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As autumn approaches, bringing with it the crisp air and vibrant transformation of nature, many seek out prime locations to witness the spectacular fall foliage. This annual phenomenon, often referred to as 'leaf peeping,' significantly bolsters the economies of numerous states. According to an analysis from Appalachian State University, fall foliage tourism injects over $30 billion into local economies across 24 eastern states each year.

Alexandra Blodgett, a renowned travel content creator, deeply appreciates this seasonal allure. In 2024, Blodgett, who has journeyed through every US state and visited 35 national parks, shared her preferred national parks for experiencing the autumn spectacle. She highlighted her profound enjoyment of the national parks' annual shift into their autumnal splendor, despite her extensive experiences, which range from navigating challenging trails to soaking in breathtaking vistas from cliff edges.

Blodgett, who has spent years exploring the country in an RV with her spouse, emphasized her passion for natural outdoor beauty. For those planning a road trip to witness the fall colors—typically appearing in northern states from late September and progressively moving southward through October and into November—she suggests several tranquil and less-traveled destinations.

Among her top recommendations is North Cascades National Park in Washington. Blodgett notes that this vast 505,000-acre park, located a three-hour scenic drive from Seattle, is often overlooked. However, its valleys adorned with larches and pristine glacial lakes make it an essential visit. She believes that because many of its most stunning areas are in remote backcountry, it's an excellent spot for hikers, yet it also offers accessible beauty for all visitors. The park is renowned for its towering larch trees, which turn brilliant gold, particularly around Maple Pass and Blue Lake. The Diablo Lake Overlook also provides stunning views of Diablo Lake against the dramatic backdrop of the American Alps.

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is another of Blodgett's favorites, famous for its 21 square miles of clear blue water framed by Cascade cliffs and some of the nation's cleanest air. While beautiful year-round, it's especially captivating in autumn. She advises dedicating at least two full days to the park, suggesting one day for the Rim Drive and another for exploring areas like Rim Village and the Pinnacles. Visitors should verify current conditions, as some sections, like the Cleetwood Cove Trail and parts of East Rim Drive, may be closed due to construction. Despite its year-round appeal, Blodgett finds it uniquely beautiful and often underestimated, especially in winter when heavy snowfall creates a spectacular landscape.

Capitol Reef National Park in Utah offers striking scenery with yellow foliage contrasting against red-rock canyons. As one of Utah's 'big five' national parks, it's a popular road-trip stop. Blodgett feels that many visitors only skim the surface of what it offers and strongly recommends spending more time to delve deeper into its hidden gems. Nearby Byway 12 provides excellent vantage points for fall colors, while the Hickman Bridge and Capitol Gorge Wash trails are perfect for hiking. For families, fruit picking in the orchards adds a delightful activity.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, though requiring a bit more effort to reach, is well worth the journey in autumn, particularly for wildlife enthusiasts. Blodgett highlights the unique free-roaming feral horses, along with bison, elk, and various other mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. The best way to experience the park's fall colors is by driving the 28-mile scenic loop in the North Unit or hiking the Boicourt Overlook Trail in the South Unit.

Finally, Badlands National Park in South Dakota presents a unique fall experience. While primarily grasslands, the dramatic red-and-tan rock formations offer a distinctive visual treat. Blodgett considers it another beautiful yet underrated park, recommending two days to explore, spot wildlife, and stargaze. The grasslands transition from green to golden yellow from late summer into September and October, complementing the geological wonders.

These selections offer diverse and unforgettable autumn experiences beyond the typical crowded destinations, inviting travelers to discover the understated beauty of America's national parks during their most colorful season.

The United States Navy is confronting a serious challenge: a substantial backlog in submarine maintenance that threatens to render more than a dozen attack submarines inactive for prolonged periods, potentially costing over three billion dollars. A recent assessment by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) underscores that these delays have already resulted in thousands of lost operational days and billions of dollars in expenditures for operational submarines. This predicament also impacts retired vessels awaiting decommissioning, with the USS Pasadena serving as a prime illustration of a submarine accumulating significant expenses due to inadequate shipyard availability.

US Navy's Submarine Readiness Imperiled by Extensive Maintenance Delays and Soaring Costs

In a critical report released on August 31, 2026, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed the alarming state of the US Navy's submarine fleet. Chronic maintenance backlogs are set to sideline approximately fifteen attack submarines, which will remain idle for over 14,000 days through the end of the current decade. This inactivity is projected to burden taxpayers with an estimated cost of $3.1 billion to merely sustain these vessels in their dormant state. The report emphasizes that this financial drain and operational inefficiency stem from a persistent issue of delayed maintenance, which has already cost the Navy an estimated $3.4 billion and over 15,000 operational days for active submarines over the past decade. The problem is exacerbated by the limited capacity of the four public shipyards responsible for nuclear submarine maintenance, repairs, and decommissioning. For instance, the USS Pasadena, a Los Angeles-class submarine, entered inactive idle status on January 1, 2025, but will not be decommissioned until November 15, 2028, due to these capacity constraints. This delay alone is anticipated to incur costs exceeding $300 million, with the Navy planning to use the vessel as a training platform in the interim. Efforts to address this crisis include President Donald Trump's executive order to establish a fifth public shipyard and the Navy's exploration of alternatives such as defueling nuclear reactors pier-side and utilizing floating dry docks. However, the GAO notes that the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of these proposed solutions require more rigorous analysis. Additionally, options like transferring inactive crews to active vessels and extending the service lives of submarines are under consideration, pending official approval.

This comprehensive report highlights a pressing national security concern. The extended downtime and immense financial burden associated with the submarine maintenance backlog could significantly compromise the Navy's readiness and operational capabilities. It calls for immediate and decisive action, not only in expanding shipyard infrastructure but also in rigorously evaluating and implementing innovative maintenance strategies. The long-term implications for the US Navy's strategic superiority and global presence depend on a swift and effective resolution to this escalating crisis.