Autumn’s approaching and that means the leaves are beginning to change colors. This might just be our favorite time of year. We compiled this list of our favorite National Parks for fall foliage and hope that you might get to visit one before the cold of winter arrives!
Yosemite National Park, California
Known for its waterfalls, granite formations, and giant sequoias, Yosemite National Park is 1,200 square miles full of stunning valleys, meadows, and a variety of wildlife. It was also the nation’s first National Park!
Best time to see foliage: Late October
Best area in the park to find it: Along the Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road, and Bridalveil Creek Campground.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia (From the Smokies to Shenandoah)
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a road that runs through Virginia and North Carolina over 469 miles. Not only can you see beautiful fall colors on a drive through the parkway, but you’ll visit both Smoky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park.
Best time to see foliage: Mid-Late October
Best area in park to see it: By driving a distance down the parkway while changing elevations
Appalachian Scenic Trail (CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV)
Covering over 2,100 miles, the Appalachian Trail is a footpath that runs from Maine to Georgia. The trail was built by private citizens in 1921 through the Appalachian Mountain Chain, but is now managed by the National Park Service.
Best time to see foliage: September through November
Best area in park to see it: While the entire trail comes alive with color, the White Mountains National Forest section in New Hampshire is best for seeing Fall foliage.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Sitting on the coastline of Main, Acadia National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and the highest rocky headlands on the east coast. Some of the best features of Acadia are its 158 miles of hiking trails, 7 different peaks, and 16 stone bridges.
Best time to see foliage: Mid October
Best area in park to see it: Cadillac Mountain
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
A hidden gem of Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is full of farmlands, forests, and the Cuyahoga River. It also features the Scenic Railroad of Cuyahoga Valley where you can find beautiful colors during the Fall season.
Best time to see foliage: Last two weeks of October
Best area in park to see it: By traveling through the park via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
