Best National Parks to Visit in Fall:
Top 4 Picks for Autumn Colors

Lynn Celek

April 18, 2025

This blog will give you an overview of four stunning national parks that are especially beautiful in fall. You'll learn the best time to visit, what to see, and helpful tips to make the most of your trip.

Acadia National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tennessee & North Carolina

Best time to go: Mid to late October

Main fall attractions:

Breathtaking fall foliage with over 100 species of native trees. Most of these trees are deciduous, meaning their leaves change color.
Scenic drives along Newfound Gap Road (US Hwy 441), which is a 33-mile drive that offers panoramic views.
Morning mist in the valleys for those iconic "smoky" photos.
Clingmans Dome or Kuwohi is the highest point. A paved trails takes you to the 54-foot observation tower. Get there via Clingmans Dome Road from Newfound Gap Road.

Other attractions:

Waterfalls like Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls.
Historic log cabins in the valley known as Cades Cove. (You cannot stay in these cabins; they are only for viewing.) An 11-mile one-way loop road provides access to the hiking trails and historical sites.
See wildlife like black bears, elk, deer, and wild turkeys.

Before you go:

Expect heavy traffic during peak foliage weekends on Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove. (These roads and trails may be less crowded.)
Pack layers; temperatures can change quickly in higher elevations.
Cell service is limited, so download maps in advance.
You do not need reservations to enter the park, but you will need a reservation to camp.
Communities surrounding the park have accommodations, but you should book in advance.

Sun rising over rolling hills in Smoky Mountains National Park. The sky is blue with some wispy white clouds.

Acadia National Park

Maine

Best time to go: Late September to mid-October

Main fall attractions:

Classic New England fall colors with ocean backdrops.
Views from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in the eastern United States. It’s accessible by car.
Clear waters of Jordan Pond. Swimming in not permitted but kayaks and canoes are allowed.
Fall foliage boat tours on Frenchman Bay.

Other attractions:

Sunrise hikes (Cadillac Mountain is among the first U.S. spots to see the sunrise).
Biking along the historic Carriage Roads. Bring your own bike or rent an E-bike.
Charming nearby town of Bar Harbor. Reserve sleeping accommodations in advance.

Before you go:

You don't need a reservation to enter Acadia, but you do need a timed-entry reservation to drive up Cadillac Mountain from May 21 to October 26.
Bring bug spray even in the fall—Maine mosquitoes are persistent.
Many park facilities close by mid-October, so check schedules.
Cooler coastal temps mean dressing in layers is essential.

Leaves changing colors in Acadia National Park. There is also a pond in the photo.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado

Best time to go: Mid-September to early October

Main fall attractions:

Golden aspens lighting up the mountainsides.
Elk rutting season—listen for bugling at dawn and dusk.
Scenic Trail Ridge Road (highest paved road in the U.S.)

Other attractions:

High-alpine hikes like Bear Lake and Emerald Lake.
Stargazing due to minimal light pollution.
Estes Park shops and fall festivals just outside the park.

Before you go:

Mornings and evenings are cold, even if days are sunny.
Trail Ridge Road may close early due to snow.
Reservations are required for timed entry into the park from May through October.

Shenandoah National Park

Virginia

Best time to go: Early to mid-October

Main fall attractions:

105-mile Skyline Drive lined with red, orange, and yellow leaves.
Overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley from Stony Man.
Hiking 1.5 hours to the highest peak—Hawksbill Summit.
Local apple orchards and fall festivals, like Autumnfest and Massanutten Fall Festival.

Other attractions:

Wine tastings at nearby Blue Ridge vineyards.
Easy waterfall hikes like Dark Hollow Falls.
Appalachian Trail access for longer treks.

Before you go:

Skyline Drive can get backed up—arrive early or visit on weekdays.
Bear sightings are common; keep food secured.
While you don't need a reservation to enter the park, you will need to make a reservation for the campgrounds. They fill fast during fall weekends, so reserve early.

Rolling hills landscape with some trees changing colors.

Track Your National Park Travels

Wooden National Park Travel Map by MapCuts

If you love visiting our national parks, MapCuts makes a handcrafted wooden National Park Travel Map to track your travels. Includes all 63 National Parks.

What is MapCuts?
We’re a small business that makes laser-cut, layered wood maps of lakes, cities, and coastlines—each one crafted in our shop in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Every map is stained, framed, and assembled by hand.

National Parks Travel Map:

✔ Choice of 5 frame sizes
✔ Timeline of established park dates (optional)
✔ 63 removable green tree icons to track your travels
✔ Frame color: walnut, black, or natural
✔ Personalize the nameplate (add a family name or short phrase)

Shipping is free anywhere in the continental U.S.