10 U.S National Parks to Visit in November
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About This Series
This post is part of a planned series of twelve articles about which national parks are the best to visit in a particular month. Some parks will appear multiple times throughout the series while some may only appear once. In this month, we look at the best national parks to visit in November.
Throughout series, we’ll cover topics such as weather, crowd levels, and what makes each park special. It will be based on my own experiences in addition to extensive research.
Best National Parks to Visit in November
November brings a breathtaking transformation to some of the United States' most stunning national parks. With the autumn foliage at its peak and the summer crowds dispersed, this is the perfect time to explore the wonders of nature without the hustle and bustle. Below, we've listed ten national parks worth visiting in November and the reasons why.
1. Acadia National Park
State: Maine.
Reason to Visit: Witness the brilliant hues of fall foliage as maple, birch, and oak trees paint the landscape with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Weather: Crisp air, low to mid daytime temperatures and chilly nights. Rain and snow are possibilities.
Sunrise & Sunset: 6:30 AM , Sunset: 4:15 PM
Crowd Levels: Moderate. The summer tourists have left, making November a quieter time to visit.
Top Recommendations: Take the time to explore the charming town of Bar Harbor and take a drive up Cadillac Mountain (weather permitting).
How Many Days Needed: You could get away with one day, but I would recommend spending two.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
State: Tennessee.
Reason to Visit: Catch a glimpse of the ethereal "smoky" haze blanketing the mountains as the fall foliage creates a mesmerizing scene.
Weather: Temperatures are mild, but you will deal with occasional rain.
Sunrise & Sunset: 7:00 AM, Sunset: 5:30 PM
Crowd Levels: Low. With the summer vacationers gone, you can enjoy the tranquility of the park's serene trails.
Top Recommendations: Take a hike up to Clingmans Dome for outstanding panoramic views.
Days Needed: This is a park worthy of spending at least three days at.
3. Zion National Park
State: Utah (southern).
Reason to Visit: Experience cooler temperatures, making it ideal for hiking the iconic Angel's Landing or exploring The Narrows without the scorching summer heat.
Weather: Mild daytime temperatures between 50 - 70 degrees with chilly evenings. Though sparse in Southern Utah, snow is still a possibility, especially in the higher elevations of the park.
Sunrise and Sunset: 6:45 AM, Sunset: 5:00 PM
Crowd Levels: Moderate. November sees fewer visitors compared to the peak summer season.
Top Recommendations: If you’re feeling up to it, hiking Angel’s Landing outside of peak season would be a great idea.
Days Needed: To see everything this park has to offer, I recommend at least three.
4. Shenandoah National Park
State: Virginia
Reason to Visit: Admire the kaleidoscope of fall colors as you drive along the scenic Skyline Drive, offering breathtaking vistas.
Weather: You’ll deal with occasional rainfall but the weather is otherwise mild, albeit a bit chilly.
Sunrise and Sunset: 7:15 AM, Sunset: 5:00 PM
Crowd Levels: Low. The crisp November air attracts fewer visitors, making it a serene escape.
Top Recommendations: Take a drive along Skyline Drive or hike up to Old Rag Mountain to take in the stunning vistas.
Days Needed: You could get away with just one day but if you have the time, spend two.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
State: Colorado.
Reason to Visit: Witness the elk rutting season, with bull elk showcasing their majestic antlers and engaging in impressive mating displays.
Weather: Cooler temperatures dominate. With averages between 20 - 50 degrees and the presence of occasional snowfall.
Sunrise and Sunset: 6:15 AM, Sunset: 4:45 PM
Crowd Levels: Low to Moderate. While November is less crowded than summer, some visitors come to witness the elk's captivating behavior.
Top Recommendations: November is a great month for spotting Elk and Bighorn Sheep.
Days Needed: Be sure to set aside at least two days.
6. Everglades National Park
State: Florida.
Reason to Visit: Enjoy the cooler and drier season, perfect for birdwatching as migratory birds flock to the park.
Weather: You’re well beyond hurricane season in November, so the weather is pleasant. Average daytime temps are in the low 80’s with lower humidity to boot.
Sunrise and Sunset: 6:45 AM, Sunset: 5:30 PM
Crowd Levels: Low to Moderate. The park is less crowded than the peak winter months, offering a tranquil atmosphere.
Top Recommendations: Spot alligators along the Anhinga Trail or take a tour of the park on an airboat.
Days Needed: I would recommend planning for two days.
7. Yellowstone National Park
State: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
Reason to Visit: Observe the abundant wildlife as animals gather near thermal areas for warmth, and witness the majesty of Old Faithful against the stunning fall backdrop.
Weather: Chilly, at best. Average temps tend to be between 20 - 40 degrees and you have a fair chance of snow. Additionally, the northern portion of the park will likely be closed.
Sunrise and Sunset: 7:30 AM, Sunset: 5:15 PM
Crowd Levels: Low. November is a quieter time, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature.
Top Recommendations: This is a great month to see popular attractions such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring without hoards of people around.
Days Needed: One to see the accessible highlights. Two or three to be flexible in case the weather takes a turn.
8. Joshua Tree National Park
State: California.
Reason to Visit: Experience cooler temperatures for hiking and stargazing, with the park's unique Joshua trees silhouetted against the night sky.
Weather: Average highs at Joshua Tree are far superior to the scorching summer heat where it rarely exceeds 72 degrees. It doesn’t get anywhere near cold enough for snow and your chances of rain are low.
Sunrise and Sunset: 6:00 AM, Sunset: 4:45 PM
Crowd Levels: Low. November is an excellent time to explore the park with fewer tourists.
Top Recommendations: Considering the ideal temperatures, I would recommend focusing on hiking. Barker Dam, Hidden Valley, Split Rock Loop and Skull Rock are a few family-friendly options.
Days Needed: To see the highlights, one is all you’d need, but I would recommend at least two.
9. Olympic National Park
State: Washington.
Reason to Visit: This park is hard to beat. Being able to bare witness to the stunning contrasts between rainforests, mountains and the coast is a real treat.
Weather: November brings cooler temperatures to the park averaging between 40 - 55 degrees. Being in the Pacific North West, the chances of rain are higher than usual.
Sunrise and Sunset: 7:15 AM, Sunset: 4:45 PM
Crowd Levels: Low. November is off-peak, offering a serene and peaceful escape.
Top Recommendations: You can’t go wrong with a stroll along Ruby Beach or a hike through the Hoh Rain Forest.
Days Needed: I would recommend taking at least two days.
10. Grand Canyon National Park
State: Arizona.
Reason to Visit: Experience the Grand Canyon's breathtaking vistas and geologic features with cooler temperatures and fewer people around. Keep in mind that while the south rim will be accessible, the north rim may not be.
Weather: If doesn’t get much better at the Grand Canyon, weather wise, than November. There isn’t much rain or snow to speak of and though you’ll have chilly evenings, day time temps hover around the mid 50’s.
Sunrise & Sunset: 6:30 AM, Sunset: 5:15 PM
Crowd Levels: Moderate. November sees fewer visitors compared to the peak summer months, but it's still a popular destination. So don’t expect to have it all to yourself.
Top Recommendations: Exploring the many vistas of the south rim is something everyone in the family would enjoy. Additionally, hiking the Bright Angel trail is rarely a bad idea.
Days Needed: If you’re fine with just hiking the south rim, one day is all you will need. If you want to hike further into the canyon, though, plan for two or three.
November offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the beauty and tranquility of these ten national parks. Whether you're captivated by the fall foliage, fascinated by wildlife, or seeking solitude in nature's wonders, these parks provide unforgettable experiences.
So, pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and immerse yourself in the splendor of America's natural treasures.
