I’ve been to all 63 major US national parks. These are the 6 I always tell people to visit in the fall.

In my opinion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is located in North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of the best spots in the country for fall color.

The park is home to over 100 species of native trees, and the foliage season lasts for weeks, from late September in the higher elevations to early November in the valleys. By October, the mountains turn into rolling waves of red, orange, and gold.

Scenic drives on Kuwohi Road bring spectacular views, and a hike on the Alum Cave Trail puts you right in the middle of the color.

Plus, cooler temperatures make fall an especially magical time to explore the most-visited US national park.