10 Must-Visit National Parks in the US This Fall

If you're thinking about exploring a U.S. national park this autumn, you’re in for a treat. There's a little-known secret among travelers with flexible itineraries: National parks shine during the fall season.

Of course, this doesn’t apply to all national parks — some are actually better enjoyed at different times of the year. However, fall generally offers a breathtaking experience in the nation’s parklands. With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, you can savor the views without working up a sweat or jostling for space to snap a picture.

The best part is that depending on your travel plans, you might be lucky enough to witness stunning fall foliage. Just keep in mind: As winter approaches, snow can lead to road closures in Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. So be sure to plan ahead and choose your timing wisely.

Here are the 10 top U.S. national parks to explore this fall.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Autumn is arguably the perfect season to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, where you can enjoy a vibrant array of colors from sugar maples, hickories, and more from the observation deck at Clingmans Dome.

If you prefer a scenic drive, soak in the fall colors from Cades Cove Loop Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway (often referred to as the "Tail of the Dragon"). With temperatures in the Smokies ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s in September and October, it offers a refreshing alternative to the summer heat in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Don’t forget to visit the Apple Barn Cider House in Sevierville, Tennessee, as you leave the park for its renowned apple cider, apple butter, and pumpkin bread—all of which are especially delightful in the fall when apples and pumpkins are in season.

Rocky Mountain National Park

While Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is breathtaking during the long, warm summer days, it truly shines for those who come in the fall. Starting in mid to late September, temperatures drop enough for a light jacket during the day, and the cool evenings call for a snug jacket, a warm campfire, and a steaming cup of hot cocoa.

During those enchanting weeks when summer transitions to fall, the aspens light up in brilliant gold, while other trees adorn the mountains and fields with vibrant pops of orange, red, and yellow. According to fall foliage prediction maps, the peak fall colors in the Rockies are expected between the last week of September and the first week of October.

Please note that the park operates a timed-entry permit system, which will be in effect for most areas through October 14. (Timed entry along with Bear Lake Road reservations will extend through October 20.)

One of the highlights of fall in the Rockies is the elk rut, where you can hear the majestic elk bugling throughout the park and in nearby Estes Park. The town even hosts an annual Elk Fest with live music, Native American dancing, and a contest for the best elk bugle imitation on September 28-29.

In fact, fall is one of the prime seasons to explore many areas of Colorado, giving you a wealth of natural wonders to choose from beyond Rocky Mountain National Park.

Acadia National Park

It's well-known that the Northeast excels compared to much of the country when it comes to experiencing fall foliage in all its glory. Acadia National Park begins to cool down in late August, and by early October, coastal Maine is typically in the midst of peak fall colors.

As an added bonus, from early October until early March, Acadia is the first place in the U.S. to witness the sunrise each morning from the 1,530-foot summit of Cadillac Mountain. (Just make sure to secure a required reservation to drive Cadillac Summit Road until October 27.)

As temperatures drop and Bar Harbor winds down for the season, you can enjoy Acadia with fewer crowds—and even savor popovers at the Jordan Pond House restaurant before it closes in late October without facing a lengthy wait.

Consider Under Canvas Acadia, a luxurious glamping destination on the coast where rates start at $399 per night. Just keep in mind that it is a seasonal property and will close on October 14.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park in Utah is among the most visited parks in the U.S., so it can get quite crowded during the peak summer months. However, in the fall, especially if you wait until late in the season, the crowds begin to thin out, as do the temperatures.

If you're eager to tackle some of the more famous trails, like Angels Landing or The Narrows, visiting on a quieter autumn day will enhance your experience. (Try to avoid fall break when Utah schools have a four-day weekend or an entire week off, typically around mid to late October.) Keep in mind that lottery-based permits are now necessary to hike Angels Landing and specific areas of The Narrows.

Fall colors start to appear in Zion by late October and into November, with temperatures in November often ranging from the 30s to the 50s, so be sure to bring plenty of layers. Additionally, remember that Zion's shuttle buses operate less frequently and for shorter hours as visitors begin to disperse for the winter.

A fantastic option for accommodations near Zion is the Springhill Suites Springdale Zion National Park, conveniently located in the park's vicinity. Rates begin at $215 or 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Arches National Park

Another stunning Utah park to visit in the fall is Arches National Park. Along with the beautiful changing leaves, the temperatures are much more comfortable, with highs in the 70s during October (compared to the scorching 90s from June to August). Trust us: The 3-mile trek to Delicate Arch is far more enjoyable when it’s cooler outside.

If you're aiming to snap some breathtaking photos, the autumn light illuminating the red rocks is truly remarkable. You’re also more likely to encounter wildlife while camping in the area. Just be sure to plan your visit around Utah school breaks; your crowd-free photos will be well worth the effort.

If you prefer to use points for accommodations in Moab, Utah, you have plenty of options, including the Hyatt Place Moab for just $120 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night this fall. The more luxurious Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton is available from $110 or 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night this fall.

Shenandoah National Park

While Shenandoah National Park in Virginia may not be as widely recognized as Arches or Zion, it has its unique appeal, especially during the fall season.

Shenandoah is renowned for its stunning fall foliage, expected to reach its peak in mid-October 2024. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that signal the season's change can be enjoyed not just on the park's trails but also along the winding Skyline Drive, which stretches 105 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

As an added bonus, you can indulge in some delicious baked treats after a day of exploring. TPG senior writer Katie Genter reminisces about the incredible blackberry pie found here, so make sure to visit a place like the historic Skyland Resort, located at the highest point on Skyline Drive, to try this local delicacy. For accommodations, Skyland offers 178 rooms with breathtaking valley views and easy access to hiking trails, with rates starting at $192 per night, and the lodge is open through late November for the 2024 season.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Located on the Texas-New Mexico border, Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts the highest peaks in Texas, along with canyons, dunes, desert scenery, starry night skies, and an ancient fossil reef.

With elevations ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 feet, this park isn’t as sweltering in summer as one might expect for West Texas, though it can still be warmer and wetter on average compared to October and November.

One of the autumn highlights in the Guadalupe Mountains is the vibrant display of colors found in McKittrick Canyon and Pine Canyon. Here, the bigtooth maple trees take center stage, with their foliage expected to reach its peak during the first few weeks of November.

While Guadalupe Mountains National Park may not be close to anything else, it makes a fantastic addition to a road trip that includes one of the nation's newer parks, White Sands, located about three hours away in New Mexico.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Don’t confuse this with White Sands National Park; Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in south-central Colorado.

Spanning roughly 30 square miles, these dunes rise nearly 750 feet, making them the tallest in North America. Besides the dunes, this park and preserve also features lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and forests. According to the National Park Service, September offers some of the best weather of the year here, with average highs of 74 degrees and lows of 45.

Bundle up and venture outside after dark to marvel at the stunning night sky. This location is recognized as one of the nation's Dark Sky Parks, making it an exceptional spot for stargazing due to its dry air, high altitude, and the protective Sangre de Cristo Mountains that block light pollution from nearby cities.

Grand Teton National Park

The Tetons are truly magnificent in every aspect, and this Wyoming park is easily accessible if you fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), which lies within the national park's boundaries at the foot of the mountains. If you visit, you can use Marriott Bonvoy points to stay in Jackson, Wyoming, at the SpringHill Suites Jackson Hole (with rates starting at $161 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) or The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection (starting at $320 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night).

Fall in Grand Teton National Park lasts from early September to mid-October, and based on fall foliage prediction maps, peak color is expected around the second week of October. As the cottonwoods along the Snake River and the aspens on the hillsides burst into vibrant hues, wildlife begins to prepare for the approaching winter.

You might hear the distinctive calls of elk bugling and even witness them engaging in sparring matches. However, keep in mind that late fall visits may encounter closed roads. For instance, Teton Park Road typically closes to vehicles for the season from November 1 to April 30.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The newest national park in the country, the 7,000-acre New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia, is accessible year-round, but it truly shines in the fall.

Fishermen can reel in walleye and bass from the New River, and on dry days, rock climbers can be spotted tackling over 1,400 established routes on the park's stunning sandstone cliffs.

Once the heat of summer fades, October becomes a highly sought-after month for visitors. This is also when the annual Bridge Day event occurs (on October 19 in 2024), attracting thousands who gather to stroll across the park's famous bridge and witness BASE jumpers and rappellers make their daring descents.

Autumn visitors to the New River Gorge will be treated to breathtaking fall colors, which begin in the mountains and gradually cascade down into the valleys throughout October.

Bottom line

A national park visit in the fall is always a great choice. September, October, and November offer the ideal conditions to enjoy the refreshing autumn air before winter brings its snow-covered landscapes. Whether you're looking for cooler weather and fewer crowds or simply aiming to witness the vibrant foliage, remember to bring your jacket and camera for an unforgettable adventure.