Lonely PlanetSep 1
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.
day-use tickets required
24 things in this story
- Shenandoah National ParkSighteasy fall getaway two hours from Washington, DC
- Skyline DriveSightCruise to hit dozens of overlooks
- Old RagTrailday-use tickets required
- HawksbillTrailpark’s highest point for birds-eye views
- Lewis Spring FallsTrailmoderately difficult 3.6-mile loop hike
- Elsewhere
- Yosemite National ParkHotelYosemite Valley, United Statesoverlooked fall escape with fewer crowds
- Snake RiverPlaceGrand Teton National Park, United StatesFloat trip destination
- 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
- Glacier National ParkSightGlacier, United StatesWestern larches blaze against evergreens in October
- Going-to-the-Sun RoadSightGlacier, United Statesroad with roadside color show
- Lake McDonaldSightGlacier, United Statesstroll destination
- Hidden LakeTrailGlacier, United Stateshike destination
- Two MedicineSightGlacier, United Stateslesser-visited area to explore
- Highway 2SightGlacier, United Statesroadside color show
- 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