Clean air, panoramic views of bursting bright colors and miles of forests – all reasons why fall is the best time to explore places with phenomenal mixtures of yellow, red, orange and green. The incredible hues peak between September and October all across the U.S. Adventurers and fans of outdoor activities can’t wait to put their hiking boots on and set up a tent for an unforgettable camping experience among purple dogwoods and maroon leaves.

The best places to see incredible fall displays are Cadillac Mountain, the quaint Bar Harbor and Jordan Pond, Jim Salge, NewEngland.com’s resident fall foliage expert says.

See: Reasons You Need to Add Acadia National Park to Your Bucket List

The best time to go is in October for the most outstanding panoramas of mixed grass lowland and the splendor of the eroded waterbeds.

For reasons why the park is among the most spectacular places to camp under the stars, click here

This popular park is underrated when it comes to fall foliage. Take the scenic railroad, hike the more than 120 miles of well-maintained trails, and catch a glimpse of one of their many waterfalls.

See: Waterfalls You Need To See in This Lifetime

Alaska is not all ice and snow. Fall comes early there and is shorter than in other states. Be mindful of the moose and caribou preparing for winter.

To read why Denali is among the most photogenic national parks, click here

Hikers consider the Glacier as their own little paradise. It’s best to explore the more than 700 miles of serene trails in the fall when the leaves are changing and wildlife is out.

See: Jaw-dropping Photos of the Most Spectacular National Parks

The 40-mile long mountain range, calm lakes and rivers won’t disappoint if you are looking for a unique display of fall foliage. The deep hues of orange, red and even purple are stunning.

See: 10 Most Visited National Parks

The most visited national park in the U.S. is also one of the most gorgeous, especially in October and November. Most people go to the scenic highway that runs along the mountains.

See: The Best Places to See Fall Foliage…Outside of New England

The Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas. The park, one of the nation’s most pristine wilderness areas, offers 80 miles of hiking trails. See the underwater fossils that make the park unique.

See:  The Most Dangerous Places in National Parks

Beyond pure aesthetics, it offers visitors the chance to climb an active volcano, trek through old growth forests and take photos of spectacular wild flower meadows.

See: Most Incredible Active Volcanoes You Can Actually Hike Around the World

This is one of the most popular national parks in the country. It has three unique environments – mountains, coasts and rainforests. Hiking feels like you are in an imaginary world.

See: The National Parks with the Best Beaches

Stunning views from mountain peaks and wildlife sightings are major reasons to visit the park in the fall. And with 355 miles of hiking trails fit for all skill levels, seeing the Rockies on foot is a must.

See: Hiking Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

Cyclists will find themselves right at home in this park full of trails, leaves and a festival dedicated to fall biking. The more than 500 miles of trails will keep you entertained.

See: The Best National Parks for Biking

The Chugach, Wrangell, and St. Elias mountain ranges converge in what is known as the “mountain kingdom of North America,” encompassing 13.2 million acres. It is America’s largest national park.  

See: All 59 National Parks Ranked

This is one of the most famous recreational areas in the country. People go for the most renowned geyser, Old Faithful, wildlife watching, and whitewater rafting.

See: The Best Active Adventures to do in Yellowstone National Park

Yosemite isn’t typically recognized for its fall color, but it’s certainly worth seeing. Visitors will benefit from fewer crowds and pops of color that typically show in late October.

See: The Best 7 Adventures to do in Yosemite National Park

When it comes to Zion there’s a lot to love—especially in the fall. From September into November, leaves in the park change, giving visitors incredible views of striking pink and red rock formations.

See: 10 Reasons to Visit Zion National Park