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If you love the great outdoors, October is the perfect time to visit one of America’s amazing national parks. The leaves are changing color to rusty oranges, reds and browns, and the weather is cooler than during the summer months.
Here are 19 of the best national parks to visit in October.
Just quickly – here are some of my most recommended things for a national park trip!
#1: A cheap lens cloth will ensure your camera stays smudge free while photographing paradise.
#2: Sandisk is a well known brand and these cards can hold up to 32GBs of photos which keep you covered.
#3: For general hiking, these hiking boots are both cheap and have a ton of great reviews.
Grand Canyon National Park in October, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park is undeniably one of the most popular national parks in the United States, and is known by a lot of people overseas too. Every year, millions of tourists come from all over the world to see the incredible views and experience the unique geology of this natural wonder.
October is a great time to visit Grand Canyon National Park. The weather is cool and comfortable, making it perfect for hiking and camping. In addition, the fall colors are absolutely stunning.
So if you’re looking for a breath taking vacation destination this October, be sure to add Grand Canyon National Park to your list!
Note: The North Rim is only open until approximately October 15th, so if its a must see, visit prior to then.
Saguaro National Park in October, Arizona
Looking to experience a little of everything that Saguaro National Park has to offer? October is the perfect time to visit! The days are still warm enough to enjoy all the outdoor activities the park has to offer, but not so hot that you’ll be miserable.
Plus, October is a great time to see the Sonoran Desert in all its glory as the leaves begin to change colors.
Hot Springs National Park in October, Arkansas
One of the best times to visit Hot Springs National Park is in October. The weather is cool and comfortable, and the leaves are changing color, making for a beautiful setting. The park is also less crowded during this time of year, so you can enjoy its many features without crowds.
Some of the must-see attractions at Hot Springs National Park in October include Bathhouse Row, where you can take a dip in one of the historic baths; Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area; and Gulpha Gorge Trail, a scenic hike that takes you through a gorge and past waterfalls.
Death Valley National Park in October, California
Death Valley National Park is a great place to visit in October. The temperatures are lower during this time of year, which is important for this area, and the crowds are also a bit lower this month. Here are some things to do in Death Valley National Park in October:
Hiking: Death Valley has many hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. One popular trail is the hike to Zabriskie Point. This moderate trail takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the park.
Camping: There are several campgrounds located throughout Death Valley National Park. Furnace Creek Campground is a good option and it’s centrally located near many of the park’s attractions.
Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife while you’re in the park. Some animals you might see include bighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert tortoises.
Yosemite National Park in October, California
As the leaves begin to change color and fall gently to the ground, many people think of taking a trip to see the stunning scenery. Yosemite National Park is a great place to visit in October. The air is crisp and cool, and the colors are simply beautiful.
Yosemite National Park is found in the Sierra Nevada mountains, in the state of California. It covers an area of over 748,000 acres and is home to many different species of plants and animals. The park is also home to some of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
Visitors can take part in many different activities while at Yosemite National Park. There are hiking trails for all levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes. There are also ranger-led programs available, such as guided nature walks and stargazing programs.
Mesa Verde National Park in October, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park in October is the perfect time to see the leaves changing color and the cooler temperatures. The park is located in southwest Colorado and is known for its cliff dwellings. The Mesa Verde area was first inhabited by the Anasazi people over 1,000 years ago.
They built their homes into the cliffs to protect themselves from enemies. Today, you can still see these cliff dwellings and learn more about the Anasazi people.
October is also a great time to go hiking in Mesa Verde National Park. There are roughly150 miles of hiking trails for visitors to walk through. You can hike through canyons, forests, and meadows, all while keeping an eye out for the local wildlife.
Rocky Mountain National Park in October, Colorado
As the leaves begin to change color and the air gets crisp, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to visit in October. The park offers many activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
During the day, temperatures are cool but comfortable, making it perfect for hiking or exploring the many trails in the park. As the sun sets, the temperatures can drop quickly, so be sure to bring a jacket or blanket.
The stars shine bright in Rocky Mountain National Park at night and there is no light pollution to obstruct views of the Milky Way. October is also a great time to see wildlife in the park, including elk, bighorn sheep, and deer.
Everglades National Park in October, Florida
Everglades National Park is a world unto itself. A visit here is like taking a step back in time to a simpler era.
The park is teeming with wildlife, and the air is thick with the sounds of nature. October is an ideal time to visit the park, as the weather is cooler and the crowds are thinner. While this is a great time in the Everglades national park, here are some tips to make your visit even better:
First, be sure to pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be a nuisance. Second, make sure you have some comfortable shoes to wear while visiting, especially if you intend to do a lot of walking.
Third, bring binoculars so you can get a closer look at the park’s wildlife. Finally, don’t forget your camera to capture the memories of this unique place!
Haleakala National Park in October, Hawaii
There’s no bad time to visit Haleakala National Park, but October may be the best. The weather is usually dry and mild, making it ideal for hiking and camping. Plus, the fall colors are really pretty in Haleakala.
First, a little bit about the park. Haleakala National Park covers 33,265 acres on the island of Maui. It’s home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala, which last erupted in 1790. At Haleakala National Park there are two visitor centres open to tourists, one which is located at the summit, and one in Kīpahulu.
If you’re planning on hiking, October is a great time to go. The trails are mostly dry and there aren’t many crowds.
Arcadia National Park in October, Maine
Arcadia National Park is the perfect place to enjoy the autumn season. The leaves are turning beautiful shades of red and orange, and the air is crisp and refreshing. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the park, from hiking and biking to exploring the many scenic vistas.
October is also a great time to visit Arcadia National Park for wildlife watching. The park is home to many species of animals, including deer, moose, bears, and birds.
So whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy the fall foliage or get up close and personal with some wildlife, Arcadia National Park is a great destination in October.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October, North Carolina / Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great park to explore in October. The weather is cooler and the leaves are changing color, making for beautiful scenery. There are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy, from hiking and biking to exploring the park’s many historical sites.
October is also a great time to see wildlife in the park. Bears are active this time of year as they prepare for winter, and elk can be seen bugling in the meadows. Birders will have plenty of opportunities to spot migrating birds, and there’s even a chance of seeing a rarer species or two.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is worth a visit in October.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in October, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great place to visit in October. The leaves are changing and the weather is cool, making it the perfect time to explore the park. There are many different activities to do in the park, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. Visitors to Cuyahoga NP also have the chance to take a short train ride through part of the national park.
There are also many different events that take place in the park in October, such as pumpkin festivals and Halloween hayrides. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great place to spend a day or two in October.
Congaree National Park in October, South Carolina
Fall is the perfect time to explore Congaree National Park. The leaves are changing into a more vibrant rustic color and the weather is much cooler than the middle of summer. October is a great month to visit Congaree National Park.
The park is located in South Carolina and is home to the tallest trees in the eastern United States.Congaree National Park is a great place to hike, camp, and paddle.
There are a ton of beautiful trails to try out, and the surrounding nature in the park really stands out during this time. October is also a good time to see wildlife in the park. deer, squirrels, and birds are all active this time of year.
Big Bend National Park in October, Texas
One of the best times to visit Big Bend National Park is in October when the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller. The Big Bend National Park is located in the southwest corner of Texas and it’s a popular spot for hiking, camping, bird watching, and stargazing. The park is spread out over 801,000 acres, so you can definitely get in your steps here.
October is the perfect time to explore Big Bend National Park. The temperatures are cool and comfortable, making it ideal for hiking and camping. And since the summer crowds have gone home, you’ll have the place almost to yourself.
Zion National Park in October, Utah
Zion National Park is a stunning place to visit in any season, but October is especially beautiful. The leaves are changing into fall hues, making for a colourful and interesting landscape. The weather is cool and comfortable, perfect for hiking and exploring.
The crowds have thinned out from summer, but the weather is still mild enough to comfortably enjoy all the park has to offer. Hiking is a great way to take in the changing leaves, and there are plenty of trails of varying difficulty levels to choose from.
For a less active experience, take a scenic drive through the park or go on a horseback ride. There are fewer crowds than in the summer, so you can really take your time and enjoy all that Zion has to offer.
Shenandoah National Park in October, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is found in Virginia, more specifically in the very interesting Appalachian Mountains. The park is known for its beautiful fall foliage, hiking trails, and wildlife.
October is the perfect time to visit Shenandoah National Park because you’ll avoid the summer crowds and have the opportunity to see the fall colors in the trees.
There are many different activities that you can do while visiting Shenandoah National Park in October. You can go hiking on one of the over 500 miles of trails, go horseback riding, or take a scenic drive down Skyline Drive.
You can also enjoy some of the park’s other attractions, such as Luray Caverns or Skyland Resort.
Mount Rainier National Park in October, Washington
With its snow-capped peak and sprawling meadows, Mount Rainier National Park is a breathtaking sight in any season. But in October, the park takes on a special kind of magic.
The leaves of the trees change color, creating a backdrop of yellows, oranges, and reds. And the air is crisp and clean, making for perfect hiking weather.
There are plenty of trails to explore in Mount Rainier National Park, no matter what your level of fitness. For those looking for a challenge, there’s the strenuous hike to Camp Muir. But there are also shorter and more gentle trails that wind through the forests and meadows.
Whatever trail you choose to follow, you’re sure to be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area.
North Cascades National Park in October, Washington
Fall is the perfect time to visit North Cascades National Park. The crowds have thinned out and the leaves are starting to change color. October is a great month to go hiking, camping, and sightseeing in the park.
The Cascade Pass trail is one of the most popular hiking paths. This trail takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the park. If that one isn’t your cup of tea though, there are a few others to choose from.
You’ll get views of alpine meadows, glaciers, and mountain peaks. The trail is about 5 miles round trip and can be done in a day.
If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can try the Maple Pass Loop. This trail is 7 miles long and takes you through forests, meadows, and lakes. It’s a great hike for wildlife watching as well.
Grand Teton National Park in October, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is a beautiful place to visit in any season, but October may be the best time of year. Fall brings out the red and oranges in the trees, and the temeratures cool down too, so its a great time to visit if you prefer cooler weather. There are fewer crowds than in the summer, making it the perfect time to enjoy all the park has to offer.
There are many activities to enjoy in Grand Teton National Park in October. Hiking is one of the most popular activities, and there are many trails to explore. The views from some of the higher trails are breathtaking at this time of year. Other popular activities include fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.
If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Grand Teton National Park is the perfect destination.
In conclusion, October is the perfect time to visit one of America’s amazing national parks. Fall is one of the prettiest times to be out in nature practically everywhere, so get your camera and comfortable shoes ready to explore some fall nature.
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