12 Best U.S. National Parks to Visit in October (Leaf Peeping, Wildlife & Fewer Crowds)
Discover the 12 best U.S. national parks to visit in October. Explore fall colors, wildlife, hiking trails, plus where to stay and what to pack.
October is a magical time to explore the U.S. national parks. The summer crowds have vanished, the air is crisp and cool, and landscapes across the country transform with vibrant fall colors. From the fiery foliage of New England to the golden canyons of the Southwest, this month offers a perfect window for hiking, wildlife watching, and unforgettable road trips. If you’re planning your adventure, don’t miss our road trip essentials and packing tips for a seamless journey.
If you're looking for fewer people, active wildlife, and some of the most beautiful scenery of the year, October is your prime time. We've compiled a list of the 12 best national parks to visit, complete with tips on where to stay and what to pack.
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1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor – Acadia Natl Park
Why October Rocks: While New England is famous for fall, Acadia offers a unique coastal twist. The Park Loop Road becomes a scenic drive through a blaze of red, orange, and yellow foliage, set against the deep blue of the Atlantic. Mid-October is often the peak time for leaf peeping here. Hikes around Jordan Pond or to the top of Cadillac Mountain provide breathtaking views of the colorful landscape. Discover more about Acadia with these 5 things to do at Acadia National Park.
Essentials to Pack:
Headlamp for sunrise hikes or stargazing (Best Headlamp Guide)
Travel blanket for chilly coastal evenings (Best Travel Blanket)
Travel coffee maker to start your day right (Travel Coffee Maker Picks)
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Where to Stay: Skyland Resort (located within the park)
Why October Rocks: Shenandoah is home to the famous Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Around mid-October, the park glows with fall colors and offers incredible views. Short hikes like Hawksbill Summit or the iconic Dark Hollow Falls bring you up close to the season’s vibrant foliage. Don’t forget practical rain gear for wet spells.
Essentials to Pack:
Rain gear, as mountain weather can change quickly (Rain Gear for Men)
A sturdy travel umbrella (Best Travel Umbrella)
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Where to Stay: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Why October Rocks: The Smokies are famous for vibrant fall foliage and misty blue ridges. Visiting in late October means peak colors at higher elevations and fewer crowds than in summer. Explore Cataloochee Valley for the dramatic elk rut and enjoy scenic drives through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dive into our camping blanket guide and hiking water bottle tips for adventure.
Essentials to Pack:
Camping blanket for scenic picnics (Best Camping Blanket)
Hiking water bottle to stay hydrated on the trails (Best Hiking Water Bottle)
Why October Rocks: Early October means golden aspen trees and breathtaking mountain vistas. The crisp, cool air makes it perfect for exploring Bear Lake, driving Trail Ridge Road, or walking the scenic Skyline Trail. Check out the must-see Rocky Mountain Park spots and tent waterproofing tips).
Essentials to Pack:
Waterproof tent if you plan to camp (Why Waterproof Tents Matter)
Warm camping clothes (Camping Clothes Guide)
Why October Rocks: Early October in Glacier brings brilliant yellow larch trees and quiet trails as most visitors taper off for the season. Going-to-the-Sun Road offers mesmerizing mountain views and the chance to see wildlife before higher-elevation snow closes the park’s iconic routes. Explore hidden gems and enjoy crisp air and dramatic, jagged peaks unique to this time of year.
Essentials to Pack:
Layered clothing for rapid weather changes (Best Wrinkle Free Travel Clothes)
Travel binoculars for spotting mountain goats and bears (Best Travel Binoculars Guide)
Why October Rocks: Grand Teton’s cottonwoods and aspens light up yellow and gold along the Snake River, all set beneath the rugged Teton Range. Enjoy fewer crowds while exploring popular trails and the wildlife-rich valleys. The crisp air is perfect for a fall visit, and nearby Jackson offers cozy places to unwind. Find out why Grand Teton is a must-see.
Essentials to Pack:
Travel tripod to capture those iconic views (Best Travel Tripods)
Lightweight luggage (Best Lightweight Luggage)
Why October Rocks: Cooler weather in Arches means you can marvel at Delicate Arch and the park’s red-rock landscapes in comfort. Fewer crowds make for a more peaceful experience and prime photography conditions amid natural stone arches and desert landscapes. October brings vibrant skies and comfortable hiking temps throughout this iconic Utah park.
Essentials to Pack:
Sturdy hiking shoes for rocky terrain (Best Hiking Shoes for Women)
Sun protection and a hydration backpack
8. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Where to Stay: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
Why October Rocks: The amphitheater’s hoodoos glow pink and orange below a clear fall sky. Cooler weather makes sunrise and sunset even more dramatic, and the air is crisp at high elevation. You’ll love the uncrowded overlooks and unique hiking trails. If you love a comfy camp seat, don’t miss our rocking camp chair recommendations.
Essentials to Pack:
Rocking camp chair (Best Ones)
Warm camping blanket
Why October Rocks: Capitol Reef is a true hidden gem in the continental United States, especially beautiful in the fall. Walk beneath golden cottonwoods in historic Fruita, see fewer crowds, and enjoy crisp weather on the park’s beaten paths. Early October is apple season in the historic orchards, and this park’s scenic drive offers prime time for leaf peeping.
Essentials to Pack:
Road trip snacks and accessories
Why October Rocks: Olympic National Park boasts diverse scenery, from vibrant rain forests to dramatic Pacific coastlines. Early October is quieter in the park, and fall colors shine along the Lake Crescent and Hoh Rain Forest trails. Fewer crowds mean a more serene experience, and the cooler weather is ideal for hiking and exploring hidden waterfalls.
Essentials to Pack:
Rain jacket for misty forest hikes
Travel umbrella (Best Travel Umbrella)
Why October Rocks: Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the fall, renowned for its vibrant foliage in McKittrick Canyon—often called the “best fall color in Texas.” You’ll also enjoy clear views, fewer crowds, and great opportunities to see wildlife on high-elevation hikes to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas.
Essentials to Pack:
Layered hiking clothes for altitude changes
Daypack with water and snacks
Why October Rocks: Mild desert temperatures mean warm days for hiking Santa Elena Canyon and cool, star-filled nights perfect for stargazing in this certified Dark Sky Park. October is a great time to enjoy the expansive western views with little chance of rain. Pack a camping lantern and a cozy travel blanket before you go.
Essentials to Pack:
Camping lantern for dark nights
Travel blanket for cool desert evenings
Planning Your October Park Trip
Best Weeks: For peak leaf peeping in the Rockies, Northeast, and Blue Ridge Parkway, aim for early to mid-October. For the desert parks and southern mountains, late October is often best.
What to Pack: Layers are key. October weather can be unpredictable, so bring a mix of light and warm shirts, fleeces, and a waterproof shell. Sturdy shoes help for all the hiking and road trip stops.
Booking Tip: Even in the off-season, hotels and lodges near popular national parks can fill up quickly. Book your stay on Expedia at least a month or two ahead for the best choices.
Don’t forget your compression packing cubes for a more organized backpack!
Ready to plan your fall national park adventure? Book your stay today and gather the gear that will make your trip unforgettable.
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