17 International National Parks That Are Gorgeous in Fall

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Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is a remarkable sight during fall, with its golden larches contrasting against the backdrop of the rugged Canadian Rockies. The crisp air and the changing colors of the trees make it a perfect destination for those looking to escape into nature. The blue-green waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shine even brighter in the fall sunlight.

As the season progresses, the wildlife starts preparing for winter, making it an ideal time to observe animals like elk and mountain goats. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails surrounded by colorful leaves, offering a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and tranquility.

Jiuzhaigou Valley, China

Jiuzhaigou Valley, often referred to as the “Valley of Nine Villages,” is especially spectacular during the fall months. The vibrant red, orange, and gold leaves surround the crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls, creating an almost surreal landscape. The valley’s unique color palette makes it one of the best places to visit during autumn in China.

Aside from the stunning foliage, Jiuzhaigou is known for its diverse wildlife, including endangered species like the giant panda. The quieter fall season allows visitors to explore the park’s trails without the crowds typically found in the summer months.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is a different kind of beauty during the fall season. While the park does not boast the same fall foliage as many other parks, it shines during autumn with mild temperatures and dry conditions that attract wildlife near the waterholes. This is the time when animals are more concentrated in specific areas, making it easier to spot a variety of creatures.

The fall weather is perfect for safaris, and visitors can take advantage of the cooler temperatures to explore the park’s vast landscapes. From elephants and lions to the rare cheetah, the wildlife sightings are impressive during this time of year.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is stunning throughout the year, but it is particularly striking in the fall. The surrounding Southern Alps and alpine forests turn vivid shades of yellow and orange, creating a picturesque landscape. The park’s iconic Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand, provides a dramatic backdrop for the colorful fall scenery.

The park is also famous for its stargazing opportunities, with some of the clearest skies in the world. Autumn nights offer the perfect opportunity to witness the stars in their full glory, adding another layer of magic to the fall experience.

Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park is known for its impressive diversity, and in the fall, it becomes a haven for birdwatchers. The wet season starts to ease off, and the park’s wetland areas become particularly vibrant with lush greens and rich autumn colors. The combination of open plains and dense jungles creates a varied backdrop for visitors looking to experience Australia’s natural beauty.

This time of year also sees a lot of migratory birds making their way through Kakadu, making it a prime location for bird watching. The cooler fall temperatures make it comfortable to explore the park’s ancient rock art sites and stunning landscapes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is renowned for its cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, and it becomes even more stunning in the fall. The trees surrounding the lakes turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow, reflecting beautifully in the water. The park’s dramatic landscape is enhanced by the autumn hues, making it a photographer’s paradise.

The fall season also brings fewer tourists, allowing visitors to enjoy the serene beauty of the park without the crowds. The weather is still mild, making it perfect for walking along the park’s scenic trails and enjoying the sights and sounds of the forest.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is a spectacular destination year-round, but it is particularly breathtaking during the fall. The park’s towering granite peaks, vast glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes are surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, making for a stunning contrast against the rugged landscape. The park’s iconic “Torres” (towers) are even more striking with the golden hues of the surrounding forests.

Fall also marks the end of the busy tourist season, so visitors can enjoy the park’s vast wilderness in relative peace. It is a great time to explore the park’s numerous trails, where you can enjoy the beauty of Patagonia’s forests and observe local wildlife like guanacos and Andean condors.

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park is known for its incredible wildlife, and the fall season brings a particularly magical time to visit. As the dry season begins, the park’s famous elephants migrate to the riverbanks, creating a spectacular sight. The landscapes are dotted with lush greenery as the cooler temperatures start to set in, offering a fresh perspective of the park’s diverse ecosystem.

The fall season is an ideal time for a safari as animals converge around the waterholes, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings. Whether on a river cruise or a guided game drive, fall in Chobe is an unforgettable experience.

Lake District National Park, UK

Lake District National Park is an iconic destination in the UK, and its charm is only heightened during the fall. The park’s many lakes reflect the colors of the surrounding forests, which turn to golden hues as the season progresses. The fall months offer crisp, cool weather, making it a great time for hiking through the fells.

The changing leaves create a picturesque landscape that is ideal for photography. The quieter atmosphere of the park in fall allows visitors to truly enjoy the beauty of the area without the busy summer crowds.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Fiordland National Park is known for its dramatic fjords and rugged mountain scenery, and it looks even more magnificent during the fall months. The park’s native forests, including beech and podocarp trees, showcase golden hues as the leaves change. The cooler weather also makes exploring the park’s many trails more pleasant, with fewer visitors than in summer.

Fall is an excellent time to take a cruise on Milford Sound, where the foggy mornings and crisp air add a mystical atmosphere to the experience. Whether hiking or cruising, Fiordland offers an unforgettable adventure in the fall.

Denali National Park, Alaska, Canada border region

Denali National Park may extend into northern Alaska, but it is internationally recognized and showcases incredible fall beauty. The tundra and forests turn yellow and orange, creating striking contrasts with the snow-capped peaks. Wildlife such as caribou and moose are more visible in the fall months.

The season also brings cooler weather, ideal for hiking and photography. Visitors can enjoy the vast wilderness without large crowds. Scenic viewpoints and trails offer panoramic views of autumn’s colors across the park.

Chiloe National Park, Chile

Chiloe National Park is a unique and enchanting destination to explore during fall. The forested park, located on the island of Chiloe, bursts with shades of gold, orange, and red as the leaves change color. The temperate rainforest climate creates a misty, atmospheric setting, especially in the fall months.

The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including native birds and sea life, making it a great spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The fall season offers a quieter, more tranquil experience, allowing visitors to explore the park’s beautiful beaches, forests, and wetlands in peace.

Table Mountain National Park, South Africa

Table Mountain National Park is breathtaking in the fall, with its iconic flat-topped mountain providing a dramatic backdrop for the changing seasons. The surrounding flora, including fynbos, turns vibrant colors as the weather cools. The park’s famous cable car ride offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding coastline, especially with the autumn light.

Fall brings pleasant temperatures, making hiking and exploring the various trails much more enjoyable. The park also offers a variety of wildlife, including baboons and birds, making it a great destination for nature lovers. The fall season allows for more space to explore, with fewer tourists than in the summer.

Sarek National Park, Sweden

Sarek National Park is a vast, untouched wilderness that is even more stunning during the fall months. The park is home to rugged mountains, wild rivers, and dense forests that explode with shades of red, yellow, and orange as autumn settles in. The lack of roads and settlements makes it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude in nature.

Fall is an excellent time to hike in Sarek, as the cooler temperatures make long treks more comfortable. The park’s wilderness is full of wildlife, including reindeer and arctic foxes, which are especially active during the fall. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful, serene environment of one of Europe’s last remaining true wildernesses.

Tatra National Park, Slovakia/Poland

Tatra National Park, straddling the border between Slovakia and Poland, is a hidden gem in Europe. In fall, the park’s dense forests turn into a breathtaking array of colors, from golden yellows to deep reds. The jagged peaks of the Tatra Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the colorful foliage below.

Autumn offers the perfect conditions for hiking, with cooler weather and fewer tourists. Wildlife in the park is abundant, with animals like brown bears and chamois preparing for winter. The combination of mountain views and autumn colors makes Tatra National Park a truly magical place in the fall.

Ecrins National Park, France

Ecrins National Park, located in the French Alps, is especially beautiful during the fall months. As the temperatures cool, the leaves of the park’s forests turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The dramatic mountain peaks, many of which are capped with snow, provide a stunning contrast to the colorful foliage.

Fall is an ideal time for hiking, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. The park’s diverse wildlife, including ibex and marmots, are more visible as they prepare for the winter months. With fewer tourists, visitors can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the park, surrounded by nature’s breathtaking beauty.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten Islands are an extraordinary destination in fall, with dramatic peaks and deep fjords framed by rich autumn colors. The islands’ fishing villages, nestled among the mountains, take on a peaceful charm as the weather cools. The contrast of vibrant foliage against the icy waters of the fjords is truly mesmerizing.

Autumn is the perfect time to visit Lofoten, as the weather is cool but manageable for outdoor activities. Hiking and fishing are popular in the fall, and wildlife enthusiasts can catch sight of migrating birds and seals. The serene beauty of the islands, combined with the colorful landscapes, makes Lofoten an unforgettable destination in the fall.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.