Where to View Fall Foliage in National Parks

Fall foliage marks the seasonal farewell to summer as deciduous trees transform into a quilted patchwork of vibrant hues, including orange, burgundy and saffron. In the Northeast, where maple-covered hillsides and gently rolling landscapes light up each year, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes brilliant displays.

U.S. national parks are nature’s perfect canvas for fall foliage. You might catch the early color in Maine in late September, then head farther south to Tennessee or North Carolina for peak foliage, which can last well into November.

And if you’re up for a flight, the West offers something different entirely. There you’ll find opportunities to admire alpine forests where golden aspens shimmer and broad valleys glow with color. Many parks offer fall leaf-peeping against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks, lakes filled with turquoise waters and wide-open spaces.

Whether you’re staying close or venturing farther afield, these national parks offer stunning autumn scenery.

Fall Fun in the Northeast

Our favorite places and fall events throughout the region to make the most of fall foliage season. 

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Acadia National Park

Maine

Located along the midcoast of Maine, Acadia is the only national park in New England, making it one of the best places in the country for fall color. Coastal forests meet granite cliffs, and a mix of oaks, maples, birch, ash and beech light up the hillsides. Colors start to change in late September and usually peak in mid-October, when the first frost and the first tour buses tend to arrive.

Cadillac Mountain is a popular sunrise spot, and the paths near Jordan Pond are especially scenic this time of year. Offering everything from quiet nature walks to more challenging hikes, Acadia’s network of trails and carriage roads make it an excellent destination for people of all persuasions to explore.

Shenandoah National Park

Virginia

Just 75 miles west of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains and delivers sweeping fall views from Skyline Drive. The trees begin to change in early October at the highest elevations, with color gradually moving downhill throughout the month. Expect striking golds, reds and russets across the ridgelines.

White-tailed deer are commonly found near roads and trails. You might also spot wild turkeys, black bear and even occasional bobcats before they retreat for winter. Shenandoah also offers both quiet pull offs and longer hikes, depending on how you want to enjoy the season and see the fall foliage at its best and most brilliant.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tennessee/North Carolina

Fall color in the Smokies lasts longer than in many parks. Higher elevations start to turn by mid-September, while deep hollows can stay green until early November. Sugar maples, birch, beech and sweetgum trees all contribute to the vibrant display.

This park is particularly great for a scenic drive. Cades Cove and Newfound Gap Road are two of the most popular routes, especially in mid-October. If you’re up for more activity, you’ll find plenty of trails and the chance to see wildlife like deer, elk and wild turkeys. Just be prepared for crowds, as this is the most visited national park in the country.

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Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado

Aspen trees start to change color in Rocky Mountain National Park as early as late August. By mid-September, the slopes are glowing with golden leaves, especially at higher elevations. The color works its way down the mountains over the next few weeks, which creates an exceptionally long window for viewing the trees at their most beautiful.

Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake Road are scenic drives through some of the park’s best aspen groves. You might hear elk bugling in the distance as the rutting season reaches its peak. For hikers, the park’s trails pass through alpine meadows and quiet forests before reaching windswept tundra near the Continental Divide.

Glacier National Park

Montana

Fall arrives early in Glacier. Color usually peaks by mid-to-late September, especially in the aspen and larch groves that dot the lower valleys. Higher elevations may close early due to snow, but scenic roads like Going-to-the-Sun and Two Medicine stay open long enough for fall visitors to catch the show.

Lakes reflect the changing leaves, and wildlife becomes more active as the days grow shorter. You might see elk, bighorn sheep or even bears preparing for winter. If you go, be sure to pack warm layers, as the weather changes rapidly in this million-acre park, carved by glaciers and all lit up with autumn gold.

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Have you ever visited a national park in the fall? Tell us about it in the comments below.