Fall Foliage in Virginia

Fall in Virginia is one of the most beautiful times of year, and traveling throughout the Commonwealth during this season can reveal an abundance of color. Virginia’s expansive woodlands, famously blue-tinged mountains, and rambling scenic byways are the place to be when fall leaves are at their fiery peak.

Virginia's diverse landscape, from the highest mountains to the Eastern Shore, provides a long fall foliage season, starting earliest in the higher elevations and moving eastward. Generally peak fall foliage is sometime between October 10 and October 31; however, dates can vary from year to year. Want to know when and where to see the best fall colors in Virginia this autumn? View our fall foliage guide below.

Fall Foliage Outlook in Virginia

Fall Foliage Report for the Weekend of November 1

No matter where you wander in Virginia this week, autumn’s colors are in full display. While “peak color” is hard to pinpoint this year, the fall season has stretched out, with colors changing gradually across the state.

Golden yellows dominate, with vibrant red maples and multicolored sweetgums lighting up the eastern areas. Hickories and maples bring strong hues to the Central and Mountain regions, while the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge and Southwest still glow with gold, mixed with bare branches.

In cities, red and sugar maples are standouts, joined by colorful sweetgums and ginkgoes. The oaks hold on to green the longest, though some are finally showing signs of fall in the Coastal, Central, and Blue Ridge.

If you're heading to Southwest Virginia, please be aware you may encounter some closed roads along the way. Plan driving routes in advance using the 511 Virginia resource from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

View our 2024 fall foliage prediction map below and sign up for email updates.

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