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, fall festivals, scenic hiking and biking, and outdoor patios at wineries and breweries. Grab a sweater, we’re heading to the mountains.

Luray

Aerial photo of Luray in the Fall
Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson

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.

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Roanoke

Roanoke Mill Mountain Star in Fall
Photo Credit: Creative Dog Media, @creativedogmedia

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. As a bonus, after three years of construction and closures, a nearly 15-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway has re-opened, making fall a great time to get out and check out the “new” views.

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Bedford

View from Sharp Top Mountain, Part of Peaks of Otter, at Sunset
Photo Credit: Lovicarious, @lovicarious

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 brand-new driving 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.

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Tazewell

Tazewell County Scenic Mountains in the Fall
Photo Credit: Randy Rose

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.

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Abingdon

Aerial of Abingdon in the Fall
Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson

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.

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Marion

A couple and their dog looks out over Hungry Mother State Park Viewpoint in the Fall
Photo Credit: Brad Deel, @brad.deel

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.

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Wytheville

Bolling Wilson Hotel Rooftop at Sunset with Chairs and a Fire Pit

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.

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Staunton

Downtown Staunton in the Fall
Photo Credit: Sam Dean, @sdeanphotos

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. This fall, the railway’s Shenandoah Valley Limited launches, allowing 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.

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Hot Springs

The Omni Homestead Resort
Photo Credit: Creative Dog Media, @creativedogmedia

Hot Springs is, you guessed it, hot in the fall, most notably due to the re-opening of the Warm Spring Pools (formerly Jefferson Pools) at the Omni Homestead Resort. Closed since 2017, the spring-fed baths re-opened in December 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.

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Washington

The Inn at Little Washington in the Fall

A stone’s throw from Shenandoah National Park, make the tiny town of Washington your base camp for hiking and scenic drives in the park. 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 (three Michelin stars, actually). 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.

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