The splendor of fall – with its striking vibrant foliage and slanting diffused light – is the stuff of photographer’s dreams. Whether you are snapping sweeping landscape shots of variegated rolling hills, or bokeh close-ups of golden veined leaves, this is the season to test your mettle as a photographer.
Take your photography skills to the next level with a camping adventure at a park known for its colorful displays of the season. We have picked out eight of our favorite parks for capturing fall’s beauty with the lens.
Recommended: Wonderful Cabin Rentals for Fall Foliage Viewing
1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado
This large 12,000-acre state park transforms into an autumn paradise come September. The rolling foothills are cloaked in gold aspen groves. With miles of hiking trails, you can go deep into the colorful wilderness.
Photographers are drawn to Mule Deer Trail, which winds through old-growth aspen on the way to Old Barn Knoll. The four-mile Racoon Trail also passes along aspen groves and extends up to the park’s highlight, Panorama Point, where there is an expansive vista of Indian Peaks. Finally, the Horseshoe Trail is another favorite for snapping fall shots in the copse of aspens along the trail, which approaches an old farm homestead – a stunning shot with the backdrop of fall foliage. With park elevation ranging from 7,500-10,400 feet, there is a long period to admire the changing leaves – from mid to late September through October.
There are also plenty of campsites to squeeze in a last minute trip, with 164 sites, including 2 yurts and several cabins.
2. Roosevelt State Park, Mississippi
The park, located between Meridian and Jackson, offers a number of scenic overlooks for sweeping views of the Bienville National Forest in its fall glory.
Photographers will be particularly rewarded with stunning shots during hikes along Hollow Hill, Lakeview, and Muscadine Trails. If you are lucky, you might snap a shot of deer or some of the unique birds that frequent the area, such as herons, ducks, geese, and osprey. Campers have lots of opportunities to sneak in a fall trip at over 100 campsites, as well as 15 cabins and 20 motel rooms.
3. Macedonia Brook State Park, Connecticut
When people say fall foliage, the Catskills will likely first come to mind. For memorable views of the Catskills in fall, you don’t have to journey all the way to upstate New York. Macedonia Brook State Park in Connecticut offers sweeping vistas of the Catskills, as well as the Taconic Mountains. Photographers should plan on coming to the park between mid-September through October when fall foliage is at its best. There are over 50 campsites in this 2,300 acre park, with plenty of trails to explore the area.
4. Ledges State Park, Iowa
Photographers will love shooting in the fall at Ledges State Park, particularly for the stunning views afforded at Pea’s Creek Canyon, Inspiration Point Overlook or Crow’s Nest Overlook.
With its distinctive geological features and magnificent fall foliage displays, this park draws people from all over the area wanting to take in nature as the weather gets cold and leaves brighten.
The main attraction at Ledges is the canyon drive, and this is especially true in the fall. This winding one-way road along Pea’s Creek offers photographers spectacular shots of the canyon, Des Moines River Valley, and the sandstone ledges that rise nearly 100 feet above the floor of the stream bed. The park has almost 100 full hook-up campsites, so you should be able to book a trip in a short period of time.
Recommended: Campsites That Allow Dogs
5. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Kentucky
Lake Cumberland is known as one of the best fishing and boating areas in the area. The park boasts more than 52,000 acres of water and 1,225 miles of shoreline. This expanse of water becomes a giant mirror that reflects the bursts of fall foliage from late September into early November. When you are not taking frame-worthy photos of the lake and trees, there is plenty to do on and off the water, including hiking, boating, fishing, or playing tennis. You also have over 100 campsites to choose from, including full service, standard electric, and tent sites.
6. Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area, New Hampshire
The state’s newest park offers fantastic hiking that is a great way to experience the area’s spectacular fall foliage. The colors begin to change in mid-September and usually peak around mid-October. There are several trails through the colorful fall forest that lead to the summit of Mount Monadnock, as well as shorter trails for those more inclined to stroll. There are 35 campsites that can accommodate tents and pop-ups, plus 5 remote hike-to sites.
Recommended: Must See Fall Foliage Camping Destinations
7. Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina
Located near Asheville, Mount Mitchell State Park generally begins to see fall foliage by late September. With one of the highest peaks in the area above 6,000 feet, the park experiences earliest displays of autumnal leaves. Over the course of the next six weeks into early November, the emerging fall colors make their way down the mountain sides into the valleys and foothills. With this long frame of time, photographers have ample opportunity to capture the warm hues of the season.
Make Your Reservation for Mount Mitchell
8. North-South Lake Campground, New York
This is the largest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, considered by many the premiere place to enjoy fall foliage. Snap photos from one of the many mountain peaks, or alongside the waters of several lakes, or deep in the forest that is easily accessible by hiking trails. There are also waterfalls and historic sights, like Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. If you’re fortunate to ascend a peak on a clear day, you can take a photo of the fall colors over a large area, extending into five states. With over 200 campsites, you can likely get a last minute spot, even during this popular time of year.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.