'Clad with colorful displays': Best national parks to visit for 'leaf peeping'
Ready to enjoy spectacular views of changing leaves during the autumn months?
Consider a road trip to these national parks for “leaf peeping” “as forests, woods, and shrublands turn a magnificent array of colors September through December each year depending on the climate and conditions,” National Parks Service (NPS) states on its website.
“(Fall leaves) are easy enough to see strolling through your local city parks or even your own neighborhood, but it's truly something else to witness the glorious autumn blaze at a national park,” NPS said in a 2022 article.
Whether you’re leaf peeping “in a car or the open air,” remember that it’s essential to always be aware of your surroundings and “recreate responsibly for a fun, safe trip,” NPS says. Wherever you live in the nation or hope to visit, we’ve got you covered, with recommendations for best national and state parks for autumn leaves, best time to view peak fall foliage in your area, and anything else you need to know.
What week of October is best for fall foliage?
The second and third week of October are typically peak times, but it shifts depending on where you live and your local weather conditions. Scorching heat and humidity that hung over most of the Great Plains, Midwest and South this summer probably will affect how colorful our fall foliage will be, USA TODAY previously reported. By Oct. 4, the leaves in some areas will be past their prime, according to Farmers' Almanac.
According to Farmers' Almanac recent fall predictions:
Foliage starts to change in the northern-tier states out West and in the Midwest by late September.
Much of New England as well as the Pacific Northwest will experience near peak fall color by Oct. 11.
Further south in Virginia, mid-October is a leaf peepers’ best bet.
Which national parks should you visit for fall leaves?
You can find autumn color anywhere you find deciduous broadleaved trees, the ones that drop their leaves in the autumn, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Although New England is famous for sprawling deciduous forests with spectacular autumn colors, the Adirondack, Appalachian, Smoky, and Rocky Mountains are “also clad with colorful displays,” the Forest Service says.
Most parks have information and tips for the best times to visit, weather updates and activities to engage in while visiting, all on the park’s website — NPS.gov. Search for the park you’d like to visit for details, but these parks from around the nation have amazing fall color, according to NPS:
Blue Ridge Parkway (NC, VA)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC, TN)
Natchez Trace Parkway (AL, MS, TN)
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (WI, MN)
Graphics: Fall leaves may be less vibrant in 2023 as foliage suffers under excessive heat
More National Park Service destinations that feature deciduous forests for fall foliage
Where is the best place to go for fall foliage?
Here are the "best" areas for viewing the most vibrant fall foliage, drawn from information provided by AccuWeather.
Farmers' Almanac top 10 destinations for autumn leaves in the US
Acadia National Park (ME)
Ozark Mountains (AR)
Adirondack and Catskill Mountains (NY)
Traverse City (MI)
Black Hills (SD)
Blue Ridge Parkway (VA, NC)
Kancamagus Highway, White Mountains (NH)
Pere Marquette State Park (IL)
Blue Ridge Parkway (VA)
Jackson (WY)
You can find more suggestions for best places in 2023 to see fall foliage in the U.S. at almanac.com.
CONTRIBUTING:Janet Loehrke
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fall foliage map: Best national parks to visit for 'leaf peeping'