Searching for the most effective nationwide parks to go to in October?
October is an exquisite time to go to the Nationwide Parks. The youngsters are again at school (yay, no youngsters!), 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 need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Depart no Hint Rules. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, decrease campfire influence, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
Concerning the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place collectively this record, 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 of any distinctive adventures solely provided at sure instances of the 12 months to search out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was loads!
It took me an entire week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was price having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, try our full record 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 sequence.
Nationwide Parks: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Could | 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 record, so we included 17.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Choose up an America the Lovely annual move to economize (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you’re serving to help the Parks that at all times want the funding.
17 Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in September
1. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
25 Customer Heart Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, map
Common Temperatures: 55° F / 38° F
Why Go to: Mid-October is the most effective time to go to for leaf-peeping. Though it’s crowded, the colours are beautiful sufficient to make it price it. We caught the final of the autumn foliage in late October.
Finest For / High 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 Highway
- 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 Highway, you are actually 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 continues to be heat in the course of the day and cools at evening. That makes it good for mountaineering to see the arches up shut.
Finest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountaineering, Biking, Tenting, Canyoneering, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: They’ve a Ranger-Led Fiery Furnace Hike that fills up rapidly. You should definitely join 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 provide little to no shade, it’s important to go to when the climate isn’t too scorching to see.
Finest For / High 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 might take time to get from one place to the subsequent. Give your self loads of journey time. Additionally, needless to say 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 concerning the warmth. For those who’re fortunate, you might even see a lightweight dusting of snow, making it much more magical.
Finest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Viewpoints, Mountaineering, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – South Rim Highway, Warner Level Nature Path, East Portal Highway
- 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 Heart, you will need to plan forward of time. There are not any maintained or marked trails into the canyon. Plus, entry to the river is on the opposite facet 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. In the course of the day, you may absorb the solar whereas mountaineering the paths.
Finest For / High 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 elements of this park.
See Associated – The Mighty 5 Utah Nationwide Parks Highway 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 instances to go to Capital Reef Nationwide Park due to the perfect mountaineering climate. You sometimes don’t have to fret about snow or rain.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, Tenting, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Ranger Packages
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fruita, Cathedral Valley, Sulpher Creek, Petroglyph Panel, Gifford Home, Choose 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 Could by means of 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,
Finest For / High 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, Package 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 mountaineering or paddle down the river.
Finest For / High 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: For those who’re not snug paddling down a river your self, you may 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 often peak in late October, making it the proper autumn getaway.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, Biking, Scenic Practice Journey, Fishing, Paddling
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Path, Ledges Overlook, Brandywine Falls, Canal Exploration Heart
- Wildlife – Coyotes, Crimson 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, pink 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, however it’s price it.
Finest For / High 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 folks, however it is going to be a lot fewer than straightforward 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 probability to go to this park earlier than ready one other six months. It’s often much less crowded, too, though it by no means will get that busy in comparison with different nationwide parks.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, Backpacking, Tenting, Fishing, Kayaking, Scuba Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ferry Journey, 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 Heart Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, map
Common Temperatures: 63° F / 44° F
Why Go to: As one of many latest Nationwide Parks, it has rapidly earned a spot as among the best parks for fall foliage, peaking in mid to late October. The cool temps make it good for mountaineering and climbing too.
Finest For / High 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, Crimson 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 delicate, and all of the rain rewards you with wildflowers blooming.
Finest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountaineering, Backpacking, Bicycling, Horseback Using
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Blue Mesa Path, Crimson Basin, Rim Path, Painted Desert Overlooks, Newspaper Rock
- Wildlife – Pronghorn, Coyote, Package 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 all the pieces 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 may see the leaves from the automotive and viewpoints or hop on considered one of its 500 hundred miles of trails.
Finest For / High Actions: Scenic Drives, Fall Foliage, Mountaineering, Backpacking, Wildlife Viewing, Fishing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Skyline Drive, Outdated 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 may catch the tail finish of fall foliage in October with fewer folks, fewer mosquitoes, and funky temperatures. Additionally, don’t miss out on the possibility to catch the Northern Lights at evening.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, Stargazing, Guided Excursions, Fowl 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. Test the Guests Heart 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 at the moment.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, Bicycling, Backcountry Tenting, Pictures, 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, Package Fox
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Because you’re mountaineering on dunes, you want to preserve an eye fixed out for path markers. It may possibly get disorienting in a short time. We bought 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 stunning and an amazing place to identify wildlife
Finest For / High 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 Heart for more information about cave excursions.
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in October
Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in October?
For those who love nationwide parks like us and have executed most of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in October. Whereas October might not be the highest two ideally suited months out of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s not a foul time both.
Ideas for Visiting the Finest Nationwide Parks in September
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint ideas.
- Choose up the Nationwide Park Annual Move should you plan on visiting a number of parks inside the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Wish to see the fall foliage? Local weather change and droughts this 12 months will make timing extra unpredictable. We sometimes go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by means of all of the latest posts to see what it’s wanting like. Take into account that some folks submit older content material, so I like to have a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You can too depart a remark and ask once they went.
- It’s at all times 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 can be heat on the valley ground and chilly at increased elevations.
- It’s possible you’ll want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times test the park’s website and Guests Heart for essentially the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Do not forget that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to methods to work together with animals and the way a lot house it’s best to have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack is dependent upon which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a common information on objects we at all times attempt to pack.
FAQs
Are nationwide parks crowded in October?
Fall is likely one of the greatest instances to go to Nationwide Parks. October often means there are fewer crowds (except you go to a park identified for its fall foliage). Lodging are often cheaper too.
What time of 12 months is greatest to go to nationwide parks?
Late September and October are the most effective instances to go to Nationwide Parks. You get heat, however not chilly climate, and fewer crowds as a result of youngsters are again at school, which additionally means cheaper lodging.
What nationwide park is greatest to go to in October?
It is dependent upon what you’re searching for! For those who’re visiting for fall foliage, Nice Smoky, Shenandoah, and Crimson 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 record 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 continues to be heat in the course of the day with highs of 71, however it drops all the way down to the low 40s at evening. For those who 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 might not be accessible relying on the climate.
How scorching is Grand Canyon in October?
On the South Rim, the highs are often round 65 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 33.
Recap of the 17 Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in October
September is a superb time to discover the Nationwide Parks. You get to make the most of good climate, and most faculties have began again up, so it is going to be a bit much less crowded than within the peak of summer time. Right here is the record of parks we suggest 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 record of greatest nationwide parks to go to in October? Which of them are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of in search of new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
