If like me, you want to start checking some national parks off your list, then you’re going to want to bookmark this guide! With fall being my favorite season, you can imagine my excitement knowing this is also one of the best times to visit some of the most breathtaking national parks in the U.S. and Canada.
Far more than being a great time for taking a fall foliage road trip, the most vibrant season of the year can also bring the most unforgettable national park experiences.
Fall season is often the best time to visit many of our national parks, including some of the most magnificent and picturesque national parks in Canada such as Banff National Park.
With fewer crowds and much more pleasant weather, there’s a big chance you’ll be able to do more things on your must-see list.
Sunrise hikes in Arches, the bright turquoise waters and beautiful cliffs of Bruce Peninsula National Park in Canada and the brilliant gold and red tones of the aspen leaves in Rocky Mountain National Park are just a few of the reasons why you should consider visiting these incredible national parks during fall season.
So get ready to start planning your fall trip with stunning views and bucket list hikes at these national parks in North America. This guide is filled with tips and recommendations for an incredible fall adventure!
- 1. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- 2. Arches National Park, Utah
- 3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- 4. Sequoia National Park, California
- 5. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- 6. Bruce Peninsula National Park, Canada
- 7. Yosemite National Park, California
- More Breathtaking National Parks To Visit This Fall
- 8. Point Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- 9. Joshua Tree National Park, California
- 10. Zion National Park, Utah
- 11. Banff National Park, Canada
- 12. Acadia National Park, Maine
- 13. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
- 14. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- 15. Redwoods National Park, California
- 16. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- 16. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
1. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Contributed by Brianna from Briabroad
Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington, is a must-visit destination for visitors in the fall. During this season, the landscape turns into a beautiful picture of autumn colors.
Established in 1899, it is one of the oldest national parks in the U.S. What draws visitors to the park is the iconic Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano standing at 14,411 feet.
While it’s a large park, no matter where you visit, you’re guaranteed to see its diverse ecosystem. You may be able to see glaciers, meadows, forests, wildlife and mountains during your time here.
Fall is the perfect time to explore the park’s trails, which offer breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. The cooler temperatures also make hiking more comfortable. Don’t miss the Reflection Lakes, a relaxing area that provides excellent photo opportunities.
The best time of day to visit is early morning when the light is soft. Mount Rainier National Park is very popular, and visiting early will reduce your chances of hiking with the crowds.
My best tip for visitors looking to get a good view of Mount Rainier is to hike through either the Sunrise or Paradise areas.
2. Arches National Park, Utah
Contributed by Sonia from Carey on Travels
With nearly 2,000 documented arches, Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, has the densest concentration of natural stone arches in the world. You will enjoy not only the sandstone arches but also sandstone windows and bridges.
Moab in the fall offers more budget-friendly lodging rates, pleasant temperatures, and fall foliage, which typically peaks in late September and early October.
The best time of day to visit Arches depends on the month you’ll be visiting. During September, it’s typically warm and can still be crowded. In this case, visiting early in the day or early in the evening will mean less heat, fewer crowds, and incredible lighting for photos.
October and November have progressively fewer crowds and lower temperatures, meaning that you can visit most any time of day.
For one of the most epic and best hikes in national parks, don’t miss hiking to Delicate Arch for sunrise or sunset to experience fewer crowds and spectacular views!
Bring along a headlamp for the hike up (for sunrise) or the hike down (for sunset). In the evenings, take advantage of the free stargazing with a Ranger program in Arches, a certified International Dark Sky Park.
3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Contributed by Sara from Travel A-Broads
Located near the town of Tropic in southwest Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the fall.
Bryce Canyon sits on a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase about two hours from both Zion National Park and Capitol Reef National Park.
It has the highest elevation of the Utah national parks and the greatest concentration of hoodoos, i.e. tall, thin columns of rock formed by erosion, in the world.
You can do a lot during one day in Bryce Canyon National Park, and fall offers cooler weather, fewer crowds, and great hiking conditions.
Some of the best hikes include the Navajo Loop, the Queen’s Garden Trail, the Peekaboo Loop, and the trail from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point. Be sure to watch the sunrise at Sunset Point and the sunset at Sunrise Point—no, the names are not intuitive!
There are also several popular overlooks that you might want to check out (if you haven’t already hiked to them), including Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, all of which offer incredible views of the Bryce Amphitheater.
No matter what your plans are, be sure to get to the park early to watch the sunrise and to find a good parking spot.
If you’re hiking, pack lots of water, snacks, sunblock, first aid, and clothes to layer, as there are huge temperature swings this time of year, especially with the elevation changes throughout the park.
4. Sequoia National Park, California
Contributed by Hannah from Plate and Compass
Fall is the perfect time to explore the Sequoia National Park in central California to avoid the summer crowds, while still enjoying a few hikes.
The main attraction at this national park is General Sherman, the world’s largest tree! This tree stands at a whopping 36 feet in diameter at the base and 275 feet tall.
But it’s not the only giant tree in the park. There are plenty of other large sequoias scattered throughout the Giant Forest Park including Lincoln, Washington, General Grant and President.
Another popular attraction in Sequoia National Park is Moro Rock, a granite dome that sticks out at the peak and overlooks the Sierra Mountains. The paved path of 350 stairs takes you straight to the top for incredible views.
Parking in several lots can fill up quickly during weekends and peak times. So an early departure to the park is recommended. I’d recommend going right to the Lodgepole Visitor Center, which usually has more parking and a delicious market and cafe for snacks.
5. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Contributed by Stephanie from Just Book the Flight
The Grand Canyon became a national park in 1919 and is a mile-deep canyon, which was cut by the Colorado River. The views are spectacular and you quickly see why so many people visit every year.
Consider taking a 2-hour or overnight mule ride into the Grand Canyon. You may book your trip up to 15 months in advance.
The trips are limited and filled up, so you should book this trip first and plan the rest of your trip around your reservation.
The best time of day to visit is early in the day to avoid crowds at the entrance. Between 10 am and 4 pm, the South Entrance line may take 45 minutes to 2 hours during the busiest times of the year (spring break, summer, and fall weekends). The East Entrance at Desert View should be quicker to enter.
The park has a free shuttle, which makes getting around less stressful. You only need to find a place to park once and then you can just use the shuttle.
The shuttle is easy, but will likely be crowded during the busiest times, so bring your patience.
6. Bruce Peninsula National Park, Canada
Contributed by Chanelle from Chasing Chanelle
Just a 4-hour drive north of Toronto, Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Canada, with impressive cliffs, unique rock formations, 1000-year-old cedar trees and bright turquoise water.
It’s also one of the best parks to visit in the fall, as the contrast between the changing autumn colors and vibrant blue water is particularly striking to see.
Located in the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, the park forms part of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve and is home to some of the oldest trees in North America.
Along the park’s eastern edge, the huge escarpment meets the shoreline of Georgian Bay, with a mix of dramatic cliffs and pristine pebble beaches.
The best thing to do in Bruce Peninsula National Park is to go hiking, as it has some of the top trails on the East Coast. Plus, this is the best way to experience the park’s stunning fall colors.
And, when exploring the trails, make sure to visit The Grotto – a natural limestone sea cave that is a highlight of the park.
As this is one of the most beautiful national parks in Canada, Bruce Peninsula National Park does get very busy, especially during fall, so it’s best to visit as early as possible in the morning, to try and beat the crowds.
It’s also worth noting that parking reservations are required during peak season at the most popular trailheads – The Grotto and Little Cove. There are various time slots available throughout the day and you should book these advance online.
Or, if you miss out on a reservation and are up for a longer hike, you can start and end your visit from the Halfway Log Dump trailhead, which is further away from The Grotto.
This trailhead doesn’t get as busy and doesn’t require reservations after early September, so it’s a great option if you’re planning a last-minute visit.
7. Yosemite National Park, California
Contributed by Kate from Kate Outdoors
While California might not be the first destination you think of when planning a fall trip, it’s the perfect time of year to visit Yosemite National Park—one of the best national parks in USA.
Not only can you find beautiful fall colors in the park during mid-late October, but you’ll also enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than during the summer.
It’s important to acknowledge that the land encompassing present-day Yosemite National Park is the ancestral homeland of the Ahwahnechee people.
Yosemite is great any time of day, but if you want to avoid crowds go at sunrise or sunset. Spending a full day in Yosemite and camping overnight is recommended (if you can get a reservation!).
But if you’re short on time watching the sunset at Glacier Point can’t be missed. If your itinerary allows, drive into Yosemite from the east via Tioga Pass for stunning views of the park.
More Breathtaking National Parks To Visit This Fall
8. Point Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Contributed by Tina from The Southern Travelista
About a 2-hour drive southeast of Nashville sits the charming little city of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Located at the base of the Appalachian Mountain Ridge, Chattanooga is an amazing place to visit in the fall because of the great weather and the mesmerizing views.
The gorgeous fall colors fill the Tennessee Valley, and there is no better way to take them all in than with a trip up Lookout Mountain and a visit to Point Park!
Point Park is a National Military Park built on the site of the “Battle Above the Clouds”. The park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and my family likes to visit in the morning to take advantage of lower crowds, mild weather, and stunning views.
And here’s a tip: before you visit the park itself, make a stop in the Visitor’s Center across the street where you can watch a diorama that explains the significance of the Battle of Chattanooga. We find that it enriches our time in the park to know more of the history first.
If you are brave enough, take the Incline Railway for a thrilling way to scale the mountain. Once you reach the top you will be delighted with panoramic views of the Tennessee Valley.
While you are in Chattanooga take time to visit nearby Ruby Falls, explore the Tennessee Aquarium downtown, or indulge in a river cruise along the Tennessee River. There is so much to do and see in this quaint city!
With fantastic weather, beautiful colors, and so many activities for the whole family, Chattanooga makes an amazing fall travel destination!
9. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Contributed by Alanna from Periodic Adventures
Joshua Tree National Park in California is a fantastic fall national park to visit, especially because you can avoid the intense heat that summer brings. The park is known for its namesake tree, the Joshua Tree, which is only found in the Southwest and within parts of Mexico.
The park is also home to three ecosystems, so one must-see is the Cholla Cactus Garden, where all three meet. This lends itself to unique plant life that can only be found here out of the entire world!
Some other things to do include hiking to Barker Dam, which is also where you can see petroglyphs, driving to Keys View to overlook the San Andreas Fault line, and exploring Skull Rock.
If visiting in early fall, it can still be quite hot, so it’s best to visit during early morning and late afternoon/evening. Otherwise, any time of day is great for exploring. Don’t miss the stargazing opportunities at night!
One tip is that while you can take upwards of a week to visit, don’t count it out even if you only have one day to spend at Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a great day trip destination from Los Angeles, San Diego, and even Las Vegas or Phoenix!
10. Zion National Park, Utah
Contributed by Aaren from What Do You Sea
Established as a national park in 1919, Zion National Park has a rich history involving Indigenous peoples and Mormon exploration woven throughout its diverse environment home to some of the most famous hikes in the world.
Zion’s ‘Big 3’, The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, and Observation Point draw hikers from around the world to relish in the best angles of Zion Canyon; East Zion offers solitude in the Kolob Canyon area; and the Zion Human History Museum is a must-see while hiking or biking the widely popular Pa’rus Trail.
You also don’t want to miss a chance to catch a sunrise or sunset. The Watchman, and Canyon Overlook are the two most popular locations in Zion, but the Timber Creek Overlook offers similar sweeping views with no crowds.
Once the fall season sweeps over Zion, the daytime temperatures drop to prime hiking weather, around 70-80 degrees.
Since you don’t need to avoid any midday heat, it gives you all day to fill your Zion itinerary, getting in multiple hikes before the temperatures drop at night.
Regardless of the season, though, it’s best to get an early start in Zion as there will still be a good amount of crowds and the shuttles will fill fast.
Layers will also be essential when visiting Zion in the fall because weather changes can be quite dramatic and colder in certain areas.
11. Banff National Park, Canada
Contributed by Melanie from the World Travel Girl
Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, was established in 1885. The park was named after the town of Banff, which was founded when hot springs were discovered in the area. Living so close to Banff, I love visiting the mountain town, whenever I get the chance.
Visiting between late September and early October is an ideal time to visit Banff National Park, as the leaves and trees turn a vibrant golden hue. If you head to Larch Valley, you can see the trees before they lose their needles.
Hiking is a popular activity during this time, with numerous trails offering breathtaking views. Some of the most iconic hikes include Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise.
Beyond hiking, visitors to Banff can enjoy other activities such as wildlife watching, scenic drives, and relaxing in natural hot springs.
Keep an eye out for elk, deer, and black bears as they roam the park. Relaxing in the natural hot springs at Banff Upper Hot Springs is one of my favorite things to do.
If you’re planning a day trip to Banff, I recommend leaving early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Also, be sure to pack layers as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
12. Acadia National Park, Maine
By Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Acadia National Park is an outdoor lover’s jewel located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. It is fantastic to visit in the fall for incredible foliage and weather perfect for exploring.
The summer crowds have gone away so you can have a peaceful visit, especially if you arrive early in the day.
Most visitors drive the Park Loop to see iconic sites such as Thunder Hole, Cadillac Mountain, or Jordan Pond. Hikers will enjoy trails that follow the rocky coast or climb high in the mountains for fabulous views.
Other Maine outdoor adventures include sea kayaking among the islands and rock climbing at Otter Cliffs.
Forty-five miles of crushed gravel trails wind through the scenic areas of the park. These carriage roads were built in the early 1900s by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller. Cyclists can pedal beside gorgeous lakes and cliffs while traveling over stonework bridges.
Bar Harbor, the main town near Acadia, is the perfect place to visit for lobster dinners, charming shops, and waterfront dining.
While most visitors stick to the section of Acadia on Mount Desert Island, other areas of the park are stunning. Don’t miss the crashing ocean waves on the Schoodic Peninsula or the island beauty of Isle au Haut.
13. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Contributed by Sydney from Sydney Brown Travels
Haleakala National Park, located on the island of Maui, is one of the best National Parks to visit in the fall (and year-round!). Haleakala National Park is home to its namesake volcano Haleakalā, which is a Hawaiian word that means “house of the sun“.
The volcano itself last erupted over 400 years ago and forms more than 75% of Maui’s landmass. The most iconic thing to do when visiting Haleakala National Park is to watch the sunrise from the summit of the volcano, which stands at 10,023 feet above sea level!
In my opinion, the best time to visit Haleakala is at sunrise and during the early morning hours before it gets too hot. I recommend arriving at the summit roughly 1-2 hours before sunrise to get a parking spot and settle in.
It’s important to note that you will need a reservation for each vehicle entering the park from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. You can book a reservation up to 60 days in advance and 2 days in advance of the start date of your visit.
Make sure to dress in layers when visiting Haleakala, as the temperatures can be drastically cooler at the summit than at sea level.
For sunrise, I recommend wearing long pants and a down jacket! Witnessing the sunrise at the top of Haleakala was the highlight of my 4-day Maui trip and was well worth the early morning wake-up call to make it happen!
14. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Contributed by Amber from Amber from Everywhere
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a must-visit National Park in Colorado. Established in 1915, the park is home to an incredible 355 miles of maintained trails; unsurprisingly, it’s a popular spot for outdoor adventures.
Fall is the perfect time to visit RMNP when the aspen leaves turn shades of brilliant golds and reds. Start your day with a hike to Emerald Lake. The morning light creates a magical reflection on the water.
Arrive early, ideally before 9 a.m., as parking lots fill up quickly. Have a picnic lunch, then spend the afternoon taking a scenic drive around the park and stopping whenever something piques your interest.
While exploring RMNP, keep an eye out for wildlife. Elk are commonly seen during the fall, and birdwatchers should head to Trail Ridge Road for a chance to see Steller’s jays, golden eagles, and prairie falcons. Always keep your distance from wildlife and never feed wild animals in the park.
Travel Tip: After your hike, head to Estes Park to see one of Colorado’s most famous mountain towns. Enjoy a hearty meal at The Post, which is locally famous in Boulder for its beer and fried chicken.
15. Redwoods National Park, California
Contributed by Carmen from Basic Economy B
Visiting Redwoods National Park in the fall is a fantastic choice. The park, located in northern California, is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth.
These giant redwoods can live for over 2,000 years and grow to heights of over 300 feet and they are incredible to see in person.
In the fall, the weather is crisp and cool, perfect for exploring. The park’s trails are less crowded, giving you a more peaceful experience. The fall foliage adds a beautiful contrast to the deep greens of the redwoods.
Don’t miss the scenic drive along Redwood Creek or the Avenue of Giants for stunning views of these virgin groves. I’d highly recommend staying in nearby Shelter Cove if you visit the redwoods as it’s a total hidden gem on the coast.
Early morning is the best time to visit Redwoods National Park. The misty atmosphere and soft light make the redwoods look like something right out of a fantasy.
Bring layers and a rain jacket. The weather can be unpredictable in the fall but temperatures will generally warm up throughout the day.
16. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Contributed by Yanitza from Next Stop Adventures
When I say fall on the East Coast is magical, I’m pretty sure many of you can agree. With this in mind, fall in Shenandoah National Park is nothing short of extraordinary with its vibrant fall foliage and stunning scenic landscapes.
An incredible destination for hikers and non-hikers alike, Shenandoah offers quite the breathtaking scenic drive experience along its well-known 105-mile Skyline Drive.
Along this route, you can stop at any of Shenandoah’s 75 overlooks where you can enjoy scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley and some of the best photo spots that don’t require hiking.
Apart from its scenic drive, you can also do iconic day hikes like Dark Hollow Falls–a 1.4-mile moderate circuit hike and the Sugarloaf Loop Trail, which is a 5-mile hike leading to an incredible scenic viewpoint and one of the most popular ones in the park.
Stargazing opportunities are among the lesser-known things to do in Shenandoah but definitely worth it! You can stargaze any day of the week since the Skyline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Big Meadows, one of the most unique and highest points in the park, is your go-to spot for stargazing in Shenandoah and it’s also about as dark of a sky as you’ll get around this area.
🌌 Travel Tip: It’s best to stargaze during the 3-5 day period of the new moon. You can use a stargazing or astronomical app to plan your trip and ensure you’ll have the darkest skies for your stargazing experience.
16. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Contributed by Erin from The Simple Salty Life
Grand Teton National Park is a stunning destination year-round, but it truly shines in the fall.
As the crisp air settles in the park forests burst into vibrant hues of yellow and orange, creating a breathtaking backdrop against the rugged peaks of the Teton Range. Wildlife is also more active during this season, making it a prime time to spot elk, moose, and bison as they prepare for winter.
The park’s geological history is equally fascinating. Even though they were formed around 10 million years ago, the Tetons are among the youngest mountain ranges in North America!
The sharp dramatic peaks tower over the Jackson Hole Valley below creating the distinctive and iconic Teton skyline.
One of the best family-friendly hikes in Grand Teton and a true highlight of the park is Jenny Lake. Hikers can choose to hike around the shoreline or take a boat across the serene waters to reach hidden trails and cascading waterfalls.
Furthermore, a trip to the town of Jackson is a must, where quaint shops, local restaurants, and unique bars await.
Don’t miss taking a group photo under the “Jackson, WY” sign that is made entirely out of elk antlers that have been shed in the region!
🏞 Which one of these breathtaking national parks makes your top 5? Share in the comments!
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Yanitza Ninett
Yanitza is an avid adventurer with 15+ years of hiking experience and outdoor travel. As a PADI-certified scuba diver, she's also passionate about ocean conservation. When she's not exploring the great outdoors, Yanitza obsesses over The Vampire Diaries and dreams of traveling to Mallorca, Spain.