Best Places to Visit in Virginia During Fall Colors

Last updated January 17, 2025

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Virginia is a great place to begin your exploration of the foliage.

Luckily for those looking for fall colors, Virginia is also dotted with national forests, state parks, and extensive wilderness regions.

Read on to find out the top places to visit in Virginia during fall colors.

Humpback Rocks

Located only 5 miles from the initial milepost on their parkway, Humpback Rocks features some finest views in the northern part of Blue Ridge.

Winding through Blue Ridge down to Tennessee, Blue Ridge is among the most scenic routes of the East—and unquestionably among the most vibrant during fall.

Even though reaching Humpback Rocks from this parkway is merely a mile by trekking, the path climbs steeply, rewarding hikers with vistas of the Virginia Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley.

Meadowlark

At Meadowlark, beauty and exploration thrive in fall across the 95-acre expanse of expansive ornamental gardens and distinct native plant exhibitions.

Meadowlark features plants unique to every geographical area of Virginia, making a visit feel like experiencing the whole Commonwealth in breathtaking fall colors, all within one stunning and vast garden.

A user-friendly paved trail guides you through the park, allowing you to experience their carefully tended landscaping and ponds up close.

The Priest Wilderness

This 5726-acre wilderness, which is a segment of the vast George Washington National Forest, ranks as part of the most untamed areas in central Virginia.

The extensive expanse of untouched wilderness features the 4062-foot Priest, a part of the “Religious Range” of Virginia, and is one out of eight summits exceeding 4000 feet distributed across the rugged area of the high country of Appalachian.

If you are an eager hiker, the top of this Priest is accessible on Appalachian Trail through a short 1 and half mile ascent from the trailhead of Crabtree Falls, or by starting at the trailhead of Tye River.

This is a path that rises over 3000 feet in only 4 miles and that makes it part of the toughest ascends on the whole Appalachian Trail.

Fountainhead Regional Park

Guests at this park always enjoy the breathtaking sight of the broadest section of Occoquan Reservoir.

Then, in addition to the remarkable views of the foliage around the reservoir, visitors can immerse themselves in the fall hues by hiking the Nature Trail.

Note that maps for every trail are available on the marina.

For biking enthusiasts, Fountainhead features one of the most well-known trails for mountain bikes in Mid-Atlantic.

Sky Meadows

Nestled amidst the undulating hills and verdant fields of the “hunt country” of Virginia, where weekends continue to brim with polo games and horse shows, is the historic Sky Meadows.

Originally a working family farm, this 1864-acre land is indeed aptly named after Scotland’s stunningly beautiful Isle of Skye.

It is also situated in the center of Northern Virginia's wine country, with numerous tasting options available in the vicinity of the park.

Here, you can dash along the Piedmont Overlook Trail which is just half a mile for what feels like endless Blue Ridge vistas.

Mason Neck Park

This park is popular among residents because of its hiking paths, paved multi-purpose trails, and ideal spot for canoe excursions on Belmont Bay and Kane's Creek.

The open water, wetlands, open fields, forests, and ponds of the park create an excellent setting for wildlife observation and environmental research.

A trip to this place will offer you a varied perspective of the coastline and the Bay decorated with vibrant foliage.

Also, this park is among the top spots in the area for observing bald eagles.

Then, the nearby land comprising Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Refuge is the premier federal refuge established mainly for the conservation of bald eagles.

Potomac Heritage Trail

This vibrant, urban region of Washington, DC might not appear to be the typical spot for witnessing the seasonal display of fall colors.

However, Northern Virginia's side of Potomac Heritage meanders through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state's northern area, alongside the powerful Potomac River.

To have an incredible seasonal outing, trek the scenic 10 miles starting at Great Falls Park up until Algonkian Regional Park.

Don't forget to pause and appreciate the river when it cascades and flows by Mather Gorge.

Huntley Meadows

This park stands as a diverse, historical, and natural oasis spanning more than 1500 acres amidst Northern Virginia's suburban landscape.

Here, one can experience part of the finest fall colors and wildlife observation in Washington's metropolitan area, along with excellent leaf-peeping.

During your visit, you'll encounter stunning forests, meadows adorned with wildflowers, and expansive wetlands, which include an observation tower and a boardwalk trail.

All of this contributes to a unique autumn leaf-watching experience... remember to bring your binoculars since Huntley Meadows remains recognized as an excellent birdwatching location, with more than 200 species recorded in this place.

Hungry Mother State Park

Featuring a lake surrounded by a mountain backdrop covered in woodlands, this Southwest Virginia state park is certainly rich in scenic beauty.

It’s named after an early settler who died in the vicinity while fleeing raiders from Native America attacking newly established communities near the New River.

When you get there, enjoy the vibrant hardwood forests enveloping the park together with a 6-mile trek along the loop of the lakeside Lake Trail.

Also, take the Knob Trail of Molly, with the possibility of adding the Vista Trail.

Lake Accotink

This park spans 493 acres, featuring a lake, streams, and wetlands that present distinct perspectives of marsh ecosystems, waterfowl, and autumn leaves.

The trail surrounding the lake stays well-kept and allows visitors the choice to walk or cycle.

Its amenities and events change with the seasons, featuring bike rentals, pedal boat and canoe rentals, a boat launch, sightseeing boat trips, a golf course, fishing, and a vintage carousel.

However, the majority of these fun facilities are accessible solely around mid-October and on weekends during the fall.

Hidden Valley Lake

Fall colors and the swiftly transforming fall leaves appear even more breathtaking on the reflective surface of this 60-acre lake, nestled at Brumley Mountain’s peak, just near Abingdon town, Virginia.

You can appreciate the lively change of seasons on foot, trekking the management area's trail system, or departing from the launch of the boat located at the northern section of this lake.

Then, if you're interested, the elevated lake is likewise available and favored by fishermen seeking northern pike and smallmouth bass.

Burke Lake

Amazing pathways wind throughout Burke Lake, with its lake serving as the perfect focal point.

Numerous distinct spots with fall colors are ready for your visit along the paths of the park, offering you a chance to appreciate the lake's serene beauty as vibrant leaves envelop you and create an ideal setting for the water.

If you are not in the mood to walk, hire a little boat right there and enjoy the sights on top of the water.

Burke Lake actually features part of the country's ten best fitness trails.

So, if you find yourself on the trail and feel the autumn spirit inspire you, go ahead and start jogging without hesitation.

Channels State Forest

Extending across Russell and Washington counties, Channels State Forest covers 4,836 acres and is one of the hidden gems of Virginia —truly an outstanding natural area.

During fall, guests can appreciate not just the burnt oranges and vibrant reds of the hardwood forests in the protected area, but they can also trek to the channels that share its name.

The sandstone formations, dating back 400 million years, are situated on Clinch Mountain’s southern slope, close to Middle Knob peak.

For photography enthusiasts, the ice-age, maze-like, geological structures offer a unique setting for capturing seasonal hues.

George Washington Parkway

This place often referred to as the "GW Parkway" was specifically created for recreational driving.

Make the most of your time by enjoying a relaxed stroll along its picturesque curves while taking in stunning sights of not just the trees bordering the road fall colors, but also of the greenery facing the Potomac River and DC skyline.

The parkway connects more than twenty locations that honor significant events in US history and protect habitats for wildlife, providing numerous stops throughout your trip.

Grayson Highlands State Park

This park, known for its distinctive features, boasts highland meadows, thick forests, and sweeping summits where wild ponies groups roam freely.

It also encompasses the vast Mount Rogers, providing fall visitors in search of colors with expansive views of part of the biggest untouched wild areas in Virginia.

For a brief hike together with infinite Blue Ridge views, take the Rhododendron Trail and you may also find yourself alongside the park's well-known hoofed inhabitants.

Great Falls Park

This is a park that is undoubtedly among the most popular places in the whole area when the foliage starts to display its fall colors.

Families and photographers flock to this stunning park to experience the vibrant fall colors in full splendor, with the grand Potomac cascading in the foreground.

Remember to arrive on time and try to purchase your pass online ahead of time.

Because of its appeal on lovely fall days, particularly on weekends, the park gets crowded, resulting in entry wait times.

Mount Rogers

One of Virginia's most stunning regions, this recreation spot is among the expansive Jefferson National Forest.

It is situated in a scenic, elevated area in Southwest Virginia, featuring alpine meadows, the renowned “bald” summits of Appalachia, and extensive areas of hardwood forest.

Their Scenic Byway, bordered by majestic forests, meanders smoothly through the expansive wilderness region.

It also offers sights of Virginia’s two tallest summits—Mount Rogers at 5729 feet and Whitetop Mountain at 5518 feet.

Conclusion

For those who love to enjoy fall colors, Virginia offers an impressive 554 miles — more than other states.

So, when you’re prepared to find fall colors, explore the state's natural areas, and enjoy the seasonal change at these beautiful spots in Virginia.