Our national parks saw an uptick in visitors in 2016, mostly due to a 100th birthday celebration that lasted all year. With a century of protecting and promoting public lands set aside for everyone to enjoy, America’s national parks continue to entice families of all ages and stages for a few days or weeks of outdoor-themed adventure.
There is, however, a little snag for those wanting to visit during the most popular months of May through August, when kids are out of school and the traditional family road trip vacation takes effect – crowds. Lots and lots of crowds, especially at parks with high visitor recognition.
The National Park Service has concentrated efforts at these and other, lesser-known parks to encourage what they term “shoulder season-visitorship,” meaning in most cases the non-summer months. Among those? Autumn, of course!
From coast to coast and even up north, America’s national parks pop in the fall, and in places like Alaska seasonal changes can begin as early as August. It’s eye candy of the most delicious kind for kids, who are naturally drawn to colorful and interesting sights out the window or along a trail. Yes, you might have to take a few days away from the classroom, but the benefits are worth the extra homework. Let’s explore the reasons.
- Access: Many national parks are surprisingly accessible through early or mid-October, offering road-tripping families the benefit of quiet roadways and (usually) snow-free terrain to explore. Visitors Centers, while often operating with adjusted hours, can still be open and welcoming to a family of curious kids. Take advantage of what they offer.
- Atmosphere: National parks are busy places between May and September. Sometimes they can even be reminiscent of an amusement park from all the chaos of tour buses, cars, and people. Visiting during the fall means a quieter, more reflective opportunity to take stock of each park and appreciate its presence. Stop, listen, and learn.
- Discounts: Some parks offer free admission during the shoulder and winter seasons, and many campgrounds are free, too. If you’ve got the equipment or the time, fall camping can be a wonderful way to experience national parks. Many communities near park entrances offer deeply discounted rooms, too, and are worth investigating.
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- Scenery: Leaves, grasses, and even weather takes a turn toward the colorful each fall, leaving visitors to ogle at the striking colors or cloud patterns that appear, sometimes right before your very eyes. Recommendation? Get out of the car or RV and take a hike; you’ll see signs of a changing season you may miss from inside a vehicle. Have kids get down on their knees and look for signs of fall; tracks in the mud, brown grasses and red leaves on the ground, nuts stored by hungry squirrels. It’s all there
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- Wildlife: Did you know that wild animals have a lot of work to do before the first snowfall arrives? Bears need to increase their body fat by 20% before going into hibernation, moose are looking for love so calves can be born in the spring, and rodents are stocking up in their cozy nests before snow covers up their favorite treats. It’s a busy time of year for animals, and humans reap the benefits of watching all this activity. When snow does fall on the higher elevations, many animals will utilize the lower park roads for moving around, much to your delight.
The Parks to Visit
Not sure which park fits your family’s interests? Here is a sampling of unique national parks offering fall activities.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Wait, what? Isn’t it snowing in Alaska by fall? Sometimes, but many days can also be crystal-clear and show off the amazing mountain of the same name. It’s definitely cooler in September, but the park is void of the usual cacophony of summertime visitors, and the colors and wildlife opportunities are off the hook. Wander the visitors center trails near the entrance area, then stop by the only national park sled dog team to visit the newest crop of puppies (they love people). Look for rutting moose (the males are sporting huge antlers as they pursue their lady loves), grizzly bears, goats, sheep, and maybe even wolves. Lodging can be an issue, but Riley Creek Campground is always open for adventurous travelers, or drive south to the town of Talkeetna, two hours away. www.nps.gov/dena/
Acadia National Park, Maine
Headquarters building is open all year, with the Rockefeller Welcome Center ready to offer ideas for activities. There are no lodges within the park itself, but many communities on the fringes will provide ample overnight accommodations. Try the Great Meadow Loop hike near Cromwell Harbor, or take a walk along a sand bar to and from Bar Island near Bar Harbor. Do remember that weather in Maine can swing between windy and rainy to bright sunshine, so dress in layers and add rainwear.
www.nps.gov/acad/ www.visitmaine.com
Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim, Arizona
This popular (and hot) summertime destination turns quieter and cooler come September, with a high-desert palette of amazing sights and sounds. Grand Canyon is still very busy with ranger-led activities, special events (try National Public Lands Day every September), and lots of hiking. A favorite walk with kids of all abilities is the South Rim Trail from Mather Point, where stunning vistas of the canyon are visible the entire way, and interpretive signs give kids clues about time. www.nps.gov/grca/
Olympic National Park, Washington
Photo: Erin Kirkland
Looking for color plus a plethora of kid-friendly activities in the Pacific Northwest? Olympic National Park delivers all, plus a surprisingly accessible style of travel. Start at the headquarters building in Port Angeles, then make your way up to beautiful Hurricane Ridge and see if the local deer and mountain goats are wandering around while you gaze at the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada to the north. Then, drive west to Kalaloch Lodge and play on a wild Washington beach, made even more fun by the storms that often blow through. Many campgrounds and trails are open year-round, so ask at the headquarters visitor center about maps and open areas. www.nps.gov/olym/