Just Because Bears Hibernate, Doesn't Mean You Need To: 10 Public Lands to Visit During Fall

The leaves are changing colors, the air is beginning to have a bite, and the world seems to be telling you to curl up on the couch with a cup of joe and begin winter hibernation preparations. Fight that urge because our public lands are blooming in the most spectacular way - in the golden hues of autumn! Fall offers a unique opportunity to see your public lands in a whole new light. While all lands are pretty enjoyable in this delightful season, here are some that we felt should not be missed.

Denali National Park, AK
Snow-capped mountains bordered by vibrant tundra? Fall has never looked better than in Denali National Park.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA
Larch trees take a turn for the gold in lake basins in the Alpine Lakes. Anyone interested in a cold dip in one of these glacial lakes?

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Acadia National Park, ME
Who can resist the reds and yellows of east coast fall foliage! Acadia in autumn is the ideal weekend adventure.

Zion National Park, UT
Always a surprise in such an arid environment, deciduous riparian vegetation attempts to mimic the orange glow of the surrounding rock faces.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, ME
Our newest national monument have much to offer in this season! Deciduous plants burst into swaths of reds, yellows, and oranges, bordered by old-growth forests.
Kachina Peaks Wilderness, AZ
Inner Basin in the Kachina Peaks is a valley filled with aspen trees. The golden glow from the fall aspen leaves is other-worldly!

Daniel Boone National Forest, KY
Oak trees melt into a wide variety of reds once the weather turns in Kentucky. Scenic vistas will offer glimpses into these vibrant valleys.

Maroon Bells Wilderness, CO
With adventures of all kinds to offer, Maroon Bells Wilderness, outside of Aspen, CO, displays dynamic and vivid landscapes filled with aspen trees and serene mountain lakes.

Glacier National Park, MT
Prime-time for Glacier extends well past busy-time. Larch and aspen sprinkled throughout the lowland forests offer a unique (and more isolated) take on one of Americas most popular National Parks.


Regardless of where you are geographically located, there is always a way to enjoy your surroundings this season! Get out there and enjoy what our public lands have to offer!

Share some of your fall favorites in the comments!