The fall season is a charming time of the year. The leaves turn to shades of orange, red, and gold, and the cooler temperatures bring out flannels and cozy sweaters. For nature lovers, it’s the perfect time to take a road trip and experience the beauty of fall foliage in national parks.
Here are some of the best national parks for fall foliage:
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is well-renowned for its picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and charming harbors, but it also offers an exceptional Fall Foliage experience. The park’s vast forests of maple, birch, and beech trees are best seen via the network of hiking trails – with the Cadillac Mountain being the highlight of the park with foliage in full swing. Mount Desert Island offers a fantastic view of the glowing foliage alongside hiking trails that make for a perfect day hike.
2. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The stunning Mountain View landscapes come alive with spectacular fall hues of Aspen trees, oak trees, and Flameleaf sumacs in the fall. With over 50 peaks with elevations above 12,000 ft, the breathtaking views of the mountain ranges make it the picture-perfect canvas for fall foliage enthusiasts. Across 300 miles of hiking trails, experiencing the high altitude fall foliage makes for an unforgettable experience.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
This park, located between the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is known for its abundant and diverse foliage. The Great Smoky Mountains in the fall are famous for the bright orange sugar maples and the bright red-hued sumac trees with endless views of mountain ranges. You can drive the scenic route of Newfound Gap Road, where the foliage grows progressively more intense as you head up the mountains. With numerous hiking trails, you can explore and experience the vibrant autumn foliage up close.
4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
The Shenandoah National Park in Virginia marks the start of the Appalachian trails that run from Maine to Georgia. The fall foliage is on display in all its glory in the Waterfall and Skyline routes of the park. The Blue Ridge Mountains showing off their colors of red, yellow, and gold bring forth a fantastic experience. You can catch the drive from the Skyline Drive, which runs the length of the park, or dive deep into the backcountry with over 500 miles of hiking trails for a more immersive experience.
5. Zion National Park, Utah
While not sharing the typical northeast fall weather, the Zion National Park in Utah has some fantastic bright autumn displays. The leaves are mainly of the deciduous vine maples, and the displays are stunning against the background of burnt red and orange sheer rock formations. Hiking through the Zion Canyon leads you to views of the parks’ more than 1500 plant species, including Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and quaking aspen, among others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the United States of America has a variety of National Parks displaying autumn’s colors. Mother Nature puts on her best potentiator in the fall, with vibrant contrasting colors making the parks’ experience unforgettable. Whether you prefer to explore on foot or take a drive through the parks, there is something for everyone in these national parks. So, pack your sweaters, hiking shoes, and your camera because autumn leaves won’t stay forever.
