13 Best National Parks To Visit In The Fall

Fall is my favorite time to visit a national park. In the mountain regions, the air is crisp, and the color of the leaves start changing. In the desert regions, the weather is fantastic for hiking as the heat isn’t blistering hot. Every fall, I try to make my way to visit these fantastic parks, and I am always so excited to experience the smaller crowds and the great weather. Below I highlight the best USA national parks to visit in the fall. These include parks in Utah, California, Arizona, and even parks on the east coast. You will fall in love with our national parks once you see their beauty in this enchanting season.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

What To Pack

Hiking In The Fall

1. Sunscreen: Super important and it is part of the ten essentials!  >Buy Sunscreen
2. Chapstick: This one has SPF so your lips won’t get burned! >Check Out This Chapstick
3. Hiking Boots/Shoes: If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me, I have done it so many times before). >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
4. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. >Buy Hiking Socks
5. Water Reservoir: Water reservoirs help prevent me from getting dehydrated while hiking. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have the plastic taste. >Here Is My Water Reservoir
6. Water: Stay nice and hydrated.
7. Sunglasses: It can get sunny even in the fall, so make sure to pack some sunglasses. >Check Out These Sunglasses
8. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, and energy bars. Clif Bars are great for hiking
9. Camera: The Sony A6000 was one of the first cameras I started traveling with. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
11. Day Pack to carry all your things: To carry all your gear, water, and food, you need a good backpack. Osprey is known to have some of the best backpacks in the market. >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
12. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get stranded in the dark! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight. >Buy A Headlamp Now
13. Leggings or Hiking Pants: I always wear leggings while hiking because it is what I feel most comfortable with! >Click For My Favorite Hiking Leggings
14. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts: Cotton shirts soak up your sweat when hiking, so make sure to wear something breathable. >Check out this awesome breathable shirt here.
15. Mid Base Layer: If you are hiking in the winter, this might be a great idea. >Check Out My Sweater Here
16. Sports Bra: For women. >Check This One Here
17. Jacket: I always have a jacket in my backpack, even if it is hot. I do it just in case of an emergency.  >Buy My Favorite Jacket
18. Rain Jacket: The worst feeling in the world is being wet and cold while hiking. You can get hypothermia, so always carry a poncho or a rain jacket. >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here
19. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
20. Knife: I always carry a knife in my backpack just in case. >Check Out My Knife Here

Camping In The Fall

1. Tent: I have had the Nemo 2 Person tent for a few years now, and it packs so small, and it is light! >Buy The Nemo Backpacking Tent
2. Jet Boil: This is a portable mini stove that will boil water for you. This is great if you want to make some coffee. You can also take off the pot and just use the stove to cook. >Buy My Jet Boil
3. Propane for Jet Boiler: You can buy this at Walmart or REI on the way to your campground.
4. Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad is pretty much a small, packable inflatable mattress. I have tried many types of sleeping pads (cheap ones, light ones, comfortable ones), and the one I have linked is probably the best one I have tried. My husband uses this pad. I will mention, it is on the heavier side, so I recommend this for car camping or short/easy backpacking trips. >Check Out My All-Time Favorite Sleeping Pad
5. Spork: A spoon and fork in one. >Buy A Spork Now
6. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight. >Buy A Headlamp Now
7. Pillows: Pillows can take a lot of room, so I recommend buying an inflatable one. The one I have linked is so comfy. >Buy This Inflatable Pillow
8. Sleeping Bag: One of the most critical aspects of getting a good night’s sleep! Bringing a sleeping bag is a must. >Look At Prices
9. Sandals: I hate wearing my hiking shoes when I am hanging around the campsite, so bringing some sandals for leisure is a must for me. I just bought these, and they are super comfortable. Perfect for camping. >Check Out These Sandals
10. Trash Bags: Everything you pack in, you must pack out. Bring a few trash bags with you.
11. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Medicine & Toiletries >Check Out This Toothbrush
12. Fire Starter: If you want to start a fire, this is an easier way. Just pile up the wood on top, and you are golden! >Buy This Cool No Match Needed Fire Starter
13. Water Reservoir: You probably need more water than a water bottles’ worth. I use this when I go camping even if I don’t hike. It saves on waste on buying water bottles or water gallons and it saves money. >Here Is My Water Reservoir
14. Coffee Maker: Y’all this coffee maker is awesome! It comes with a press and cute little cups! >Buy This Awesome Coffee set here
15. Cookware Set: Love how packable my cookware set is. I can easily take it anywhere with me. We have used this countless times. >Buy My Cute Cookware Set

Best National Parks To Visit In The Fall

Arches

Where To Stay

• Red Cliffs Lodge has the impressive sunset views of the Colorado River, especially with your private patio. The area includes a winery, a western film museum, a horse corral, and an outdoor pool and gym. Yeah, this place has it all. >Check For Prices
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab has more of a modern feel, has a hot tub, free wifi, a fitness center, mountain views, and an outdoor pool. >Check For Prices
• Expedition Lodge is a budget-friendly hotel with a swimming pool with a waterslide and a hot tub. There is also an option for private rooms for up to 6 people. A perfect choice for a family vacation. >Check For Prices

Best Things To Do

We’re lucky to live only a few hours away from Arches National Park in Utah. That way, we can visit the park every chance we get and the weather in the fall months of September, October, and November are just right. You can enjoy the park all day in the fall because the temperatures are so moderate. A bit cool in the morning and evenings, yet pleasant and warm (but not too hot) during the day. 

When we visit Arches National Park in the fall, we have a list of favorite things to do. Arches photography is always a priority for us. The famous arches and other sandstone structures are terrific subjects for landscape photography. 

You can see quite a bit of the park by driving along the Scenic Drive. But the best part of Arches is exploring all the cool hiking trails. There are short and easy hikes as well as long and strenuous trails. The Windows Area is the best area for easy hiking. And you must hike to the iconic Delicate Arch if you’re up for a more strenuous trail.

If you want to enjoy outdoor adventures, then visiting Arches in the fall is the perfect time to go!

– By Dave and Jamie from Photo Jeepers

Read All About Planning A Utah NP Road Trip: Check Out This Post

Zion

Where To Stay

• Zion National Park Lodge: If you want to stay inside the national park (Which I always recommend), you need to check out this lodge! Getting to your destinations will be so much easier, I promise. It is expensive, but the location is worth it! >Check It Out Here
• La Quinta by Wyndham: This hotel is located outside of Zion National park, but it is pretty close. The views are pretty impressive, and it is a clean hotel. It is excellent if you want to save some money but still want to be close to Zion. >>>Book This Great Location Here
• Campgrounds: There are three campgrounds in Zion National Park. South and Watchman Campgrounds are in Zion Canyon. The Lava Point Campground is about a 1-hour drive from Zion Canyon. I stayed at one of the campgrounds (Watchman Campground) and enjoyed it. During certain times of the year, it is first-come, first-serve, but you can reserve during peak season. I highly recommend reserving. I did it around six months in advance, and it was worth it. >>>Reserve Here

What To Do

While Zion National Park isn’t the best for seeing those stellar changing leaves, it’s still amazing to visit in the fall.  If you head up to the Kolob Terrace Road area, you might be able to catch some yellow along the way, but the best reason to visit Zion in the fall is the weather.  

The weather will be perfect (think the 70s-80s instead of 100+), the water in the narrows won’t be as cold as winter, and crowds will be much smaller than mid-summer, making a visit much more enjoyable.  You’ll still be able to hike without bundling up much and without worrying about any chance of snow.  

Some of the best things to do in Zion would, of course, be hiking Angels Landing and The Narrows, but consider hiking to Observation Point, Hidden Canyon, Canyon Overlook, and Taylor Creek Trail, too.  If you’re camping in the park, make sure to take some time to do a little stargazing.  If you want to switch things up and do something other than a hike, you can bike along the Virgin River or even do a scenic helicopter ride.

– By Megan from Red Around The World

Read All About Planning an Arizona Road Trip: Check Out This Post

Grand Canyon

Where To Stay

• Yavapai Lodge is located in the Grand Canyon Village. It is perfect if you want a hotel with great views and excellent location >Book Accommodation Now
• Thunderbird Lounge is located in Tusayan near the Bright Angel Trailhead. There are 55 modern rooms, and the restaurant on site is open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  >Book Accommodation Now
• There are many options for camping. Click here for more information on campgrounds

What To Do

One of the best times to visit the Grand Canyon is in the fall.  There are far fewer tourists at the Grand Canyon, with all of the kids going back to school.  This means there are fewer people at the viewpoints and less competition on where to stay near the Grand Canyon.

Another reason to visit the Grand Canyon in the fall is that the weather during the day is perfect.  It is around 70 degrees during the day, and at night it gets down to the 20s.

It is also a great time to go hiking in the Grand Canyon.  With the cooler weather and fewer crowds, hiking into the Grand Canyon is a perfect activity.  One of the best things to do is the Bright Angel Trail.  The trail takes you through the inner canyon walls and offers stunning and majestic views along the way, and as a bonus, you can see the fall foliage on the trees.

If hiking is not your thing, there are several viewpoints along the South Rim where you can stare in awe of the beauty of the Grand Canyon.  Mather Point is one of the most popular viewpoints.  It is located right next to the Visitors Center at the South Gate to the National Park.  Another favorite is Yavapai Point, and it is an easy walk from Mather Point. Many visitors choose to park at the easily accessible parking at Mather Point. No matter what you decide to do at the Grand Canyon, you are sure to enjoy your trip.

– By Nicole LaBarge from American SW Obsessed Travel Blog

Shenandoah

Where To Stay

• Shenandoah National Park Lodging: There are only two hotels within Shenandoah National Park, and they are Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge. There are also some Shenandoah National Park cabins. I recommend trying to get a room at one of these places as all other lodging is at least an hour’s drive away. Book early. Unfortunately, when I booked, all the hotels were full. >Check Out The Three Hotels Here
• Hotels Near Shenandoah National Park: The Inn at Meander Plantation is a very charming home that features a cute garden. This hotel makes you feel at home! >Check Out The Prices Here

What To Do

Are you looking for beautiful fall colors? You need to head over to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park! Shenandoah is the East Coast’s playground. It is only 50 miles from Washington D.C., and an easy weekend trip from New York and Philadelphia. With over 200,000 acres of protected wilderness, it’s the perfect escape for families, couples, and solo travelers.

While Shenandoah is beautiful year-round, it’s most famous for the bright hues of orange, red, and yellow during peak leaf-changing season in the Fall. In October and November, the mountain slopes are transformed from their usual green to every shade of autumn foliage. The air is crisp, and the normal Virginia humidity levels are low.

 Hikers can enjoy the fall colors from any of the park’s 500+ miles of trails. Be sure to hike up Bearfence Mountain, which offers one of the only 360 degree views in the park. Or head down White Oak Canyon, which takes hikers past seven tumbling waterfalls. If you’re interested in a longer hike, 100+ miles of the famous Appalachian Trail runs through Shenandoah – take a week to check at least that portion off your bucket list!

Visitors can also cruise along the famous Skyline Drive, which travels along the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains and take in the park’s beauty from the comfort of their car. No matter what you do, though, Shenandoah is the place to be in the Fall.

– By Maggie from Pink Caddy Travelogue

Read More: The Best Hikes In Shenandoah National Park

Saguaro

Where To Stay

• Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana: This property is new, modern, and clean. >Check Prices Here
• The Downtown Clifton Hotel: This hotel is located in downtown Tucson and has a bar, lounge, and concierge service. Very cool place to stay downtown. >Check Out Prices Here

Things To Do

If you’re looking to escape chilly fall temps on a National Park adventure, there are few places in the US with the weather as balmy and sunny as you’ll find in Tucson, Arizona.

Saguaro National Park is divided into an east and west section, and between the two halves of this park lies the exciting city of Tucson. Just a short 30-minute drive from downtown, you can reach either area of the park, depending on which direction you head. The National Park is comprised of many hiking trails and driving loops, making it an excellent adventure for all types of travelers. 

Saguaro National Park is named for the iconic cacti that can only be found in and around the Sonoran Desert. Growing more than 50 feet tall, walking amongst these giants is a pretty incredible experience. Some of the saguaros have many arms and look something like an octopus, while others look like the spitting image of a cactus emoji or the perfect depiction on the Arizona license plate. 

The average high temperature in November tends to hover around 75 degrees, making it a perfect time of year to visit and go exploring under the sun. Actually, fall and winter are one of the best times to visit Tucson, as the temperatures across much of Arizona can get unbearably hot come summertime. 

The great thing about Saguaro National Park is that you can have the best of both worlds: time spent adventuring in nature as well as exploring a fun city. Once you’ve had enough desert hiking, head into town and explore the many things to do in Tucson! One definite must is to refresh with a margarita and Mexican food, for which the city is renowned. 

– By Katie & Ben Zweber from Two Wandering Soles

Yosemite

Where To Stay

• The Ahwahnee: This is Yosemite’s Luxury Hotel and is a National Historic Landmark. This is the best place to stay for sure! The hotel offers lunch and dinner. >Check Prices Here
• Yosemite Valley Lodge: This lodge has a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. This lodge is also near a lot of trails. >Check Out Prices Here

Things To Do

Yosemite is home to one of the best national parks during the Fall season. Not only are there beautiful Fall colors to be seen, but there are fewer crowds this time of year as well. Be prepared to find some yellow and orange leaves during your visit too!

The weather is perfect for hiking and exploring the park with comfortable temperatures in the 70s. There are dozens of waterfalls within the park; however, Bridalveil Fall and Nevada Fall flow year-round and are great to visit during this season. The John Muir Trail is a 3.3-mile hike that will bring you to the top of Nevada Falls, showcasing spectacular views of the park.

While at the top, you will experience how mighty the roaring waters of the falls are. If you are looking for a gentler hike, try the scenic Mirror Lake Trail. This 4-mile roundtrip loop shows a different side of Yosemite featuring a calm lake and tons of wildlife. Cook’s Meadow is another easy trail with a walking path that is centered in between the towering mountains.

One of the most iconic views in Yosemite is Tunnel View, which is accessible by car and has a convenient parking lot. This national park is a must-see for Fall!

– By Erin from The Gal On The Go

Great Smoky Mountains

Where To Stay

• Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown: This is the hotel we stayed at, and we enjoyed it. The hotel was modern and the staff was friendly. The hotel was a walk away from the main street. I highly recommend staying here. >Book Your Stay Here
• The Appy Lodge: This hotel has more of a lodge, cozy, homey type of feel. This hotel is super kid-friendly with an outdoor swimming pool with a slide! >Book Your Stay Here
• Gatlinburg Inn: This is a rustic, cozy lodge located a minute walk from the Sugarlands Distilling Company. >Book Your Stay Here

Things To Do

Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect destination for families, backpackers, and adventure seekers. The first thing you will notice as you enter the park is the beautiful fall foliage. The massive trees are colored red, orange, and yellow throughout the park. Be sure to stop at one of the pull-over spots as you make your way to the entrance to the park. 

I recommend heading towards the Laurel Falls trail; it is one of the best spots to get a perfect picture. Laurel Falls is a popular and easy hike to see waterfalls and catch glimpses of the park from a high elevation. If you are up for it, there are several other hikes for spectacular views of the park. 

Gregory Bald is an 11-mile hike that boasts stunning views of the park and Azalea flowers. Clingman’s Dome is the perfect place to see almost 100 miles (on a clear day) of nature. Since this is the highest point in the park, the temperature is often more than 20 degrees cooler. Be sure to wear layers if you plan on taking this hike.

For those who are not hiking enthusiasts, there are activities everywhere. You can ride ATVs on designated trails, go zip lining high in the sky, fly fishing, and even take a guided horse tour. My personal favorite is the mountain coaster; you can fly through the forest at your own speed and take in the beautiful nature.

As if the park and activities weren’t enough, there are festivals being held in the cities near the Smokies. There is the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, Dollywood Harvest Festival, Oktoberfest, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and Gatlinburg Ghost tours. Overall, the Smokies is the perfect destination for every season, but there is something special about the fall colors that accentuate its beauty.

Tip: From one of the best views of the mountains get on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway or Gatlinburg SkyLift.

– By Cee Lewis From Itz A Family Thing

Read More: The Best Great Smoky Mountain Hikes

North Cascades

Where To Stay

• Ross Lake Resort: It is difficult to get a spot at this resort but totally worth it! Make sure to add your name to the waitlist a year in advance. They will let you know if you got it in April. These cute cabins are located right next to Ross Lake and are not accessible by road. >Check Prices Here
• Lodge At Stehekin: A remote lodge that can be difficult to get to. You need to take a ferry to get here. But the beauty around this area is surreal. >Check Out Prices Here

Things To Do

North Cascades National Park in Washington is one of the most scenic places to hike in the Fall. If you time your backpacking trip right, beautiful, yellow larches will surround you during your hiking.

Fall is a peaceful time to visit as you’ll see fewer tourists in the park and have it to yourself before the winter snow comes. The temperatures are also pleasant during this time of year, with cooler mornings and a breeze during the day to cool you off during your hike.
For an easy, shorter hike, check out Blue Lake. In only two miles, you’ll be at a beautiful lake surrounded by the trees. Speaking of lakes, Diablo Lake may be one of the most photographed spots at the park, but you can also go on a 7.5-mile hike around part of the lake to get some fantastic pictures.

One of the most popular hikes in the park is Maple Loop Pass, a 7.2-mile loop with features outstanding views throughout the whole hike! North Cascades is a fantastic spot for your next outdoor Fall adventure.

– By Marissa from Postcards To Seattle

Read More: The Best Hikes In North Cascades National Park

Joshua Tree

Where To Stay

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms: This is probably one of the best places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park. The hotel has free breakfast, a modern interior, and a pool to layout during the hot days!  >Check Prices and Availability Here
• Sure Stay Plus by Best Western Twentynine Palms at Joshua Tree National Park: This hotel is super close to Joshua Tree National Park, has a hot tub and pool, and free breakfast! >Check Prices and Availability Here
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms: Holiday Inn Express Hotels are usually reasonably priced, and they have done a great job renovating their hotels. This hotel is near the national park as well and has free breakfast. >Check Prices and Availability Here

Things To Do

Hiking, rock climbing, and camping are some of the most popular things to do in Joshua Tree National Park, and fall is a beautiful season to enjoy all these activities. Plus, it’s not as crowded in the fall as it is in spring, and thus you will have an overall more enjoyable experience.

A desert park in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park, has pleasant daytime temperatures in fall, as the region starts to cool off. So get ready to enjoy some of the many hiking trails on offer in the park!

Nature trails like Barker Dam and Hidden Valley are short, scenic, and perfect for most visitors to the park. But if you are up for a challenge, try some of the more challenging trails, such as the Ryan Mountain trail to the tallest point in the park, or the Lost Horse Mine Trail, which leads to the remnants of a rich gold mine in the area.

There are backpacking opportunities in Joshua Tree as well, and fall is the perfect time to do one because temperatures are not extreme either in the day or at night. Try the epic California Riding and Hiking Trail, 35 miles long, from Black Rock Canyon to the North Entrance of Joshua Tree. It will take you 2 or 3 days, and you will get to experience the Mojave Desert up close.

Rock climbing season begins in October, and you can sign up for a guided climbing experience, beginner or advanced. But if you do not want to scale vertical surfaces, you can still enjoy rock scrambling over the many boulder formations in the park.

Opt for camping inside the park (reserve in advance!) to stargaze and experience the desert early and late in the day.

– By Dhara from Roadtripping California

Read More: The 10 Best Things To Do In Joshua Tree National Park

Crater lake

Where To Stay

• Crater Lake Lodge: The lodge overlooks the lake at Rim Village, offering majestic views of the lake’s pristine blue waters and sheer cliff walls. >Check Prices Here
• The Cabins at Mazama Village: These Cabins are located 7 miles south of the Rim Village. It is one of the two places to stay in Crater Lake. >Check Prices Here

Things To Do

Crater Lake is Oregon’s only national park, and it’s a magical place to visit any time of year. In summer, it’s hot and busy, but everything is open (roads, trails…). In spring, you’ll be met with some rain and possible closures from winter, but it’s beautiful either way! In winter, the rim road and many trails are not accessible but seeing the lake covered in snow is stunning! This leaves us with fall—practically the perfect time to visit!

Visiting Crater Lake in fall is an excellent choice because you’ll still have great weather. It won’t be freezing, and you won’t be sweating, plus everything is still open and operating. The biggest bonus is the crowds will have dwindled from the busy summer too, and considering this is a popular spot, you’ll be thankful!

You’ll need at least a full day to get a big bite out of this park. Mount Scott and Garfield Peak are two great hikes, each around four miles round trip. They will both have unprecedented views of Crater Lake from above and stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountains in the distance too. 

If you’re brave enough, you can hike down the steep Cleetwood Cove trail and take a dip in the chilly and clear water, although this might be the one thing that’s best in summer because even then, the water is icy. If you get down there and chicken out on jumping in the water, you can take a boat to Wizard Island instead. However, they only run tours until early September, so come early in the fall to get out there.

For those on a time crunch, no worries, you can still have a great time at Crater Lake, and you barely need to get out of your car! There’s a rim road that circles the entire lake from above. Drive around the 33-mile rim road and make pitstops along the way to get a view from every angle.

– By Nina from Oregon Is Adventure

Big Bend

Where To Stay

• Chisos Mountain Lodge: If camping is not your style than the Chisos Mountain Lodge is for you. The lodge has many cottages and rooms. We were near this lodge when we were trying to find the trailhead for “The Window” and the area felt lively and energetic. This is the only hotel in the national park.  >Check Prices and Availability Now
• Lajitas Golf Resort: Located in the city of Terlingua, Texas, Lajitas is one of the best places to stay near Big Bend National Park. >Check Prices and Availability Now

Things To Do

West Texas may not be on most people’s radar, but it’s home to both of the Lone Star State’s national parks. Any visit to this hard to reach corner of the desert isn’t complete without visiting Big Bend National Park. Fall is the best time to visit Big Bend due to moderate weather and smaller crowds. Cooler afternoons allow visitors to enjoy the many hiking trails in the desert, but nights are still mild enough to camp under the stars in the popular backcountry campsites that fill the park. Just be sure to avoid Thanksgiving weekend as locals flock to the park on family holidays. 

The best thing to do in Big Bend is, without a doubt hiking its 150 miles of hiking trails. To get a full Big Bend experience, hike in all three regions: the desert, the river, and the mountains. The most iconic hikes are in the Chisos Mountains. Moderate trails that can’t be missed include the Window and the Lost Mine Trails. For a challenge, dedicate an entire day to the South Rim, a loop trail that peaks with a view of Mexico in the valley below. 

Backpackers can extend these hikes by camping out at the backcountry campsites. Get a permit first at the park headquarters in Panther Junction (where you can also fill up your gas tank and your water bottle). 

Other unique attractions include crossing the border to spend the day in Mexico (pack your passport!), driving the scenic Ross Maxwell Drive, and the fossil exhibit to see a piece of Texas’ ancient history. 

– By Erin Mushaway from Sol Salute

Read More: The Ultimate Big Bend National Park Hiking Guide

Theodore Roosevelt

Where To Stay

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Dickinson: >Check Prices Here
• Astoria Hotel and Event Center – Dickinson: >Check Prices Here

Things To Do

One of the most underrated and criminally overlooked natural destinations in the USA is Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. So often bypassed in favor of more famous alternatives such as Yellowstone and Glacier, there is a wide range of things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Making this wild and uncrowded destination a terrific choice for those who prefer the seclusion and the adventure of getting off the beaten path.

Featuring wide-open spaces, picturesque prairie grass waving in the breeze, and fascinating badlands scenery, Theodore Roosevelt does not rely on timing your visit to coincide with the best of the fall foliage. Yes, there are still plenty of photogenic autumn colors to enjoy, but most visitors come to enjoy lonely hiking trails and untrammeled backcountry camping. There is also a great chance of coming across one of the few remaining wild herds of majestic bison, along with a good variety of other wildlife including deer, elk, antelope, prairie dogs, and nearly 200 different species of bird.

Theodore Roosevelt is also one of the few places where wild camping is allowed – meaning you can wander the backcountry until you find the perfect place to spend the night. Visiting in the fall will enable you to avoid the occasionally voracious mosquitoes that tend to peak in mid-summer. Considering that even at its busiest, Theodore Roosevelt National Park still offers plenty of space and ample solitude, waiting until September or October means there is a good chance you’ll have the place to yourself.

– By Dean & Laynni from Routinely Nomadic

Sequoia

Where To Stay

• Wuksachi Lodge: The lodge is Sequoia’s signature hotel, a striking stone-and-cedar mountain lodge situated in the heart of the park. >Check Prices Here
• Bearpaw High Sierra Camp: 11.5 miles inside Sequoia national park forest. You need to backpack to get here, but the views are worth it! >Check It Out Here

Things To Do

Sequoia National Park is beautiful in the fall! The weather is milder, making it perfect for hiking and backpacking. The park is also usually less crowded in the fall months than during the summer months. If you want to go backpacking, the SEKI permit quota system usually ends around the first day of autumn. If there’s a backpacking trip you’ve wanted to do in the park, fall is a great chance to do that and be more flexible on dates. 

Two great options are the 42 mile Rae Lakes Loop or the 72 mile High Sierra Trail. Both of these trails take you through some of the most scenic parts of California that you only can experience on foot. From glacier-fed lakes to the towering peaks above, these are two must hike trails.

If you’re looking for shorter backpacking trips, Hamilton Lake, which is on the High Sierra Trail, is a beautiful 2 to 3 day backpacking trip. You can also experience Pear Lake as an overnight backpacking trip, or this 12-mile hike can be done as a long day hike.

In the fall months, the evenings will be chilly and the days mild, so as you’re packing for this trip, make sure to bring layers that will keep you warm at night. Plan accordingly for your backpack and sleeping bag.

– By Jenny from Campsite Vibes

Final Thoughts On Best National Parks To Visit In November

Thank you for reading about the best National Parks in the Fall. I hope you pick out a great destination. Make sure to check out some of my other posts on national parks:

• How To Plan A National Park Trip
• USA National Park Checklist
• Best USA National Parks To Visit in the Summer
• Best USA National Parks To Visit In The Spring
• Best National Park To Visit In The Winter
• What To Wear Hiking In The Fall
• 10 Best Fall Hikes In Washington State

Pin For Later: Best National Parks To Visit In October