The Best National Parks to Visit for Fall Colors
Thanks to lower crowds and lower temperatures, fall is one of the best times of year to visit a national park. Because school is back in, many people don’t take the time to visit national parks after Labor Day. But many of the parks truly shine when they’re festooned in the colors of fall. From West Virginia to Wyoming, these are the best national parks to visit for fall colors.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Just over the border from Canada, Northern Minnesota may not be your first choice when deciding where to establish a National Park. But with only 221,434 visitors per year, this lakeside park is one of the nation’s quietest - and most slept on - parks. Perched on the shores of Rainy Lake, this quaint park comes alive in the fall when Minnesota’s deciduous forests come alive to ring the lakes and gently rolling hills in gold and red.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Just a 3 hour (and change) drive from our nation’s busiest park, Congaree National Park in South Carolina is another quiet natural haven. Best known for the network of wooden boardwalks that keep travelers out of the river waters that often flood this dense forest, Congaree’s vast network of hardwood trees show incredible splendor in the autumn. As a bonus, if you travel in the autumn, you’re less likely to experience mosquitoes.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Tucked farther west than Olympic National Park or Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park is one of Washington’s hidden gems. The park’s topography is marked by breathtaking alpine lakes sprinkled between stunning peaks. It’s beautiful at any time of the year, but the backdrop of autumn trees and brush against crystal blue lakes is something else.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Oh Shenandoah, I long to see you…r autumnal foliage. This gentle Appalachian park stuns visitors all year round with its excellent hiking, varied topography, and close proximity to our nation’s capital. In the fall, however, orange and yellow leaves layer over lichen-covered old growth forests swathed in a blanket of mist, making for a truly extraordinary experience.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
First set aside in 1831, our nation’s smallest national park is also our oldest! Encompassing just 5,550 acres, the park sits in the town of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Once you’re done experiencing the beautiful waterfalls and natural thermal pools at the park, you can stay at one of the nation’s most haunted hotels.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
As dedicated to environmental restoration as preservation, Cuyahoga Valley National Park teaches a masterclass in the power of dedicated environmentalism. Easily accessible from both Cleveland and Akron, the park boasts a historical connection to some of our nation’s early cross-country transportation routes. Though its iconic Towpath Trail is accessible for hikers of all skill levels, you can also take a ride on the historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and see the incredible greenery whizz by you effortlessly. Bonus points if you pack a cozy thermos of apple cider!
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, West Virginia
Though it’s only been open for 3 years, New River Gorge has already climbed to the 18th spot on the most-visited parks list. You can easily see why thanks to the dramatic Appalachian valleys and world-class white water rafting. The valleys and rivers are even more amazing when cloaked in fall colors. Best of all, their B.A.R.K. Ranger program means can bring your pup on your autumnal adventure!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
With over 12.9 million visitors per year (that’s nearly 15% of total visits!) the smokies are our nation’s most popular park for a reason. If those numbers put you off, don’t worry! The staff take great measures to ensure the park remains as unspoiled as possible. A visit takes a bit more planning than some other parks, but I promise the views are worth it - especially when those high green hills are cloaked in orange, red, gold, and brown.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Often overshadowed by its larger sister park (Yellowstone, of course), Grand Teton National Park is just as spell-binding. With over 200 miles of trails, the park is perfect for the avid outdoor adventurer. The jagged majesty of the Tetons always shines brightly under a deep blue Wyoming sky, but add in shivering gold stands of Aspens and you’ve got pure magic.
Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Though it’s not the largest national park, with over 6 million acres of wilderness, Denali National Park and Preserve is certainly pulling its weight in the size category. In addition, Denali houses the tallest mountain in the U.S.! Denali peak stands monumentally at 20,310' feet (6,190 m). Alaska may be known as the land of the midnight sun, but you should experience its golden rays slicing across a crisp autumn taiga at twilight.
