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These 10 National Parks Offer The Most Enchanting Fall Hikes You’ll Ever Experience

ByChantelle Kincy Published

Ah, fall. A time of hot cocoa, pumpkin spice everything, and best of all, vivid autumn hues.

If you are looking for a special place to see the best of autumn colors, look no further than these gorgeous National Parks hikes that will not only get you out in nature and exploring, but reward you with incredible sights too!

1. Acadia National Park, Maine

Hike to see Fall Colors in Acadia

Fall is when Acadia National Park truly comes to life. Think vibrant foliage offset by granite peaks and the Atlantic Ocean, offering a breathtaking contrast you won’t find anywhere else.

While Acadia can be busy in the autumn due to the extremely beautiful conditions, I say its still worth exploring. Aim for early morning trips to avoid crowds as much as possible.

Best Fall Hike in Acadia

Precipice Trail

  • Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Strenuous

Note: This hike isn’t for the faint-hearted but the panoramic views make every step worth it.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for having one of the most spectacular fall color displays in the U.S., with over 100 native tree species. While the Smoky Mountains are beautiful year round, there is something special about seeing them ablaze with color.

Best Fall Hike

Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte

  • Distance: 11 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Note: This area has been affected by Hurricane Helene and should not be visited this year. My sincerest sympathies go to those affected by this tragedy.

3. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

A landscape view of a forested hillside in autumn, displaying a mix of green, yellow, orange, and red foliage with mountains in the background.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive offers 105 miles of pure autumnal wonder, but it’s the hiking trails that provide an intimate experience with fall foliage. You can still see gorgeous views if you aren’t a hiker, but if yo can manage to do one hike, Old Rag Mountain Loop should be on your list.

Best Fall Hike

Old Rag Mountain Loop

  • Distance: 9 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Strenuous

Note: This hike involves some rock scrambling but offers one of the park’s best views.

4. Glacier National Park, Montana

A scenic view of a forested valley with yellow autumn foliage, snow-capped mountains, and a clear blue sky with clouds.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Glacier National Park is less crowded in the fall, and you might even spot some early snowfall gracing the mountain peaks. It’s no secret to anyone that knows me, but Glacier is one of my favorite places in the world. I don’t say that lightly, having been to over 25 countries, this gem in Northern Montana is hands down one of my favorite places to return to year after year.

Fall is wonderful here (so is winter, and summer) but you’ll need to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Snow can come quickly here and the weather can change in a matter of days (sometimes hours).

Best Fall Hike

Highline Trail

  • Distance: 11.8 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Note: Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats, big horn sheep and you may even share the trail with a grizzly bear foraging for berries before hibernation.

5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Fall at Rocky Mountain National Park

Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park brings crisp air, fewer tourists, and golden aspen trees create a serene hiking experience, and the fall colors in the Rockies are breathtaking.

Expect thunderstorms most days in the afternoon, and be aware of rapidly changing weather, but also be prepared for some jaw dropping scenes!

If you have time, head to Estes Park to see some of the resident Elk, just be sure and give them lots of space, especially during rut when they can be extra aggressive.

Best Fall Hike

Emerald Lake Trail

  • Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Note: Perfect for families and less experienced hikers. This is a lovely hike, keep your eyes pealed for moose and elk along the way.

6. Yosemite National Park, California

A marmot stands on a rock with a mountainous landscape and pine tree in the background.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Fall brings out Yosemite’s softer side, with mild temperatures and golden meadows. If you come after September, you’ll also miss out on the crazy crowds that fill the park in the summer. While you still wont have the place to yourself, it will be better than July and August.

Best Fall Hike

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

  • Distance: 7 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Note: Waterfalls may not be as grand, but the colors and quieter trails make up for it.

7. Zion National Park, Utah

Group of hikers navigating a narrow trail on a mountain ridge surrounded by green trees and rocky cliffs.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Zion in the fall means cooler temperatures, making those steep hikes more bearable and enjoyable. As with some of the other popular parks on this list, you’ll also enjoy fewer crowds.

Best Fall Hike

Angels Landing

  • Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Strenuous

Note: This hike is not recommended for those scared of heights, and you’ll need a permit to hike it.

8. Olympic National Park, Washington

Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center Purple Lupine Wildflowers Snow Mountains Olympic National Park Washington State Pacific Northwest
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

The varied ecosystems in Olympic National Park mean a vivid and diverse color palette in the fall, from the coast to the rainforests. I live less than an hour from this park, and visit it often. Fall is the absolute best time of year to visit Washington State. Our weather is incredible in September and October and the parks are absolutely glowing with color as October reaches its mid point.

Best Fall Hike

Hoh River Trail

  • Distance: Variable, up to 17.4 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Note: Make time to visit the beaches and explore the tidepools too! While they aren’t in the rainforest, the diversity of Olympic National Park is part of what makes it so special.

9. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Two hikers walk on a trail surrounded by lush greenery, with mountains and trees in the background.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Golden cottonwoods line the Snake River, and the Teton Range stands grandly as ever against a backdrop of fall colors. Grand Teton really shines during the fall. Winter can come early though, so keep an eye on the weather and come prepared.

Best Fall Hike

Cascade Canyon Trail

  • Distance: 9-14 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Note: Keep an eye out for possible moose sightings!

10. Arches National Park, Utah

Delicate Arch under a cloudy sky
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Arches offers pleasant temperatures and clear skies in the fall—perfect for hiking and photography. Summer is way too hot for Arches, in my opinion, and while winter is gorgeous, I prefer the comfortable temps of fall.

There are fewer crowds, but I still recommend getting an early start if you want to hike Delicate Arch.

Best Fall Hike

Delicate Arch Trail

  • Distance: 3 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Note: You’ve seen it in pictures, but the real thing? Absolutely magical during the golden hour. I’m not exaggerating when I say my jaw literally dropped when I rounded the corner and saw it for the first time in real life.

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