The best American parks for incredible fall colors
One of the best things about fall is the stunning scenery that comes from the changing colors of the leaves. Whether you have enough time for a weekend getaway or just a fall day trip, a hike to see some gorgeous fall foliage is an absolute must for the season.
A great place to seek out this magical scenery is in parks where you can hike, bike, picnic or camp among a variety of trees. These parks in particular will definitely feed your fall obsession and make for great photo-ops.
Acadia National Park (Maine)
The oldest American national park east of the Mississippi River and the only one located in the northeastern U.S., Acadia National Park is the perfect place to experience New England’s charm in the fall. Take to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for a fantastic view of the fall foliage, and, if you’re willing to get up early, you can be one of the first people in the country to see a day’s sunrise.
Adirondack Park (New York)
The Adirondacks is one of the best places to see fall foliage outside of New England, and the over 6 million acres of Adirondack Park is full of it. Along with plenty of beautiful trees, the park is also home to over 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, more than 10,000 lakes and all kinds of wetlands and forests.
Amicalola Falls State Park (Georgia)
Amicalola comes from a Cherokee word that means “tumbling waters,” an apt moniker for a park featuring the 729-foot Amicalola Falls, the highest waterfall in the state. Considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia, Amicalola Falls State Park is truly romantic spot, and autumn only adds to the magic of its hiking trails, cabins and campgrounds.
Baxter State Park (Maine)
Located in the North Maine Woods, Baxter State Park is an independently funded state park that is home Mount Katahdin, the state’s tallest mountain. Lakes, ponds, streams and rivers can be found within the park, as can waterfalls and wildlife, including black bears, owls, white-tailed deer, moose, raccoons, bobcats, chipmunks, hawks, coyotes, red squirrels and red fox. Visit this underrated park while some of those animals get ready for hibernation, and you’ll find trees blooming into bright colors.
Blackwater Falls State Park (West Virginia)
Blackwater Falls State Park is perfect for a romantic adventure, known for the famous Blackwater Falls that have graced many calendars, advertisements and more. The falls, and the rest of the park, gain a pop of color when the fall season changes the leaves, making for an even more stunning photo-op.
Brown County State Park (Indiana)
The best spot for fall foliage in Indiana is Brown County State Park, which receives about 1.3 million visitors every year. The area’s views of the beautiful hills of southern Indiana are renowned, and autumn makes the experience particularly impressive. Trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding are available, as are two lakes for fishing. A park lodge, cabins and campsites all give the area a rustic vibe, particularly since much of the park’s infrastructure dates back to the 1930s.
Central Park (New York)
One of the most popular tourist attractions in America and most-filmed locations in the world, Central Park has an entirely different charm in the fall. Many of its 20,000 trees transform into bouquets of bright yellows, reds and oranges, making for lovely walks and gorgeous photos.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Cuyahoga River in the only national park in Ohio. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it’s a beautiful place in the fall for biking, hiking, nature photography and all other sorts of outdoor activities.
Elmore State Park (Vermont)
An officially registered national historic site, Elmore State Park is only open between Memorial Day and Columbus Day, so guests have a limited amount of time to come and enjoy the absolutely stunning transformation of the leaves here. Located in the beautiful lake town of Elmore, the park contains Lake Elmore and Elmore Mountain, and is a great site for hiking, watersports, picnics and camping.
Garner State Park (Texas)
Snap some amazing photos for your Instagram feed at Garner State Park, the most popular state park for overnight camping in Texas. Located in the southern part of the state, there’s plenty to do here such as fishing, canoeing, paddle boating, hiking, picnicking, bike riding and more. In the fall, the Texas Hill Country terrain takes on some stunning hues.
Katy Trail State Park (Missouri)
At 240 miles, the Katy Trail is one of the longest rail-trails in the country. It used to serve the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad but today serves as a path along the Missouri River for cyclists, hikers and joggers. Trees line much of the trail, which is great for a lovely walk or bike ride in the crisp autumn air.
