So, what is it about the US fall that takes you by storrm? Come autumn, many of America's national parks are at their most visually stunning. It's not only the fall foliage that amplifies their beauty, but also the waning light casting the landscape in an almost magical iridescence. And after the heat of summer, the crisp air offers a welcome reprieve.
Whether you prefer to drive through or hike through, these parks will prove unforgettable. Check out some of the must-visit great fall destinations; you would book your next fall vacation at the skip of a heartbeat, we bet!
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK (Maine)
The historic, unpaved carriage roads in Acadia National Park are closed to motorized vehicles, making for an idyllic setting to hike or bike the park's blazing reds, oranges, and yellows afforded by maple, birch, and poplar trees. Alternately, you can drive the scenic loop along the rocky coastline. We recommend doing both in this great fall gateway.
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK (Oregon)
The deep blue abyss of Crater Lake National Park collects in a dormant volcano crater surrounded by 2,000-foot cliffs. This is a breathtaking sight that's set in a harsh environment with a very short window for visits. Even in July, there's still snow on some of the hiking trails, and by mid-October you're too late—it's already winter again. The best time to visit is September, when the weather is crisp and the summertime tourists are long gone.
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK (Wyoming)
The Tetons have large stands of deciduous trees—cottonwoods, aspen, willows— whose leaves blaze yellow and orange come fall, making it one of the great fall destinations. There's also plenty of wildlife action in Grand Teton National Park as elk spar and sound their mating bugle, bull moose search for a mate, and bears scramble for berries before hunkering down for hibernation.
LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK (California)
This area may be best known for it's volcanoes (all four types found in the world are represented here), but the remote wilderness of Lassen Volcanic National Park also serves up a splendid cornucopia of fall colors. The golden palette—courtesy of aspens, oaks, and sagebrush—paints a startling contrast to the crystal-blue lakes, giant lava pinnacles, steamy sulphur vents, and jagged craters.
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK (Washington)
Fall foliage at Mount Rainier National Park is very different than in the more eastern parts of the country, but just as spectacular. Starting in late September, every huckleberry bush, aspen, cottonwood, vine maple, elderberry, willow, and tamarack (western larch), bursts into hues of gold, amber, and crimson.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (California)
The spectacular Yosemite National Park is mostly evergreen trees, and not known for its fall foliage. This makes it ideal for autumn visitors, who get the park's normally overrun granite cliffs, ancient giant sequoias, and waterfalls practically to themselves in October and November, which undoubteldly makes for a great fall gateway.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK (Colorado)
The famous Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park tops out at over 12,000 feet, providing an exceptional vantage point to view the vibrant gold aspens. The park is dominated by a species known as the quaking aspen, which has a flat stem causing its leaves to quiver at the slightest breeze. The effect is mesmerizing in the sunlight.
