The 12 Best National Parks to Visit for the Changing Colors of Fall
The U.S. National Parks System has become America's sweetheart in 2020, offering us socially distanced getaways when no one else really could—a welcomed respite from sheltering-in-place. This year may just show record numbers for park visits, and we're sure fall will continue to see a large volume of visitors looking to enjoy fall foliage and fresh, autumn air. Thankfully, some of the best national parks to visit this fall reach nearly every corner of the country, so that many of us will be able to travel by car to enjoy these natural wonders as safely as possible. Below are 12 of the top places to go if you're looking to enjoy a change of scenery, gorgeous temperatures, or a Thanksgiving weekend getaway.
Seated in Virginia's stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this beautiful national park is the perfect place to chase fall foliage in the southeastern U.S. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the spectacular views by car on the popular Skyline Drive, join in on the annual Fall Foliage Bike Festival, or hop on the Appalachian Trail for an immersive hiking experience. October is typically peak foliage, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip.
Wait for the scorching temperatures to dip to get the best experience at Joshua Tree. October and November are great months for exploring this national park, with average temperatures in the 70s and low 80s. Cactus gardens, hiking trails, and wondrous rock formations are just a few of the attractions this Southern California national park has to offer.
Maine's Acadia National Park is truly a sight to behold come autumn. Late September through mid-October are the best times to witness the spectacular foliage and catch the start of crisper temperatures. Acadia does get pretty crowded this time of year, so consider visiting the most popular spots in the park early in the morning or later in the evening when the areas will tend to be less populated.
Beat the high-season crowds and catch a crisp breeze by visiting America's fifth most-visited national park in the fall. Mid-October is the best time to discover vibrant leaves, but the later into fall you go, the smaller the crowds and the more Yosemite Falls gets flowing again. Chilnualna Falls is also a wonderful hiking spot this time of year, offering sweeping views in a less-trafficked environment.
Ohio's only national park stretches from Cleveland to Akron and is considered a hidden gem. The latter half of October offers peak foliage, which can be enjoyed via a scenic railroad or rewarding hike to Brandywine Falls. This beautiful park makes for a great day trip with short, family-friendly hikes.
Biscayne National Park is the largest marine sanctuary in the U.S. National Parks System and is the perfect choice for those looking to take advantage of low flight prices and enjoy a tropical locale without leaving the country. This beautiful park off the coast of Miami is a lovely way to enjoy south Florida right now, allowing visitors to explore the Atlantic Ocean's biodiversity via boat, kayak, or snorkel.
Spanning across North Carolina and Tennessee, America's most-visited national park is best enjoyed in autumn. Mid-to-late October is when the area experiences peak foliage and the weather is crisp. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the highest peaks in the eastern U.S., beautiful waterfalls, excellent fishing, and a vast array of hiking trails.
September is a spectacular time to visit Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, as the crowds begin to die down yet all the activities and facilities are still open. The leaves are also beginning to change in September and can often still be seen against the glorious backdrop of the snow-capped Tetons through mid-October.
America's third most-popular national park remains pretty busy in September, but early autumn is one of the best times to enjoy wildlife sightings, comfortable temperatures, scenic hikes, and, of course, fall leaves. The area is home to a variety of events this time of year, with the Autumn Gold Festival in September, Elk Festival in September and October, and Pumpkins and Pilsners in October. Just be sure to do your research to see how events will be handled this fall, due to social distancing guidelines.
September and October are not only the best months to visit this national park (located in Utah) due to cooler temperatures, it's also an ideal time to witness meteor showers. Peaking in October, fall is an ideal time to sleep under the stars and enjoy the park's glorious rock formations underneath a majestic night sky while experiencing cooler weather during the day.
Death Valley is America's hottest and driest national park, so autumn is the sweet spot for enjoying cooler temperatures under the sun without freezing at night. Camping season begins in October if you're looking to immerse yourself in the park for days at a time without fielding spring and summer's massive crowds. Plus, it gives you a front-row seat to Death Valley's incredible stargazing opportunities.
Glacier National Park in Montana is at its most glorious during the autumn months. Be sure to visit in September or the very beginning of October if you're looking to avoid snow (and uber-packed trails), as most of the lodging begins to close around then. Going to the Sun Road, a popular tourist destination, is open through mid-October for those looking to catch the park's final moments of crisp yet comfortable weather, as well as the end of peak foliage.
The 12 Best National Parks to Visit for the Changing Colors of Fall
The U.S. National Parks System has become America's sweetheart in 2020, offering us socially distanced getaways when no one else really could—a welcomed respite from sheltering-in-place. This year may just show record numbers for park visits, and we're sure fall will continue to see a large volume of visitors looking to enjoy fall foliage and fresh, autumn air. Thankfully, some of the best national parks to visit this fall reach nearly every corner of the country, so that many of us will be able to travel by car to enjoy these natural wonders as safely as possible. Below are 12 of the top places to go if you're looking to enjoy a change of scenery, gorgeous temperatures, or a Thanksgiving weekend getaway.
Vibrant foliage, close-ups of wildlife, and crisp, autumn air are just a few of the reasons to make one of these U.S. national parks a top road-trip destination this season.
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