Gorgeous Photos of National Parks During Fall Foliage Season
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The fall is the best time to explore places with phenomenal mixtures of yellow, red, orange and green. When else are you going to get fresh air, smaller crowds, stunning views of bursting bright colors, and miles of forests all at the same time?
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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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.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
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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.
Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado
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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.
Denali National Park, Alaska
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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.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
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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.
Prince Edward Island National Park, Canada
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The park is awash with stunning, bright colors that will take your breath away. Enjoy many outdoor activities whether you're on your own or with company—hike the many scenic trails, see PEI’s North Shore than by cycling the Gulf Shore Way, or sign up for the PEI Marathon.
La Mauricie National Park, Quebec, Canada
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The park and its lakes and forests are a favorite playground for outdoor lovers. There’s no shortage of opportunities for activities for solo visitors as well as families who want to relax far from the bustle of the city. Be curious and join guided walks discovering lakes, woodlands, plants and animals.
Mont Tremblant National Park, Quebec, Canada
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Visitors have six rivers and 400 lakes and streams to explore, preferably from a canoe or kayak. The park, the largest and oldest park in the network of national parks, is a rich mixture of Québec’s natural and historic heritages.
Yosemite National Park, California
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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.
Glacier National Park, Montana
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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.
Zion National Park, Utah
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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.
Sequoia National Park, California
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See the iconic huge trees that frame the mountains and the rushing rivers. Hike the trails that head off into the mountains—not soaring granite cliffs—which also are a major attraction. Stop by General Sherman, the largest living tree on Earth by volume.
Acadia National Park, Maine
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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.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
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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.
Cuyahoga National Park, Ohio
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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.