The 10 Best National Parks for Seeing Fall Color

Fall is here! The national parks are absolutely incredible this time of year because the crowds die down, the air is crisp, and the colors are vibrant.

In this episode, we are sharing our top 10 favorite national parks to visit in the fall! *Disclaimer – this episode is heavy on the Lord of the Rings references. If you are like Ash and can only handle so much, you can read through the full show notes instead for the list of our favorite fall parks :)

Join us as we cover:

Our top pick for national parks in the West this time of year
The national park with the best personality
The park where you can see the most fantastic fall colors
The most overlooked national park that is perfect for a fall trip
Why fall is the best time to be in Zion National Park
Why Shenandoah is a must-see in the fall months
The park that you might not think of visiting in the fall, but you definitely should
A small but mighty national park to visit in the fall months
A park that is simply otherworldly this time of year
Where you can see the Northern Lights in September

We hope you enjoy this episode and are able to get out and see some of these parks this fall because the colors are truly so beautiful!

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

The Top 10 Best National Parks for Fall Color

As the temperatures cool and the leaves begin their vibrant transformation, national parks across the country offer a unique and captivating experience during the fall months. The crowds diminish, providing a more relaxed ambiance before winter sets in.

Let’s talk about our top 10 favorite national parks for seeing beautiful fall colors!

1: Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain is a western gem with aspen trees that turn a brilliant yellow, providing a golden-hued hiking experience. And in addition to the vibrant golden trees, you’ll love the bugling elk that take over the meadows in the fall!

Start planning your trip to Rocky Mountain here. You’ll want to aim for a trip around mid-September for peak colors.

2: Acadia National Park

It’s all about the ambiance when you visit Acadia National Park in the fall. New England is renowned for its fall colors, and Acadia does not disappoint! You’ll love the cooler temperatures, crisp air, and vibrant reds and oranges that blanket this area in the fall.

Start planning your trip to Acadia here. You’ll want to aim for a trip in October for peak colors.

3: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Experience the magic of the “old forest” with the Smokies’ rich fall colors, stunning vistas, and an array of fall festivities. You’ll have a hard time finding a more beautiful fall destination than the Smokies!

Start planning your trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park here. You’ll want to aim for a trip in October for peak lower-elevation colors.

4: Great Basin National Park

Great Basin is a hidden oasis in the desert with a surprising number of aspen groves and alpine lakes along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive that offer an off-the-beaten-path fall experience. This park is in Nevada, and most people don’t think about it being a great fall destination, but you will be shocked by the amount of golden color in this park!

Start planning your trip to Great Basin here. You’ll want to aim for a trip in mid-September for peak colors.

5: Zion National Park

Fall is my favorite time to be in Zion National Park! The milder temperatures, the colorful cottonwood trees, and the decreased crowds all contribute to a more enjoyable experience. And pssst….this is also my favorite time to hike the famous Narrows!

Start planning your trip to Zion here. You’ll want to aim for a trip in late October (Utah Fall Break is usually in mid-October, so wait until that’s over for fewer crowds!) or November for peak fall colors.

6: Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah reveals its unique character with captivating overlooks, expansive views, and a moody forest landscape during the fall months. You’ll love Dark Hollow Falls, Stony Mountain, and the many overlooks as you admire the spectacular colors in this park.

Start planning your trip to Shenandoah here. You’ll want to aim for a trip in October for peak colors.

7: Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)

Witness the spectacular colors of aspen trees on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and embrace the serenity of the canyon before winter arrives. We love the calm before winter when everything starts to close down, but the trees are stunning gold!

Start planning your trip to the Grand Canyon here. You’ll want to aim for a trip in mid-September for peak colors on the North Rim.

8: Mammoth Cave National Park

Beyond its underground marvels, Mammoth Cave offers fall foliage, canoeing, and hiking to explore the vibrant surface above. I love the Green River Bluffs Trail for soaking in the beautiful fall colors in this unique national park!

Start planning your trip to Mammoth Cave here. You’ll want to aim for a trip in October for peak colors.

9: Grand Teton National Park

When the moody fall ambiance sets in at Grand Teton, you’re treated to brilliant reflections, lots of wildlife, and stunning golden aspens against the Teton backdrop. My favorite thing to do in the park in the fall is to get up early, enjoy the views of the misty mountains, and listen to the elk bugle!

Start planning your trip to Grand Teton here. You’ll want to aim for a trip in mid-late September for peak colors.

10: Denali National Park

Surprise! Most people don’t think of Denali as a fabulous fall destination. There aren’t a ton of trees here, but the shrubs and ground cover will put on a nice show for you. However, where the fauna may fall a little short in color, the chance to see the colorful northern lights more than makes up for it!

Start planning your trip to Denali here. You’ll want to aim for a trip in September for a chance of seeing the northern lights and to enter the road lottery to drive your own vehicle deep into the park.

Join us next week as we continue our exploration of these remarkable national parks. So, lace up your boots and venture into the vibrant landscapes of autumn.

Links mentioned in this episode:

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