6 Tips for Visiting the National Parks in the Off-Season
For the vast majority of our National Parks, the summer months mark the peak season of visitation to these great landscapes. As can be expected, the typically pleasant weather of the summer months also brings massive crowds to some of the nation’s most popular parks. While many of us travel to these public lands in an effort to explore the natural wilderness in solitude, the summer crowds often result in quite the opposite experience! One way to truly feel the raw, tranquil beauty of the National Parks is to change that summer vacation to a fall or winter adventure! Read on to learn about how to make the most out of your next off-season trip to a National Park!
The Ledges of Cuyahoga Valley National Park in late fall
Prepare for the Weather
While many of the National Parks in the southern half of the US (Everglades, White Sands, Joshua Tree, etc) experience excellent winter weather, let’s focus on the parks in the rest of America! Many of these wild lands are often at higher elevations and heavily mountainous, which means late fall/early winter can bring some intense weather for the unprepared! With wide open and empty trails at this time of year, you are going to want to be out there exploring! Be sure to dress for sudden changes in weather including snow squalls, rain storms, wet and slippery surfaces, and more! This is a great time to utilize that backpack to store some extra layers and gloves so you can stay out on the trail and enjoy the solitude of having the National Park to yourself!
Hiking through New River Gorge National Park in winter can bring all sorts of different weather
2. Limited In-Park Options
A visit to America’s National Parks allows for a multitude of options and activities for any visitor during peak season, but often times many National Parks begin to taper down their programs and facilities as winter approaches. Typically, by mid-to-late fall, many National Parks will have limited visitor centers open and ranger-led programs tend to wind down or stop entirely as the crowds thin out. Be sure to be on the lookout for any must-see opportunities that may not be available when visiting during the shoulder seasons!
The Big Meadows Wayside at Shenandoah National Park typically closes up by mid-November each year
3. Check Road Conditions and Requirements
Some National Parks have “adventurous” entrance roads that lead you to the gate which can often require steep climbs, tight switchbacks, or seemingly endless descents to access the park. During summer months, the only thing you really need to worry about along these roadways are endless lines of traffic, but once the seasons change road conditions can often get a little hairy, as well. For some National Park, such as Yosemite National Park where access to the Yosemite Valley requires tires chains for all visitors after October, special vehicle requirements need to be followed to be granted access to the park during shoulder season travel. Other National Parks will completely shut down roadways during shoulder seasons, such as Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, due to the incredible amount of snowfall that these areas can experience. Always be sure to check with Park Rangers on any requirements and weather conditions prior to making your off-season journey to your next National Park!
A sudden snowstorm at the higher elevations in Yosemite National Park
4. Wildlife Can Be Hit or Miss (mostly Hit!)
While some mammals, such as bear, begin hibernation preparations in the fall and become nearly impossible to spot in the winter months, many animals enjoy the solitude of the National Parks once the summer crowds fade away! This means that you will have ample possibilities to catch a variety of wildlife roaming the park during these off-season visits! Be sure to tread lightly along the trail for the best chances of spotting these park residents in their natural habitat!
A black bear preparing for hibernation during the late fall at Shenandoah National Park
5. New Opportunities Await!
Sure, the summer months are ideal for hiking the trail, cycling the park roads, and spending time exploring the rivers, lakes, and streams of the National Parks, but once the off season hits, many new activities become available for intrepid explorers! Parks such as Cuyahoga Valley and Olympic National Park offer excellent downhill skiing, while Voyageurs National Park becomes a haven for ice fishing on its many lakes. While the hiking trails are always available, exploring the parks during these less crowded seasons will give you the chance to experience the lesser known activities found in our National Parks!
During the colder months, the Snake River flowing through Grand Teton National Park can often freeze solid, especially in shallower sections around Schwabacher Landing
6. Embrace the Solitude
During peak season at most National Parks, you will be hard-pressed to truly have a trail to yourself. While there are pros and cons in sharing the trail with others, any National Park experience during the quieter season will undoubtedly result in a truly intimate experience along the trail. In contrast to the mixed feelings of holding others up, or rushing those in front of you during your summer hiking, trekking though the National Parks during the off season will give you the ability to move at your own pace, and take in everything these great landscapes have to offer!
An early springtime hike in Glacier National Park with no one else around
Whatever your reason, be sure to explore some of our National Parks in the off season, and gain a true appreciation as to why many Park Rangers will tell you this is their favorite time of the year to see these wild lands. The days are shorter, the weather can be questionable, but the crowds are gone, the parking lots are empty, and the experience will be unforgettable!
