The 10 best American national parks to see fall foliage

Find out more about where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and net temperatures this fall.


One of the best parts of the fall - from the arrival of " frightening season "And the return of pumpkin spices - is the beautiful foliage. Orange, red and yellow . If you like to immerse yourself in the fall, or even call yourself a "peeper with leaves", you may want to consider heading for an American national park while the leaves are starting to change. Read the rest to find out where travel experts say you should book a trip to enjoy the most amazing net temperatures and seasonal landscape.

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10 best national parks to see fall foliage

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)

foliage while driving through foothills parkway west great smoky mountains national park
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Large Smoked Mountain National Park extends over two states and offers some of the largest autumn foliage shows.

"The smoked mountains have some of the highest peaks east of the Rockies and none really exceeds the line of trees, which means that the peaks are completely covered with trees", " Adrian Todd , occupational therapist, hiking trainer and founder of the travel blog The big minds think that the hike , tell Better life. "This makes an amazing show in the fall where rolling peaks can be seen for miles covered with different warm colors. Combine it with a misty day with smokies and you have an unforgettable show."

Todd recommends specific sheets for the dipping of leaves, including the highest peak in the park: Clingmans Dome. "If you have an additional time and want to do a moderate hike of difficulty, I suggest to Sugarland Mountain Trail who is right next to Clingmans Dome Road," he said. "For a new road trip for the fall season, I recommend driving through the main road of the park or jumping to the Blue Ridge Parkway at the southern part of the park for a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge mountains at the autumn."

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2. Acadia National Park (Maine)

autumn acadia national park
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If you are a fan of the foliage, head to Maine, at the northeast tip of the United States, for really unbeatable views. And if you want to admire the best views of the state, Acadia National Park is a necessary stop.

"Practically, no matter where you go, you will be entitled to incredible views, whether you hike on a path or a Jordan pond in kayak," Melissa Rowe , teacher and blogger of Wandering in Maine , said. "However, for the most incredible view, head to the top of the Cadillac mountain, the highest point on the east coast. Here you will have an incredible view of the mountains, the forests, the small islands and the 'Ocean. It's breathtaking. "

Rowe recommends visiting during the peak foliage season in October. You can even be the first person in the United States to see the sun sunrise - at least for this day - if you choose to hike at the top of Cadillac. If you prefer to cross the park, Rowe recommends getting on the Loop Park road, which will allow you to take the foliage along the 27 -thousand road.

In addition to changing the leaves, Acadia simply prosper in the fall, says Rowe Better life. "The main activities of the fall, after the shooting of the leaves, in the Acadia National Park are the Mt. Desert Island Marathon And OKTOBERFEST , a 10-day celebration of everything that is Maine, including a brewer, wine tastings, music, food and everything you expect, "she said, adding that by visiting in October , you will also face less crowds.

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3. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

fall colors at shenandoah national park
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In the northern part of Virginia, you can explore the Fall Fests shades Shenandoah National Park .

"Shenandoah really shines during the fall season when the foliage begins to change," says Todd. "I strongly recommend driving the Skyline Drive - which extends to around 105 miles in the north and south along the Blue Ridge Mountains - to see incredible views of the fall colors. Just one head, most points stopping are on the west side of the road which makes better sunset opportunities than sunrise, but, anyway, it will be worth it. "

If you prefer to see changing leaves by exploring, Todd suggests hiking on Hawksbill Mountain. If you are more interested in chasing waterfalls, be sure to consult the Dark Hollow Falls Trail.

"If you have the time planned, you can do the ultimate road trip of the fall season," he adds. To do this, start in the northwest part of the Great Smoky Mountains and lead south through the park heading south to the Blue Ridge Parkway. From there, take the Blue Ridge Parkway in the north of Shenandoah National Park and strike Skyline Drive.

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4. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

fall foliage bear lake rocky mountain national park
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Another ambitious fall addition is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, which is recognized as one of the most beautiful destinations in the United States, Adam Marland ,, Travel photographer and blogger From us to dream of traveling, explains.

"The entire Colorado is very spectacular in the fall, so it should not be surprising that Rocky Mountain stands out as a leading leaf destination," said Marland Better life .

Throughout this National Park, you can see the bright colors of the Aspen Trees changing. "Aspen's leaves begin to" tremble "at the end of summer and early fall, starting at the highest altitude and gradually moving," explains Marland. "This term refers to the magnificent Range of golden colors and sensitivity to wrap the sheets that take the fall season. "

For the Best views , hike along Bear Lake Road, travel 10 miles of "Prime Aspen Country" in the Kawunepe Valley, or head to the Overlook at Farview Curve, suggests the National Park Service (NPS).

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5. Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)

fall foliage at hot springs national park
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Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is the Oldest national park In the United States, notes Todd, starting as reservation of hot sources in 1832. ( Yellowstone would not be appointed from national park before March 1872). AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

But beyond the visit to be immersed in his impressive history, Todd says that it is also an ideal place to see the spectacular foliage: "The park itself is nestled in the smallest mountains of Ouachita, which become Covered with superb warm colors in the fall. "

Describing the park as "a little more urban" than others, Todd says that there is still a lot to do outside, including cycling, walking and hiking. If you are looking for a specific hike, try to take the Gulpha Gorge trail for Overlook goat Trail "for a superb 180 -mountain -degree view of the Ouachita mountains," adds Todd.

He also recommends walking in the big walk and checking the historic row of the baths, where you can visit an installation to dip and immerse yourself in the famous thermal water of the park. According to the NPS, thermal springs are directly killed in two baths "offering users a true and authentic experience of water". Todd particularly recommends visiting Bathhouse Row during the cooler time.

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6. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

aspens-grand-teton-national-park
Dori Dumrong / Shutterstock

If you are looking to observe change of change among the mountains, consult Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

"Grand Teton offers a breathtaking view of the rocky mountains, and in the fall, the mountains are draped in a color cover," Fred Baker ,, editor -in -chief of travel Travel, explains. "While the leaves of the Aspen and other trees change color, the contrast with the snowy summits is simply magnificent."

Baker recommends visiting mid-September and early October. Meanwhile, the The NPs suggest the hike Valley Trail for some of the best autumn or loop views around Lake Emma Matilda, where you will also see wild flowers and a view of the Teton range.

Animals also migrate through teton in the fall, before colder winter temperatures, depending on the NP. Head to Timbered Island to Assist a view of the Wapitis , Look at Bison and Pronghorn grazing along Mormon Row, or head to the Snake river to have a glimpse of white-headed pygarts, bells and beavers.

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7. Zion National Park (Utah)

autumn zion national park
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Zion National Park is well known for many reasons, but you might be surprised to see it on this list.

"It is unusual to see a desert biome list of the best autumn destinations, but Zion National Park has become a real pleasure of the fall crowd", " Sophie Clapton ,, travel blogger Because we dream of traveling, explains. "Cotton wood and tremors are the main artists, each taking yellow colors in Golden while temperatures are starting to drop around October."

Sion is one of the most popular national parks, and the visit in the fall also has its advantages with regard to the crowd. "Beyond the additional magic of autumn colors, it is also the ideal time to visit Zion National Park while summer crowds and restrictions have softened," explains Clapton. "Visitors are no longer confined to buses and shuttles to explore, but can rather enjoy the park during an autonomous visit."

If you try to browse one of the most popular places in the park, Angel's Landing Trail, Clapton also says that cooler temperatures make the process "a little more manageable".

In relation: 8 reasons breathless to visit Zion National Park, travel experts say .

8. New River Gorge National Park (Virginia-Western)

fall foliage new river gorge national park
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Head for the last national park, New River Gorge , and kiss the fall atmosphere. Nestled in Virginia-Western, this park was first designated in December 2020 and the fall foliage is better observed between the middle of the end of October, Becky Sullivan ,, executive Director From the New River Gorge Convention & Visitors Bureau, says.

"The best views can be found on the bridge of New River Gorge, located just outside Fayetteville," explains Sullivan. "There are spectacular views at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center ... which has two overhangs of gorges and bridge."

You can also "get a view of the birds" of the gorge by taking the bridge walk. This walk takes two to three hours, covering a footbridge at 25 feet under the bridge of New River Gorge. The park even organizes an "annual" Bridge day "The third Saturday in October", due to the Fire Fire Fire Fire season, "explains Sullivan.

"This event celebrates the bridge by authorizing pedestrians, basic jumps, rappers, sellers and even more to settle along the road and the bridge overlooking the throat," she adds.

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9. North Cascades National Park (Washington)

larch trees north cascades national park
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Establish your fall travel plans? You will not want to miss the display at Northern cascades national park in Washington. According to Jessica Schmit of the travel site The uprooted traveler, not only is this park generally underestimated, but it is also neglected with regard to fall colors.

"The foliage is unique for two reasons - one, the foliage is not only limited to the leaves of the imposing trees here, but the wild flowers and the shrubs which cover the mountain slopes also become shades vibrant with gold , orange and red, "Schmit says Better life .

And if you are ready to hike, you can also have an overview of the larons, which grow exclusively on "a high altitude, alpine hills", she says. "To come in the fall, [this tree] transforms a spectacular gold nuance before its needles fall for the winter," explains Schmit. "The change of the meshes is so loved in Washington, it is known as" Madness de Mélèze! ""

Schmit recommends checking Maple Heather's pass loop or the Blue Lake Trail for the most picturesque views in the fall.

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10. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

fall at cuyahoga national park
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The Wilderness Society , which strives to protect more than 112 million acres of wilderness in 44 American states, recommends several parks for the gaze of the sheets, in particular Cuyahoga valley National Park , describes as "the best kept secret in Ohio".

It is an excellent park to visit if you are not too hiking, because you can see the park while taking a picturesque walk . Depending on the NP, red maples and sugar Beautiful fall colors , followed by white oak and pin (which becomes red brownish), then black gum, stallow and northern red oak (which turn many shades of red), and finally the tulip, the tremble of Big-Past, Silver maple and black maple (which becomes yellow).

If you are able to visit from mid-October to the end, you will probably see the best colors, with NPs recommending Brandywine Falls trails and edges.

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