Top 10 U.S. National Parks for Fall Foliage and Scenic Landscapes

Autumn is a magical time for landscape photographers. The air is crisp, the summer crowds are gone (usually), and the leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows.

If you’re chasing that perfect fall shot, look no further. Here are the top 10 U.S. national parks for capturing stunning fall foliage and breathtaking landscapes.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nestled on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its vibrant fall colors. Peak foliage typically occurs from mid-October to early November. The park’s diverse elevation creates a layered effect of colors that change from the valleys to the mountaintops.

You’ll find a variety of tree species here, contribute to the diverse blend of fall colors. Great Smoky Mountains truly is a dream location for photographers throughout the year, but especially during the fall months.

🍁 Best Views:

• Clingmans Dome
• Newfound Gap Road
• Cades Cove
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

2. Shenandoah National Park

Located in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park offers a long, winding drive through 200,000 acres of protected lands along Skyline Drive. The park’s fall foliage peaks from mid-October to early November, featuring a mix of oak, maple, and hickory trees that turn the landscape into a sea of yellows, reds, and oranges.

The Blue Ridge Mountains’ rolling hills provide a picturesque backdrop for photographers looking to capture expansive, colorful vistas. The 75 overlooks along Skyline Drive make it easy to capture the amazing autumn views.

Note: If you’d like to extend your trip, the Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks and provides plenty of picturesque sights along the way

🍁 Best Views:

• Hawksbill Mountain
• Old Rag Mountain
• Skyline Drive
• Dark Hollow Falls

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit in late September and early October when the aspen groves reach their peak color. These golden trees contrast strikingly against the park’s rugged mountain terrain and evergreen forests.

The drive along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, provides breathtaking panoramic views. The park’s numerous lakes and rivers, like Bear Lake and the Colorado River headwaters, reflect the autumn hues, creating picture-perfect scenes.

🍁 Best Views:

• Bear Lake
• Trail Ridge Road
• Moraine Park
• Sprague Lake

4. Acadia National Park

Located in Maine, Acadia National Park offers a unique coastal twist on fall foliage. Peak colors usually occur from early to mid-October, with birch, beech, and maple trees creating a vibrant display against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Photographers can capture both the beauty of the forest and the rugged coastline, making Acadia a perfect destination for fall photography.

🍁 Best Views:

• Cadillac Mountain
• Jordan Pond
• Park Loop Road
• Bass Harbor Head Light

5. Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is another spectacular spot for fall foliage, especially during late September to early October. The park features a beautiful variety of cottonwoods, aspens, and willows, which turn golden and contrast beautifully with the rugged Teton Range.

The Snake River provides a serene setting for reflections and epic landscapes, making it a favorite for many photographers.

🍁 Best Views:

• Oxbow Bend
• Schwabacher Landing
• Snake River Overlook
• Jenny Lake

6. New River Gorge National Park

West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park is a lesser-known gem (it was elevated to National Park status in 2020) that offers breathtaking fall colors from mid-October to early November. The park is home to a variety of trees, including oak, maple, and hickory, creating a vivid palette of fall colors.

The dramatic cliffs and river views add depth and dimension to your photos, and plenty of views can be reached without much difficulty. The waterfalls throughout the park also provide excellent subjects in front of the colorful fall foliage.

🍁 Best Views:

• New River Gorge Bridge
• Endless Wall Trail
• Grandview Overlook
• Sandstone Falls

7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a stunning display of fall colors in October. The park’s rolling hills, waterfalls, and dense forests of maple, oak, and birch provide a rich backdrop for fall photography.

The historic Towpath Trail and Brandywine Falls are perfect spots to capture the best this park has to offer.

🍁 Best Views:

• Brandywine Falls
• Ledges Overlook
• Towpath Trail
• Blue Hen Falls

8. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite, located in California, is a paradise for photographers year-round, but fall brings something special. In October to early November, the park’s oaks, maples, and dogwoods burst into shades of gold and crimson, contrasting beautifully against the evergreen trees and granite cliffs.

The Merced River, lined with cottonwoods, offers stunning reflections of fall colors, while the high altitudes of Tioga Road reveal a blend of aspen groves and evergreen forests.

🍁 Best Views:

• Glacier Point
• Valley View
• Tunnel View
• Tuolumne Meadows

9. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington is famed for its wildflower meadows, but fall brings a different kind of beauty. From late September to early October, the park’s huckleberry bushes and vine maples turn vivid shades of red and yellow.

The imposing presence of Mount Rainier, coupled with the vibrant fall colors, creates a beautiful and picturesque contrast.

🍁 Best Views:

• Paradise Meadows
• Reflection Lakes
• Sunrise Visitor Center
• Grove of the Patriarchs

10. Glacier National Park

Montana’s Glacier National Park offers one of the earliest fall displays, peaking in late September, although the time can vary a bit throughout the park. Glacier National Park features a mix of aspens and larches, creating a golden landscape surrounding the park’s rugged mountains and pristine lakes.

🍁 Best Views:

• Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Lake McDonald
• Many Glacier
• Logan Pass

Whether you’re planning a dedicated photography trip or just looking to capture some stunning fall colors, these national parks offer the perfect backdrop for your autumn adventures.