October is a spectacular time to visit many of the National Parks. While we don’t recommend many of the northern ones due to risk of snow - the others have fewer crowds if you can brace the colder weather. October is the go-to time to see the fall foliage and embrace the cozy autumn activities. We are going to discuss the top 4 National Parks to visit in October to see the leaves turn.
1. Acadia National Park
When you think of fall leaves, chances are Acadia National Park is the first park that comes to mind. With 4 million visitors a year, Acadia is in the top 10 most visited National Parks, largely due to its proximity to populous East Coast cities like Boston. The NPS states that Acadia’s busiest months are July, August, and September. However, we recommend visiting in October to experience the breathtaking fall colors.
The most popular attraction in the park is driving Park Loop Road, which offers stunning views of the vibrant foliage—all from the comfort of your car. The entire loop takes a few hours but is worth every moment.
Cadillac Mountain is another must-see, requiring a reservation to drive to the summit. If you prefer to hike, you can trek up this 1,530-foot peak, the highest point on the eastern shore. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit Cadillac Mountain, but be sure to book your reservation early, as these are the most popular times.
For those seeking adventure, the Beehive Loop is a thrilling 1.4-mile round trip hike. This short but intense trail features steep stairs and iron rungs, making it an exhilarating experience.
If biking is more your style, the carriage roads offer 45 miles of cycle-friendly routes, perfect for enjoying the crisp air and fall colors.
Beyond the stunning foliage, Bar Harbor, the neighboring town to Acadia, exudes small-town charm that brings autumn to life. Imagine waking up to a pumpkin coffee and an apple cider donut, just like in Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. For beer lovers, the pumpkin beer here is unmatched. The small shops in Bar Harbor are also perfect for grabbing a souvenir.
Planning your trip to catch peak fall colors can be tricky since the timing depends on unpredictable temperatures. It's crucial to visit before the first frost, which causes the leaves to drop. When we visited in October 2022, we arrived from the 9th to the 12th, just a few days shy of peak color.
2. Shenandoah
With over 1.4 million visitors in 2022, Shenandoah ranks as the 21st most visited National Park. The park sees a surge in visitors during the fall, thanks to its proximity to Washington, D.C. Many people flock here to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The top attraction at Shenandoah is driving Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road with plenty of scenic overlooks along the way. If you're up for the challenge, driving the entire Skyline Drive takes about 3 hours without stops. The overlooks provide stunning views of rolling hills and lovely valleys, adorned in vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges during the fall.
While most visitors stick to Skyline Drive, Shenandoah also offers excellent hiking opportunities. The Appalachian Trail runs through the park, and the challenging Old Rag hike is a must-do in the fall. This daunting 9.3-mile hike features a 2,600-foot elevation gain and offers unreal views. Be prepared for multiple false summits before reaching the top! Note that you’ll need a ticket from the NPS website to hike Old Rag, which costs just $1 and helps prevent overcrowding.
There is some lodging available inside the park, along with campgrounds. During our visits, we lived outside of Washington, D.C., so we didn’t need to book lodging.
3. Great Smoky Mountains
Thanks to its proximity to the Midwest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park year after year, with over 14 million visitors in 2022. Many families vacation here, drawn by the popular family-friendly city of Gatlinburg.
According to the NPS, fall colors begin developing at 4,000 feet and above in early to mid-October. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, offers a stunning panoramic view of the foliage. A parking lot gets you most of the way up, with just a steep half-mile paved trek to the top.
For a more challenging hike, Mount LeConte offers an 11-mile trek with just over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s a difficult but rewarding hike.
If you’re visiting in early November, you can catch the vibrant colors at lower elevations, providing plenty of opportunities to hike and see the foliage.
Gatlinburg is the go-to spot for families, but if you’re looking for something more quaint (and affordable), consider staying in Cherokee, North Carolina. We stayed there and thoroughly enjoyed it.
4. New River Gorge
One of the newest National Parks, New River Gorge, located in Glen Jean, West Virginia, is part of the Appalachian Mountains. With over 1.5 million visitors in 2022, New River Gorge is growing in popularity, especially among outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers climbing, biking, rafting, hiking, and camping.
For fall foliage, scenic drives are your best bet. The Grandview overlooks are a must-see, offering amazing panoramic views. Sandstone Falls, the largest falls on the New River, is another picturesque spot. Lastly, the Endless Wall offers stunning views but requires a 2.4-mile hike. The effort is definitely worth it.
October is truly a magical time to explore these National Parks, each offering its own unique display of fall beauty. Whether you're driving through scenic roads, hiking to breathtaking overlooks, or enjoying cozy towns nearby, these parks are perfect for embracing the vibrant colors and crisp air of autumn. Pack your warm layers, plan your trip around the peak foliage, and get ready to experience the unforgettable charm of these four incredible National Parks.
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