When (& Where) to See Peak Fall Foliage in Virginia

It’s officially fall in Virginia, which means it is time to start planning road trips to spot the vivid colors of fall foliage throughout the state! The season is short but sweet, so timing is everything when it comes to catching the leaves at their peak, but the changing colors typically begin in the highest mountains of Southwest Virginia and the Alleghenies before spreading east through Central Virginia and wrapping up on the coast. See below on where to visit throughout October and November for optimal viewing opportunities.

Please note: These times are estimates and subject to change. Please contact the individual parks or check the Fall Foliage Report for updates.

EARLY TO MID-OCTOBER

The first signs of changing colors can be seen at the highest altitudes in Southwest Virginia, including the areas around Bristol and the rugged mountains in the heart of Appalachia. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, consider this your sign to book a getaway to this beautiful part of the Commonwealth.

Note: Due to Hurricane Helene, travel in some Southwest Virginia destinations may be challenging at this time. Anyone traveling to these areas should plan driving routes using the 511 Virginia resource from the Virginia Department of Transportation and confirm travel plans ahead.

Cities & Towns to Visit

• Bristol
• Abingdon
• Floyd
• Galax
• St. Paul

Rooftop Bars & Restaurants for Fall Foliage

• LUMAC Rooftop Bar at the Bristol Hotel

Magical Fall Resorts & Inns

Primland Resort – Nestled in more than 12,000 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland Resort is one of Virginia’s most stunning upscale resorts for fall. Choose from activities like golf, ATV rides, and guided horseback rides through the mountains to get up-close views of the fall foliage. If planning a family or group getaway, consider booking a stay at the resort’s new residences, which include a private heated pool, two hot tubs, an outdoor kitchen, and a games cottage.

Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards – Experience luxury minutes from downtown Bristol at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. Relax in the heated infinity pool or hot tub as you take in the picturesque backdrop of the changing autumn leaves. Top off this incredible getaway with a visit to the on-site wine tasting room.

The Omni Homestead Resort – The historic Omni Homestead Resort has been welcoming guests to discover the hidden beauty of Bath County in the fall for over 250 years. Recent multi-million dollar renovations have made the resort as luxurious as ever, and the famed Warm Springs Pools are a fantastic way to unwind during your autumn retreat. Don’t miss a visit to nearby Troddenvale Cider to sample ciders made from locally-foraged apples—a true taste of fall in Virginia!

The Lilly Valley Inn – Is there anything more magical than a fall sunset over a winding mountain river? Maybe adding a freshly made breakfast prepared by the incredible chef and owner of the Lilly Valley Inn! Stay at this small boutique inn for a romantic weekend getaway this fall and don’t miss the incredible sunsets over the Appalachian Mountains.

Outdoor Destinations for Autumn Colors

Grayson Highlands State Park - Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks of more than 5,000 feet. Hiking trails lead to waterfalls and an overlook. Campgrounds, scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with stables are available. The park also provides access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.

George Washington National Forest - Extending into the Alleghany Highlands near Covington, the George Washington National Forest offers stunning fall foliage. Explore vibrant forests filled with colorful maples and oaks, whether you're hiking scenic trails or taking a leisurely drive through western Virginia's rugged landscapes. While in Allegheny Highlands, don't miss Falling Springs, a stunning drive-up waterfall, Humpback Bridge, a picturesque covered bridge that's the perfect fall photo op, and get some fall hiking in at Douthat State Park.  

Virginia Creeper Trail – This 34-mile paved bike trail runs through the pristine forests of Southwest Virginia, and in the fall, the colors are unrivaled. Catch a shuttle in Damascus or Abingdon, then journey to the top of Whitetop Mountain where you’ll begin your downhill ride through the autumn foliage.

Natural Tunnel State Park – More than 850 feet long and as tall as a 10-story building, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. Along with the amazing views, the park has two campgrounds and cabins for lodging.

Mabry Mill – One of the most iconic spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mabry Mill is surrounded by towering trees that come alight with color in the fall. Don’t miss taking a photo at this stop-off spot for a memorable autumn experience!

Wilderness Road State Park – This 310-acre park lies astride the Wilderness Road, a route carved by Daniel Boone in 1775. Rent a bike and ride along the Wilderness Road Trail, an eight-mile multi-purpose trail, to take in the incredible fall colors.

Hungry Mother State Park – Known for its beautiful woodlands and placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains, Hungry Mother is a great place for leaf gazing. It has campgrounds, cabins, hiking and biking trails, and so much more.

MID TO LATE OCTOBER

The Shenandoah Valley and Virginia Mountains are at their peak fall foliage in early to mid-October. Surrounded by rolling landscapes, this region includes the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, and Shenandoah National Park, some of Virginia’s most acclaimed landmarks.

Cities & Towns to Visit

• Roanoke
• Blacksburg
• Lexington
• Staunton
• Charlottesville
• Harrisonburg
• Winchester

Rooftop Bars & Restaurants for Fall Foliage

• Six & Sky in Roanoke
• Rooftop Charlottesville at the Doyle Hotel
• Bee & Butter at the Highlander Hotel in Radford

Magical Fall Resorts & Inns

The Liberty Trust Hotel – Housed in the former historic First National Bank headquarters, The Liberty Trust Hotel is centrally located in downtown Roanoke. Book rooms from the upper floors and get great views of the surrounding fall colors.

The Historic Inn at Oakdene – Staunton’s newest boutique inn, the Historic Inn at Oakdene, is just a few blocks away from the downtown area. The peaceful property is landscaped with natural gardens and patio spaces that allow you to soak up the magic of fall in Virginia.

Massanutten Resort – This may be a four-season resort that is known for its water park and winter sports, but Massanutten Resort brings its own splendor during the autumn. Hike or mountain bike the trails of the 6,000-acre resort, see the foliage from high above on the treetop adventure course, or play a round of golf on one of the two 18-hole courses.

Wintergreen Resort – Located south of Shenandoah National Park off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Wintergreen Resort is a mountaintop retreat with lots to offer fall foliage seekers. Spend a weekend exploring the many breweries, wineries, and cideries off the famous Nelson 151 Trail, then return to Wintergreen for an awe-inspiring sunset from the resort’s scenic viewpoints.

Outdoor Destinations for Autumn Colors

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson National Forests - With over 1.66 million acres in Virginia, the forests boast over 2,200 miles of trails. There are 23 federally designated wildernesses within mountainous terrain ranging from 515 feet in elevation near the Shenandoah River all the way up to Virginia’s highest point of 5,729 feet at Mount Rogers. With such a large national forest, there are countless sites to see, especially in the fall. Here are a few highlights throughout the forest:

• Crabtree Falls
• Dragon’s Tooth
• Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
• High Knob Recreation Area

Shenandoah National Park – This national treasure includes the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, a National Scenic Byway. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails, numerous waterfalls, and mountain summits within Shenandoah National Park. Outdoor lovers can set up their tents at the park’s campsites or book a stay at the lodges and cabins. Guided horseback rides depart from Skyland stables.

Mill Mountain Park – Roanoke’s Mill Mountain Park is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and in addition to the scenic stop-offs found on the way up, the view from the Mill Mountain Star offers fantastic fall picture opportunities.

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello  – The historic estate of former President Thomas Jefferson overlooks the rolling countryside of Charlottesville, and as the leaves begin to change, the vantage point becomes a wonderful scene of autumn grandeur.

Douthat State Park - Amid some of Virginia’s most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors can enjoy 40+ miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails, picnic areas, tent and trailer camping, a restaurant overlooking the lake, and more. The park also features two completely furnished lodges.

James River State Park - James River State Park has over 1,500 acres of rolling farm meadows, three miles of river frontage, and 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Cabins, lodges, and campsites are available as well as picnic shelters offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

New River Trail State Park  – A 57-mile linear park in Southwest Virginia, New River Trail State Park parallels the scenic New River through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail is open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, giving you plenty of options for how you want to see the fall foliage. 

Smith Mountain Lake  – Known as the “jewel of the Blue Ridge”, Smith Mountain Lake has more than 500 miles of mountainous shoreline, most of it covered in pristine woodlands. Take in the fall colors from a boat or kayak, or hike along the lake’s miles of trails for an up-close look at the season’s most spectacular colors.

Natural Bridge State Park - The 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park features beautiful forests, rolling meadows, six miles of hiking trails, and more.

MID TO LATE OCTOBER

Central Virginia is alight with blazing colors in mid- to late October. From the capital city to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the urban centers of Northern Virginia, this is the time to plan a fall adventure to the Central Virginia region.

Cities & Towns to Visit

• Farmville
• Richmond
• Lynchburg
• Fredericksburg
• Leesburg
• Alexandria
• Danville
• Culpeper
• Gordonsville

Rooftop Bars & Restaurants for Fall Foliage

• Q Rooftop Bar at Quirk Richmond
• The Byrdhouse at The Graduate Richmond
• Catbird Rooftop Terrace at the Weyanoke in Farmville
• Skyline Grill at the Virginian Hotel in Lynchburg

The Inn at Willow Grove – A restored 1770s historic home in Orange, Virginia, The Inn at Willow Grove features 10 boutique rooms, 10 luxury suites, and five premiere suites and cottages. Consider booking the hilltop accommodations, as these offer the best views for fall foliage peeping.

Boar’s Head Resort – Uniquely situated on 600 acres a few miles from downtown Charlottesville, Boar’s Head Resort comes alive in the fall with vibrant foliage that is even more captivating as the colors reflect off the property’s several private ponds.

Keswick Hall – Keswick Hall is another upscale lodging gem close to Charlottesville. Established in 1912, this historic retreat was renovated in 2020 to reflect all the modern luxurious amenities you could desire. Golfers shouldn’t miss playing a round on the 18-hole Full Cry golf course designed by world-renowned pro Pete Dye.

Blue Rock Inn – The nearby Inn at Little Washington has received tons of well-deserved praise over the decades, but the neighboring Blue Rock Inn is an alternative option for a stunning fall retreat in Virginia’s Horse Country. The peaceful 80-acre estate is especially wondrous in the fall mornings, as fog rolls over the hills and the rising sun reflects off the pond.

Outdoor Destinations for Autumn Colors

High Bridge Trail State Park – The majestic High Bridge is more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River, allowing for incredible views of both the river and surrounding park. The park also features a multi-use trail ideally suited for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding.

Maymont – This 100-acre estate in the heart of Richmond is a rural oasis that is at its peak beauty in the fall.

James Madison’s Montpelier – In addition to touring the historic home of the former U.S. President, visitors to Montpelier should allot some time to explore the property’s eight miles of walking trails in the autumn.

King Street in Alexandria – While it is in the heart of bustling Alexandria, King Street exudes a small-town charm in the fall, with seasonal décor adorning the shopfronts and brilliantly colored trees lining the streets. The city also has many parks that showcase the best of fall colors, so make a weekend out of your visit to explore all there is to see and do in Alexandria.

Prince William Forest Park – With more than 15,000 acres of woodlands, streams, ponds, and scenic trails, this park is the largest nature area in the National Park Service's Washington Capital Region. The park features nature trails, an abandoned mine, and many cultural, geological, and historical sites. It also offers a RV park, cabins, and camping sites.

Occoneechee State Park – Located on the John H. Kerr Reservoir, better known as Buggs Island Lake, this park has cabins, campsites, an equestrian campground, picnic shelters, and more. The park also boasts 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as 800 miles of wooded, cove-studded shoreline.

LATE OCTOBER TO EARLY NOVEMBER

Autumn colors come late to coastal Virginia, making the beach towns and coastal communities the ideal getaway for late October into early November.

Cities & Towns to Visit

• Norfolk
• Williamsburg
• Virginia Beach
• Newport News
• Yorktown
• Irvington
• Smithfield
• Hampton
• Cape Charles
• Chincoteague

Rooftop Bars & Restaurants for Fall Foliage

• Orion’s Roof at the Marriott Oceanfront in Virginia Beach

Magical Fall Resorts & Inns

The Cavalier Hotel – As one of the most iconic hotels in all of Virginia, the historic Cavalier Hotel is very popular for summer travel, but don’t sleep on booking this Virginia Beach gem in the fall. An indoor pool lets you swim year-round, and an on-site distillery in the basement will warm you with Virginia-made spirits.

Smithfield Station – This southern Virginia waterfront inn provides sweeping views of the changing autumn colors from the back porches. We recommend booking the lighthouse suites, the only lighthouse accommodations in Virginia, for a memorable fall getaway.

Williamsburg Lodge – Located on the immaculate grounds of Colonial Williamsburg, the Williamsburg Lodge blends elegant designs of a Virginia estate with modern amenities and comforts.

Outdoor Destinations for Autumn Colors

Colonial Williamsburg – The largest living history museum in the world is also an autumn paradise, with wide lawns perfect for picnics, tree-lined cobblestoned streets, and more than 300 acres available to explore when you visit the historic destination.

Belle Isle State Park – With 733 acres and seven miles of shoreline on the Rappahannock River, Belle Isle lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands, agricultural fields, and upland forests. The park contains three picnic shelters, hiking, biking, and bridle trails, and overnight lodging at the Bel Air Mansion and the Bel Air Guest House.

First Landing State Park – Explore a unique habitat featuring lagoons, large cypress trees, and rare plants. Over 19 miles of hiking trails wind through the natural area, picnic areas allow for a peaceful meal surrounded by fall colors, and a mix of campsites and climate-controlled cabins offer lodging options for overnight guests.

York River State Park – Known for its rare and delicate environment where freshwater and saltwater meet, this park offers more than 25 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Visitors can explore the marsh, river shoreline, and forests.

Kiptopeke State Park – Kiptopeke offers five cabins, RV and tent camping, a group camping lodge, a yurt, and camping trailers. There's also 4.2 miles of hiking and biking trails, a playground, a bird habitat, and more.

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Check out the map below for park locations.