May is one of the best times of year to hit America’s National Parks. Snow is melting, wildflowers are bursting into color, and temperatures are comfortably warm without the heavy summer crowds. It's the sweet spot of shoulder season: trails are reopening, wildlife is active, and the landscapes feel fresh and alive.
If you’re planning an adventure this month, here are five top National Parks to explore in May — plus some insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)
Why May?
The Smokies come alive in May with lush greenery, rushing waterfalls, and an unbelievable display of wildflowers (over 1,500 species bloom here!). Plus, the synchronous fireflies — a rare phenomenon where thousands of fireflies blink in unison — begin their magic toward the end of the month.
Top Tip:
Head to Cades Cove early in the morning for wildlife sightings — think black bears, deer, and wild turkeys — against misty mountain backdrops.
What to Bring:
Rain jacket (afternoon showers are common!), binoculars for bird watching, and a daypack for moderate hikes like Laurel Falls or Alum Cave Trail.
2. Arches National Park (Utah)
Why May?
By June, Arches can get blisteringly hot. May offers warm days, cool nights, and the desert's spring bloom — tiny cactus flowers and desert primrose tucked between the rocks.
Top Tip:
Beat the heat (and the crowds) with a sunrise hike to Delicate Arch. The early morning light paints the red rocks an unforgettable hue — and you'll have a more peaceful experience.
What to Bring:
Plenty of water (even if it doesn’t feel too hot yet), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50), and a flashlight or headlamp if you're catching sunrise or sunset.
3. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Why May?
Olympic is wildly diverse — beaches, rainforests, mountains — and May offers the unique chance to experience snow-dusted peaks and blooming lowland forests at once. Roads to Hurricane Ridge start opening up after winter closures.
Top Tip:
Take a day to explore the Hoh Rain Forest. The mossy green cathedrals here look like something straight out of a fairy tale in the soft, misty light of spring.
What to Bring:
Layers! You could be in 40°F weather at Hurricane Ridge and 65°F by the beach. Waterproof boots are a good idea, especially if you're trekking in the rainforest.
4. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Why May?
Before the intense summer heat scorches the South Rim and before the biggest tourist crowds arrive, May offers some of the best conditions to explore the Grand Canyon. Wildflowers pop up along the rim, and ranger programs start increasing for the season.
Top Tip:
If you're feeling adventurous, tackle part of the South Kaibab Trail down to Cedar Ridge — it's a moderate hike with jaw-dropping panoramic views, perfect for May's cooler temps.
What to Bring:
Plenty of water (there’s little shade on the trails), a sunhat, hiking poles for stability on steep sections, and salty snacks for energy.
5. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Why May?
Skyline Drive, the famous scenic byway, is lush and green with endless overlooks. Rhododendrons and mountain laurels start blooming, and the Appalachian Trail through the park is incredibly inviting this time of year.
Top Tip:
Stop often at overlooks — many have hidden, short trails leading to even better views. Bearfence Mountain offers a fun rock scramble and 360-degree vistas perfect for a sunny May afternoon.
What to Bring:
Comfortable hiking shoes, bug spray (black flies and mosquitoes are waking up), and a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many scenic pullouts.
Final Thoughts
May is the perfect time to embrace the energy of spring and the quieter rhythms of the parks before the summer rush. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in the Smokies or standing in awe beneath the desert arches, America's National Parks are ready to show off their finest colors. Wherever you go, remember to tread lightly, pack out what you pack in, and savor every wild, wonderful moment.
