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#7 on this list
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina / Tennessee
Early color at high elevations; pleasant hiking weather returns.
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#8 on this list
Superior Hiking Trail
Minnesota
North Shore maples and birch peak late month above Lake Superior.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Superior Hiking Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Total Area | Over 522,000 acres | — |
| Highest Elevation | Clingmans Dome (6,643 ft) | 1,829 feet near Lima Mountain |
| September Weather | Highs mid-70s valleys; lows 40s on ridges | — |
| Entry Fee | Free entrance; paid parking tag required | — |
| Backcountry Rules | Permits and designated shelter reservations mandatory | — |
| Primary Wildlife | Black bears, elk, wild turkey, timber rattlesnakes | — |
| Total Distance | — | 310+ miles continuous footpath |
| Terrain Style | — | Rugged ridgelines, glacial till, boreal forest |
| Campground Model | — | 90+ fee-free, shared backcountry sites |
| Best Window | — | Mid-September through early October |
| Permits | — | None required on SHT; state parks differ |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Break from summer humidity with crisp, cool sleeping weather along high ridges
- High-elevation fall foliage begins flashing weeks ahead of the valleys
- Dense, well-maintained trail system with historic stone and log shelter infrastructure
- Active wildlife season featuring the Cataloochee elk rut and bear activity
- Severe weekend vehicle congestion around primary trailheads and valley loops
- Backcountry camping is strictly limited to reserved designated sites and shelters
- Late-season yellow jacket nests are common and aggressive along trail corridors
Superior Hiking Trail
- World-class hardwood fall foliage paired with open freshwater horizons
- Free, first-come backcountry campsites eliminate rigid reservation schedules
- Complete absence of biting summer bugs and swampy humidity by mid-month
- Frequent road crossings provide flexible resupply points and shuttle access
- Backcountry campsites must be shared and crowd quickly on autumn weekends
- Technical footing laden with wet roots and slick rock demands vigilant attention
- Sudden lake-effect gales can drop temperatures near freezing without warning
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