Best US National Parks in Fall, From Woman Who's Visited All of Them

2025-09-10T14:22:01Z

After visiting all 63 major US national parks, I think some are best experienced in the fall.
In many of the parks, the fall months bring fewer crowds and cooler weather.
In my opinion, the fall is the best time to visit parks like Acadia and Cuyahoga Valley.

Summer is winding down, but that doesn’t mean national park adventures have to end. In fact, many of the 63 major US national parks are at their best during the shoulder seasons.

After visiting every single park solo, I’m often asked which ones are best to visit in autumn.

Whether you’re chasing vibrant foliage or simply cooler, less-crowded days, these six national parks truly shine this time of year.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park feels magical in the fall months.

In my opinion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is located in North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of the best spots in the country for fall color.

The park is home to over 100 species of native trees, and the foliage season lasts for weeks, from late September in the higher elevations to early November in the valleys. By October, the mountains turn into rolling waves of red, orange, and gold.

Scenic drives on Kuwohi Road bring spectacular views, and a hike on the Alum Cave Trail puts you right in the middle of the color.

Plus, cooler temperatures make fall an especially magical time to explore the most-visited US national park.

Acadia National Park offers stunning fall foliage.

Acadia National Park in Maine is famous for its vibrant fall colors, with bright maple and oak trees scattered across its gorgeous, rugged coastline and forested hiking trails.

Although the park can definitely get crowded this time of year — especially at spots like the Cadillac Mountain summit (where you’ll need a timed-entry reservation) and Jordan Pond — I think the views are worth it.

Even a short hike or drive through the park offers a classic New England autumn experience, and a visit is definitely something I’d recommend putting on your travel bucket list.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the perfect fall escape.

In my opinion, Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a hidden gem for fall colors.

The forests along the Cuyahoga River are great for leaf peeping, and I find that the rolling hills remain peaceful even when the park is busy.

Popular trails like the Brandywine Gorge Loop to Brandywine Falls and the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath offer classic autumnal views, but there are tons of quieter spots that allow visitors to enjoy the foliage without the crowds.

Cool, crisp air and vibrant scenery make it a perfect fall escape that’s easily accessible from the Cleveland area.

Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning views.

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is always gorgeous — but in my opinion, it’s especially beautiful in the fall.

By mid-September, the tall aspen trees in the park turn a brilliant gold, standing out against the high mountain peaks. Walking around Bear Lake is one of my favorite ways to take in the fall foliage.

Just keep in mind that if you’re visiting the park through mid-October, timed-entry reservations are required for certain parts of the day.

The fall months are the perfect time to experience Grand Canyon National Park.

Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is stunning at any time of the year, but I really love visiting in the fall, when cooler temperatures make hiking and sightseeing a little more comfortable.

Although a recent fire in July affected parts of the North Rim, the popular South Rim remains fully open and ready for visitors. It offers classic views of the canyon’s layered cliffs and dramatic sunsets.

I’ve even found that popular viewpoints, like Mather Point and Desert View, are less crowded than they are in the summer.

Plus, trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab allow you to explore the canyon without the peak-season heat that can make hiking there dangerous.