I’ve been to all 63 major US national parks. These are the 6 I always tell people to visit in the fall.

Acadia National Park in Maine is famous for its vibrant fall colors, with bright maple and oak trees scattered across its gorgeous, rugged coastline and forested hiking trails.

Although the park can definitely get crowded this time of year — especially at spots like the Cadillac Mountain summit (where you’ll need a timed-entry reservation) and Jordan Pond — I think the views are worth it.

Even a short hike or drive through the park offers a classic New England autumnal experience, and a visit is definitely something I’d recommend putting on your travel bucket list.

In my opinion, Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a hidden gem for fall colors.

The forests along the Cuyahoga River are great for leaf peeping, and I find that the rolling hills remain peaceful even when the park is busy.

Popular trails like the Brandywine Gorge Loop to Brandywine Falls and the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath offer classic autumnal views, but there are tons of quieter spots that allow visitors to enjoy the foliage without the crowds.

Cool, crisp air and vibrant scenery make it a perfect fall escape that’s easily accessible from the Cleveland area.

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is always gorgeous — but in my opinion, it’s especially beautiful in the fall.

By mid-September, the tall aspen trees in the park turn a brilliant gold, standing out against the high mountain peaks. Walking around Bear Lake is one of my favorite ways to take in the fall foliage.

Just keep in mind that if you’re visiting the park through mid-October, timed-entry reservations are required for certain parts of the day.

In my opinion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is located in North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of the best spots in the country for fall color.

The park is home to over 100 species of native trees, and the foliage season lasts for weeks, from late September in the higher elevations to early November in the valleys. By October, the mountains turn into rolling waves of red, orange, and gold.

Scenic drives on Kuwohi Road bring spectacular views, and a hike on the Alum Cave Trail puts you right in the middle of the color.

Plus, cooler temperatures make fall an especially magical time to explore the most-visited US national park.

Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is stunning at any time of the year, but I really love visiting in the fall, when cooler temperatures make hiking and sightseeing a little more comfortable.

Although parts of the North Rim are closed due to flash floods, the popular South Rim remains fully open and ready for visitors. It offers classic views of the canyon’s layered cliffs and dramatic sunsets.

I’ve even found that popular viewpoints, like Mather Point and Desert View, are less crowded than they are in the summer.

Plus, trails like South Kaibab allow you to explore the canyon without the peak-season heat that can make hiking there dangerous.

Fall in Grand Teton National Park is spectacular, as the aspens and cottonwoods turn gold against the classic jagged mountain peaks.

In addition to the beautiful foliage, the wildlife is also very active — you might spot elk or moose grazing in the meadows.

Overall, September and October are great times to visit this Wyoming park, as these months typically bring cooler weather and smaller crowds.

This story was originally published on September 10, 2025, and most recently updated on September 14, 2026.