Not Glacier, Not Grand Teton: This Is One Of The Best National Parks For Colorful Fall Foliage

Glacier National Park has its sparkling alpine lakes, Grand Teton has its sweeping mountain views, and both attract outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. They are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States, and they belong on every traveler's bucket list. However, if you're looking for fall foliage with colors that will take your breath away, you're going to want to head to a lesser-known national park in the eastern part of the United States.

Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia, and it is one of the country's best destinations for leaf-peeping. Each year, when the temperature begins to drop, the thick forests of Shenandoah National Park begin to transform. Vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow explode across the hills and valleys. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the stunning autumn views from the comfort of their cars by taking a scenic drive or get a closer look by embarking on one of the many hiking trails throughout the national park.

Shenandoah National Park is only around 75 miles from Washington, D.C., so it makes a great day trip if you're exploring the United States Capitol. During your trip to Shenandoah, you'll have the opportunity to see some of the most stunning autumn landscapes in the country. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of bears and other incredible wildlife.

Nestled within a stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is one of many must-visit national parks on the East Coast. It covers nearly 200,000 acres and was originally established in 1935. The park is full of forested rolling hills and waterfalls and is a sanctuary for plants and animals. There are 50 different species of mammals, including black bears, bobcats, and deer. Birdwatching enthusiasts will be delighted with the opportunity to see around 200 different species while exploring.

Over 500 miles of hiking trails offer visitors the opportunity to wander through the colorful autumn wonderland. Horseback riding is also a popular way to experience natural beauty, and there are 200 miles of trails designated for horseback riding. Around 100 miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail goes right through Shenandoah National Park. If hiking isn't your thing, head straight to Skyline Drive. The famous scenic drive stretches for over a hundred miles right through the park. It takes about three hours to complete the entire route without factoring in traffic. You can enjoy some of the most beautiful fall foliage without ever having to break a sweat.

If you're looking for a place to take jaw-dropping fall foliage photos, this is the perfect destination. The leaves begin to peak late in September, and leaf-peeping usually remains ideal throughout the month of October. November usually offers some gorgeous colors as well. Daytime autumn temperatures within the park usually range from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast ahead of time. If you're hoping to plan your trip around the best time to view fall foliage, check out the Fall Update Video posted weekly on the Shenandoah National Park website.

Camping is a wonderful way to maximize your time in nature surrounded by the colorful fall leaves in Shenandoah National Park, which has five different campgrounds to choose from. Keep in mind that it is an extremely popular destination during the autumn season, and the official NPS website states that weekend campsites within the park usually book up months in advance. If you want to visit over a weekend in September or October, be sure to make reservations ahead of time. There are a few first-come, first-serve campsites available, and those are usually taken by Thursday. There are sites available for RVs and tents, but there are no electrical hookups. Some of the campgrounds close for the season in early November. If you're interested in a wild camping excursion, backcountry camping is permitted within the park as long as you purchase a permit ahead of time on the Recreation.gov website.

If you prefer to stay somewhere that's quaint and picturesque with plenty to do, consider basing yourself in Charlottesville, Virginia's charming college town that's nestled in the mountains. It's only about a half hour away from Shenandoah National park and offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in art and history. The Inn at Court Square is a wonderful boutique hotel located within two historic buildings in town. Rooms start at around $200 per night.

To explore everything that Shenandoah National Park has to offer, you're going to need a set of wheels. Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia is the closest major international airport. It is located just over two hours away from the park. Car rentals at Dulles International Airport usually start at around $70 per day.