Virginia's Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the Fall

It’s safe to say that we’ve got more than a few picture-perfect mountain towns in Virginia thanks to the rugged Appalachians and Blue Ridge Mountains that cut across the state. Fall is a great time to explore these towns for vibrantly-colored foliage, festivals, scenic hiking and biking, and outdoor patios at wineries and breweries. Grab a sweater, we’re heading to the mountains.

LURAY

In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Luray is known for Luray Caverns, a subterranean wonderland with stunning limestone formations, but this small town also shines as a foliage-filled wonderland in fall. Go canoeing with Shenandoah River Adventures, then immerse yourself in seasonal delights at local farmers markets, apple orchards, and vineyards, like Wisteria Farm & Vineyard. As Luray is just a stone’s throw from Shenandoah National Park, plan a drive along the meandering Skyline Drive, making stops for scenic overlooks. Near the park’s Thorton Gap entrance, hike to the top of Mary’s Rock for breathtaking views across the Shenandoah Valley.
 

Where to Stay in Luray:

• Mimslyn Inn
• Shadow Mountains Escape
• Skyland in Shenandoah National Park

Where to Eat in Luray:

• The Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant
• Circa ‘31
• Pollock Dining Room in Shenandoah National Park
   

ROANOKE

Roanoke puts on a good show in the fall when the surrounding mountains are draped in fiery oranges and golden yellows. Hike or drive to the Mill Mountain Star, a 100-foot-tall man-made star that looks over downtown Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley. In mid-October, the family-friendly Go Outside Festival is a must-go for craft beers, outdoor recreation, and live music. 
 

Where to Stay in Roanoke:

• The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
• The Liberty Trust Hotel
• Fire Station One

Where to Eat in Roanoke:

• The River and Rail Restaurant
• Lucky Restaurant
• Billy’s

For more places to eat, check out our Roanoke dining guide. 
 

BEDFORD

Bring your hiking boots to Bedford to hike the Peaks of Otter, a bucket list-worthy trifecta of hikes that includes Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill. All three wow with vibrant fall leaves and stunning views for miles and miles. Fall is also a great time for the Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail, a trail that connects nearly a dozen wineries, breweries, cideries, and even a meadery across Bedford County. Disc golf is tops too, so bring your own discs and let them fly at any one of five public courses, including Falling Creek Park and Moneta Park.
 

Where to Stay in Bedford:

• Peaks of Otter Lodge
• The Virginian Lynchburg
• Peaks of Otter Farm

Where to Eat in Bedford:

• Peaks of Otter Restaurant
• Shoemakers American Grille
• Liberty Station
   

TAZEWELL

Tazewell wows with small-town charm and a strollable Main Street with quaint boutiques, locally owned restaurants, antique shops, and charming architecture. Connect with nature at Lincolnshire Park, which is a popular spot in town for fishing, picnicking, and walking along the Frank Barnes Trail or Patriot Trail. Home to the famed Back of the Dragon, a winding 32-mile road in the Appalachian Mountains, bring your sports car or motorcycle for the foliage-filled ride of a lifetime across more than 400 adrenaline-pumping curves and hairpin turns. ATV fans can go four-wheeling on the Original Pocahontas Trail, which offers thrills to new and seasoned riders.
 

Where to Stay in Tazewell:

• The Old Jail
• Trailhead ATV Resort
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Claypool Hill

Where to Eat in Tazewell:

• The Front Porch on Main
• Italian Village of Tazewell
• Back of the Dragon Brewery
   

ABINGDON

In Southwest Virginia, the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail, which runs from Whitetop Station to Abingdon, is a must for fall colors. Bike the length of the crushed gravel rail-trail or hook up with the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop on Pecan Street. They rent bikes and offer a shuttle service, taking riders to Whitetop Station for an all downhill – and wildly picturesque – ride to Damascus (you’ll get picked up there by the shuttle). After your ride, stroll historic Main Street, which is home to antique shops, vintage boutiques and the historic Barter Theatre, even a delightful gift shop and tea room called Camella’s Remember When.
 

Where to Stay in Abingdon:

• The Martha Washington Inn & Spa
• Millsap-Baker Estate
• A Tailor’s Lodging

Where to Eat in Abingdon:

• The Pakalachian Food Truck
• Rain
• The Tavern
   

MARION

In Marion, enjoy a peaceful morning walk around Hungry Mother Lake or hike to Molly’s Knob for far-reaching views across the mountains at Hungry Mother State Park. Stroll historic Marion, popping in shops, galleries and cafes, like Just Believe Boutique, Sisters Café & Gifts, and Marion Outdoors, which rents hiking gear and offers guided hiking and backpacking adventures. On Saturdays, the Marion Farmers Market is where to be for arts, crafts, soaps, fragrances, and local produce like apples, squash, and sweet potatoes.
 

Where to Stay in Marion:

• General Francis Marion Hotel
• Collins House Bed & Breakfast
• Comfort Inn Atkins-Marion

Where to Eat in Marion:

• Wooden Pickle
• Sur 81
• Sisters Café & Gifts
   

WYTHEVILLE

Located at the intersection of two state routes — I-77 and I-81 — the historic town of Wytheville has it all, including loads of ways to get outside in the fall. Hike to the summit of High Rocks for foliage-filled views or climb Big Walker Lookout, the 100-foot-tall lookout, which affords mountain vistas for miles from high atop Big Walker Mountain. In town, savor views across the Blue Ridge Mountains with a craft cocktail in hand at The Perch, the uber-popular rooftop bar at the Bolling Wilson Hotel on Main Street.
 

Where to Stay in Wytheville:

• Bolling Wilson Hotel
• Wytheville KOA
• Trinkle Mansion Bed & Breakfast

Where to Eat in Wytheville:

• Graze on Main
• 7 Dogs Brew Pub
• Log House 1776 Restaurant
   

STAUNTON

In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the natural beauty of Staunton is magnified from within a 1940s-era rail car on the Virginia Scenic Railway. Three-hour rides set off from Staunton, west on the Allegheny Special to Goshen and east on the Blue Ridge Flyer to the hamlet of Ivy. The railway’s Shenandoah Valley Limited launches allow guests to board a steam locomotive in nearby Goshen for dedicated fall foliage train excursions. Once you disembark, head to Beverley Street for shopping in vintage boutiques, like Billy Opal, Juniper Lane, and Electric Retro. At Ciders from Mars, settle in on the outdoor patio for cider flights and hand-crafted cider cocktails.
 

Where to Stay in Staunton:

• Hotel 24 South
• The Historic Berkeley Place
• Gibson’s Warehouse
• The Blackburn Inn

Where to Eat in Staunton:

• Remedy Burger
• Depot Grille
• Zynodoa Restaurant
• Maude & the Bear
   

HOT SPRINGS

Hot Springs is, you guessed it, hot in the fall, most notably due to the Warm Spring Pools at the Omni Homestead Resort. The spring-fed baths re-opened in 2022 after an extensive renovation. In Hot Springs, you may also want to get in a round of golf at The Cascades or ogle 80-foot-tall Falling Springs Falls, which is a stunning waterfall. On-site at the Omni Homestead, there are plenty of outdoor activities too, like horseback riding, archery, and falconry. The resort also offers bike rentals and e-bike tours.
 

Where to Stay in Hot Springs:

• Omni Homestead Resort
• Vine Cottage Inn
• The Inn at Gristmill Square

Where to Eat in Hot Springs:

• Waterwheel Restaurant
• Jefferson’s Restaurant & Taproom
   

CLIFTON FORGE

Visiting the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia this fall is a perfect way to experience stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant small-town charm. The region boasts picturesque outdoor adventures with scenic views of the Allegheny Mountains, including iconic spots like Humpback Bridge and Falling Spring Falls. Whether you're hiking through peaceful trails, kayaking on the Jackson River, or biking at Douthat State Park, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love. The area also has a flourishing arts scene, with local galleries, the Historic Masonic Theatre, and a deep railroad heritage, offering something for everyone. Plus, cozy inns and unique bed-and-breakfasts provide the ideal fall retreat​.
 

Where to Stay in Clifton Forge:

• Hillcrest Mansion Inn
• Ridgely Bed, Breakfast, & Gardens
• The Red Lantern Inn

Where to Eat in Clifton Forge:

• Jack Mason’s Tavern & Brewery
• Cucci’s Pizzeria
• Family Treet’s Café & Catering
   

WASHINGTON

A stone’s throw from Shenandoah National Park, make the tiny town of Washington your base camp for hiking and scenic drives. The historic village is home to fewer than 100 residents and wows with a Main Street flush with quaint shops, art galleries, and adorable cafes, like Wine Loves Chocolate, Gay Street Gallery, and Middle Street Gallery. Of course, there’s also The Inn at Little Washington, a world-class hotel, which happens to have a Michelin Star-winning restaurant. It's also a cinch to laze the day away at the Little Washington Winery and Brewery, which sits on 55 acres and boasts vista-laden outdoor seating.
 

Where to Stay in Washington:

• The Inn at Little Washington
• Middleton Inn
• Blue Rock Inn

Where to Eat in Washington:

• The Inn at Little Washington
• Patty O’s Café & Bakery