National Parks and Scenic Drives to Experience During the Fall and Winter

About Miles McGuinness

Miles McGuinness is a copywriter at Brookdale. Originally from Ohio, he graduated from The Ohio State University with a double major in English and marketing. Prior to Brookdale, he worked in digital marketing for a major cleanup and restoration company. When he’s not reading or writing, he enjoys watching movies, trying new restaurants, traveling, and cheering on Cleveland sports.

red rock formations in arches national park

The United States is home to 63 national parks, each with a distinct footprint and personality. While we may tend to picture our nation’s national parks in the prime of summer, full of vacationing tourists, blue skies and sunshine, the reality is that many of these locations are just as fulfilling and fun — if not more so — in the fall and winter.

There are also plenty of scenic drives from coast to coast, offering you opportunities to enjoy Mother Nature’s full beauty on four wheels. But where should you start? We’ve got some recommendations, so grab your binoculars and let’s get going!

Yellowstone National Park

The first stop on our tour-de-sightseeing is Yellowstone National Park, one of the most famous national parks in North America, located in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Designated as our country’s first national park in 1872, Yellowstone offers a stunning array of vistas and activities during wintertime. Looking for animals? You may spot wildlife like bison, elk, moose and wolves. How about some thrills? Try snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing. At any rate, be sure to stop and watch the park’s iconic geysers, like Old Faithful, blasting high into the cool air.

Zion National Park

Another exciting stop to add to your winter wonderland travel list is Zion National Park, located in Utah. Those seeking more temperate winters may enjoy temperatures hovering around 50 to 60° Fahrenheit during the day, but be aware that from December to March, the park experiences half its annual rainfall — so, you might want to pack that poncho! Still, Zion’s beautiful red rock canyons draped in snow are truly something to behold. While it’s possible some trails may be closed when you visit, the views simply can’t be beat.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Spanning the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides some of the best fall sightseeing out there. Reaching peak color from mid-October to early November and with over 100 native species of trees, this region features a climate similar to that of New England (especially at higher elevations). In fact, yellow birch, American beech and mountain maple trees are known to start turning as early as mid-September. Looking to hike? The Appalachian Trail and Look Rock Tower offer particularly incredible views. Or, you might want to rent a cabin or try out a local bed and breakfast. A word of caution: Cades Cove and Newfound Gap Roads tend to be busiest, with long seasonal traffic delays, so be sure to leave yourself ample time to get around and explore.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is more than 100 miles long and offers stunning scenery across a variety of elevations. While foliage colors differ from area to area, the leaves are generally most vibrant in late October. Temperatures typically range from 49 to 60° Fahrenheit during the day, but given the region’s cool evenings, consider packing layered clothing for your stay. If possible, visit during the week to help yourself avoid crowds, and for a truly immersive experience, consider booking campground or lodge accommodations. (You may want to do advance research on which locations may be first-come, first-served.) You can even check out the park’s View From the Valley Webcam, Big Meadows Live Webcam and air quality webcam for a virtual visit right now!

Blue Ridge Parkway

For unbeatable fall and winter scenic drives, you can’t do much better than Blue Ridge Parkway, spanning the southern and central Appalachian Mountains through Virginia and North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers an incredible array of wildlife, vegetation and more, making any drive not just scenic, but educational. Notable sights include Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain in the eastern United States, as well as Linville Falls, which includes the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.” No matter when you go, be sure to check out the parkway’s website in advance, which offers a list of visitors’ guidelines and plenty of travel tips to help make the most of your drive.

Arches National Park

Looking to cool down…in the desert? Visit Arches National Park, located in Utah. You may be surprised that this typically arid region turns into a winter paradise in the colder months. The park offers wonderful views of sights such as the famous Windows Section, showcasing enormous archways surrounded by snow. However, be sure to check the weather before embarking on a drive, and consider using snow tires and/or chains. If you opt to stop, take pictures or walk, know your limits. The park may close for plowing after snowfall, so check its visitor centers, which offer up-to-date road condition reports.

Kancamagus Highway

The last stop on our tour includes this beautiful, wandering highway through New Hampshire. The Kancamagus Highway, sometimes called the Kancamagus Scenic Byway or “The Kanc,” delivers a 34.5-mile trip through The Granite State’s Route 112, reaching 3,000 feet in elevation with a view of some of the most beautiful fall sights around. If you’re the adventurous type, The Kanc offers multiple campgrounds throughout White Mountain National Forest. During your drive, be sure to look for sites such as the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls and the iconic Albany Covered Bridge. With no gas stations, restaurants, hotels or businesses in sight, you’ll feel like you’ve journeyed back in time as you wind your way through all this unique roadway has to offer.

Ready to Go?

Whether you’re seeking the open vistas of Arches National Park, the cozier feel of the Kancamagus Highway or something in between, there’s a place out there for you. So, what are you waiting for? With this list, you have more reasons than ever to explore the natural beauty of America. Grab your backpack and your car keys, and start exploring!