Watch the Leaves Change: 5 Breathtaking National Parks to Explore this Fall

When it comes to fall, there's nothing quite like experiencing the changing of the seasons while exploring one of our many magestic National Parks. Even if you're not a huge nature nut, Taking in the bright fall colors in such a serene environment feels refreshing or fulfilling to many people. For others, it makes for a great instagram post. No matter your purpose, visiting a National Park this fall to watch the leaves change should definitely be on your fall to-do list. 

The benefits of visiting a National Park are many and varied. First, you'll gain access to some of the most beautiful scenery in America. You can explore nature's beauty without worrying about pollution or industrialization. Second, you'll be helping support an organization that works hard to preserve our environment for future generations. Third, you may just find a new hobby: hiking! Or maybe camping, bird watching, or nature photography.

And finally...the leaves are changing! Whether you’re a flannel-wearin’, pumpkin spice-drinkin’ fall-fanatic, or just someone who appreciates a new getaway, taking a trip to see the fall foliage could be an experience worth remembering for years to come. If you've never experienced a National Park before, there's no better time than the now!

Whether it's getting away from city life or just taking in some good ol' Mother Nature vibes, experiencing the changing colors in an awe-inspiring place like any one of these five national parks will make for an unforgettable experience:

 

Photo Credit: www.NPS.gov (National Park Service)

Rocky Mountain National Park: Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. It is known for its abundant wildlife, breathtaking views and scenic vistas. The park has a variety of hiking trails, a number of which offer beautiful views from the mountains that overlook the ocean. The park is located in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado.

 

Photo credit: acadiamagic.com

Acadia National Park: Maine

Acadia National Park was established as a national park in 1919 and contains 158 miles of hiking trails and is home to more than 1,000 plant species. The park has three campgrounds and five lean-to shelters optimal for those who want to fully immerse themselves in nature over a span of days or weeks. The park is located on Mount Desert Island, Maine.

 

 

Photo Credit: npca.org

Crater Lake National Park – Oregon

When the leaves start to change, you have to make time for a road trip. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, where fall colors are most dramatic and abundant, you might want to consider visiting Crater Lake National Park.

The park has over 100 miles of hiking trails and scenic waterfalls—it's like walking through an enchanted forest! It also has its very own small island in the middle of the lake itself: Wizard Island (which looks like a Wizard). The lake is fed by rain and snow that falls on the crater walls surrounding it, so expect plenty of precipitation during your visit here.

 

 

 

Photo Credit: worldatlas.com

Zion National Park- Utah

Zion National Park is one of the top National Parks in the United States. Around 1500 B.C., it was home to an ancient civilization. The Anasazi were the original occupants of Zion Canyon. You can even find traces of their magnificent sandstone villages, network of roads and rock art throughout the park today.

 

 

 

Photo Credit: national-park.com

North Cascades National Park- Washington State

Located in Washington State, North Cascades National Park covers a total area of 505,000 acres. There are over 300 glaciers in the North Cascades Park Complex, more than any other park in the lower 48 states.

The North Cascades is arguably the most beautiful area of Washington, especially during end of September – beginning of October when the fall colors begin to appear. Diablo Lake Overlook is one of the most picturesque locations in the park, boasting 700 miles of pristine turquoise water that makes for an awe-inspiring view from this vantage point atop Mount Challenger (8012 feet).

Don’t forget to recover after your autumn-themed adventure

After a long day of hiking, running, or biking throughout these scenic escapes don’t forget to recover afterwards. No matter how fit you are, a long day of physical activity of any sort is bound to take a toll on your body.

Travel with an easy-to-carry recovery tool like a vibrating peanut or a vibrating roller massage ball if you want to massage your muscles on-the-go. They’re superior to foam rollers, and they’re much more compact.

Or, if you wanna recover once your back in your RV, tent, cabin or hotel room try out Njoie’s PSOAS massager: MFLEX to help rub out those hard-to-reach tense muscles. Its expandable base and interchangeable heads make it stand out from similar myofascial release tools.

It's often said that nature is at its most beautiful during this time of year, and if you've ever been in one of these parks during peak fall colors season, then you probably agree with this sentiment. We hope we’ve inspired you to get out there and enjoy the fall colors. Whether it’s hiking, biking or just enjoying the scenery, there is no better time than now to explore our nation’s national parks at your own pace.