These Gorgeous State Parks Are Reaching Leaf-Viewing Peak Right Now

It is named after the famous American writer Jack London. This author is the author of books with beautiful titles. Making Fire And A Piece of Steak—Jack London State Historic Park is full of gorgeous scenery, including a solid California time travel. Explore it all on the park’s 29 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. You can also see historic buildings from the late 19th century and visit the museum at the House of Happy Walls, which features 22 exhibits honoring the pioneering lives of London and his wife, Charmian.

A short drive from downtown Anchorage, Chugach State Park welcomes visitors to nearly half a million acres of pristine wilderness, so it’ll take some time to fully appreciate America’s third-largest state park. Focus on a majestic two-mile hike on the trail to Thunderbird Falls as vibrant fall foliage glitters beside you. Nearby Eklutna Lake is another local favorite for autumnal glories. Rent a canoe from Lifetime Adventures to paddle on the glacier-fed lake, or hike the Eklutna Lakeside Trail and Twin Peaks Trail for some of the best fall foliage views around. Extend your visit by booking a new micro cabin at BlueWater BaseCamp . The property is close to Eklutna Lake, and each dwelling sleeps up to six people and offers stunning views of the Chugach Mountain Range. Anchorage’s “fall” begins in late summer, when the leaves begin to change, and continues through early October.

Lucky Peak has a rich history, named after the gold prospectors who found gold here in the 1860s. The peak itself is home to several mining sites, including Adelmann Mine, which you can visit via Adelmann Mine Road, which meanders through meadows and streams that sparkle, especially in the fall. Eventually, you’ll come across the mine buildings, which include a warehouse and a structure reminiscent of the Wild West. On a clear day, continue this trail to the summit of Lucky Peak. Or, retreat to the park’s Sandy Point Beach area, which is great for wildlife viewing without the summer crowds. The tourism board recommends visiting between late September and mid-October for peak foliage. You’ll find the best colors on the Macks Creek Park trail from Spring Shores Marina, a moderate five-mile hike with golden aspens ablaze and serene lake views. The park’s Intermountain Bird Observatory offers visitors the chance to see the bird of prey migration during the fall.

One of the Centennial State's newest state parks, Cheyenne Mountain's 21 miles of hiking and biking trails traverse the pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness and are an all-day adventure paradise. The High Dixon Trail leads to the summit of Cheyenne Mountain for incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Need to give your legs a break? Test your aim at the nearby archery range.

Birds and wildlife abound at Big Lagoon State Park, and it's a gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Choose a campsite to enjoy beautiful nighttime stargazing, or spend the day swimming and fishing in the surrounding waters. Kayaking is also a big draw here, and it's the starting point for the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, a sea kayaking route that spans the entire state.

“Discover the Gate” is the motto of this recreation-focused corner of Wisconsin, and a visit to Peninsula State Park is a great way to experience the area. Bike or walk through the storybook fall colors, or paddle out to Horseshoe Island, a 38-acre island about a mile inland. Pro tip: Rent a bike from Edge of Park and cruise the Sunset Trail, an easy 10-mile path that offers great views of cliff communities, Weborg Swamp, and cedar and maple trees along the shoreline.

If you’re looking for a park with mind-blowing fall colors, head to Vogelville. Skilled hikers will love the spectacular four-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail, which offers bird’s-eye views of the park’s sparkling lake. For a more family-friendly hike, take the Lake Loop to a small waterfall below the dam. Even the drive into the park is special: Wolf Pen Gap Road is a favorite for stunning fall foliage.

Sorry East Coasters: If you think New England is the only home to autumnal glory, you’re missing out. At Humboldt Redwoods State Park, leaf enthusiasts will gawk at bigleaf maples, Oregon ash, dogwoods, black oaks, red and white alders, and poplars—all in full color under a captivating fog. The 53,000-acre park features the world’s largest old-growth redwood grove and offers a variety of ways to enjoy them: running, camping, hiking, picnicking, or horseback riding, to name a few.

Venture a few miles from Newport to reach Fort Wetherill, one of America’s most underrated state parks. Here, you’ll find rocky outcrops that hug the coastline and trees so green they almost transport you to the Pacific Northwest. Rest assured, you’re in prime New England, where the maritime climate allows for milder fall weather. Scuba enthusiasts should note that the diving at Fort Wetherill Beach is incredible. Hikers, cyclists, and anglers will find scenic overlooks, saltwater fishing spots, and autumn-hued trails throughout the park’s 60-plus acres. You can still explore the fortified structures at this former coastal defense battery, many of which are decorated with spray-paint art. Come evening, stay at Newport Harbor Island Resort, just 20 minutes away, where Torpedo Bar & Lounge serves cold beers and steaming clam chowder.

The wildlife roster at this 5,000-acre preserve includes herds of elk, black bears, mule deer, and soaring hawks. During your visit to Mueller State Park, hike more than 44 miles of gorgeous mountain trails or hop on your bike on 36 miles of mountain bike trails while taking in the gorgeous fall colors. If you need more than just a jaw-dropping day here, snag a campsite, cabin, or yurt with stunning mountain views right on your doorstep.