Lonely PlanetSep 1, 2026
15 US National Parks Perfect for Fall Road Trips
Fall is an awesome season for road trips. These US national parks are driving destinations that deliver on foliage, fresh air and much more.
24 things in this story
- Glacier National ParkSightWestern larches blaze against evergreens in October
- Going-to-the-Sun RoadSightroad with roadside color show
- Lake McDonaldSightstroll destination
- Hidden LakeTrailhike destination
- Two MedicineSightlesser-visited area to explore
- Highway 2Sightroadside color show
- Elsewhere
- Yosemite National ParkHotelYosemite Valley, United Statesoverlooked fall escape with fewer crowds
- Snake RiverPlaceGrand Teton National Park, United StatesFloat trip destination
- Shenandoah National ParkSightShenandoah, United Stateseasy fall getaway two hours from Washington, DC
- Skyline DriveSightShenandoah, United StatesCruise to hit dozens of overlooks
- Old RagTrailShenandoah, United Statesday-use tickets required
- HawksbillTrailShenandoah, United Statespark’s highest point for birds-eye views
- Lewis Spring FallsTrailShenandoah, United Statesmoderately difficult 3.6-mile loop hike
- Cadillac MountainTrailAcadia, United Statessunrise hike
- BeehiveTrailAcadia, United Statesclassic hike
- Schoodic PeninsulaNeighborhoodAcadia, United Statesquieter area for tidepooling and sunset views
- Ravens NestSightAcadia, United Statescatch the sunset behind Cadillac
- Haborside HotelHotelAcadia, United Statesproperty that's New England chic with every luxury
- Salt CottagesHotelAcadia, United Statesretro feel with fun amenities
- Belton ChaletHotelWest Glacier, United States100-year-old fireplace and scenic views
- Montana Coffee TradersCaféWhitefish, United Statescoffee shop
- Wawona Swinging BridgeSightYosemite Valley, United Statesdetour for rainbow of fall color
- Merced River CanyonSightYosemite Valley, United Statesscenic drive along river
- Serrano's Mexican RestaurantRestaurantEast Glacier, United States