Taking A Hike Into Autumn

     The kids are back in school and work is in full swing, which means you’re already planning your next vacation. Are we wrong? Therefore, why not enjoy the splendor of North America’s greatest National Parks – without all the pesky crowds and blistering heat? Autumn is nature’s gift when the leaves change while their color pallets are spectacular, especially in these glorious National Parks.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
     There is no better place to see the wonderful fall foliage than along Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. A short two-hour drive from our nation’s capital, Shenandoah and Skyline drive are most popular between September and November for the breathtaking views of color-changing leaves as far as the eyes can see. Skyline Drive runs along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains with views of waterfalls and the occasional wildlife.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
     For people in the Pacific Northwest, you are already aware of the majesty of Mount airier. Just a short two-hour drive from Seattle, Mount Rainier looms large over the city’s skyline. This destination will be chilly but expectedly beautiful as you will have the hiking trails to yourself. There are over 250 miles of hiking trails that take you to the mountain’s impressive heights.

Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee
     Nine million people a year can’t be wrong – the Great Smokey Mountains National Park is a national treasure. Autumn here is simply divine – with an impressive array of fall foliage, you have to consider the experience a true joy when the weather is just perfect. The hiking is a pleasure with well-manicured trails and waterfalls all over the place.

Arches National Park, Utah
     Utah has some of the most diverse terrains and environments around and their National Parks are some of the best. Summers can be drainingly hot – avoid heatstroke and visit the Arches in the Fall. The arches are really incredible and the nighttime celestial display of stars and planets are like nowhere else. Horseback ride during the day and do some stargazing at night.

Acadia National Park, Maine
     If fall foliage is what you desire, there is nowhere else on Earth that offers these incredible views. It is about a three-hour drive from Portland, Maine but the drive is well worth it if you seek the leaf. You will see all the colors of the rainbow as the leaves slowly die and fall to the forest floor.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
     We all know about the geysers that erupt on a clock like a schedule but the crowds in the summer are terrible. Avoid the throngs of tourists and head to Yellowstone in the Autumn. The wildlife in Yellowstone at this time is very active, so expect to see elk, moose and even bears.