Visiting national parks in November is a great idea because you can enjoy cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning fall or early winter scenery. Here are 10 of the best national parks to visit in November.
10 Best National Parks to Visit in November
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina)
Why Visit Great Smoky Mountains in November?
- Fall colors linger into early November, offering stunning scenery.
- Cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable.
- Wildlife like elk and black bears are more active.
Top Activities:
- Scenic drives (Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road)
- Hiking to Clingmans Dome & Laurel Falls
- Wildlife spotting in Cataloochee Valley
Top Places to Visit:
- Clingmans Dome (highest point in the park)
- Cades Cove (historic cabins, wildlife, and scenic loop)
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (waterfalls & old-growth forests)
Weather in November: 30-60°F (-1 to 16°C), colder at higher elevations.
2. Yosemite National Park (California)
Why Visit Yosemite National Park in November?
- Fewer crowds, making it peaceful and easier to explore.
- Stunning waterfalls and granite cliffs are dusted with snow.
- Fall colors remain in Yosemite Valley.
Top Activities:
- Hiking (Mirror Lake, Bridalveil Fall)
- Photography at Tunnel View & El Capitan
- Exploring giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove
Top Places to Visit:
- Yosemite Valley (Half Dome, El Capitan, waterfalls)
- Glacier Point (breathtaking panoramic views)
- Mariposa Grove (home to giant sequoias)
Weather in November: 30-55°F (-1 to 13°C), snowfall possible at higher elevations.
3. Zion National Park (Utah)
Why Visit Zion National Park in November?
- Cooler temperatures make hiking much more enjoyable.
- Vibrant fall foliage contrasts beautifully with red rock cliffs.
- Fewer crowds compared to peak season.
Top Activities:
- Hiking Angel’s Landing & The Narrows
- Scenic drives along Zion Canyon
- Rock climbing & canyoneering
Top Places to Visit:
- Angel’s Landing (iconic hike with breathtaking views)
- The Narrows (slot canyon hike through the Virgin River)
- Zion Canyon Overlook (great for photography)
Weather in November: 30-65°F (-1 to 18°C), mild and dry.
4. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Why Visit Grand Canyon National Park in November?
- No summer heat—perfect for hiking.
- Stunning sunrises and sunsets over the canyon.
- Less crowded compared to summer.
Top Activities:
- Hiking the Bright Angel & South Kaibab trails
- Scenic drives along Desert View Drive
- Photography at sunrise & sunset points
Top Places to Visit:
- Mather Point (best sunrise spot)
- Bright Angel Trail (a must-hike trail into the canyon)
- Desert View Watchtower (historic stone structure with great views)
Weather in November: 25-55°F (-4 to 13°C) at the South Rim, warmer inside the canyon.
5. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Why Visit Yellowstone National Park in November?
- Wildlife is more active, with bison and wolves frequently seen.
- Early snowfall turns the park into a winter wonderland.
- Fewer visitors mean a quieter experience.
Top Activities:
- Wildlife viewing (bison, elk, wolves)
- Exploring geysers and hot springs
- Snowshoeing and early winter hikes
Top Places to Visit:
- Old Faithful (famous geyser eruptions)
- Grand Prismatic Spring (stunning colorful hot spring)
- Lamar Valley (best for spotting wolves & bison)
Weather in November: 0-40°F (-18 to 4°C), early winter conditions with snowfall.
6. Everglades National Park (Florida)
Why Visit Everglades National Park in November?
- November marks the start of the dry season (fewer mosquitoes!).
- Comfortable temperatures for exploring.
- Prime time for birdwatching.
Top Activities:
- Airboat tours through wetlands
- Kayaking & canoeing through mangroves
- Wildlife spotting (alligators, manatees, birds)
Top Places to Visit:
- Shark Valley (best place to see alligators)
- Anhinga Trail (perfect for birdwatching)
- Ten Thousand Islands (great for kayaking)
Weather in November: 65-80°F (18 to 27°C), warm and dry.
7. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Why Visit Bryce Canyon National Park in November?
- Hoodoos dusted with snow create magical scenery.
- Cold but manageable temperatures for hiking.
- Excellent stargazing opportunities.
Top Activities:
- Hiking the Navajo Loop & Queens Garden trails
- Photography of snow-covered rock formations
- Stargazing in the clear night sky
Top Places to Visit:
- Bryce Amphitheater (best hoodoo formations)
- Sunrise Point & Sunset Point
- Navajo Loop Trail (scenic hike through hoodoos)
Weather in November: 15-45°F (-9 to 7°C), chance of snow.
8. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Why Visit Joshua Tree National Park in November?
- Cooler temperatures make desert hiking and climbing enjoyable.
- Stunning sunsets and starry nights.
- Unique rock formations and Joshua trees.
Top Activities:
- Hiking Hidden Valley & Skull Rock
- Rock climbing world-famous formations
- Stargazing in the dark desert sky
Top Places to Visit:
- Hidden Valley (great for hiking & rock formations)
- Keys View (panoramic desert views)
- Cholla Cactus Garden (best at sunrise/sunset)
Weather in November: 40-75°F (4 to 24°C), perfect for outdoor activities.
9. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Why Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in November?Visit?
- Fewer tourists and peaceful trails.
- Elk herds are highly active.
- Snowy mountain views are breathtaking.
Top Activities:
- Wildlife watching (elk, moose, bighorn sheep)
- Snowshoeing & winter hiking
- Scenic drives before roads close for winter
Top Places to Visit:
- Bear Lake (frozen lake with stunning reflections)
- Trail Ridge Road (open until heavy snowfall)
- Moraine Park (great for elk spotting)
Weather in November: 10-45°F (-12 to 7°C), snow likely at higher elevations.
10. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Why Visit Acadia National Park in November?
- Stunning coastal landscapes with crisp air.
- Fall colors may still be present in early November.
- Fewer visitors make it peaceful.
Top Activities:
- Hiking Cadillac Mountain & Jordan Pond trails
- Exploring Bar Harbor
- Scenic drives along Park Loop Road
Top Places to Visit:
- Cadillac Mountain (first sunrise in the U.S.)
- Thunder Hole (powerful ocean waves)
- Jordan Pond (famous reflections & popovers)
Weather in November: 30-50°F (-1 to 10°C), chilly but beautiful.