October is fall-color month in the East and prime hiking season in Utah. It's also a good time for bridge jumping in West Virginia.
Fall color works down the mountains all month, from high elevations early in October to the valleys by early November. It's the Smokies' second busiest month for a reason.
Hikes to do: Alum Cave to LeConte, Charlies Bunion, Chimney Tops, Abrams Falls
Don't miss: Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome/Kuwohi, Cades Cove
Tip: Traffic in Cades Cove and on Newfound Gap Road peaks on October weekends. Go early.
Skyline Drive in peak foliage is one of the classic fall drives in the East. Colors typically peak mid-to-late October.
Hikes to do: Hawksbill Summit, Old Rag Mountain, Stony Man, Bearfence Rock Scramble
Don't miss: Skyline Drive overlooks, Big Meadows, Hawksbill summit
Tip: Old Rag day-use tickets are still required through November 30.
Fall color on Mount Desert Island peaks in early to mid-October: maple red against granite and ocean. Cadillac vehicle reservations run through October 25 in 2026.
Hikes to do: Cadillac North Ridge, Beech Mountain Loop, Acadia Mountain, Gorham Mountain
Don't miss: Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Park Loop Road
Tip: Cadillac reservations: 30% release 90 days ahead and 70% two days ahead, at 10 a.m. ET.
Fall foliage fills the gorge, and on Bridge Day (the third Saturday in October) the New River Gorge Bridge opens to pedestrians and BASE jumpers.
Hikes to do: Endless Wall Trail, Long Point Trail, Grandview Rim, Castle Rock Trail
Don't miss: New River Gorge Bridge, Endless Wall, Sandstone Falls
Tip: Bridge Day draws huge crowds. Book lodging early or avoid that weekend.
Cottonwoods in the canyon turn gold, temperatures fall back into the 70s and the Narrows usually runs low. Some consider it the best month in Zion.
Hikes to do: The Narrows Bottom-Up, Angels Landing, Observation Point, Kolob Arch (La Verkin Creek)
Don't miss: Zion Canyon cottonwoods, The Narrows, Kolob Canyons
Tip: The winter Angels Landing lottery opens October 1–20. See Permits & reservations.
Ohio's national park is at its most beautiful in October, with maples and oaks turning around Brandywine Falls and along the Towpath.
Hikes to do: Brandywine Gorge Loop, Ledges Trail, Towpath Trail, Blue Hen Falls
Don't miss: Brandywine Falls, The Ledges, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Tip: Weekend parking at Brandywine Falls and the Ledges fills quickly.
Crisp fall weather returns the Needles and Island in the Sky to prime hiking condition, and October skies are clear and dark.
Hikes to do: Chesler Park Loop, Druid Arch, Mesa Arch, Grand View Point
Don't miss: Mesa Arch, Needles district, Grand View Point
Tip: Overnight permits for fall open months ahead. See Permits & reservations.