Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been identified as the premier national park for experiencing fall colors, according to a recent study. The park secured the top spot in a ranking that evaluated destinations for autumn getaways, surpassing other well-known parks like Acadia, Shenandoah, Rocky Mountain, and Grand Teton.
The study, conducted by Sudoku Bliss, analyzed National Park Service visitation data from September through November between 2021 and 2025, alongside Google ratings and reviews. Great Smoky Mountains achieved the highest overall score, having welcomed nearly 19 million visitors during the fall season over the five-year period.
Jessica Bowron, acting director of the National Park Service, shared her personal recommendations for fall foliage viewing, agreeing with the study's findings. In an interview with OutKick Outdoors, Bowron suggested the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park as prime locations for those seeking vibrant autumn colors.
Great Smoky Mountains led the rankings with a fall score of 94.7. Acadia National Park in Maine followed in second place with a score of 86.6. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia ranked third with 76.0, while Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming secured fourth and fifth places with scores of 74.1 and 72.9, respectively. The top 10 also included Yosemite, Zion, Yellowstone, Cuyahoga Valley, and New River Gorge.
The study's methodology incorporated more than just visitor numbers. It weighted total fall visits, total visitor hours, Google ratings, and the frequency of autumn-related language in reviews. For instance, Shenandoah National Park had a higher percentage of Google reviews mentioning fall (18.4%) than several parks ranked below it, despite having fewer overall visitors.
Bowron also provided an update on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which had sections impacted by Hurricane Helene two years prior. She indicated that additional sections of the parkway are expected to reopen within weeks, allowing visitors to once again experience the scenic route.
For travelers seeking a less crowded experience, Bowron recommended the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. She noted its extensive towpath stretching over 100 miles from the Washington, D.C., area into Western Maryland, offering opportunities for hiking and biking.
Looking ahead to winter, Bowron suggested parks like Death Valley, Mojave, Everglades, and Saguaro for warmer weather trips. For those who prefer snow, she mentioned winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the Rockies, and hiking and skiing in Bryce Canyon National Park among its snow-covered formations. She advised visitors to always check park websites for current road closures, weather conditions, and facility availability before planning a trip during the winter months.