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#6 on this list
Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming
Elk rut in Mammoth; cool mornings, golden aspens, thin crowds.
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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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Specs side by side
| Spec | Yellowstone National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Elevation | 6,000 to 11,000 feet | — |
| September Average High | 60°F to 65°F | — |
| September Average Low | 25°F to 32°F | — |
| Peak Elk Rut | Mid-September through early October | — |
| Backcountry Permits | Required year-round via Recreation.gov | — |
| Primary Access Gate | North Entrance via Gardiner, Montana | — |
| Total Area | — | Over 522,000 acres |
| Highest Elevation | — | Clingmans Dome (6,643 ft) |
| 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 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Yellowstone National Park
- Dramatically reduced road congestion and easier parking at major thermal basins
- World-class wildlife viewing centered on the active elk rut at Mammoth
- Cool, dry daytime temperatures that make long-distance hiking comfortable
- Dense, dramatic steam condensation over geysers and hot springs during cold mornings
- Sub-freezing overnight temperatures make tent camping challenging and cold
- Rapidly phased closures of park lodges, general stores, and campgrounds
- Sudden autumn snowstorms can temporarily close major mountain passes
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
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