Travel Virginia 15 Virginia Parks Where You Can Catch the Best Fall Foliage You don’t have to look far to find the best fall color in Virginia. By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on September 26, 2023 Hop the Blue Ridge Parkway and take it north to find great fall foliage in Virginia. Parks across the commonwealth offer up vibrant foliage that blankets the mountains and valleys with the colors of autumn, and it happens sooner than many spots located farther south, which means you can start planning your road trip now. Winding scenic roads will take you to wilderness areas and state parks filled with deep forests of deciduous trees and campgrounds too—all perfect places for leaf peeping. Set your sights on Virginia's parks, and you'll also be charting a course to the area's small mountain towns, rivers, and vistas as well. Sections of the Appalachian Trail also run through, offering unparalleled access to the most dramatic fall sights. Explore a park from our list of the most picturesque autumn places in the Old Dominion state, and you'll be glad you did. 01 of 15 1. Algonkian Regional Park Courtesy of NOVA Parks Sterling, VirginiaFind 838 acres of hiking trails, fields, and wooded areas in Algonkian Regional Park, located along the Potomac River in northern Virginia. Check out fall color along the river or fish along its banks for a welcome respite after a busy day of activities outside the park—Algonkian is just 30 miles from Washington, D.C. 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA 20165, novaparks.com/parks/algonkian-regional-park 02 of 15 2. Bear Creek Lake State Park Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Cumberland, VirginiaThis 326-acre state park has plenty of room to roam along with camping facilities near a scenic lake in the Cumberland State Forest. Located in the central part of the state about an hour from Richmond, the park offers a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals, archery range, and playgrounds. Park trails connect to the 16,000-acre forest. 22 Bear Creek Lake Rd., Cumberland, VA 23040, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/bear-creek-lake 03 of 15 3. Breaks Interstate Park Ronnie Hylton / Breaks Interstate Park Breaks, VirginiaA state park located on the Kentucky-Virginia border, Breaks Interstate Park has campgrounds, picnic areas, lakefront log cabins, and scenic views overlooking the Russell Fork River. If you make the trip in early fall, don't miss the zip lining and elk tours. Peak leaf season usually occurs the last week of October, but you'll catch views of massive sandstone cliffs whenever you visit. 627 Commission Circle, Breaks, VA 24607, breakspark.com 04 of 15 4. Claytor Lake State Park Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Radford, VirginiaEnjoy a day on the water at this 4,500-acre Virginia lake, and be sure to take in the scenic shoreline with its seasonal hues too. Camping and cabins are available in the park, as well as a full-service marina with docking slips and boat rentals. Rent a bike to tour the lake on wheels or stop by the historic Howe House for interactive exhibits on the ecology of the lake and surrounding areas. 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/claytor-lake 05 of 15 5. George Washington National Forest Ross Ahlhorn / 500px / Getty Images Roanoke, VirginiaThe George Washington and Jefferson National Forests comprise 1.8 million acres across several states, one of the largest stretches of public land in the region. Visit the section in Virginia to see some of the most striking foliage on the East coast. Favorite viewing spots include the High Knob Tower on the state line with West Virginia and the Reddish Knob near Harrisonburg. 06 of 15 6. Grayson Highlands State Park Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Mouth of Wilson, VirginiaStunning vistas along the park's hiking trails are par for the course in Grayson Highlands, which makes anyone who visits year-round, but especially in fall, a fortunate traveler indeed. Near Virginia's two highest mountains, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views at more than 5,000 feet high. Campgrounds, yurts, and a bunkhouse are available in this backpackers' paradise. 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands 07 of 15 7. Great Falls Park mbell/Getty Images McLean, VirginiaIf you like your foliage with a side of whitewater recreation, set your sights on Great Falls Park, which finds the shoreline of the Potomac River turning red and gold during the season. The 800-acre park is only 15 miles from the nation's capital, but you wouldn't know it in this peaceful escape. Explore one of the nation's first canals, see the Great Falls, hike along Mather Gorge's dramatic clifftops, and explore the museum exhibits in the visitor center. 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22102, nps.gov/grfa/index.htm 08 of 15 8. Hidden Valley Lake Meghan Marchetti / DWR Abingdon, VirginiaFish with a view at Hidden Valley Lake, a mountain lake in Washington County at 3,500 feet. The south side of the lake in this secluded wildlife area is almost completely forested, while the north side provides good bank access for anglers. Be sure to obtain the necessary permits before visiting. Route 690, Virginia 24210, dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/hidden-valley-lake 09 of 15 9. Mabry Mill and the Blue Ridge Parkway This beautiful location has been painted and photographed many times throughout its 100 years of existence. It's surrounded by picturesque mountains and colorfull trees that come alive in the fall. This rural landmark is located at milepost 176.2 of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County, Virginia.For more information: Mabry Mill. Bruce Henderson/Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge Milepost 176, Blue Ridge Parkway, VirginiaYou can't go wrong touring any section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. America's longest national park consists of 469 miles of gorgeous roadway connecting Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains. A fan favorite on the Parkway, Mabry Mill, is located 15 miles from the town of Floyd at Milepost 176. Pull out your camera for snapshots of the original Mabry family mill, sawmill, and blacksmith shop in full fall color (cultural demonstrations and music occur on the weekends in early fall). Milepost 176, Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia, nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/mabry-mill-mp-176.htm 10 of 15 10. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Cavan Images/Getty Images Marion, VirginiaThis recreation area in southwestern Virginia near the Tennessee and North Carolina borders is full of sights to take in, from rugged mountain balds to wild ponies. It includes the Lewis Fork Wilderness area and Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest point. Mount Rogers is also home to a portion of the Virginia Creeper Trail, a popular 34-mile trail open to bikers, runners, walkers, and cross-country skiers. 3714 VA-16, Marion, VA 24354, fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=77722 11 of 15 11. Natural Bridge State Park Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Natural Bridge, VirginiaThe centerpiece of this state park is a 215-foot-tall limestone gorge eroded into a natural bridge by Cedar Creek, which flows below. There are also hiking trails, waterfalls, and vibrant fall foliage throughout the park. Admission to the park includes a visit to the Monacan Indian Village; interpretive programs are held through November. 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridge 12 of 15 12. Seven Bends State Park Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Woodstock, VirginiaA few miles from historic Woodstock, find Seven Bends State Park, which offers access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Enjoy a picnic, launch a boat, or set out on a hike along 8 miles of trails. Then explore the northern Shenandoah Valley for wineries and breweries, scenic drives, museums, and battlefields. 2111 South Hollingsworth Road, Woodstock, VA 22664, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/seven-bends 13 of 15 13. Shenandoah National Park Dennis Govoni / Getty Images Luray, VirginiaYou can enter the 200,000-acre Shenandoah National Park from many places, but the best way to see it is by meandering along Skyline Drive and taking in the vistas along the way. Make a stop at Hazel Mountain Overlook near Luray to see the changing leaves. Lodging, camping, and guided horseback rides are available through October; check the website for details. 259 Big Meadows Visitor Road, Stanley, VA 22851, nps.gov/shen/index.htm 14 of 15 14. Shenandoah River State Park Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Bentonville, VirginiaThis 1,600-acre park lies along the shore of the Shenandoah River, with scenic views of the area including Massanutten Mountain and Shenandoah National Park. Stay in the six-room lodge, fully stocked cabins, or campground. Then venture onto 24 miles of trails to check out the views, or spend the day fishing. 350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VA 22610, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river 15 of 15 15. Sky Meadows State Park Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Delaplane, VirginiaThis 1,860-acre state park has panoramic views and woodlands, access to the Appalachian Trail, and a historic farm. It's a popular spot for hiking, fishing, camping, and biking. Bring a packed lunch to make a day of it, and settle in for a leisurely picnic among the area's changing leaves. 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit