8 reasons why fall is the best time to visit Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
Discover why fall is the perfect season to explore Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, including pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and hayrides.
When fall arrives in Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley turns into a harvest-season paradise that’s filled with pumpkin patches, apple orchards, fall foliage, and more. The crisp Blue Ridge Mountain air goes perfectly with the range of fall activities that the valley is so known for.
Whether you’re considering a weekend getaway or a weeklong stay, the Shenandoah Valley should be at the top of your travel itinerary this fall for the following eight reasons.
Reason 1: Pumpkin patches
Pick the perfect pumpkin at one of the many pumpkin patches in the valley.
Back Home on the Farm
Location: 2915 Willow Run Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Back Home on the Farm will host Virginia Pumpkin Festival Weekends on Oct. 11, 12, 18, and 19. The festival will include a 7-acre pumpkin patch, more than 40 attractions and activities, including a corn maze, and a variety of food. In the evenings, bonfires will be lit so families can gather around for stories, music, weenies, and s’mores.
The pumpkin patch itself will be open through Nov. 9. Those looking to pick their own pumpkins can decide from more than 60 varieties.
Hill High Farm
Location: 933 Barley Ln., Winchester, VA 22602
Hill High Farm started opening its farm to the public during the month of October over 18 years ago so that families could experience a real working farm during the busy fall harvest season. While at the pumpkin patch, be sure to check out the 8-acre corn maze that stretches for 3 miles, as well as the daytime and moonlit hayrides. In addition to picking up a couple of pumpkins, be sure to also look out for the apples, homemade desserts, and mums that will be available for purchase. The farm has been family-owned and operated by the same family for over a century.
Middle River Farms
Location: 1744 Weyers Cave Rd., Grottoes, VA 24441
Middle River Farms is a family-operated farm that comes to life every year during pumpkin season. The farm produces more than 30 varieties of pumpkins on more than a dozen acres. Uniquely, the farm has a “wagon deal,” meaning you pay $40 for as many pumpkins as you can fit into one of the farm’s wagons.
Reason 2: Apple orchards
Stroll through the crisp mountain air while picking fresh apples at one of the valley’s iconic orchards.
Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market
Location: 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA 22602
Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market offers 325 acres of apple trees where those looking to pick their own apples can decide between 12 varieties in September and October. Those looking for a sweet treat should try one of the apple cider donuts. The family farm has been operating since the early 1900s.
Saunder’s Brothers Farm Market
Location: 271 Tye Brook Hwy., Piney River, VA 22964
The apple picking season at Saunder’s Brothers Farm Market runs all the way through fall and into December with varieties including Crimson Crisp, Ambrosia, and Jonagold. Be sure to visit the farm on Oct. 25 for Apple Butter Making Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors get to see apple butter being made the old-fashioned way over an open fire. Later in the day, the fresh apple butter will be available for purchase. The farm dates to 1915.
Showalter’s Orchard & Greenhouse
Location: 17768 Honeyville Rd., Timberville, VA 22853
Visit Showalter’s Orchard & Greenhouse to pick some apples and take in the fall foliage. The orchard is on a hill overlooking the Shenandoah Valley, so it serves as the ideal location to take in the changing colors. The fall harvest season runs through November. Pink Lady is the last variety to ripen.
Reason 3: A corn maze
Spend an afternoon trying to find your way through a corn maze.
Endless View Farms
Location: 2513 Rockfish Rd., Crimora, VA 24431
Visit Endless View Farms to walk through the corn maze. While there, engage in some more corn-related fun by diving into The Corn Bin, a giant grain bin of corn.
The farm is also hosting a Fall Festival every Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 20 through Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees get to engage in a variety of fall-related farm activities.
Reason 4: Hayrides
Take a leisurely hayride that showcases the valley’s rolling hills.
Madeline Farms
Location: 1080 Antioch Road South, Luray, VA 22835
Madeline Farms, which spans 150 acres, prides itself on its one-of-a-kind guided hayrides through its rolling pastures of Luray that offer panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Designed to accommodate all ages, the hayrides are perfect for the whole family. During the rides, passengers get to take in the crisp fall air and vibrant foliage. Be sure to keep an eye out for the horses that roam the fields.
Reason 5: Cideries
Sample some of the cider options offered in the valley.
Sage Bird Ciderworks
Location: 325 N Liberty St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Sage Bird Ciderworks sources its apples locally to produce small-batch, hand-crafted hard cider. After checking out the production space, patrons can enjoy some cider and a meal in the taproom or outside if the weather is nice.
Halcyon Days Cider Co.
Location: 4135 S Lee Hwy., Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Halcyon Days Cider Co. is the embodiment of not rushing things but rather savoring them. It employs a small-batch approach and avoids additives and flavorings, allowing the natural flavor of the apples to shine through. It produces a variety of dry and sweet ciders. The cidery is located on a former mid-century dairy farm, with the former milking barn now serving as the production facility.
Life is Hard Cider
Location: 3575 Conicville Rd., Mt. Jackson, VA 22842
Life is Hard Cider produces a variety of traditional and seasonal ciders. The Hard Stout option is a fall standout. It’s a stout-style hard cider with notes of coffee and caramel.
Reason 6: Fall festivals
Celebrate the season at one of the annual fall festivals.
Shenandoah Autumnfest
Date: Oct. 4
Location: 300 Fairground Rd., Woodstock, VA 22664
The Shenandoah Autumnfest at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds is a seasonal celebration of barbecue, bands, and brews. It features over 40 craft brews, ciders, meads, wines, and spirits, food trucks, and traditional Virginia whole hog barbecue demonstrations and samplings. There will also be live music and craft vendors. Those looking to test their abilities should consider signing up for Virginia’s Golden Axe Log Splitting Contest.
Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival
Dates: Sept. 20-21
Location: 155 Fairground Rd., Clear Brook, VA 22624
The Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival has been a regional tradition for more than 50 years. Notably, the festival includes an apple pie-eating contest and an apple pie-baking contest. Additional draws include craftsmen, food and beverage vendors, activities for kids, and a classic car show.
Mountain Day
Date: Oct. 11
Location: Magnolia Avenue, Buena Vista, VA 24416
Mountain Day is an annual community celebration in the downtown area of the mountain town of Buena Vista that draws in thousands for a day of craft demonstrations, live music and dancing, local history, art, food vendors, community organizations, and children’s activities.
Fall Foliage Festival
Dates: Oct. 11-12
Location: 503 W Main St., Waynesboro, VA 22980
The Fall Foliage Festival in Waynesboro, which the Shenandoah Valley Art Center organizes, is a celebration of all things art with over 150 artists displaying their works. Mediums that will be highlighted include painting, pottery, drawing, class, wood, jewelry, and sculpture. The festival will also include music, food, and craft beer.
Massanutten Fall Festival
Dates: Oct. 14
Location: 1822 Resort Dr., Massanutten, VA 22840
Spend the day at the scenic Massanutten Resort for the Massanutten Fall Festival, where chairlift rides that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding fall foliage are the main draw. Attendees can also shop from a variety of local arts and crafts vendors, sample a variety of food and drink options, and listen to live music. Children will likely enjoy the pumpkin painting and tie-dying activities.
Reason 7: Fall foliage
Take in the legendary fall foliage at a national park or on a scenic drive.
Shenandoah National Park
There’s no better place to look for fall foliage in the Shenandoah Valley than Shenandoah National Park. Spanning 200,000 acres and stretching for 100 miles, the park offers endless opportunities to marvel at the changing colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For an immersive fall foliage experience, consider staying overnight at one of the many campsites in the park.
Skyline Drive
Those looking to experience fall foliage from the convenience of their car should take a drive along the 105-mile Skyline Drive, which follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park.
Reason 8: Cabins
Relax in a rustic cabin.
Shadow Mountain Escape
Location: 1132 Jewell Hollow Rd., Luray, VA 22835
Located on the edge of the Shenandoah National Park, Shadow Mountain Escape doesn’t just offer charming cabins but a 15-acre nature zone where there’s an endless supply of mountain streams, mountain views, and nature trails. While the cabins may feature authentic timber frames, they offer all the modern amenities one might expect.
Lydia Mountain Lodge & Log Cabins
Location: 426 Mountain Laurel Pass, Standardsville, VA 22973
Lydia Mountain Lodge & Log Cabins is the perfect place to turn to for a fall getaway, given that the cabins are both rustic and cozy. No matter if you’re booking a trip for you and your partner or the whole family, there are plenty of cabin options that offer stunning views, stargazing, and outdoor firepits for s’mores. Consider booking an in-cabin massage.
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