Explore America’s stunning national parks, coast to coast, for the ultimate fall getaway. Discover nature’s autumn beauty!
1. Death Valley National Park
Location: California
Average temps of temperate months:
- September: 107° / 76°
- October: 93° / 62°
- November: 77° / 48°
- December: 65° / 39°
Things to do:
Death Valley National Park offers a stunning landscape and a range of activities to explore its unique beauty. Start your day with a mesmerizing sunrise at Zabriskie Point, where the golden hues of dawn illuminate the eroded badlands. Then, venture into Twenty Mule Team Canyon, a captivating hike through narrow canyons and colorful rock formations. Don’t miss Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, with its vast salt flats. Fall is perfect for hiking with milder temperatures, and trails like Golden Canyon and Desolation Canyon provide picturesque views.
Experience the vibrant fall foliage in higher elevations like Wildrose Peak and Mahogany Flat. Stargazing is exceptional in Death Valley; attend ranger-led astronomy programs at Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Death Valley offers campgrounds like Furnace Creek and Sunset Campground as temperatures cool and camping becomes more enjoyable. Fall in Death Valley offers a diverse range of activities amidst its breathtaking desert landscape.
2. Yellowstone National Park
Location: Wyoming
Average temps of temperate months:
- September: 62° / 31°
- October: 48° / 24°
- November: 34° / 13°
- December: 26° / 4°
Things to do:
Yellowstone National Park in the fall is a breathtaking and tranquil destination with a wide range of activities to enjoy. Wildlife watching takes center stage as the park’s inhabitants prepare for winter. It’s an ideal time to spot elk during their rut, and you may also encounter bison, wolves, bears, and other wildlife against the backdrop of the park’s changing colors. Scenic drives like the Grand Loop Road offer a front-row seat to the park’s stunning transformation. The vibrant fall foliage contrasts beautifully with the park’s geothermal features, creating a visual feast. Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders, including the famous Old Faithful and the kaleidoscopic Grand Prismatic Spring, are even more captivating in the crisp autumn air.
Hikers can explore Yellowstone’s diverse terrain with numerous trails, from easy strolls to challenging backcountry adventures. These hikes provide opportunities to immerse in the park’s ecosystems and enjoy beautiful vistas. Camping becomes a serene and comfortable experience with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. The park’s campgrounds offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in the park’s rivers and lakes, where trout and other fish species abound. Yellowstone National Park in the fall is a tranquil, picturesque, and wildlife-rich destination that promises unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
3. Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
Average temps of temperate months:
- September: 67° / 48°
- October: 55° / 38°
- November: 45° / 29°
- December: 34° / 17°
Things to do:
Acadia National Park, nestled along the rugged Maine coast, offers a spectacular autumn experience. During the fall season, one must-do activity is taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Jordan Pond Path. This easy trail encircles the tranquil Jordan Pond, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, vibrant foliage, and serene waters. Another iconic fall activity is catching the sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the United States to see the sunrise. It’s a surreal and awe-inspiring experience, as the dawn paints the sky with vibrant hues.
Beyond these highlights, Acadia boasts a network of hiking trails with diverse levels of difficulty, taking you through lush forests, along rocky coastlines, and up granite peaks. Don’t miss exploring the charming town of Bar Harbor, indulging in local cuisine, and visiting the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse for more coastal vistas. Acadia National Park in the fall is a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of colors and experiences.
4. Big Bend National Park
Location: Texas
Average temps of temperate months:
- September: 79° / 61°
- October: 75° / 55°
- November: 65° / 46°
- December: 60° / 40°
Things to do:
Big Bend National Park, located in southwest Texas, offers a diverse range of activities to enjoy during the fall season. Begin your adventure with kayaking and picnicking along the Rio Grande, surrounded by the park’s striking landscapes. Explore the underground wonders of the park through cave exploring with local guides, such as the guided tours of the stunning Carlsbad Caverns nearby.
For hiking and backpacking enthusiasts, Big Bend offers an array of trails, from the challenging South Rim Trail to the serene Santa Elena Canyon Trail. Camping is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty, with campgrounds like Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village offering stunning night skies. Take a scenic drive along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to witness the breathtaking Chihuahua Desert landscapes and make sure to visit Mule Ears Viewpoint for panoramic vistas. Finally, don’t miss the towering cliffs of Santa Elena Canyon, carved by the Rio Grande, providing an unforgettable visual spectacle. Big Bend National Park in the fall offers a wealth of outdoor experiences in a unique and remote setting.
5. Everglades National Park
Location: Florida
Average temps of temperate months:
- September: 89° / 74°
- October: 86° / 70°
- November: 82° / 64°
- December: 78° / 60°
Things to do:
Exploring the Florida Everglades during the fall season offers a unique and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts. Wildlife watching takes center stage, as the cooler temperatures encourage numerous species to emerge. Look out for alligators, wading birds, manatees, and a variety of reptiles and mammals that call the Everglades home. Hiking the Pine Island Trail is a popular activity during this time. This trail meanders through diverse habitats, offering an opportunity to observe the park’s rich plant and animal life. Keep an eye out for rare orchids and vibrant bird species.
For the more adventurous, the Tamiami Trail “Triathlon” is an exciting challenge. This multi-activity route includes a 15-mile bike ride, a 3-mile walk, and a 3.5-mile kayaking adventure along the Tamiami Canal, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Everglades while staying active. Fall in the Florida Everglades is a fantastic time to engage with its unique ecosystem and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal season to explore this remarkable national park.
6. Rocky Mountains National Park
Location: Colorado
Average temps of temperate months:
- September: 69° / 42°
- October: 57° / 33°
- November: 43° / 23°
- December: 32° / 14°
Things to do:
Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall offers a spectacular blend of vibrant foliage and outdoor adventures. Hiking is a top activity, with an extensive network of trails for all skill levels. The park’s trails take you through golden aspen groves, past pristine alpine lakes, and along rugged ridges, providing breathtaking views of the changing landscape.
One of the highlights is the iconic Trail Ridge Road, a 48-mile highway that climbs to a high point of 12,183 feet. This scenic drive offers unparalleled vistas of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and meadows blanketed in fall colors. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, as the high elevation can bring chilly temperatures. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and other creatures during their fall mating season. Additionally, birdwatchers will find numerous species migrating through the park. Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park is an ideal time for photographers, hikers, and nature lovers alike, providing a memorable experience in the heart of the Rockies.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Tennessee
Average temps of temperate months:
- September: 72° / 48°
- October: 63° / 36°
- November: 53° / 27°
- December: 44° / 21°
Things to do:
Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the fall is a magnificent experience. Hiking to the highest point in Tennessee, Clingman Dome is a must-do adventure. The trail takes you through vibrant autumn foliage and culminates in an observation tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, a spectacle enhanced by the changing colors of fall.
For avid hikers, the iconic Appalachian Trail sign is a symbolic landmark within the park. You can take a leisurely stroll along this famous trail or embark on a longer hike, enjoying the cool, crisp air and stunning fall vistas. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop is a scenic drive that winds through the heart of the park. It’s particularly enchanting during fall when the valley is adorned with vibrant foliage. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Fall in the Great Smoky Mountains also offers opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and enjoying the tranquility of the park’s serene forests. It’s a season when nature paints the landscape in vivid hues, making it an ideal time to explore this iconic national park.
8. Arches National Park
Location: Utah
Average temps of temperate months:
- September: 85° / 54°
- October: 71° / 41°
- November: 55° / 29°
- December: 41° / 20°
Things to do:
Arches National Park in the fall offers a splendid opportunity to witness its stunning natural wonders. A visit to the iconic Delicate Arch is a must. Hike the Delicate Arch Trail and marvel at this iconic red rock formation glowing in the warm autumn sunlight. The Landscape Arch, another breathtaking natural marvel, is easily accessible via a short, family-friendly hike in the park.
The park offers numerous hiking trails, catering to various skill levels. Explore the unique Fiery Furnace, a labyrinth of sandstone fins and narrow canyons, on a ranger-guided tour. Or, embark on the challenging Devil’s Garden Trail to witness a series of stunning arches. For adventure enthusiasts, mountain biking is a thrilling option on the park’s designated trails. Backpacking and camping under the star-studded desert skies provide a deeper immersion into the park’s rugged beauty. Arches National Park in the fall offers a chance to appreciate the incredible sandstone formations, experience the tranquility of the desert landscape, and indulge in a variety of outdoor adventures amid the cool, crisp autumn air.
9. Shenandoah National Park
Location: Virginia
Average temps of temperate months:
- September: 68° / 50°
- October: 58° / 39°
- November: 68° / 50°
- December: 39° / 22°
Things to do:
Shenandoah National Park in the fall is a breathtaking destination offering a symphony of colors as the foliage transforms. The iconic Skyline Drive, stretching 105 miles through the park along the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a must-visit. This scenic drive provides unparalleled panoramic views of the park’s stunning landscapes, making it ideal for leaf-peeping. Don’t miss the enchanting overlooks like Hemlock Springs Overlook and Range View Overlook, where you can capture the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.
For a more immersive experience, explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. These trails lead you through forests ablaze with fall colors and reveal cascading waterfalls and serene streams. Enjoy self-guided tours to learn about the park’s history and ecology or opt for guided trail riding, allowing you to explore the park’s beauty on horseback. Shenandoah National Park in the fall is a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of colors and experiences.
10. Zion National Park
Location: Utah
Average temps of temperate months:
- September: 78° / 48°
- October: 66° / 39°
- November: 56° / 31°
- December: 48° / 24°
Things to do:
Fall in Zion National Park offers a captivating blend of outdoor activities amidst breathtaking scenery. Hiking is a highlight, with a multitude of trails catering to all skill levels. Begin your adventure at the East Rim campsite and set off on trails leading to remarkable destinations like Hop Valley, the Narrows, and the Southwest Desert. These routes showcase the park’s iconic rock formations and vibrant autumn foliage. Camping in Zion is a rewarding experience, and there are three campgrounds to choose from. Whether you prefer the peaceful solitude of backcountry camping or the convenience of established campgrounds like Watchman, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your preferences. Cycling enthusiasts can explore the park on two wheels, pedaling along scenic routes like the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Birding is also a popular activity, with the chance to spot a wide array of avian species against the backdrop of Zion’s rugged landscapes. Fall in Zion National Park offers a diverse range of outdoor adventures, making it an ideal season to explore this remarkable natural wonderland.
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