Appalachian National Scenic Trail in October
October at Appalachian National Scenic Trail averages a daytime high near 64°F and an overnight low around 44°F, with about 4.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.3× the park's average month, which makes October a busy month here.
- Average low
- 44°F
- Average high
- 64°F
Range across the year: 22°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 4.1 in
- Daylight
- 10.9 hours
Roughly 10% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 647,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2025 to 2025.
That makes October the 3rd-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.4×) and the February low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score October rates 34/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 54°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 33% of annual visitors, choosing October instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 10.9 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 9.1-hour midwinter low and the 14.9-hour summer high.
How October compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 76°F / 55°F | 1.0× Average | 62 Good |
| October | 64°F / 44°F | 1.3× Busy | 34 Poor |
| November | 52°F / 34°F | 0.8× Quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Appalachian, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Appalachian in October
The National Park Service tags 3 Appalachian activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 64°F and an overnight low around 44°F at Appalachian National Scenic Trail, with about 4.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is busy at Appalachian National Scenic Trail (about 1.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 34/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. October sits at about 1.3× the park's average, or 10% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 647,000 recreation visits at Appalachian National Scenic Trail, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2025–2025.
Where to stay near Appalachian in October
Booking a October trip to Appalachian National Scenic Trail? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Appalachian
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in October.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (2025–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.