November sends hikers south: Texas canyons light up with fall color, the deserts cool off, and Arkansas's thermal springs are especially welcome.
McKittrick Canyon's maples and oaks turn red and gold from late October to mid-November, one of the best fall color shows in Texas.
Hikes to do: McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Peak, Devil's Hall, Permian Reef
Don't miss: McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Peak, Salt Basin Dunes
Tip: McKittrick Canyon's gate has day-use hours. Check the park page for opening times.
Heat is gone, crowds haven't arrived for the holidays, and the desert is often green after late-summer rains.
Hikes to do: Emory Peak, South Rim, Santa Elena Canyon, Lost Mine Trail
Don't miss: Santa Elena Canyon, Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village
Tip: Thanksgiving week is busy. Reserve campgrounds ahead (all park campgrounds require reservations).
The season opens: highs drop into the 70s, and long hikes like Golden Canyon–Gower Gulch are comfortable again.
Hikes to do: Golden Canyon–Gower Gulch Loop, Mosaic Canyon, Darwin Falls, Natural Bridge
Don't miss: Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Dante's View
Tip: Days are short. Plan around sunset, which comes before 5 p.m.
Climbing season is back, with warm days in the 60s–70s, cool nights and excellent stargazing.
Hikes to do: Ryan Mountain, Warren Peak, Barker Dam Loop, Split Rock Loop
Don't miss: Hidden Valley, Jumbo Rocks, Keys View
Tip: Campgrounds book up for Thanksgiving weekend.
Mild temperatures on the gypsum dunes, which reflect sunlight and stay cool to the touch. November sunsets turn the white sand pink and gold.
Hikes to do: Alkali Flat Trail, Dune Life Nature Trail, Interdune Boardwalk, Playa Trail
Don't miss: Dunes Drive at sunset, Interdune Boardwalk, Sledding on the dunes
Tip: Missile tests at White Sands Missile Range can close US-70 and the park for a few hours. Check the live alerts.
The Ouachitas still hold late fall color into early November, and a soak in Bathhouse Row's thermal water feels best on a cool day.
Hikes to do: Grand Promenade, Hot Springs Mountain, Goat Rock, Sunset Trail
Don't miss: Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs Mountain Tower, The Grand Promenade
Tip: Book Buckstaff or Quapaw bathhouse sessions ahead on weekends.
Cool weather and very few mosquitoes: late fall is the best time to walk Congaree's old-growth forest and paddle Cedar Creek.
Hikes to do: Boardwalk Loop, Weston Lake Loop, Oakridge Trail, River Trail
Don't miss: Boardwalk Loop, Cedar Creek by canoe, Champion trees
Tip: Check water levels. Cedar Creek paddling is best at moderate flow.