Zion
The best season. Comfortable temperatures, a hikeable Narrows, and fall color in the canyon from late October to mid-November.
Guide · 10 parks
Best National Parks for Fall Color
Golden aspens, red maples and glowing larches. Here's where to find fall color in the national parks and when it usually peaks.
New River Gorge
Spectacular color in mid-October. Bridge Day (third Saturday of October) is the one day a year you can walk the bridge, and BASE jumpers leap from it.
Great Smoky Mountains
Famous color, usually peaking in mid-to-late October at lower elevations. Expect heavy traffic.
Guadalupe Mountains
The best season. Maples in McKittrick Canyon peak from late October to mid-November, a rare sight in the Texas desert.
Acadia
The best season. Fall color peaks in early-to-mid October, but expect crowds, including from cruise ships.
Cuyahoga Valley
Spectacular color, usually peaking in mid-October. The scenic railroad is the classic way to see it.
Shenandoah
Peak color in mid-to-late October. Weekends are very busy on Skyline Drive.
Grand Teton
Aspens turn gold in late September, the elk bugle and crowds thin. This is a photographer's season.
Rocky Mountain
Aspens peak in late September and the elk rut draws crowds to the meadows at dusk.
North Cascades
Late September into early October brings golden larches along the highway near Washington Pass and Maple Pass, just outside the park boundary.
When to go
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Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.