Take a national park road trip for peak fall colors
Read how to plan a fall color chasing trip with autumn photography tips
If you want to chase autumn through the parks this year, I’ve put together a list of national parks that shine in the fall. Each has their own peak window and unique vibe.
Some are quiet and moody. Others are wild with color. But they all have one thing in common: once the season is over, it’s over.
Check out my upcoming photography book of rare night phenomena in national parks
Use this guide to build your own fall foliage road trip, or just pick one park close to home. You don’t have to hit all six. Just get out there.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (MI)
It doesn’t get better than the Upper Peninsula in autumn. Fiery red and orange maples mix with the deep evergreens that line Lake Superior’s cliffs. Add in waterfalls, sand dunes, and shipwreck history? Yes please!
When to go: Late September – Early October
Why it’s great: Coastal cliffs + peak color = pure Michigan magic
Photo tip: Sunrise at Chapel Rock. Catch the light hitting both the water and the trees.
Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
Golden aspen groves shimmer like they’re lit from within. Elk bugle in the distance. And at higher elevations, you’ll find early snow dusting the peaks. Fall in Rocky is short—but spectacular.
When to go: Late September – Early October
Why it’s great: Elk rut + electric aspens + alpine drama
Photo tip: Head to Bear Lake at dawn to beat the crowds for glassy reflections and soft pink skies.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways (MO)
One of the most underrated fall destinations in the country. The rivers run slow and silent this time of year, carving through limestone bluffs and fiery hardwood forests. Quiet, wild, and way less crowded than other parks.
When to go: Mid-October
Why it’s great: Paddle or hike through backcountry fall color
Photo tip: Early morning mist over the Current River adds moody depth to landscape shots.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN/NC)
This is the iconic fall color park. More than 100 tree species = a full spectrum of color. And thanks to the park’s elevation range, the leaf show lasts longer than most.
When to go: Mid to Late October
Why it’s great: Layered ridges of color that look like a painting
Photo tip: Clingmans Dome for sunrise, or Cades Cove during sunset for old timey buildings.
Capitol Reef National Park (UT)
Utah has fall color? Yes. And Capitol Reef delivers in a big way. The cottonwoods in the Fruita district light up gold against the red rock, and the crowds are practically nonexistent.
When to go: Late October
Why it’s great: Desert landscapes with a flash of unexpected autumn
Photo tip: Look for cottonwoods reflecting in the Fremont River near historic barns.
Yosemite National Park (CA)
Most people think of Yosemite in spring or summer. Fall is a hidden gem. Dogwoods, bigleaf maples, and black oaks transform the valley into a quiet dreamscape.
When to go: Late October – Early November
Why it’s great: Golden meadows, low fog, and moody granite peaks
Photo tip: Tunnel View after a storm. Moody Yosemite is peak Yosemite, and you might get a rainbow over the valley.
Potential Road Trip Routes
Want to hit more than one? Here are a couple ideas:
🍁 Midwest to Appalachia Loop
Pictured Rocks → Ozarks → Great Smoky Mountains
Perfect for a 1- to 2-week road trip with unbeatable color diversity.
🌄 Western Scenic Circuit
Rocky Mountain → Capitol Reef → Yosemite
A high-elevation route that captures the drama of fall against big mountain backdrops.
Of course, you can also create your own. Just follow the color.
See It Before It’s Gone
Autumn is the most generous and most unforgiving season. It shows up, goes big, and then disappears.
That’s why I love it.
And if you’re a night owl like me, don’t forget: fall also means Orionid meteors, your last chance at some crisp Milky Way shots, maybe a autumn Firefall in Yosemite, if you’re REALLY lucky.