It’s still the perfect time to embark on a fall road trip to these 10 national parks

Summer journeys through the USA’s national parks are a cherished tradition. But what if we told you that these parks shine even brighter a few months later?

As autumn arrives, our favorite destinations transform, providing fresh experiences for those seeking outdoor adventures without the heat of summer.

Wander through forests, deserts, and coastlines, witnessing nature’s stunning transformations—think vibrant foliage, increased wildlife sightings, and clearer starry skies. Here are compelling reasons to visit 10 parks nationwide that promise a fantastic autumn escape. And yes, it’s still not too late to hit the road.

Home to some of the tallest trees in the world, Olympic National Park in Washington

On a road trip through Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, you’ll discover an abundance of towering trees, especially within Olympic National Park. This vast wilderness, spanning over one million acres (400,000 hectares), offers opportunities to hike in the mountains, stroll along the coastline, and explore ancient temperate rainforests. Venture into the lowlands of the Sol Duc or Elwha Valleys to find groves of Douglas fir and western hemlock. Further in, the moss-draped Sitka spruce and western hemlock rise majestically among ferns and lichens in the lush Hoh Rain Forest and Quinault Area. For an intriguing twist to your rainforest journey, visit Forks, the town made famous by Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, where the teenage Bella Swan becomes enamored with a captivating vampire.

Vibrant hues at Acadia National Park, Maine

No list would be complete without the only national park in New England, renowned worldwide for its breathtaking autumn colors. This park is a prime destination for avid leaf-peepers. The peak foliage typically occurs in early October; for updates on the best viewing times, you can check the Maine state government’s website. With 158 miles of trails winding around lakes, forests, and rocky coastlines, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience the diverse beauty of Maine.

The Wabanaki people were the original inhabitants of Acadia, referring to the region as Pemetic, which translates to 'the sloped land.' The area gained fame through writers and artists in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of Acadia National Park in 1916, making it the first national park located east of the Mississippi River.

The stunning waterfalls and geysers of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is a masterpiece of nature. Home to a unique 'supervolcano,' it boasts half of the world's geysers, the largest high-altitude lake in the country, and a network of stunning rivers and waterfalls. And that’s just the beginning—you can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife. Traffic jams caused by bears or bison are common near Yellowstone Lake. After visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, venture east to Lamar Valley, often referred to as the 'Serengeti of North America' due to its abundant herds of bison, elk, and the occasional sighting of grizzly bears or coyotes.

Bizarre tree silhouettes against the sky at Joshua Tree National Park, California

Located about 250 miles south of Death Valley, this enchanting park covers 1,235 square miles (3,199 square kilometers) and features two distinct desert ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado, each with its own unique plant and animal life. The park is home to the iconic Joshua tree, Yucca brevifolia, which thrives in severe drought and is remarkably adapted to the dry desert climate. The landscape is peculiar, filled with unusual plants and equally eccentric inhabitants known for their alternative lifestyles.

Experience rock climbing in Echo Cove, hike the Arch Rock trail, and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of Pioneertown. Don’t forget to enjoy the stunning views from Keys View. There are numerous backcountry routes to discover, whether on foot, horseback, or in a 4WD vehicle—but it's crucial to stay on established paths, as the desert ecosystem is delicate and tracks can remain for decades.

The vast wilderness of Denali National Park, Alaska

In a clearing within the thick spruce forest, alongside the turquoise Jack River, sits a weathered green bus. This is a replica of the bus where Chris McCandless, known as Alexander Supertramp, spent his final months, a tale famously told in Into the Wild. The original bus was located west of the small town of Healy, about 50 miles (80 km) further north, and became a pilgrimage site for fans until it was removed in 2020, following incidents where at least two people drowned while attempting to reach it across the Teklanika River. From Anchorage, the picturesque Parks Hwy leads north to Healy, offering views of the snow-covered peaks of Denali National Park to your left. Keep an eye out for caribou on the road and be ready for challenging driving conditions during the coldest months.

The towering sequoias of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, California

Superlatives abound in Kings Canyon and Sequoia, two neighboring national parks renowned for their massive trees, thundering waterfalls, and glacial valleys. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway plunges 30 breathtaking miles (48 km) through its namesake canyon, winding past sculpted rock formations adorned with cascading waterfalls. Trails leading to Mist Falls and Zumwalt Meadow begin at Roads End, overlooking the powerful Kings River. Towering sequoias congregate in General Grant Grove, with more giants visible along the Generals Hwy, connecting Kings Canyon National Park to Sequoia National Park to the south. Here, the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume on Earth, stands at 275 ft (84 m) in the Giant Forest. Drive along Crescent Meadow Rd to see the Tunnel Log, then embark on the stunning route into Mineral King Valley.

Kayak through ancient forests in Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Established in 2003, this relatively new national park contains the largest preserved forest of old-growth hardwoods in the southeastern United States. While the park offers a few short trails and boardwalks, the true gem is Cedar Creek, its main waterway. Navigate through Congaree’s majestic champion trees by kayak or stand-up paddleboard for an intimate experience with its unique vegetation and diverse birdlife.

Why visit in the fall? The oppressive heat and humidity of a South Carolina summer have dissipated, and the park’s ancient trees don a golden hue, creating a picturesque paddling adventure. Note: boat rentals are not available within the park, so be sure to secure a vessel from nearby areas or bring your own.

The undulating hills of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Situated nearly 800 miles south of Maine, the vast Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is another breathtaking fall destination, boasting rolling hills and a stunning palette of colors. Deciduous forests blanket 500 miles of hiking trails, and visitors can enjoy numerous mountaintop views and abundant wildlife sightings (beware: black bears are particularly active in the fall). Campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot. The fall colors attract crowds, making October the park’s peak season; we recommend visiting on a weekday if possible to avoid heavy traffic.

The park has been home to various Native American groups, including the Shawnee, Cherokee, and Delaware, for centuries. It was proposed as a national park in the early 1900s, with the government acquiring the land over a decade, primarily through eminent domain. Shenandoah National Park was officially established in 1935.

The stunning canyons and cooler weather of Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park, with its desert climate, may not showcase colorful fall foliage, but visiting in the fall means enjoying its rocky landscapes without the oppressive heat of summer. Experience the park's stunning canyons and vibrant autumn sunsets, all while basking in much more pleasant temperatures.

The canyons within the park were sculpted by the Colorado and Green Rivers over millions of years. Initially inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans and the Fremont Culture, the area later saw the arrival of the Ute, Paiute, and Navajo Nations. Today, the park spans 340,000 acres. While you're in the area, be sure to visit nearby Dead Horse Point State Park, which boasts some of the finest sunrise and sunset viewpoints in Utah.

The varied wildlife of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton in Wyoming offers a stunning array of features: snow-capped peaks, glistening alpine lakes, expansive valleys ideal for biking, and incredible trails that weave through the mountain range. (The Shoshone referred to this area as Teewinot, which means “many pinnacles.”)

During the fall, the park comes alive with a variety of wildlife: mountain goats navigate the highest elevations of the Tetons, while elk and moose engage in their own version of national-park matchmaking. While many campers flock to sites in the park’s center, we suggest heading to Gros Ventre Campground at the southern edge. These sites are more spacious and nestled along the scenic banks of the Gros Ventre River.

The expansive night sky at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

The Great Sand Dunes in southeastern Colorado may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a fall escape, but visiting this extraordinary location could surprise you. As the trees surrounding the dunes transform with vibrant colors, the striking contrast creates a unique landscape. Additionally, wildlife appears in greater numbers during the fall. Plus, with sand temperatures soaring to 150°F in summer, a fall visit ensures more pleasant conditions for exploring the dunes.

The dunes are the remnants of an ancient lake that drained into the Rio Grande approximately 440,000 years ago, holding cultural significance for several Native American tribes, particularly the Ute and the Navajo/Diné Nations. Just south of the dunes lies Sisnaajini, one of the Navajo's four sacred mountains.

Great Sand Dunes is recognized as a Dark Sky Park, where the Milky Way is most visible on moonless nights during September and October. An autumn visit offers prime opportunities for stargazing, and you can even camp in the backcountry beneath the stars with a permit.