If you’re seeking a tranquil retreat into nature this fall, exploring national parks without the usual crowds is a rewarding choice.

Places like Acadia and Glacier offer stunning landscapes drenched in autumn colors, while parks like Grand Teton provide serene hiking trails and rare wildlife encounters.

With the season’s cooler temperatures, it’s an ideal time to witness the breathtaking beauty of these parks. Ready to discover which parks promise solitude and splendor?

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Although Shenandoah National Park is renowned for its stunning fall foliage, it’s the Skyline Drive that truly steals the show. This 105-mile scenic route offers breathtaking views from 75 overlooks, perfect for capturing autumn’s vibrant hues.

To avoid crowds, plan weekday visits and purchase entrance passes online. Fall is a busy season, attracting many visitors to experience the breathtaking fall foliage visible until November.

Hiking trails like Dark Hollow Falls and White Oak Canyon offer rewarding vistas, blending waterfalls with colorful landscapes.

SEE THIS: 23 Charming Alpine Villages to Visit This Fall.

Acadia National Park, Maine

While Acadia National Park in Maine dazzles year-round, fall is a particularly enchanting time to visit. With fewer crowds than summer, you’ll enjoy a more serene experience.

Explore 158 miles of hiking trails, admire vibrant fall foliage, and spot wildlife in tranquility. The park recently recorded 797,000 visits in July, the highest ever for a single month, which suggests a quieter fall season.

Remember to layer up for variable weather and take advantage of quieter carriage roads for biking and scenic drives.

SEE THIS: 18 Cozy Midwest Cabins Perfect for a Fall Escape.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park in Montana is a stunning destination during the fall, offering breathtaking landscapes and a peaceful ambiance.

With visitor numbers dropping considerably after September, you’ll enjoy serene trails and vibrant autumn colors.

September offers mild temperatures and prime wildlife viewing, while October promises solitude amid golden larches and crisp air.

SEE THIS: The Best Haunted Inns & Ghost Tours in America.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, California, transforms into a tranquil retreat in the fall, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and solitude.

Visit between mid-October and early November to witness vibrant hues from maples, oaks, and dogwoods against evergreens.

With only 13% of annual visitors, you’ll find quieter trails and easier access to iconic sites. Prepare for variable weather, but enjoy enhanced waterfall flows post-rain.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, offers an unparalleled autumn experience with its breathtaking fall foliage.

Despite being the most visited national park, a slight decrease in visitors recently has created opportunities for quieter exploration.

Early or late fall is ideal for enjoying scenic drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway, wildlife viewing, and participating in ranger programs without overwhelming crowds.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

While the Great Smoky Mountains offer a vibrant display of fall colors, Congaree National Park in South Carolina provides a unique autumn experience for those seeking a quieter escape.

You’ll find moderate crowds, pleasant weather, and the stunning old-growth bottomland hardwood forest.

Enjoy hiking the Boardwalk Loop Trail or wilderness camping. Don’t forget insect repellent; mosquitoes can still be pesky in the park’s wetlands.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota offers a serene escape from the bustling crowds of more popular destinations.

With 218,055 acres of wilderness near the Canadian border, it’s perfect for solitude seekers.

Fall’s crisp, clear nights are ideal for stargazing, as the park boasts an International Dark Sky Park certification.

Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and hiking amidst fall foliage while experiencing fewer visitors in this tranquil setting.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Nestled in the vast expanses of east-central Nevada, Great Basin National Park offers a unique escape from the more crowded national parks.

With only about 140,000 annual visitors, you’ll find solitude among ancient bristlecone pines and the stunning Wheeler Peak Glacier.

Fall brings fewer crowds, making it perfect for hiking, fishing, and stargazing under clear, dark skies.

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Despite the intense summer heat, Saguaro National Park in Arizona offers an enchanting experience in the fall, when temperatures begin to cool and the landscape reveals its unique charm.

With fewer crowds, you can explore the park’s diverse trails and stunning saguaros, which are iconic to the Sonoran Desert.

Visit at sunrise or sunset for ideal wildlife sightings and photography, and enjoy excellent stargazing opportunities at night.

North Cascades National Park, Washington

If you’re looking for a national park experience that offers solitude and stunning natural beauty, North Cascades National Park in Washington should be on your list this fall.

With only 16,485 visitors in 2024, it’s one of the least crowded parks.

Fall’s cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage enhance scenic beauty, while fewer crowds mean quiet hikes.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado offers a breathtaking landscape that’s hard to resist, especially during the fall.

With visitor numbers down 11% from 2019, you’ll find fewer crowds. Weekdays offer the best chance for solitude, as weekends draw elk rut enthusiasts.

Come prepared for variable weather and enjoy the stunning fall colors, particularly in aspen groves.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

As you leave behind the vibrant aspen groves of Colorado, the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona awaits with its own unique splendor.

Visiting from September to November offers mild weather and reduced crowds compared to summer.

Opt for the North Rim for fewer visitors and tranquility. To enhance your experience, plan your hikes during weekdays and outside peak sunrise or sunset hours for solitude.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

While autumn graces the landscape with its colorful palette, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California offer a unique blend of natural wonders and serene experiences.

Wander through Sequoia’s giant trees, including the majestic General Sherman. Kings Canyon invites you to explore its rugged canyons and scenic rivers.

Fall’s fewer crowds enhance your visit, offering solitude amid impressive landscapes and notable trails like Tokopah Falls.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Sequoia and Kings Canyon’s towering trees and dramatic landscapes create a serene autumn experience, but if you’re seeking a different kind of awe, head to Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

Fall’s cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make it ideal for exploring the park’s rugged beauty. Enjoy stargazing under clear skies, spot bighorn sheep and prairie dogs, and immerse yourself in Badlands’ unique geological formations and cultural history.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park, nestled in the Pacific Northwest, offers a remarkable blend of ecosystems that beckon visitors throughout the year.

In fall, you’ll find fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to explore its diverse landscapes. From the temperate rainforest’s vibrant colors to the serene alpine trails, the park provides a peaceful retreat.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

After exploring the lush landscapes of Olympic National Park, set your sights on the rugged beauty of Isle Royale National Park in Michigan.

With only 25,454 visitors in 2022, it’s among the least-visited parks. Fall offers tranquility, with vibrant foliage and minimal crowds.

Accessible by ferry or floatplane, the island’s remote location on Lake Superior guarantees solitude. Wildlife sightings, like moose and wolves, are more frequent in autumn.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park, a hidden gem of the national park system, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty that few other parks can match.

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it provides a serene escape with fewer crowds in fall.

Explore Fort Jefferson’s rich history and enjoy mild weather, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude amidst stunning marine landscapes.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

As the allure of Dry Tortugas National Park lies in its tranquil marine landscapes, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a dramatically different yet equally enchanting experience in the heart of California.

Fall welcomes you with fewer crowds, thanks to its moderate visitation trends.

Explore Lassen’s volcanic wonders like Lassen Peak and Manzanita Lake. Enjoy cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage, creating an ideal setting for solitude and exploration.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

While the allure of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming may peak during the summer, fall introduces a unique charm that’s hard to resist.

As crowds thin in September, you’ll find more serene experiences at spots like Jenny Lake and Taggart Lake.

Engage in scenic drives and hiking as vibrant foliage transforms the landscape.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park transforms into a tranquil haven during the fall, offering a respite from the bustling crowds of summer.

With October seeing a significant drop in visitors, you can explore iconic sites like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring with fewer people around.

Enjoy wildlife watching as elk and bison prepare for winter, and take advantage of the vivid autumn foliage and cooler temperatures.

Clingman’s Dome (Kuwohi), Great Smoky Mountains

After exploring the wonders of Yellowstone, venture to Kuwohi, known until recently as Clingman’s Dome, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Standing at 6,643 feet, it’s the park’s highest point. The observation tower offers stunning 360-degree views, stretching up to 100 miles on clear days.

Accessed by a steep half-mile trail, Kuwohi is a sacred site for the Cherokee, with rich cultural significance.