10 Top Places To Visit In Virginia This Fall
Virginia is the quintessential destination for nature and outdoor lovers, and there is no better time to visit than the fall season when foliage is at its peak bloom. Find the best views of nature’s blossoming flora in various charming colors from mid to late October, the fall peak period in Virginia. From the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Shenandoah Valley, the beauty of autumn and its vibrant colors spreads across Virginia’s great outdoors. Uncover the 10 top places to visit in Virginia and experience the hypnotic beauty of nature in the fall.
Virginia Creeper Trail
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34.3-mile multipurpose trail that spoils visitors with jaw-dropping views of diverse scenic landscapes. When the fall season arrives to perform its magic on the foliage along this route, hikers and bikers are further rewarded with assorted colors of nature. In addition to the vibrant display of colors, adventurers will come across creeks, trout streams, farmlands, towns, restored railroad depots, and bridges. With so much scenery to witness on this trail, it would be a shame to come without a camera.
Hungry Mother State Park
Hungry Mother State Park near Marion is one of the most gorgeous outdoor destinations in Virginia’s southwest region and the state at large. It is renowned for its pristine and charming 108-acre lake framed by green hills and surrounded by woodlands. In the fall, the hills surrounding the lake change from lush green to varying tones of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning picture-perfect scenery. Visitors can capture these mesmerizing views of foliage bloom while fishing, kayaking, boating, or relaxing and picnicking on the artificial beaches by the lake. Otherwise, a hike into the woodlands via the park’s 18 miles of hiking trails would compensate any visitor with more views of the season’s dazzling colors.
Carter Mountain Orchard
Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville is a fascinating destination to experience fall and embark on a range of exciting, family-friendly activities. This orchard destination is positioned high up the mountain, offering dreamy views of the colors of autumn down the valley from its outdoor picnic areas. Beyond the views, which are, of course, spectacular, visitors can pick fresh apples and peaches with loved ones or purchase some more great fruits at the country store. The orchard also offers homemade ciders, apple cider doughnuts, and other delicious baked treats to keep visitors happy.
Colonial Parkway
The Colonial Parkway is a premier destination to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Virginia's historic outdoors in the fall. For history lovers, this 23-mile parkway links the three points of Virginia’s historic triangle, Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, with almost 400 years of colonial heritage. Plus, the parkway is also filled with nature’s charming offerings, and during the fall season, the views are just as stunning as the history of this route. Highlight attractions on the parkway include the picturesque James River and York River on both ends, bridges, tidal estuaries, and pine and hardwood forests. Visit in the fall and focus more on the picturesque scenery but don’t forget to explore the area’s iconic historic attractions like Colonial Williamsburg and its 18th-century buildings.
Southwest Mountains Vineyards
Southwest Mountains Vineyards is in the town of Keswick, on the cascading hills East of Charlottesville, where it creates a vast selection of wines. Here, the tasting room housed in a repurposed historic barn presents guests with assorted wine flavors. However, the wine-tasting experience goes up a notch when paired with views of gorgeous foliage. From the patio adjacent to the tasting room, visitors will be blessed with charming foliage scenery that stretches as far as the eye can see. Catch more distant and panoramic views of the mesmerizing landscape on the second floor of the tasting room. With its incredibly delicious wines combined with the visual treat of the sprawling leafage, this amazing destination will surely leave beautiful memories in the hearts of every guest.
Stinson Vineyards, Crozet
The Stinson Vineyards is a family-owned estate winery in Crozet, framed by the towering peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For one, combining an exotic wine-tasting experience with magnificent views of foliage is always memorable, and this vineyard destination offers just that. Even better and more enchanting, the views extend far into the surrounding mountains, soaked in the season’s evocative colors. Visit this vineyard destination this fall with families or friends for a sweet vineyard relaxing experience. Thankfully, the Stinson Vineyards has a special inn for longer stays, and it also hosts a Fall Music Series every Sunday in October, featuring live music on the patio, lawn games, and picnics.
High Bridge Trail State Park
The High Bridge Trail State Park centers around a stunning 2,400-foot-long and 125-foot-tall bridge over the Appomattox River. It is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia, spanning four towns, Rice, Farmville, Burkeville, and Pamplin City, with several access points. While this former Civil War railroad-turned-recreational bridge is beautiful year-round, nothing compares to its picturesque elegance in fall, with foliage bloom almost submerging it. A walk across this bridge is a sensational visual indulgence, and it would be a shame not to come with a camera. Additionally, the bridge trail extends way beyond the river, totaling 32.2 miles, and is suitable for walking and biking. Hence, be prepared for more breathtaking foliage views after crossing the river section into the vast landscape of vegetation colored in tones of yellow, green, red, and orange.
Crabtree Falls
Crabtree Falls in Nelson County is a series of five main cascades and several other smaller falls totaling 1,200 feet and representing the highest vertical drops east of the Mississippi River. The series of waterfalls feature one of the most colorful and luxurious foliage scenery as the cascading waters are flanked by the charming glow of red, orange, and yellow flora. The waterfalls also offer a unique way of exploring them on a steep trail known as the Crabtree Falls Trail. The trail is just 3 miles long, and tourists will literally climb along the falls on this trail while savoring its beauty and the surrounding foliage. For a more relaxing experience, there is an observation point close to the parking lot.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned as America’s Favorite Drive for its spellbinding natural views, featuring over 100 species of trees and a variety of flowers and wildflowers. The parkway stretches for 469 miles along the Appalachian Mountains, from Shenandoah National Park with the Skyline Drive down to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. At nearly 500 miles of natural splendor, fall is the best season to explore this parkway for the views. While there is a lot to explore along such a great distance, be sure to stop at Sherando Lake (milepost 16), Cave Mountain Lake (milepost 71), and Mabry Mill (milepost 176) to witness incredible foliage scenery, fish, and swim in the water or enjoy picnics on the banks.
Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park is one of Virginia’s proudest outdoor attractions, home to dense forests, craggy summits, rivers, and the magical skyline drive. In the fall, the park receives some of its highest number of visitors as tourists from across the nation come to witness green leaves transform into shades of red, orange, and yellow. Thankfully, the park is home to over 70 overlooks, most of which are along the 105-mile Scenic Skyline Drive that runs through the park’s entire stretch. Hit this skyline drive to enjoy panoramic views of the park’s colorful scenery and landscapes, such as the Shenandoah River and Valley and waterfalls. Some of the best overlooks on the skyline drive to witness magical autumn colors include Hazel Mountain, The Point, Brown Mountain, and Ivy Creek Overlooks. In addition to the drive, the park also has over 500 miles of trails for a more intimate experience with the picturesque landscape.
Visit Virginia in the fall and be charmed by its iconic outdoor scenery decorated in vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange like a painting. Embark on scenic drives, hike through the forests, and stop at overlooks to savor the best views. Otherwise, explore wineries, taste wines, and enjoy haystack rides on farms for more excitement. Regardless of how you choose to do it, however, one thing is sure, every moment spent in these destinations in the fall season promises to be delightful and unforgettable.
