Searching for the very best nationwide parks to go to in October?
October is a lovely time to go to the Nationwide Parks. The children are again in class (yay, no children!), fall colours are out, and it’s nice climate for getting open air.
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Final Up to date: September 29, 2022
Earlier than we get into it, we wish to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Leave no Trace Principles. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, reduce campfire influence, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
Concerning the Nationwide Park by month Collection
To place collectively this checklist, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal sights like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely provided at sure occasions of the yr to seek out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was quite a bit!
It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was value having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, try our full checklist of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park items that embrace soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embrace the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and those in U.S. territories on this collection.
Nationwide Parks: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Might | Jun | Jul
Is October a Good Time to Go to Nationwide Parks?
Sure! It’s a good time to go to Nationwide Parks, particularly for fall colours. We had a tough time narrowing down the checklist, so we included 17.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Decide up an America the Lovely annual move to economize (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you might be serving to assist the Parks that all the time want the funding.
17 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in September
1. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
25 Customer Middle Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, map
Common Temperatures: 55° F / 38° F
Why Go to: Mid-October is the very best time to go to for leaf-peeping. Though it’s crowded, the colours are beautiful sufficient to make it value it. We caught the final of the autumn foliage in late October.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Biking, Lobster Boat Cruise, Kayaking, Tidepooling
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Cadillac Mountain, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Precipice Path, Thunder Gap, Scenic Park Loop Street
- Wildlife – Seals, Harbor Porpoises, Moose, Black Bears, Whitetail Deer, Beavers
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: If you wish to drive up Cadillac Summit Street, you at the moment are required to get a ticket. See extra particulars right here Recreation.gov.
See Associated – 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Acadia Nationwide Park
2. Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
38.6165892,-109.6220349, map
Common Temperatures: 71° F / 41° F
Why Go to: October is likely one of the greatest months to go to Arches Nationwide Park. The climate remains to be heat in the course of the day and cools at evening. That makes it excellent for mountain climbing to see the arches up shut.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountaineering, Biking, Tenting, Canyoneering, Images
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: They’ve a Ranger-Led Fiery Furnace Hike that fills up shortly. Make sure to sign up early!
See Associated – The Final GUide to Arches Nationwide Park
3. Massive Mattress Nationwide Park, Texas
310, Alstate Ave, Massive Bend Nationwide Park, TX 79834, map
Common Temperatures: 75° F / 55° F
Why Go to: Massive Bend will get heat days and chilly nights in October. Since so many trails supply little to no shade, it’s important to go to when the climate isn’t too sizzling to see.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drives, Day Hikes, River Journeys, Stargazing, Backpacking, Scorching Springs
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Santa Elena Canyon, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Balanced Rock, Langford Scorching Springs
- Wildlife – Coyotes, Western Pipistrelle Bat, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Elk
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: The park covers a big space and may take time to get from one place to the subsequent. Give your self loads of journey time. Additionally, remember the fact that some trails require high-clearance autos to get to.
See Associated – 11 Wonderful Issues to Do in Massive Bend Nationwide Park
4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park, Colorado
10346 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401, map
Common Temperatures: 68° F / 39° F
Why Go to: October is a good time to go to the park to discover the viewpoints and trails with out worrying in regards to the warmth. If you happen to’re fortunate, you might even see a lightweight dusting of snow, making it much more magical.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Viewpoints, Mountaineering, Images
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – South Rim Street, Warner Level Nature Path, East Portal Street
- Wildlife – Coyotes, Elk, Eagles, Mule Deer, Bears
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Native Tip: If you wish to discover the park past overlooks and a Customer Middle, you have to plan forward of time. There aren’t any maintained or marked trails into the canyon. Plus, entry to the river is on the opposite aspect of the canyon.
See Associated – 9 Wonderful Issues to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park
5. Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah
38.459836,-109.8252133, map
Common Temperatures: 70° F / 38° F
Why Go to: The climate is gorgeous in October in Canyonlands Nationwide Park. Pack layers for the chilly mornings and evenings. Through the day, you’ll be able to take in the solar whereas mountain climbing the paths.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountaineering, Backpacking, Tenting, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Island within the Sky (Most Accessible), The Needles, The Maze, Horseshoe Canyon, The Rivers
- Wildlife – Mule Deer, Kangaroo Rats, Mountain Lions, Bighorn Sheep, Black Bear, Desert Cottontails
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: You want a four-wheel drive to discover many components of this park.
See Associated – The Mighty 5 Utah Nationwide Parks Street Journey
6. Capital Reef Nationwide Park, Utah
38.2914642,-111.264238, map
Common Temperatures: 65° F / 41° F
Why Go to: October is likely one of the hottest occasions to go to Capital Reef Nationwide Park due to the perfect mountain climbing climate. You sometimes don’t have to fret about snow or rain.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Tenting, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Ranger Packages
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fruita, Cathedral Valley, Sulpher Creek, Petroglyph Panel, Gifford Home, Decide Fruits
- Wildlife – Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Ringtail, Marmots, Grey Fox, Canyon Bat
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
See Associated – Full Checklist of Nationwide Parks by State
7. Carlsbad Caverns Nationwide Park, New Mexico
727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, map
Common Temperatures: 71° F / 49° F
Why Go to: The Bat Flight Program (late Might by October at 7 pm) is a spotlight that you simply shouldn’t miss. In October, the cooler climate makes exploring the floor trails extra nice too,
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Wildlife Viewing, Guided Excursions, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – at Flight Program, Guadalupe Ridge Path, Massive Room, and Pure Entrance Trails
- Wildlife – Vesper Bats, Coyotes, Grey Fox, Equipment Fox, Pronghorn, Vipers, Bobcat, Black Bears,
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: No digital units are allowed (together with cameras and cell telephones) in the course of the Bat Flight Program.
8. Congaree Nationwide Park, South Carolina
100 Nationwide Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, map
Common Temperatures: 75° F / 52° F
Why Go to: Congaree Nationwide Park’s fall colours peak in the direction of the top of October. The cooler temperatures make it a good time to go mountain climbing or paddle down the river.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Tenting
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Boardwalk Loop Path, Canoe or Kayak, Bluff Path
- Wildlife – Bobcats, Deer, Feral Pigs, Coyotes, Armadillos, Otters
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Professional Tip: If you happen to’re not snug paddling down a river your self, you’ll be able to join ranger-led paddles.
See Associated – 11 Distinctive Issues to Do in Congaree Nationwide Park
9. Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park, Ohio
6947 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, map
Common Temperatures: 62° F / 46° F
Why Go to: The autumn leaves in Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park normally peak in late October, making it the proper autumn getaway.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Biking, Scenic Prepare Experience, Fishing, Paddling
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Path, Ledges Overlook, Brandywine Falls, Canal Exploration Middle
- Wildlife – Coyotes, Pink Foxes, Grey Foxes, Bats, Deer, Mink
- What number of days do you want? 2-3
10. Nice Smoky Mountain Nationwide Park
2 Everett St, Bryson Metropolis, NC 28713, map
Common Temperatures: 63° F / 36° F
Why Go to: Sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, purple maple, and hickories explode in colours from mid-October to early November. It attracts leaf-peeping crowds, so be ready for it to be busy. You’ll have to courageous the crowds, nevertheless it’s value it.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Tenting, Scenic Drives, Biking, Fall Colours
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Path, Blue Ridge Parkway
- Wildlife – Elk, Black Bears, Bobcat, Whitetail Deer, Coyote, Pygmy Shrew
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: To keep away from crowds, get out of the automotive and go on longer hikes. You’ll nonetheless see individuals, however will probably be a lot fewer than simple to get to spots.
See Associated – 11 Can’t Miss Issues to DO in Pigeon Forge TN
11. Isle Royale Nationwide Park, Michigan
800 E Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, map
Common Temperatures: 48° F / 38° F
Why Go to: With a restricted season ending in October, that is your final likelihood to go to this park earlier than ready one other six months. It’s normally much less crowded, too, though it by no means will get that busy in comparison with different nationwide parks.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Backpacking, Tenting, Fishing, Kayaking, Scuba Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ferry Experience, Greenstone Ridge Path, Tour the three Lighthouses
- Wildlife – Moose, Wolves, Elk, Snowshoe Hares, Foxes, Mink, Beavers
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
12. New River GOrge Nationwide Park, West Virginia
162 Customer Middle Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, map
Common Temperatures: 63° F / 44° F
Why Go to: As one of many latest Nationwide Parks, it has shortly earned a spot as top-of-the-line parks for fall foliage, peaking in mid to late October. The cool temps make it excellent for mountain climbing and climbing too.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Tenting, Whitewater Rafting, Mountaineering, Biking, Climbing, Scenic Drives, Fishing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – New River Gorge Bridge, Grandview, Sandstone Falls, Nuttallburg
- Wildlife – Groundhog, Coyotes, Pink Foxes, Grey Foxes, Black Bears, Bobcats, White-Tailed Deer
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
13. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona
1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, AZ 86028, map
Common Temperatures: 73° F / 42° F
Why Go to: Summer season is the busiest and wettest season of the park, however come October, the temperatures are gentle, and all of the rain rewards you with wildflowers blooming.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountaineering, Backpacking, Bicycling, Horseback Driving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Blue Mesa Path, Pink Basin, Rim Path, Painted Desert Overlooks, Newspaper Rock
- Wildlife – Pronghorn, Coyote, Equipment Fox, Bobcat Mule Deer, Badger
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Professional Tip: Discover the park East to West, and you may see every part with out backtracking.
14. Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia
Skyline Drive Milepost 51, Stanley, VA 22851, map
Common Temperatures: 58° F / 39° F
Why Go to: October is the height season for fall foliage viewing and is the park’s busiest time, with roughly 25% of its yearly guests in a single month. You possibly can see the leaves from the automotive and viewpoints or hop on considered one of its 500 hundred miles of trails.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drives, Fall Foliage, Mountaineering, Backpacking, Wildlife Viewing, Fishing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Skyline Drive, Previous Rag Mountain, Massive Meadows, The Level Overlook, Dickey Ridge
- Wildlife – Black Bear, Massive Brown Bat, Skunks, White-Tailed Deer
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
15. Voyageurs Nationwide Park, Minnesota
360 MN-11, Worldwide Falls, MN 56649, map
Common Temperatures: 52° F / 33° F
Why Go to: You possibly can catch the tail finish of fall foliage in October with fewer individuals, fewer mosquitoes, and funky temperatures. Additionally, don’t miss out on the prospect to catch the Northern Lights at evening.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Stargazing, Guided Excursions, Chook Watching
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Echo Bay Path, Grassy Bay Cliffs, Ellsworth Rock Gardens, Anderson Bay, Harry Oveson Fish Camp
- Wildlife – Moose, Grey Wolf, Beaver, Bald Eagle
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Parts of the park can solely be accessed through the water. Verify the Guests Middle for more information.
16. White Sands Nationwide Park, New Mexico
19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, map
Common Temperatures: 79° F / 41° F
Why Go to: October is likely one of the quieter months at White Sands Nationwide Park. It’s a good time to discover the dunes with nobody in sight or to even camp and gaze on the stars above. You’ll additionally discover some cottonwoods altering colours right now.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Bicycling, Backcountry Tenting, Images, Stargazing, Sledding
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Sledding, Dune Life Nature Path, Alkali Flat Path, Playa Path
- Wildlife – American Badger, Apache Pocket Mouse, Black-Tailed Jackrabbit, Bobcat, Coyote, Equipment Fox
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Because you’re mountain climbing on dunes, you want to hold an eye fixed out for path markers. It could actually get disorienting in a short time. We acquired misplaced.
See Associated – 5 Unbelievable Issues to Do at White Sands Nationwide Park
17. Wind Cave Nationwide Park, South Dakota
26611 US-385, Scorching Springs, SD 57747, map
Common Temperatures: 63° F / 35° F
Why Go to: Though the cave stays the identical temperature year-round, October additionally brings you nice climate for exploring the floor trails. The encompassing grasslands and forested hillsides are lovely and an incredible place to identify wildlife
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Excursions, Mountaineering, Wildlife, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Wind Cave Tour, Prairie Vista, Elk Mountain, Bison Flats, Boland Ridge
- Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Canine, Black Footed Ferret, Elk, Bobcats, Mountain Lions
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Cease by the Customer Middle for more information about cave excursions.
Map of the Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in October
Need to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in October?
If you happen to love nationwide parks like us and have performed lots of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in October. Whereas October will not be the highest two ideally suited months out of the yr to go to these parks, it’s not a foul time both.
Suggestions for Visiting the Greatest Nationwide Parks in September
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace principles.
- Decide up the Nationwide Park Annual Cross for those who plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- Need to see the fall foliage? Local weather change and droughts this yr will make timing extra unpredictable. We sometimes go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by all of the latest posts to see what it’s trying like. Understand that some individuals publish older content material, so I like to have a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You may also depart a remark and ask after they went.
- It’s all the time a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat in the course of the day and funky at evening. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks will likely be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at greater elevations.
- Chances are you’ll want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times examine the park’s web site and Guests Middle for probably the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Do not forget that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to easy methods to work together with animals and the way a lot area it’s best to have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack is determined by which park you go to and the actions you intend, however here’s a basic information on objects we all the time attempt to pack.
FAQs
Are nationwide parks crowded in October?
Fall is likely one of the greatest occasions to go to Nationwide Parks. October normally means there are fewer crowds (until you go to a park recognized for its fall foliage). Lodging are normally cheaper too.
What time of yr is greatest to go to nationwide parks?
Late September and October are the very best occasions to go to Nationwide Parks. You get heat, however not chilly climate, and fewer crowds as a result of children are again in class, which additionally means cheaper lodging.
What nationwide park is greatest to go to in October?
It is determined by what you’re in search of! If you happen to’re visiting for fall foliage, Nice Smoky, Shenandoah, and Pink River Gorge are nice. To keep away from crowds, try White Sands, Isle Royale, or Voyageurs.
What’s the greatest nationwide park to go to within the fall?
All of the parks on this checklist are good for one purpose or one other, however our vote goes to Acadia Nationwide Park for fall foliage plus the coast.
What’s Zion like in October?
Highs of 82 levels Fahrenheit and lows of 43 levels make it nonetheless heat when there isn’t shade. Keep away from uncovered hikes in the midst of the day, and use the nice and cozy temps to discover the river and canyon.
How is Yellowstone in October?
Yellowstone in October is a good time to see wildlife nonetheless out and about. A lot of them are getting ready for winter now. The climate is cool and crisp, and fall colours are additionally out.
What’s Yosemite like in October?
The climate within the valley remains to be heat in the course of the day with highs of 71, nevertheless it drops right down to the low 40s at evening. If you happen to head as much as Tuolumne Meadows, the temperatures drop by 20 levels.
Is Glacier park open in October?
Roads begin closing in October, so parts of the park will not be accessible relying on the climate.
How sizzling is Grand Canyon in October?
On the South Rim, the highs are normally round 65 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 33.
Recap of the 17 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in October
September is a superb time to discover the Nationwide Parks. You get to reap the benefits of good climate, and most faculties have began again up, so will probably be a bit much less crowded than within the peak of summer season. Right here is the checklist of parks we advocate visiting.
- Acadia Nationwide Park
- Arches Nationwide Park
- Massive Bend Nationwide Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park
- Canyonlands Nationwide Park
- Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
- Carlsbad Caverns Nationwide Park
- Congaree Nationwide Park
- Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park
- Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
- Isle Royale Nationwide Park
- New River Gorge Nationwide Park
- Petrified Forest Nationwide Park
- Shenandoah Nationwide Park
- Voyageurs Nationwide Park
- White Sands Nationwide Park
- Wind Cave Nationwide Park
Are you able to consider others that belong on this checklist of greatest nationwide parks to go to in October? Which of them are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of searching for new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
