Top 10 Splendid National Parks to Explore in November

Top 10 Splendid National Parks to Explore in November

Heading to America's national parks in November? Score! That's when the parks transform into less crowded, cooler, and stunningly beautiful wonderlands. Here are the top 10 picks for November national park visits, packed with activities, breathtaking views, and amazing wildlife encounters:

1. Great Smoky Mountains

Why visit: Colors, critters, and comfy hikes - November in the Smokies rocks!Top Activities: Soak up fall colors on Scenic drives (Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road), hike to Clingmans Dome & Laurel Falls, and gaze at elk and bears in Cataloochee Valley.Must-sees: Clingmans Dome (highest spot in the park), historic cabins and wildlife in Cades Cove, and the waterfalls and ancient forests of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

2. Yosemite National Park

Why visit: Less crowd, more snow-dusted waterfalls, and fall colors lingering in the Yosemite Valley.Top Activities: Hike Mirror Lake trail, get snaps at Tunnel View & El Capitan, and stroll among giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove.Must-sees: Yosemite Valley (Half Dome, El Capitan, waterfalls), beat-taking panoramic views at Glacier Point, and the home to giant sequoias - Mariposa Grove.

3. Zion National Park

Why visit: Hiking heaven, fall foliage, and fewer crowds - November is the time!Top Activities: Test your mettle on Angel's Landing & The Narrows hikes, enjoy scenic drives along Zion Canyon, and try rock climbing or canyoneering.Must-sees: Iconic Angel's Landing, slot canyon hike through The Narrows, and the stunning Zion Canyon Overlook.

4. Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

Why visit: No summer heat, incredible sunrises, sunsets, and fewer tourists - November perfection!Top Activities: Lace up for a hike on Bright Angel & South Kaibab trails, take in breathtaking views on Desert View Drive, and catch sunrise and sunset points.Must-sees: Mather Point (best sunrise spot), awesome hiking trail into the canyon - Bright Angel, and the historic stone structure with amazing views - Desert View Watchtower.

5. Yellowstone National Park

Why visit: Active wildlife, early winter landscapes, and fewer visitors - November is a great time to catch Yellowstone's magic.Top Activities: Spot bison, wolves, and elk, gawk at geysers like Old Faithful, and enjoy snowshoeing and early winter hikes.Must-sees: The famous geyser Old Faithful, breathtaking colorful hot spring of Grand Prismatic, and the iconic wildlife haven - Lamar Valley.

6. Everglades National Park

Why visit: Dry season kicks off in November, meaning fewer mosquitoes, comfortable temperatures, and prime birdwatching.Top Activities: Hop on an airboat tour, kayak or canoe through the mangroves, and go wildlife spotting (alligators, manatees, and birds).Must-sees: Best place to see alligators - Shark Valley, birdwatching paradise - Anhinga Trail, and the lush, green waterways of Ten Thousand Islands.

7. Bryce Canyon National Park

Why visit: Hoodoos dusted with snow, peaceful temperatures for hiking, and magical stargazing nights.Top Activities: Hike the Navajo Loop & Queens Garden trails, capture the rock formations on camera, and revel in the clear night sky.Must-sees: Bryce Amphitheater (best hoodoo formations), Sunrise and Sunset Points, and the scenic Navajo Loop trail.

8. Joshua Tree National Park

Why visit: Mild temperatures, unique rock formations, Joshua trees, and starry nights - November offers it all!Top Activities: Hike Hidden Valley & Skull Rock, test your rock-climbing skills, and soak in the desert sky.Must-sees: Hidden Valley (great for hiking and rock formations), Keys View (panoramic desert views), and the cactus garden awesome at sunrise/sunset.

9. Rocky Mountain National Park

Why visit: Peaceful trails, active elk herds, and snowy mountain vistas - November calls for a Rocky Mountain high!Top Activities: Spot wildlife (elk, moose, bighorn sheep), snowshoe & hike, and enjoy scenic drives before winter road closures.Must-sees: Frozen Bear Lake with stunning reflections, Trail Ridge Road (as long as accessible), and Moraine Park (best for elk watching).

10. Acadia National Park

Why visit: Crisp fall air, coastal landscapes, and fewer tourists in early November.Top Activities: Hike the Cadillac Mountain & Jordan Pond trails, explore Bar Harbor, and cruise along Park Loop Road.Must-sees: First sunrise in the U.S. at Cadillac Mountain, power ocean waves at Thunder Hole, and the famous pond and popovers at Jordan Pond.

Remember: Check park updates for trail and facility accessibility, as some might be closed due to weather conditions, and dress accordingly for cooler temperatures!

1. In the Great Smoky Mountains, we'll find ourselves surrounded by vibrant fall colors, sharing the trails with fewer hikers.
2. The Yosemite Valley, with its cliffs and waterfalls, offers less crowded views in November, draped in lingering fall foliage.
3. With fewer crowds and gorgeous fall foliage, November is an ideal time to explore the hiking trails of Zion National Park.
4. November in the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park presents fewer tourists, along with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
5. Yellowstone National Park in November offers a great chance to encounter wildlife against the backdrop of early winter landscapes.
6. Heading to Everglades National Park in November means fewer mosquitoes and comfortable temperatures, perfect for spotting diverse wildlife.
7. Bryce Canyon National Park offers magical stargazing nights in November, coupled with snow-dusted hoodoo formations.
8. Joshua Tree National Park boasts unique rock formations and starry skies, all within mild temperatures in November.
9. The Rocky Mountain National Park embraces us with peaceful trails and active elk herds amidst snowy mountain vistas in November.
10. Acadia National Park showered with crisp fall air presents coastal landscapes to explore and fewer tourists in early November.
11. Whether it's scenic drives, wildlife spotting, or photography, America's national parks offer endless opportunities for enjoyment in November.
12. The lifestyle in these parks during November is quieter and more relaxed, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty of nature.
13. Whether admiring sunrise over the Grand Canyon, sunset in Acadia, or the scenery of any other park, November's cooler temperatures add more charm.
14. From hiking the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains to strolling among the giant sequoias in Yosemite, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy in November.
15. The forests, deserts, mountains, and canyons of America's national parks come alive with the colors of fall in November, making it an ideal time for wildlife photography.
16. Whether it's exploring the national parks for a short weekend getaway or an extended hiking adventure, you'll find them ideal destinations for home-and-garden and travel enthusiasts alike in November.

Read also: