Best National Parks To Visit In Fall With Family, Friends 2025

As autumn arrives and leaves turn shades of red, orange, and gold, it’s the perfect time to explore nature. National parks offer stunning views, fewer crowds, and a peaceful escape before winter. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or an adventure with friends, here are the best national parks to visit in fall.

Why Visit National Parks in Fall?

Fall is a magical time to explore national parks. The summer heat fades, the crowds thin out, and the landscapes transform into vibrant canvases. Wildlife activity peaks, making it an excellent time for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, cool temperatures make hiking and outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Best National Parks to Visit in Fall

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina)

Best for: Families, couples, friends
Entry Fee: Free

The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for their breathtaking fall foliage. The park’s diverse tree species create a spectacular display of colors from late September to early November. Families will love the scenic drives along Clingmans Dome Road and Newfound Gap, while couples can enjoy a quiet sunrise at Cades Cove. For adventure-seeking friends, hiking the Alum Cave Trail or Chimney Tops offers unforgettable views.

2. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Best for: Couples, families
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Acadia’s coastal cliffs and vibrant forests make it one of the best national parks to visit in fall. The crisp ocean air and stunning views from Cadillac Mountain, where the sunrise is first seen in the U.S., create a romantic setting for couples. Families can explore the Jordan Pond Path, while friends can challenge themselves with the Beehive Trail.

3. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Best for: Families, friends
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 1 day)

Autumn in the Rocky Mountains brings golden aspen trees and the iconic elk rut, a must-see for wildlife lovers. Families can take scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road, while friends can embark on an exciting hike to Emerald Lake. The park’s high elevation adds a unique charm to fall foliage, with snow-capped peaks in the background.

4. Glacier National Park (Montana)

Best for: Adventurous friends, couples
Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Fall is the perfect time to visit Glacier National Park before the heavy snowfall arrives. The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains open until mid-October, offering breathtaking vistas. Couples can take a boat ride on Lake McDonald, while adventurous friends can hike the Highline Trail for unforgettable alpine views.

5. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

Best for: Families, couples
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers some of the most picturesque fall landscapes in the East. Skyline Drive is perfect for scenic road trips, while families can enjoy the easy Stony Man Trail. Couples seeking a romantic escape will love sunset views from Hawksbill Summit.

6. Arches National Park (Utah)

Best for: Couples, adventurous friends
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Though known for its desert landscape, Arches National Park becomes a cool-weather paradise in the fall. The fiery red rock formations against a bright blue sky create stunning photo opportunities. Couples can experience a romantic sunset at Delicate Arch, while friends can challenge themselves on the Devil’s Garden hike.

7. Joshua Tree National Park (California)

Best for: Friends, couples
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Fall is the best time to visit Joshua Tree as the temperatures become bearable for hiking and stargazing. Friends will enjoy bouldering at Hidden Valley, while couples can set up a cozy campfire under the star-filled desert sky.

8. Saguaro National Park (Arizona)

Best for: Families, friends
Entry Fee: $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

With cooler weather in fall, Saguaro National Park is perfect for hiking among the towering cacti. Families can enjoy the scenic Bajada Loop Drive, while friends can explore the Signal Hill Petroglyphs.

9. Death Valley National Park (California & Nevada)

Best for: Adventurous friends
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Fall marks the beginning of the best time to visit Death Valley, as temperatures drop to comfortable levels. Friends can explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or witness the mysterious moving rocks at Racetrack Playa.

10. Everglades National Park (Florida)

Best for: Families, nature lovers
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Fall is the best time to visit the Everglades before mosquito season peaks. Families can enjoy an airboat tour through the mangroves, spotting alligators and exotic birds.

National Park Rules & Regulations

Before visiting, make sure to follow park guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

Stay on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles by packing out all trash.
Respect wildlife—never feed or approach animals.
Camp only in designated areas and acquire necessary permits.
Check park alerts for weather conditions and trail closures.
Fires are restricted in some parks during dry seasons—always check regulations.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Fall Adventure

The best national parks to visit in fall offer something for everyone—whether you’re looking for a peaceful family retreat, a romantic escape, or an adventurous journey with friends. The crisp air, stunning foliage, and quiet trails create a memorable experience in nature’s grandest landscapes.

FAQ’s

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is widely regarded as having the best fall foliage in the United States, thanks to its incredible diversity of over 100 native tree species that create a vivid, multi-colored canopy. Nestled on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the park offers a long fall season from mid-September to early November due to its wide range of elevations. Visitors flock to scenic drives like Clingmans Dome Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway, while hiking trails such as Alum Cave and Laurel Falls immerse them in the heart of the autumn transformation.

Both Maine and Vermont offer stunning fall foliage, but Vermont is often considered better for its dense forests of sugar maples, vibrant red and orange hues, and charming small towns that enhance the autumn experience. Vermont’s compact size makes it easier to explore multiple scenic routes like Route 100, often called the “foliage highway.” However, Maine offers a longer foliage season and dramatic coastal views, especially in places like Acadia National Park. Ultimately, Vermont is ideal for classic fall colors and cozy countryside vibes, while Maine adds rugged beauty and variety to the experience.

The best national parks to visit in fall for colorful foliage is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known for its vivid red, orange, and yellow leaves spread across a diverse landscape.

Fall is often seen as the best national parks to visit in fall season because of fewer crowds, cooler weather, and spectacular autumn scenery, especially in parks like Shenandoah and Acadia.