As the leaves begin to change and the crisp fall air sets in, visiting a national park can be a magical and cozy getaway. Here are the 13 best national parks to visit in autumn:

1.Acadia National Park, Maine – Famous for its stunning fall foliage, Acadia offers a remarkable contrast of rugged coastline and colorful forest landscapes.

2.Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – A haven for leaf peepers, the Skyline Drive provides breathtaking vistas of Virginia’s autumn leaves.

3.Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina – One of the most visited national parks in America, it boasts a spectacular display of golds, oranges, and reds in the fall.

4.Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho – Experience fewer crowds and witness the elk rutting season amidst a backdrop of vibrant foliage.

5.Yosemite National Park, California – Enjoy the peacefulness of Yosemite Valley as the summer crowds diminish and the leaves begin to turn.

6.Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – The dramatic peaks serve as a stark contrast to the golden aspens and cottonwoods lining the valley floor.

7.Zion National Park, Utah – Majestic rock formations surrounded by autumn colors make for an unforgettable sight.

8.Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – Aspens turn to gold among the evergreens, offering stunning panoramas throughout the park.

9.Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio – Explore meadows and woodlands rich with colorful fall foliage along the Cuyahoga River.

10.Olympic National Park, Washington – With its temperate rainforests and coastal areas, fall adds a layer of mystery and beauty here.

11.Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona – While not known for leaves changing colors, cooler temperatures make fall visits particularly pleasant.

12.Mount Rainier National Park, Washington – Fiery huckleberry bushes complement the evergreens and provide beautiful contrasts beneath snow-capped peaks.

13.Lassen Volcanic National Park, California – Experience autumn at higher elevations where aspen and willows dust volcanic landscapes with yellows and oranges.

These parks offer not only spectacular colors but also unique experiences as wildlife becomes more active and accessible trails offer cool-weather hiking opportunities. An autumnal visit also tends to be more tranquil since summer tourists have typically left for the season. Whether it’s hiking amongst golden aspens or watching a sunset over mountains draped in shades of red and yellow, visiting these national parks in fall promises to be both cozy and extraordinary.