Unique Ways to See Fall Foliage in Virginia

Fall in Virginia blankets the landscape with colors of red, orange, and gold. While there are plenty of ways to take in fall foliage the traditional way, why not elevate the experience? 

Here are 8 unique ways to see fall foliage that you can only experience in Virginia. 

On a Helicopter Ride

Your fall stay at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards could include a breathtaking helicopter trip above Appalachia. Situated on over 450 acres of rolling farmland in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Nicewonder has remarkable views while you’re on the ground, but you can’t beat seeing the leaves from above. 

The resort offers private helicopter tours year-round for guests and non-guests alike, but a special fall package for guests will take your fall foliage trip to new heights. 

When: October 11-13, October 25-27

How to Book: Reserve the Helicopter Fall Foliage Package, which includes a 2-night stay, helicopter tour, and three meals 

Aboard a Scenic Train 

Take in the autumnal sights as you breeze through the Shenandoah Valley on a Virginia Scenic Railway route. Ride and dine on the Alleghany Special or the Blue Ridge Flyer, or book a foliage-specific passage on the Shenandoah Valley Limited. Your trip on the classic steam locomotive will start and end a custom-built station in Goshen, harkening back to the golden age of railroading.

Billowing steam will give way to sweeping autumn views as the train makes its way through valleys, up inclines, and around curves for a round-trip journey of approximately 3.5 hours. 

When: Fridays-Sundays, September 26 through October 26

How to Book: Tickets start at $128 per person 

During a Paddle on the James 

Enjoy a day on the water with autumn views and a sprinkling of history on a cruise with James River Batteau Co. Boats can accommodate up to six guests, or parties of 12 can split two boats and float the river in a flotilla. 

The intimate cruise sets off from Scottsville for a two-hour journey down the James, complete with charcuterie, wildlife spotting, and historic tales told by your guide. In the fall, you’ll have the added bonus of admiring the foliage from the water.  

When: Select dates through November 9

How to Book: Tickets are $100 per person 

On an ATV

Leaf peeping might not typically be the most high-octane activity, but trust us — there’s a way to get your thrills in while seeing the fall foliage in Virginia. Spend a day tackling the Spearhead Trails and take in the views from an ATV. 

You’ll have hundreds of miles of Southwest Virginia to explore on the trails, making for an exhilarating exploration of nature’s changing colors. 

When: Trails are open sunrise to sunset 

How to Book: Purchase a three-day or annual permit to ride. Rent ATVs at The Western Front Hotel in Saint Paul or Trailhead ATV Resort in Bluefield. 

As You Fly through the Skies

You can really get a new perspective on the autumn landscape when skydiving. If you’re ready to take things to the next level, book a flight with Skydive Orange and get a truly unique view of the changing leaves from two miles above the Earth. 

Ready to take the leap? First-timers can set up a tandem skydiving trip to get all the thrills, plus an experienced instructor with you all the way. No promises on if they can share fall foliage facts, though. 

When: Select dates (typically Thursdays-Sundays) 

How to Book: Tandem skydiving starts at $259; book online

On Horseback 

If a peaceful trot is more up your alley, choose to ride with Indian Summer Guide Service. The horseback riding company will take you on a trail ride through the rolling hills outside Charlottesville.

Book a vineyard, brewery, or cidery ride and spend the day surveying the autumn views and enjoying local beverages. For a more nature-focused retreat, explore custom backcountry trail rides through meadows and over bubbling creeks. 

When: Rides available daily, year-round

How to Book: Choose a ride and book online; rates start at $150 per person

From a Hot Air Balloon

Take in views of the Shenandoah Valley from above Harrisonburg on a flight with Star Ballooning. The sweeping landscape will stretch out beneath you as your balloon lifts into the sky. 

Flights with Star Ballooning include a customary champagne toast and a unique in-flight photo. Choose to ride on a shared flight with up to six passengers, or book an exclusive two-person trip to make an unforgettable fall memory. 

When: Sunrise flights available Saturdays and Sundays

How to Book: Prices start at $325 per person

On a Chairlift through the Trees

Seeing the fall foliage is just part of the fun when you visit Natural Tunnel State Park. The seasonal chairlift will take you right up to the entrance of the 850-foot-long limestone gorge, moving you through ten stories of autumn leaves. 

Can’t get enough of the leaves? Purchase an $8 daily pass and take unlimited trips on the lift all day. Don’t miss out on the state park’s bounty of other outdoor opportunities, from its miles of trails to the Wilderness Road Historical Area. 

When: Chairlift open Fridays through Mondays, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. 

How to Book: Chairlift is $5 round-trip, children under 3 free. Pay at the park  

Whether you opt for a peaceful walk in the woods or splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime way to see fall foliage, the views in Virginia won’t disappoint. Keep exploring more ways to experience autumn in Virginia.