A traveler who’s been to 35 national parks shares her favorite 5 for fall leaf-peeping

• Alexandra Blodgett has been to 35 national parks in the US.
• She prefers parks with stunning views and epic hikes but also loves leaf-peeping in the fall.
• She thinks North Cascades National Park in Washington is an underrated fall foliage site.

We’re slowly inching closer to winter, but there are still a few weeks left to savor fall.

Visiting national parks to see the season’s colors, or “leaf peep,” is a popular pastime and gives a major boost to some states’ economies. Last year, an analysis published by Appalachian State University reported that fall foliage tourism would generate about $30 billion from 24 states.

Alexandra Blodgett, a travel content creator, understands the appeal.

She’s been to 35 national parks, as well as every state in the US, and has enjoyed a myriad of experiences, from hiking scenic trails to basking in stunning views from cliff tops. However, her favorite, by far, is watching national parks undergo their annual autumnal transformation.

“I’m pretty focused on outdoor natural beauty,” said Blodgett, who has been traveling in an RV with her husband for three years and documenting their journey.

If you plan on hitting the road to catch the last of the fall foliage — in most places, it’s already underway or has reached its peak — Blodgett has a few under-the-radar and chilled-out spots to recommend.

Here are her five favorite national parks to visit in fall.