The Best National Parks to Visit This Fall

The fall is an ideal time to visit one of the many national parks across the country. The leaves change color, the crowds start to thin out, and the weather is usually mild. Here are some of the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This park is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its stunning fall foliage. The best time to visit is during the second half of October, when the leaves are at their peak.

Rocky Mountain National Park

This park is located in Colorado and is home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country. The fall colors here are also amazing, and the park is less crowded than in the summer.

Shenandoah National Park

This park is located in Virginia and is known for its beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The fall colors here are a sight to behold, and the park is a great place to go for hiking, camping, and leaf-peeping.

Zion National Park

This park is located in Utah and is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and deep canyons. The fall colors here are not as vibrant as in some other parks, but the park is still worth visiting for its stunning scenery.

Acadia National Park

This park is located in Maine and is known for its rocky coastline and craggy mountains. The fall colors here are particularly beautiful in the park's lower elevations, where you can see maples, birches, and oaks changing color.

When planning your trip to a national park in the fall, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The weather: The weather in the national parks can vary greatly, so be sure to check the forecast before you go. In general, the fall is a good time to visit, as the temperatures are usually mild. However, it is still possible to experience rain or snow, so be prepared.

• The crowds: The crowds start to thin out in the fall, but some parks are still quite busy. If you want to avoid any potential of large crowds, try to visit during the weekdays instead of the weekends.

• The activities: There are many different activities to enjoy in the national parks in the fall. Hiking, camping, fishing, and leaf-peeping are all popular activities. Be sure to check the park's individual website for a list of activities and to get permits if necessary.