Best National Parks for Viewing Fall Foliage in the US

Head to one of these best US National Parks for viewing fall foliage before the winter chill chases away the last of the beautiful leaves for the year!

Last week we shared the best spots for viewing fall foliage in Canada. This week we are sharing the best National Parks in the U.S for viewing fall foliage. If you are in search of a unique yet exciting place for your fall foliage viewing, consider heading to a national park. My kids and I love geo coaching and exploring the wonders that National parks have to offer. It is a great way to exercise. It is also a great family activity. It will sure consolidate those bonds. It is also a great way to teach kids about nature and fall.  Here are some of the best national parks for viewing fall foliage.

Related: 10 things to do in Yosemite National Park

Best national parks for viewing fall foliage

Arcadia National Park in Maine-

Arcadia National Park is located in the state of Maine, near Bar Harbor. The unpaved roads are closed to all motor vehicles, making it the ideal way to see the foliage on foot or bicycle. During the fall months, the pines, birches and firs of the park are covered in various shades of yellows, reds and oranges. Arcadia National Park is set on 47,000 acres, the majority (30,300 acres) being on Mount Desert Island.

Death Valley National Park in California-

Death Valley National Park is mainly located in the Southern California Desert, with a small portion sitting in the state of Nevada. This park is stretched out over 3.4 million acres. Autumn is one of the best times to visit, not only because of the stunning foliage colors but also because of the cooler temperatures. One of the best spots of the Death Valley National Park for foliage viewing is Zabriskie Point.

Badlands National Park in South Dakota-

Badlands National Park is located in Southwestern South Dakota, near Wall, South Dakota. This park is spread out over 240,000 acres and features breathtaking views of the fall foliage. In addition to bright, colorful trees, Badlands National Park also has abundant wildlife like prairie dogs, bison and bighorn sheep. One of the best ways to experience the views of fall is via the Door Trail, a ¾ mile trail that goes through the Badlands Wall.

Olympic National Park in Washington State-

Best National Parks for Viewing Fall Foliage in the US

Olympic National Park is located in the western part of Washington State, in the Olympic Peninsula. It is situated across 922,650 acres, with the most popular fall foliage viewing spot being the 9-mile Ozette Loop. Salmon spawning season is also big during the fall at Olympic National Park.

Did you visit any of these National Parks during fall? Which one and what did you like about it?

10 thoughts on “Best National Parks for Viewing Fall Foliage in the US”

  1. We don’t really see the changing seasons and fall leaves here in California so I’d love to visit one of these National Parks. Thanks for sharing!

  2. We usually have foliage in the fall, but my part of Georgia had a really bad cold snap two weeks ago and most of the leaves just fell off. Instead, I’m just looking at everyone else’s pictures.

  3. I have not been to any of these parks. We typically visit a lot of great places to watch fall foliage in North Georgia, NY/NJ/PA and DC area. You’re images are amazing!

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