TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When the crisp air of autumn arrives, the best national parks in the USA transform into picture-perfect getaways that heal both the body and mind. Dotted with magical foliage and cooler breeze, campers and hikers alike are promised good treats, where breathtaking scenery meets the alluring charm of wildlife bonding. If you are looking for a breather this fall, let’s take a tour around the nation’s most enchanting natural landmarks here.
List of the Best National Parks in the USA
Winning the hearts of many, many of the best national parks in the USA have received accolades from travel experts like Lonely Planet, More than Just Parks, and others. See the top ten below:
1. Great Smoky National Park - Tennessee & North Carolina
Stretching across 850 miles of scenic hiking trails, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its enchanting morning fog and breathtaking natural beauty. Unlike many other parks, it enjoys a longer season of vibrant fall foliage, drawing leaf-peepers from all over.
Home to more than 19,000 documented species, it holds the title of the most biodiverse park in the entire national park system. Among the highlights is Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, where visitors can take in sweeping mountain views. It’s no wonder that over 13 million people make the journey each year, making it the most visited national park in the USA.
2. Shenandoah National Park - Virginia
One of the best national parks in the USA is located just two hours away from Washington, DC, offering busy adults a brief respite. With color staying until early November, rolling golden hills easily pique the interest of many. From hikers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers, they all gather here to admire the beauty of Shenandoah National Park.
3. Acadia National Park - Maine
Crowned as Maine’s most breathtaking natural destination by many travel experts, Acadia National Park boasts the tallest coastal mountains along the eastern seaboard. Its dramatic landscapes include the Precipice and Beehive trails, where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Gulf of Maine.
Beyond its trails, Acadia also draws crowds of Northern Lights chasers, who flock to the park for guided tours in hopes of witnessing the magical dance of the aurora across the night sky.
4. Glacier National Park - Montana
Among the best national parks in the USA, Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering more than 700 miles of glacier-carved trails. The best time to visit is between early July and mid-October, when the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open and the park reveals its most spectacular scenery.
Spanning across Montana, Glacier is also home to over 700 pristine lakes, creating a landscape as majestic as it is diverse. For those eager to explore on foot, must-see routes like the Trail of the Cedars and Iceberg Lake Trail promise delightful experiences with nature.
5. Yosemite National Park - California
Yosemite National Park stands as one of the most iconic destinations in the country, famed for its breathtaking waterfalls, including Vernal Fall and Bridalveil Fall. With countless hiking routes and camping spots, reservations are highly recommended as they fill up quickly once booking opens.
For those seeking a quieter escape, autumn is the perfect season to visit, offering cooler temperatures, thinner crowds, and a serene atmosphere. The Valley Loop Trail is a must for anyone hoping to experience Yosemite’s dazzling fall foliage in all its glory.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is celebrated as one of the highest in the United States, with towering peaks that soar beyond 12,000 feet. Each year, the park becomes the stage for a spectacular natural event, the elk migration, when herds descend from the high country in search of mates.
Adding to its charm are the golden aspen groves, which paint the landscape in brilliant hues and create a memorable autumn backdrop. With over 355 miles of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, the park offers something for every type of adventurer.
7. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
As a testament to its title that screams best national park in the USA, Grand Teton National Park captivates visitors with over 250 miles of trails winding past pristine lakes, dense forests, and the rugged peaks of the Teton Range. In autumn, golden cottonwoods create a striking contrast against the mountains, making the season especially enticing. Wildlife tours add to the park’s allure, offering the chance to spot everything from rutting elk to bears preparing for hibernation.
8. Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming & Montana
Yellowstone consistently appears as one of the greatest national parks in America, well-known for its breathtaking scenery. Spanning 2.2 million acres, the park enthralls adventure seekers with its majestic mountains, serene lakes, vast valleys, and world-famous hot springs.
With over 900 miles of hiking trails, Yellowstone boasts endless opportunities for exploration, welcoming adventurers of all ages. Among its most cherished highlights are the roaming herds of bison and elk, along with the park’s iconic steaming geysers.
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park falls into the category of an underrated gem, often hidden from mainstream visitors. If the park’s color tour during Oktoberfest doesn’t already tickle your curiosity, head to Szalay’s Farm and Market to take a bite or two across the harvest belongings, including pumpkins, apples, hayrides, and many more.
10. Great Basin National Park - Nevada
Rounding out the list, Great Basin National Park becomes a citizen favorite when autumn rolls out, thanks to its pine nut season. Tucked away in Nevada’s remote desert, this destination is far away from crowds and instead embraces an alpine paradise and verdant forests of aspen.
Whether you’re chasing the colors of autumn, tracing the trails of wildlife, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the rush of daily life, these best national parks in the USA stand ready to welcome you.
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