There’s something about October that beckons people to travel, to take on a new adventure before the year draws to an end. The leaves of the trees begin to change color, painting the landscape in an explosion of oranges, reds, and yellows. October marks the start of fall, and with it comes a sense of change and renewal.
The 10 US destinations you need to visit this October offer an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors before the winter months set in. After a long summer soaking up the sun, it’s time to head out to a few of the most stunning regions our amazing country has to offer.
10 Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is an enchanting place to experience the changing seasons. As the seasons' transition from summer to fall in Yellowstone National Park, visitors can expect to see a diversity of landscapes, from breathtaking scenery to abundant wildlife throughout the park. October is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the park is blanketed in a range of vibrant hues, which makes hiking or biking the trails of Yellowstone mesmerizing. Fall is also an ideal time for wildlife watching as the animals prepare for the long winter ahead. Lucky visitors are often rewarded with sights of bison grazing on the grasses and elk bugling in the forests.
9 Asheville, North Carolina
There’s a reason why the small city of Asheville often leads “must-visit” fall destination lists. By October, Asheville has transformed from a lush, green landscape to a tapestry of red, orange, and yellow that erupt against the clear blue sky. October is also the time when many travelers take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds its way for nearly 500 miles through the mountains of western North Carolina. The views from the Parkway are particularly stunning in October when the leaves are at their peak of color.
8 Telluride, Colorado
Telluride sits deep in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, which grants visitors year-round outdoor adventures and dazzling vistas. Photographers can be found aiming their lenses at the iconic Dallas Divide while hikers take their time trekking up the cliff sides of the Via Ferrata. The town also offers free rides on the gondola, which gives another vantage point of this stunning mountain town. For those with less time to spend in Telluride, then consider a drive along one of the many mountain passes such as Imogene Pass or Black Bear Pass, but be warned, these routes require a vehicle with a four-wheel drive.
7 Kauai, Hawaii
By October, most of the crowds have dissipated from the Hawaiian island, and the weather has cooled slightly, making it one of the best times to visit. This is the perfect time to hit the iconic Kalalau Trail, or any of the other amazing hikes in Kauai, to take in the mesmerizing panoramic views or head to Hanalei Bay for a snorkeling adventure. If you want a more relaxing outing, head to Port Allen Marina and consider a sunset dinner cruise aboard a catamaran. No visit to Kauai would be complete without a visit to Tunnels Beach, which is a favorite among locals and visitors for its picturesque vistas and shallow reefs that are perfect for snorkeling.
6 Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is often referred to as “Jackson Hole” by Wyoming outsiders who confuse the valley for the town, but neither are bad choices for October travel destinations. Camping in Grand Teton National Park or fishing on Jackson Lake are incredible ways to soak up the fall days. There are several wildlife tours that will get you close (but not too close) to the beautiful creatures that roam the area, while those looking for a slower pace will enjoy a peaceful drive through the Grand Tetons. This stretch of road is often considered one of the best drives in America, where travelers embark on a 42-mile scenic drive bringing them close to the mountains and the diverse wildlife that call the national park home.
5 Sun Valley, Idaho
Known as a resort town in the winter, Sun Valley is a wonderful gem that deserves a spot on your travel list this fall. As its name implies, Sun Valley gets more than its fair share of bright, sunny days, which makes it an ideal place to beat those post-summer blues. Anglers will love to cast their line just north of town in the Salmon River or pick a spot along the Big Wood River to try their luck at catching the night’s dinner. The nearby Sawtooth Mountain Range offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails as well as scenic camping spots to enjoy the incredible weather that Sun Valley offers.
4 Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to visit any time of the year, but October may be the best month of all. Millions of visitors frequent this national treasure each year, making it one of the most popular national park destinations in the United States. Hikers enjoy nearly 800 miles of trails, while animal enthusiasts head to the Cataloochee Driving Trail to seize glances at the park elk, turkey, and other wildlife populations. The park also offers white-water rafting, horseback riding trails, and ziplining.
3 Jeffersonville, Vermont
Jeffersonville is a small New England town that is mostly known for its popular family vacation resort, Smuggler's Notch. Despite its small stature, Jeffersonville is a well-known area for visitors who love the outdoors and enjoy the changing foliage. Outdoor adventurers love the unspoiled hiking, canoeing, and kayaking options that the area offers, and with tourists often drawn to flashier areas throughout the season, you won't have to worry about overcrowding and spoiled landscape shots of the natural beauty that surrounds the village.
2 Yosemite National Park, California
When you head west to California's Yosemite National Park, you'll want to pack your camera and your hiking stick, read the guide to help you navigate them all, and grab some extra layers for warmth. During October, temperatures often hover around the 70-degree mark for highs while lows can dip into the 40s, but that shouldn't stop you from seeing one of America's most beautiful destinations. The park offers unbelievable photography opportunities and breathtaking mountaintop views of Yosemite Valley. The brave can attempt to ascend the famed Half Dome peak, while stargazers will have ample moments to catch a meteor shower or falling star on clear, cold nights.
1 Hudson Valley, New York
Stretching along the Hudson River from Westchester County to Albany, Hudson Valley is popular for its vineyards and farms, but in the fall, it turns into a leaf-peeping haven. Visitors from all across the world descend on areas such as Minnewaska State Park to get their fill of the seasonal fall change. Other visitors enjoy picking their own fruit at some of the valley's many famed orchards or sipping on locally-sourced cider before setting off on a hayride. One visit to Hudson Valley will send travelers home with a clear understanding of why this is one of the best destinations to visit in October.