While summer may get all the notoriety, the best-kept secret when it comes to national parks is that fall is the best season to visit. Not only are afternoon temperatures cooler, meaning scenic mountain hikes are that much more comfortable, but the summer throngs tend to dissipate once the school year starts, making for an especially serene park experience.
Whether you’re seeking jaw-dropping Teton views speckled with fiery fall foliage, looking to leaf peep on the East Coast, or hoping to hike in Yosemite sans crowds, autumn is a magical time to check out America’s best national parks. Below are our top picks for the best national parks to visit in the fall. Although it isn’t technically high season, don’t wait to plan, since lodging can still book up faster than you think.
Note that a few of these parks require advance reservations for certain activities or areas—we’ve highlighted these requirements where relevant, but it’s always a good idea to check park websites in the days leading up to your trip, and to have backup trails or activities in mind in case requirements change last-minute.
