Autumn in National Parks

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

The National Park Service preserves forests and their vibrant fall leaves by:

1. Fire on the Landscape: Rangers and firefighters provide safe, prescribed burns to help thin out the forest. Wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems and reduces the number of trees. This allows the remaining trees to get the resources they need to thrive. Prescribed fires help the forest and helps local communities. Forests that have been recently burned are less likely to burn out of control during a wildfire.
2. Removing Invasive Plants: Invasive plants harm native species. Controlling invasive plants and their spread lets native trees and plants can thrive. Our native trees will continue to create vibrant fall colors.
3. Water Care: The conservation of water helps trees get enough moisture to grow. Trees with enough water are more likely to show bright colors in autumn.
4. Education and Outreach: Park rangers promote stewardship of our forests. Maintained trails and viewpoints allow people to appreciate the beauty of autumn. Public lands ensure that everyone can enjoy the colors of fall for years to come!

Denali National Park & Preserve

Wondering where to go?

Check out these parks from around the nation that have amazing fall color:

Blue Ridge Parkway - North Carolina & Virginia
While the vividly colored fall leaves of the Blue Ridge Parkway may grab your attention, don’t forget to pull over and take a peek at the Parkway’s fall wildflowers in bloom all along roads and trails.

Cedar Breaks National Monument - Utah
In addition to the beautiful red rocks of the Cedar Breaks cliffs, autumn brings about even more vivid color to the breathtaking landscape of the monument.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - North Carolina & Tennessee
Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Try some of the park’s suggested autumn drives and hikes to enjoy fall in parts of the park that are a little less crowded.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Texas
A little bit of a late “bloomer,” the leaves in Guadalupe mountains usually change starting in mid-October through mid-November, making it a great place to see some of the last fall colors before winter hits.

Glacier National Park

Natchez Trace Parkway - Alabama, Mississippi & Tennessee
Take a leisurely drive through the Natchez Trace Parkway and enjoy the crimson foliage and the crisp autumn air with a variety of mile markers to guide your way.

Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado
When you think of Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall, the first thought is of aspen trees. Follow the color as it cascades down the peaks from the subalpine zone down to the montane zone.

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway - Wisconsin & Minnesota
Enjoy a more quiet time along the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway as you paddle along and take in the beautiful, leisurely corridor of fall foliage.

Shenandoah National Park - Virginia
Perhaps most famous for its fall color, Shenandoah National Park provides breathtaking views of never-ending valleys full of the entire spectrum of fall colors. Take a drive or hike through these forests with the closest stop only a short 70 miles outside of metropolitan Washington, DC.

Yosemite National Park - California
Consider a gentle stroll along the old road from Badger Pass ski area to Bridalveil Creek Campground to take in Yosemite’s glowing aspen groves.