevating an already beautiful landscape into something unforgettable. It’s often mentioned as a personal favorite by those who seek iconic autumn scenery.

That said, it comes with one major drawback: the crowds. As the most visited national park in the U.S., the Smokies become especially packed during fall. Its proximity to major southeastern cities like Atlanta and Charlotte only adds to the influx. While easily accessible areas are popular for leaf-peeping, the experience can be diminished by the number of visitors sharing the same view.

For those willing to hike a little deeper into the park, however, solitude is still possible. The crisp fall weather makes it an ideal season for hiking, camping, or even overnight treks. Families also find it a welcoming destination, with plenty of accommodation options in busy hubs like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Alternatively, it quieter towns. Despite the crowds, many consider Great Smoky Mountains one of the best national parks to visit in the fall, and a must-see at least once in a lifetime.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon stands out on this list for a few distinct reasons. As the only park here defined by a vast canyon rather than fall foliage, it brings a different kind of beauty to the season. Some travelers have noted that, despite lacking colorful autumn leaves, it still deserves recognition among the best national parks to visit in the fall due to its awe-inspiring scale and scenery.

While it’s known as one of the more tourist-heavy parks, those willing to hike into the canyon often experience a quieter side of the landscape. By mid to late fall, visitor numbers begin to drop, offering a more peaceful experience compared to the summer rush. The cooler weather also makes hiking and camping far more pleasant.

That said, the Grand Canyon remains the third most visited park in the country even during fall, with weekends and holidays drawing heavy crowds. And unless you’re prepared to descend into the canyon, most experiences are limited to scenic overlooks. For those planning a fall getaway, it’s a destination worth considering, but some say there are still other best national parks to visit in the fall that may offer more variety or fewer crowds.

Yellowstone National Park

Fall wildlife viewing is often highlighted as a key reason to visit Yellowstone National Park during the season. Visitors have observed elk bugling, bears preparing for hibernation, and hawks beginning their southern migration, natural events that add to the park’s autumn appeal. Mammoth Hot Springs is frequently mentioned as a top location to witness these sights, along with some of Yellowstone’s most vibrant seasonal colors. These experiences are among the reasons Yellowstone continues to be recognized as one of the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Big Bend National Park (Texas)

Tucked away in the remote southwest corner of Texas, Big Bend National Park is often overlooked due to its isolation. However, those drawn to wild rivers, dramatic desert scenery, and offbeat history have often found it well worth the journey. Some travelers consider it one of the best national parks to visit in the fall, especially for those seeking solitude and striking landscapes.

While summer brings extreme heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F at lower elevations, conditions improve significantly by late September. The Chisos Basin, set at a higher altitude, typically sees more comfortable weather in the 80s, making hiking and exploring far more enjoyable.

Thanks to the extended rainy season into September, water levels on the Rio Grande remain high into the fall. This has led many to say that conditions are nearly perfect for canoe camping in Santa Elena Canyon and beyond, just one of many reasons why Big Bend earns a place among the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Rocky Mountain National Park becomes the stage for one of nature’s most remarkable events, the migration of hundreds of elk from the high country to lower meadows for mating season. Observers have noted how male elk compete for dominance by showcasing their antlers, releasing strong scents, engaging in occasional battles, and producing the iconic bugle calls that define the rut. This dramatic wildlife display unfolds alongside another autumn highlight: the golden glow of aspen trees blanketing the mountainsides. These combined experiences have led many to consider Rocky Mountain one of the best national parks to visit in the fall for both scenery and seasonal wildlife encounters.

Yosemite National Park, California

Often hailed as the crown jewel of the national park system, Yosemite National Park stands in a class of its own. Autumn offers an exceptional opportunity to experience this park, which rightfully claims the top spot on this list for numerous reasons. Although I usually avoid placing one of the heavyweights at number one, it would be a disservice to Yosemite’s breathtaking grandeur to exclude it or rank it lower among the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Before exploring why Yosemite holds the #1 position, it’s worth noting a few key details. By this time of year, Yosemite Falls is frequently dry, and other waterfalls, such as Bridalveil Fall, often have minimal flow. Additionally, Yosemite is not renowned for vivid fall foliage since the majority of its trees are evergreen. While there is some color change, it isn’t the primary attraction.

What truly makes Yosemite National Park a must-visit in autumn is the astonishing natural beauty that surrounds you. Yosemite Valley is, in many respects, nature’s masterpiece. The scenic journey along Tioga Road offers breathtaking views nearly from start to finish. Even if you’re not tackling Yosemite’s famous climbing routes yourself, watching climbers in action is a spectacle. Moreover, the park offers trails suitable for all skill levels, making it one of the best national parks to visit in the fall for families and adventurers alike.

Acadia National Park, Maine

For many, Acadia National Park stands out as the quintessential destination to experience during the autumn months. Renowned for its vibrant fall colors, it holds a special place as New England’s only national park, drawing visitors from a wide region. Acadia is cherished by National Park Service enthusiasts for good reason, it uniquely combines dramatic rocky coastline vistas with spectacular autumn foliage, making it a rare gem among the best national parks to visit in the fall.

One of Acadia’s greatest strengths is its exceptional accessibility. It ranks highest among national parks in this regard, making it an ideal choice for anyone eager to embrace the beauty of a fall park getaway. Although the fall season here is relatively brief, the peak color weeks are truly unforgettable. Nearly every trail showcases breathtaking autumn hues, and visitors can conveniently explore the nearby town of Bar Harbor. During fall in Acadia, the Island Explorer shuttle is highly recommended as a convenient and eco-friendly way to access the park.

This alluring combination draws crowds from across the nation, which partially explains why Acadia doesn’t place even higher on the list of the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah shines with its spectacular fall colors, and when combined with the breathtaking Skyline Drive that stretches the length of the park, it offers one of the most scenic fall foliage drives in the country. This makes Shenandoah an outstanding destination and firmly among the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Fall marks the park’s busiest season, yet despite the influx of visitors, Shenandoah National Park rarely feels overwhelmingly crowded like some other parks. Weekend lodging and campgrounds tend to fill up quickly, but weekday availability remains more flexible. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. makes it a favored autumn escape for city dwellers. Beyond occasional crowds, there is little downside to visiting this beautiful park.

Regarded by many as the premier spot for fall foliage, Shenandoah demands a place on any must-see list during autumn. Skyline Drive offers a sublime road trip experience, with the best strategy being to begin at the southern end and travel northward to dodge traffic. While the route can be completed in two days, taking your time to explore the park is highly recommended. With an abundance of trails catering to every preference, you’ll discover everything from stunning overlooks and cascading waterfalls to remote backcountry adventures.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park often slips under the radar when people consider great places to visit in autumn. Despite being one of the most stunning fall national parks in the country, it also ranks among the most remote in the contiguous United States. While many tend to associate Glacier primarily with summer visits, I’m here to challenge that idea. The fall colors arrive early here, making it an excellent choice for an early autumn getaway and placing it firmly among the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Timing is everything when planning a trip to Glacier in autumn. The park remains quite busy through early September, but as temperatures drop, visitor numbers decline sharply. By October, attendance drops to just 27% of September’s levels, offering fewer crowds on the trails, improved access to the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, and better availability for accommodations. However, peak fall foliage typically occurs in mid-September, which coincides with the tail end of the busiest period.

No matter when you decide to visit, Glacier promises an unforgettable experience. Its extensive trail network offers options for every level, including ample opportunities for backcountry hiking and camping, perfect for those seeking solitude in September. The park’s pristine lakes and rivers also provide peaceful spots to enjoy as the season winds down. While Glacier can be bustling until the season’s close, don’t let that deter you from visiting one of the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Zion National Park, Utah

Fall at Zion National Park often surprises visitors with its understated charm. Unlike some parks famed for their vibrant autumn foliage, Zion’s seasonal color changes are more subtle, yet they still offer a refreshing transformation as the temperatures begin to drop. Widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking parks in the country, this gentle shift provides a new perspective on its stunning landscape.

While Zion’s iconic scenery remains largely unchanged throughout the seasons, the weather undergoes a noticeable shift. As part of Utah’s Mighty Five, Zion is a desert park, meaning fall brings much-needed cooler temperatures. For those who enjoy hiking, autumn is truly the best time to explore Zion’s trails. I suggest planning your visit in late October, when the air turns crisp and visitor numbers decrease significantly.

Zion, however, is far from deserted during the fall months. Similar to Acadia and other parks featured on this list, daily attendance can surpass 15,000 visitors. Arriving early remains essential to avoid the busiest crowds. Accommodation within the park is limited, with only 300 campsites and a single lodge available, so most visitors rely on nearby hotels or motels, which can be pricey. Although Zion may not rank within the absolute top five of the best national parks to visit in the fall, pairing it with trips to Utah’s other spectacular parks makes for an unforgettable autumn getaway.

Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

As one of the largest national parks in the Lower 48 states, Capitol Reef rarely experiences overcrowding, even during the busy summer months. However, fall brings a unique reason to visit: the harvest season in the orchards of historic Fruita, a 19th-century Mormon pioneer settlement located along the Fremont River near the visitor center. This charming feature makes Capitol Reef stand out as one of the best national parks to visit in the fall.

For a modest fee, visitors have the opportunity to pick heirloom peaches, pears, and apples themselves, using ladders and fruit-picking poles provided by the Park Service. Afterward, they can savor the literal fruits of their labor at the nearby picnic areas and campgrounds.

Death Valley National Park (California)

Although Death Valley saw crowds braving July’s extreme heat just to pose beside signs showing 130°F, many travelers have found that late fall offers a far more comfortable experience. By then, midday hikes become safer, and nights cool enough for restful camping, without the discomfort of waking up soaked in sweat. This seasonal shift, paired with the park’s unique desert beauty, is why some consider Death Valley among the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Fall also marks the return of the park’s largest annual event, the Death Valley ’49ers Encampment, held in early October. Now in its 75th year, the celebration features a living history festival with events like costume contests, pet parades, and wheelbarrow races, adding a lively cultural touch to the park’s dramatic landscape.

Conclusion

As autumn paints the landscapes with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, the best national parks to visit in the fall come alive with unforgettable beauty and adventure. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning fall foliage make this time of year especially magical. So pack your camera, lace up your boots, and get ready to make the most of your autumn getaway in one of America’s most scenic parks.

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John Smith

CEO John Smith is the Founder and CEO of Nationalparkshops.com. As an expert with more than 10 years of experience in the field of travel, exploration, survival skills and a burning passion for national parks