Fall may be the time for comfy sweaters, cider, family, and all things pumpkin, but the best way to truly enjoy autumn is to head outdoors and take in one of nature’s most spectacular displays, the fall foliage. So where are the ideal destinations for prime foliage viewing? Well, here are three national parks where waves of scarlet, orange, and yellow flow effortlessly through the landscapes in a beautiful parade of color that can only be experienced in the fall.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park’s fall foliage is so adored that an entire bike festival has been created around it. The Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival is the perfect way to get some exercise and witness an amazing display of fall colors. There are numerous routes to take, ranging from 10 miles to 100 miles, taking riders down scenic country roads and over the park’s majestic rolling hills. There are also 500 miles of trails that are brimming with fall foliage to enjoy, including over 100 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail. If a little more relaxation is in order, the 105-mile Skyline Drive winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing a stunning view of this beloved park and its renowned foliage.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park certainly lives up to its name as the park evokes grandeur. Located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, the park is packed to the gills with awe-inspiring scenery that most people only see on the big screen. The towering, foliage-covered mountains stand tall above the park’s crystal clear lakes, casting magnificent reflections of the park’s grandiose fall foliage. Unlike foliage found in other parts of the country, the foliage at Grand Teton National Park does not turn red or purple in the fall. Instead, the park is illuminated in the vibrant yellow hues of its magnificent aspens.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is not well known outside of Ohio, but it boasts perhaps the most amazing fall foliage in the nation. Most of the park’s protected land is either covered by waters or trees, making it an ideal destination for taking in the fiery red and orange leaves of fall. With over 125 miles of scenic hiking trails, viewing opportunities are in no short supply, making it arguably the best national park in the fall.
