15 BEST National Parks to Visit in October (+ 3 to Avoid)

Article Overview: Best National Parks to Visit in October

The best national parks to visit in October range from tapestries of foliage to welcome relief on trails once choked by summer heat. One of our favorite parts of October is the changing of wildlife behavior, especially in places like Yellowstone, where the elk bugle fills the air.

October also hits that sweet spot between potentially harsh winters and after the summer crowds. At the same time, fall visitors are growing in many national parks. In fact, Acadia National Park has seen a surge of October visitors, up 25-40% in 2021 and 2022 compared to 2018 and 2019, before the pandemic.

Some of our top choices rank due to the activities at the park coinciding with night skies, Halloween, or annual events, while others are a perfect “last chance” to soak in the atmosphere before winter closures kick in.

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Best National Parks to Visit by Month Series

We started this series of best national parks to visit by month to give folks the best idea of how to time their national park trips. Every national park is mentioned at least once in this series so that you know when to visit each and every park (no park is left behind!). We even cover nearby national monuments and forests to consider as well.

Additionally, we cover the national parks you’ll want to avoid each month for a variety of reasons, including temperature, crowd sizes, closures, insects, and more.

Something to note is that some national parks are mentioned multiple times while others are only mentioned once.

If you’re interested in other times of the year as well, be sure to check out our Best National Parks by Season Guide, which has helpful graphics and charts to help you determine which time of year is best to visit a given national park.

We’ll also have more best national parks by month articles linked at the bottom of each page, including the nearest months.

Regional Considerations when Visiting National Parks in October

Even if a park is at its prime in October, variables can impact your travel plans.

• Southeast: Hurricane season runs through November 30, with the height of the season running through mid-October.
• Southern California: Santa Ana winds blow rough in October, which can cause anything from power outages to fuel for wildfire.
• Colorado: The first snowfall in Colorado is October 18, on average, but snow can fall earlier at higher elevations.
• Northern States: The Northern Lights action can ramp up from October through April. The incidents increase as we approach the solar maximum, July of 2025. That gives you a better chance of seeing the Auroras, but not enough that you can plan a trip around it.

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Top 15 Best National Parks to Visit in October

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15. Hot Springs National Park

About Hot Springs National Park in October

At first blush, Hot Springs National Park might make you question why it’s a national park. Visitors are greeted with stately bathhouses off the main road, which are part of the boundaries. Behind the facades are a series of fantastic trails, rolling hills, campsites, and a stunning tower view.

Fall foliage peaks here in October and the sweltering summer heat with bug feasts are long gone. Early October brings the annual Hot Springs Water Festival, and the park has no entrance fee.

All things considered, an uptick in crowds from the humid summer is worth it for the array of experiences here. Even people who aren’t that “outdoorsy” will love this park.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: Soak in the Springs (indoor), Drink Spring Water, Explore Thermal Spring Trails, Scenic Drives & Lookouts

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14. Wind Cave National Park

About Wind Cave National Park in October

We love Wind Cave National Park in October because the visitor numbers drop nearly 70% compared to September, opening up more spots on the tours. October’s cave tour options include the Garden of Eden, Natural Entrance, and Fairgrounds (the largest opening in the cave).

The cave tours are priced per tour, but the park has no entrance fee for those who want to roam the prairie and hear the bugling elk or walk through a ponderosa pine forest. Things get batty in late October as the National Park Service honors Bat Week.

A trip to Wind Cave offers many more National Park Service properties within easy driving distance. Jewel Cave National Monument (30 miles), Mount Rushmore National Memorial (29 miles), and Badlands National Park (55 miles) are also great national parks to visit in October. Mount Rushmore might even count as an “educational” tour to justify taking the kids out of school!

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: Guidebook | 15 Things to Do | Amazing Facts | Park Conditions

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13. Redwood National and State Parks

About Redwood National Park in October

Four parks in one location? That’s a tall order, which makes sense since the tallest trees in the world are here. These parks don’t just coast on that fact. In addition, you can also explore the amazing Northern California coastline.

As the official name is Redwood National and State Parks, you’ll get Redwood NP, Jedediah Smith State Park, Del Norte Coast State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. While these parts are rarely packed, you get even more seclusion in October without those pesky Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon permits.

If you want to expand your trip to this more remote region, look at the Circle of Discovery Tour options with National Park Service locations in California and Oregon.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: 15 Things To Do | Avenue of the Giants | Best Hikes | Stout Grove | Redwood Creek Overlook | Gold Bluffs Beach | Cresent Beach Overlook

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12. White Sands National Park

About White Sands National Park in October

White Sands National Park offers an unforgettable experience year-round, but with the monsoon season behind and the Hunte’s moon rising, it’s an epic October.

Gypsum sand dunes fill 275 square miles, where you can sled, ski, or hike your way through the mesmerizing landscape. It truly feels otherworldly as even the road is a white path to further reaches of the park. Grab an early entry or stay late pass to explore the park after hours and possibly catch a glimpse of a great horned owl.

This park provides out-of-this-world picnic areas with an amphitheater where crowds gather for the Hunter’s Full Moon celebrations and sunset hikes.

On top of that, you might even get to witness a missile test from nearby White Sands Missile Range.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: Top 15 Things to Do | Fantastic Facts | Check out Carlsbad Caverns Nearby

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11. Indiana Dunes National Park

About Indiana National Park in October

When we sprinkle a mix of the first 5 national parks to visit in October, it all comes together in Indiana Dunes National Park. You get access to the Lake Michigan shoreline before the first snow, guided hiking tours of the fall foliage, and an International Dark Sky Park with the potential to see the Northern Lights if you’re lucky.

In addition, the park includes historic sites like the Bailly Homestead and 1933 World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes among the more than 60 historical sites.

October also brings an explosion of fall colors, but go during mid-to-late October for the best views.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things to Do: 20 Fun Things to Do | Itineraries | Glenwood Dune Trails (best foliage)

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Top 10 National Parks to Visit in October

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10. Saguaro National Park

About Saguaro National Park in October

Visiting Saguaro National Park in October journeys into the heart of the Sonoran Desert’s splendor. The iconic saguaro (“suh-war-oh”) cacti, standing tall against azure skies, provide a captivating sight. With this cactus only found in this corner of the continent, you’ll get to see the largest and most resilient species.

Hiking trails beckon, inviting you to explore this unique desert landscape. In October, the desert flora begins to bloom, adding vibrant colors to the rugged terrain. At the same time, the summer monsoons have climaxed, leaving plenty of dry days and cool nights mixed with mostly clear skies.

Crowds aren’t as thin as you’d find in the summer, but they are half the size of spring’s visitor volume.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: 15 Amazing Things to Do | Best Hikes | More Parks Near Tucson

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9. Great Basin National Park

About Great Basin National Park in October

In far eastern Nevada, off the “Loneliest Road in America,” you’ll find one of the most underappreciated national parks in the system – Great Basin National Park. The park’s features stretch from almost 100 feet below ground to Wheeler Peak at 13,000+ feet.

The solitude of Great Basin National Park makes it a great national park to visit in October before the rush of the holiday season. Fall marks the only time of year you can gather the plentiful pine nuts, which usually are only found in gourmet stores.

You’ll also get a landscape like you’ve never seen before, above and below ground. Lehman Cave is the main underground attraction, but more adventurous spirits can explore one of the dozens of wild caves. Then you have the peaks and cliffs of the surrounding mountain range to tackle.

Great Basin is also an International Dark Sky Park, making a perfect excuse for October camping.

Why is it a “Great Basin”?: The name comes from the closed drainage basin, where water doesn’t flow to the ocean but instead remains within the basins. It can soak into the ground or evaporate. The term “Great Basin” reflects this distinctive hydrological phenomenon.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: Top 20 Things to Do | Lehman Caves | Pine Nut Gathering | Hiking Trails

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8. Death Valley National Park

About Death Valley National Park in October

The beauty of Death Valley National Park in October comes with warm but not scorching temperatures and more access to places too dangerous to visit in the summer. Death Valley is the “hottest, driest, and lowest national park.”

What makes Death Valley so special is seeing a spot that you would otherwise think uninhabitable and then seeing the dynamics of the landscape and the flora and fauna that thrive here. From playas for miles, mountaintop sunrises, crystal clear night skies, and evidence of industry in ghostly remains, this park is so much more than sand.

Ideally, visit after October 15, when the campgrounds finally open after brutal summers.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: 25 Things to Do | Ultimate Itinerary | Badwater Basin | Zabriskie Point | Quick Video Tour

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7. Olympic National Park

About Olympic National Park in October

While Olympic National Park gets peak tourism in the summer, October is for those who are craving that pumpkin-spiced vibe while living for the words “Winter is Coming.”

The park’s one-million acres hold coastline, kayak routes, boating adventures, hiking mountains, navigating rain forests, and glaciers.

The altitude changes make it easy to go somewhere warmer or colder. Even as the rainy season kicks off, the canopy of trees keeps the worst of the rain from your trail. Tired of snow? Head to the coast. This coastline is well-known for its “Second Summers.” Just be sure to check the forecast before you go, as it will help plan your Olympic National Park itinerary.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: 20 EPIC Adventures | Best Hikes | Hike Mountain Storm King

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6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

About Cuygahoa Valley National Park in October

No matter when you visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park in October, you’ll be greeted with peak fall foliage in at least one part of the park. This explosion of color, mixed with waterfalls and 125 miles of trails, is just 20 miles south of Cleveland, yet it feels a world away.

Kayak the Cuyahoga River, too, or hop on a horse to ride the autumn magic over a covered bridge. Maybe you’d rather take a railroad ride during the most scenic time of year. The marsh comes alive with migrating birds and literal busy beavers stocking up for winter.

The waterfalls here rank among the best in the nation. Better yet? They aren’t bone dry come fall.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: 15 Things To Do | Brandywine Falls | Blue Hen Falls | Paddling | Questing

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Top 5 National Parks to Visit in October

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5. Zion National Park

About Zion National Park in October

While there is no bad time to visit Zion, this is one of the best National Parks to visit in October due to (slightly) smaller crowds and (finally) temperatures that likely won’t reach triple digits. You might even need a jacket! With summer monsoons in the rearview mirror, the Narrows won’t be as risky with flash flooding.

Fall foliage starts popping in late October. Climbers will find most routes accessible, a luxury spring climbers miss due to raptor nesting season.

You still need a permit for Angels Landing. Those are required year-round.

Shuttles are still running to the most popular parts of Zion Canyon, with stops from 7:00am to 7:15pm. New electric buses will make the ride easier to soak in the natural atmosphere.

If the crowds are a bit too much, you still have four mighty more in driving distance.

• Arches National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Canyonlands National Park

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: Top 20 Things to Do | Zion Itinerary | Best Hikes | Big Bend of Zion

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4. Rocky Mountain National Park

About Rocky Mountain National Park in October

One of the best reasons to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in October comes on October 23, when the timed permit entry system ends for the year. Once inside, you have a colorful burst of fall colors and the heart of elk rut, which means bugling is heard throughout the park.

The hiker shuttle stops operating on October 22.

You’ll get the crisp air of fall without (on average) any snow, but always check the weather conditions and SNOWTEL monitors to be sure. Campers need to check the schedule, as some campsites will be closed in October but others open on October 23 for winter.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: 15 Things to Do | 18 Epic Hikes | Fall Foliage | Elk Rut Viewing | Full Fall Guide

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3. Yellowstone National Park

About Yellowstone National Park in October

To make the most of a Yellowstone National Park trip in October, arrive in the first half of the month. It’s a bit like arriving at your favorite restaurants during the closing hour, but you’ll reap the rewards of smaller crowds (half of the previous month, at least).

October also brings the elk rut, with the famed horned duking it out during mating season. You’ll see the bulls strut their stuff from the roadway. This season also brings more bear activity.

Backcountry hiking permits are required, but likely much easier to get. Not all hikers are up for the “Will it or will it not snow today?”

Even when you’re playing the odds, the majority of park roads usually don’t close until November 1. In the event of an early closure, you’ll be limited to the road between Gardiner and Cooke City unless you like to walk REALLY far. This gives you a great glimpse of Yellowstone’s fall iteration. If you can’t make it in October, then plan for December when winter activities kick-off.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: 20 Things to Do | Yellowstone Itinerary | Best Hikes | Full Fall Guide | Lamar Valley

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2. Acadia National Park

About Acadia National Park in October

Even driving to Acadia National Park in October promises a spectacle as the foliage melts down from the higher elevation and latitudes in the state. Prime fall foliage in Acadia averages between October 13 and 22.

While some spots might be getting ready to shutter for the season, all scenic drives and roads will still be open. Don’t forget that the Schoodic Peninsula section of the park’s scenic route is open year-round.

Vehicle reservations for the stunning Cadillac Mountain sunrise aren’t required after October 22.

We think the October popularity for Acadia will continue to rise – it’s up 40% since 2014, with more than half a million people visiting in October of 2021 and 2022. Now that Acadia has become one of the favorite parks in the system, October will still bring higher crowds than most would prefer, but it’s 25% lower than September.

Campers need to reserve their spots before the season ends on October 17.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: 15 Things To Do | Otter Cliffs | Precipice Trail | Best Hikes

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1. Great Smoky Mountain National Park

About Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October

It’s almost an embarrassment of riches that Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no entrance fee AND some of the best fall foliage on the continent.

Timing your itinerary with the peak foliage largely depends on whether you want to be above or below 4,000 feet. For example, Clingman’s Dome will peak in early to mid-October, while below 4,000 feet will shine in the later part of the month. That could go into early November.

The park also offers easy to strenuous hikes or scenic routes to soak in the season. All roads are open through the end of October, and most campsites follow suit.

TRAFFIC TIP: There is no secret way around the traffic or crowds of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, especially near Gatlinburg. This might be one of the most stunning places to be stuck in a traffic jam worldwide.

Best Things to Do at this National Park in October

Things To Do: Fall Guide | 15 Things to Do | Newfound Gap | Cades Cove

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National Parks to Avoid in October

Choosing which parks make the list was a fine line in some cases, as winter weather loves to linger around the edge of many mountains and coastal areas.

For this reason, Alaska parks, like Katmai National Park and Kenai Fjords National Parks, aren’t good choices. Most services, visitor centers, and local tourist spots roll up the carpet in September. Winter season doesn’t kick off for another couple of months. For example, Katmai National Park has around 100 to 250 visitors in October. Keni Fjords drops off by 83% of September visitors and 94% less than the highest month in July.

Isle Royale National Park of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan lost us at “In the fall, visitors should expect to be completely self-sufficient, as services and emergency response are limited to non-existent.” Even transportation to the island thins out in early October, and the park closes for the year on November 1. You won’t even have other visitors around to help you, as the annual visitor headcount in October is around 220.

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Map of Best National Parks in October

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List of Best National Parks in October

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2. Acadia National Park
3. Yellowstone National Park
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
5. Zion National Park
6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
7. Olympic National Park
8. Death Valley National Park
9. Great Basin National Park
10. Saguaro National Park
11. Indiana Dunes National Park
12. White Sands National Park
13. Redwood National and State Parks
14. Wind Cave National Park
15. Hot Springs National Park

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Pin National Parks to Visit in October

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By Jennifer Hardy

Jennifer Hardy is a travel journalist with a wanderlust love of life. Jennifer has been a journalist for nearly 30 years living in Nevada, Florida’s Suncoast, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Nebraska. Given a choice, she’d rather paddle all day down rapids or on the calm of intercoastal waters. She loves to hike with her golden retrievers and supports the B.A.R.K. Ranger program to responsibly enjoy nature with pets. She would love to see your pet photos.