DENALI NATIONAL PARK, ALASKAAutumn is prime time for viewing wildlife, including this grizzly bear spotted at Polychrome Pass in Alaska’s Denali National Park. With cooling temperatures, migrating wildlife, and fewer crowds, fall is the ideal time to see national parks burst with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.
Photograph by Aaron Huey, Nat Geo Image Collection
From the copper cypress leaves in Florida to the bright gold birch in Alaska, discover the best of autumn in some of America’s wildest and most iconic landscapes.
ByErica Jackson Curran
September 22, 2022
•9 min read
Fall has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere. The autumn equinox on September 22—one of the two times a year (the other is the spring or vernal equinox) where day and night are the same length—ushers in a explosion of fall colors across the United States, making it one of the best time of year to visit the national parks. Summer’s crowds fall by nearly half, wildlife springs into a final frenzy of activity before winter, and verdant foliage transforms into a stunning riot of color for a few brief but brilliant weeks.
The Smoky Mountains’ annual Fall Foliage Prediction Map notes that much of the U.S. will start seeing the most dramatic changes in colors by late September to mid-October. However, the U.S. is coming off its third-hottest summer on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Factors such as extreme weather, precipitation or the lack of it, and insect infestations could cause fall foliage to fall behind schedule—continuing a long-term trend that, according to one recent study of maples by researchers at George Mason University, has pushed the appearance of fall colors back more than a month since the 19th century, Nat Geo’s Sarah Gibbens reports.
Still, while the timing can shift from year to year, there is one thing travelers can be sure will not change: Trees will shed their leaves, but not before a grand finale of radiant color. From Virginia’s Skyline Drive to Alaska’s roadless wilderness, explore the national parks that offer one of nature’s most stunning displays.
GATES OF THE ARCTIC NATIONAL PARK, ALASKAThe boreal forest of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, situated north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, transforms from lush green to golden yellow in the fall.
Photograph by Michael Melford, Nat Geo Image Collection
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMINGThe Grand Teton mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the changing leaves in Jackson Hole. Peak foliage usually arrives by mid October—but sometimes, so does snow.
Photograph by Aaron Huey, Nat Geo Image Collection
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMINGFeaturing some of the country’s most dramatic scenery, Grand Teton National Park offers leaf peeping aficionados incredible views.
Photograph by Beverly Joubert, Nat Geo Image Collection
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTONSpot subtle color shifts among the verdant undergrowth on the Hall of Mosses trail in Olympic National Park, in Washington State. It’s not uncommon for fall visitors to have this rainforest to themselves—that is, if you don’t count the resident Roosevelt elk.
Photograph by Michael Melford, Nat Geo Image Collection
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINEEarly morning mist on Somes Pond in Acadia National Park reflects the arrival of fall on Mount Desert Island. Hiking is a popular pastime, but kayaking and canoeing offer a water-level perspective of the park’s thick forests.
Photograph by Gabby Salazar, Nat Geo Image Collection
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMINGAfter Jackson Hole’s busy summer season draws to a close, the iconic T.A. Moulton Barn—all that remains of a turn-of-the-century homestead—stands peacefully among the short-lived fall foliage in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.
Photograph by Andrew Coleman, Nat Geo Image Collection
DENALI NATIONAL PARK, ALASKABefore winter snows blanket Denali National Park, there’s a brief window when the vast landscapes turn deep amber, orange, and red. Take it in from the Alaska Railroad’s Hurricane Turn Train.
Photograph by Barrett Hedges, Nat Geo Image Collection
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VIRGINIAFall is peak tourist season at Shenandoah National Park, with traffic often backing up on Skyline Drive throughout October and early November. The National Park Service recommends visiting during the week or entering through the lowlands to enjoy the mountain scenery while avoiding the crowds.
Photograph by Jonathan Irish, Nat Geo Image Collection
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANAEven at popular spots like Logan Pass, roads in Montana’s Glacier National Park are generally less congested with traffic in the fall. Park the car and take advantage of the plentiful photo ops on the Hidden Lake Trail.
Photograph by Keith Ladzinski, Nat Geo Image Collection
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UTAHVibrant poplars and cottonwoods bring an extraordinary light to the red sandstone formations at Canyonlands National Park. Look for the most dramatic foliage around streambeds and at higher elevations.
Photograph by Babak Tafreshi, Nat Geo Image Collection
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIAExpect brisk nights and mild days at Yosemite National Park in the fall, when fiery foliage contrasts with the evergreen forests. Drive along Tioga Road and the Yosemite Creek picnic area to see the park’s aspen, dogwood, and bigleaf maple at their most vivid.
Photograph by Babak Tafreshi, Nat Geo Image Collection
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, FLORIDAAt Everglades National Park, keep your eyes out for the subtle change of shade in some marsh grasses—and enjoy the milder, drier weather that invites deeper exploration.
Photograph by David Guttenfelder, Nat Geo Image Collection
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINEMaine’s Acadia National Park turns an impressive array of red and gold as autumn ushers in cooler weather and shorter days.
