The Best National Parks to Visit for Each Season

As far as we’re concerned, any time is a good time to visit our national parks. But we also know there are certain seasons when visiting one makes more sense or may offer more incentives. Whether it’s the best weather, less crowds, more interesting landscapes, or fun activities/events you won’t find during other times of the year, each season has something different to offer.

Maine is beautiful year-round, but in fall it’s an experience unlike any other – especially at Acadia. Take an unforgettable scenic hike along the coastline. Go on a bike ride and peep the Maine foliage. Paddle away in the gorgeous Maine lakes and ponds. Explore the tidepools at Bar Island. Oh and don’t forget to check out those night skies, because September stargazing is a must.

Yosemite boasts a dazzling combination of evergreens, dogwood trees, and vines that wind all through the valley, creating an autumn color show that will take your breath away. Bring your binocs for some sweet bird watching, spend a night staring up at the stars, or hop a free shuttle to Mariposa Grove to visit the largest sequoia grove in the park, home to over 500 mature giant sequoias.

Whether you love snow or don’t get to see much of it where you are, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the US with an abundant snowfall to give you the winter outing of a lifetime. Mount Rainier offers a wide range of recreational activities including guided snowshoe walks, skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Or you can simply grab some hot cocoa, sit back, and enjoy the winter show.

One of Frosty’s top five, it’s one of the snowiest parks in the United States, receiving an average of 42 feet of snow per year. Not only does it make the environment feel almost magical, it creates ideal conditions for ranger-guided snowshoe walks, skiing along designated routes, sledding across the backcountry, and other fun winter activities. It also happens to be one of the most amazing places for an all-out family snowball fight. You’ve been warned.

Springtime at Cuyahoga brings new leaves, blooming wildflowers, and ideal temps for hiking, biking, paddling, birding, fishing, and anything else you feel like doing. There’s also ranger-guided programs and opportunities for some stellar stargazing. And starting in mid-April, put on your sleuthing hat and follow clues to find hidden quest boxes in the Ohio & Erie Canalway. Along the way, you'll discover the area's natural treasures and cultural gems without need of a GPS. Kids love it.

When visiting one of the world’s most famous parks, spring is a great time to avoid big summer crowds and take advantage of longer daylight hours. But the real reason to visit this time of year are the incredible things this humongous park offers, including ranger-led programs, day hikes, overnight backpacking, and even biking the scenic roads. Plus, if you’re looking for something more adventurous, river rafting tours start booking as early as April.

With over 729,000 acres of freshwater and swampland and a unique mix of tropical and temperate plant life, this park is a national treasure nestled along Florida’s southwest coast. Catch a swamp buggy or airboat and get guided tours of the ins and outs of these massive wetlands, row your own way with a canoe or kayak, or treat yourself to some of the other activities like birding, biking, camping, and more. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take part in the Tamiami Trail Triathlon, a cooperative program between Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, and explore the rich mysteries of Southwest Florida.

Home to America’s first national river and one of the few remaining undammed waterways, this park offers paddling experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Hop on your favorite horse at the Erbie Horse Camp and ride along the sparkling waters. Pick out a primetime picnic spot for an outdoor meal you’ll always remember. And don’t be surprised if you spot a few new friends, thanks to the park’s many different species of wildlife.