Your 2025 guide to leaf-peeping in Virginia: When & where to see fall colors
Find out the best times and places for leaf peeping in Virginia in 2025.
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia offers tons of opportunities for leaf peeping each fall. The foliage normally reaches peak vibrancy between Oct. 10 and 31. Uniquely, the commonwealth’s colorful reds, oranges, and golds are attributable to the diverse array of native deciduous trees.
Whether you’re driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, walking a lakeside trail at a state park, or hiking through a massive national forest, knowing when and where to go will help you make the most out of leaf peeping season this year.
Trees
Virginia’s iconic range of autumn colors is largely attributable to a handful of common deciduous tree species, meaning trees that lose their leaves leading up to winter.
The trees that lose their leaves early include Black Gum, which are bright red, Dogwood, which are red to maroon, and Tulip-Poplar, which are yellow, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Red Maple, which are orange to bright scarlet; Sugar Maple, which are bright orange; Beech, which are yellow to orange; and Hickory, which are gold, all lose their leaves during the middle part of autumn.
The most common species to lose their leaves during late autumn are Oaks, with their deep red, amber, and russet leaves.
Peak foliage
The peak fall foliage season in Virginia largely moves west to east from the beginning of October through early November; however, there are some exceptions, including far southwest sections of the commonwealth that peak a bit later and a small strip from Northern Virginia down through some central counties that peak a bit earlier.
Here’s your guide for which counties to visit throughout the month-long fall foliage season.
Early October
Counties in Southwest Virginia up through the Highlands peak the earliest, including Washington, Smyth, Tazewell, Bland, Wythe, Grayson, Carroll, Floyd, Pulaski, Montgomery, Giles, Craig, Alleghany, Bath, and Highland. However, a small strip running from Warren County down to Amherst County also peaks around this time.
Early to mid-October
From early to mid-October, counties in far southwest and portions of central Virginia, including Lee, Scott, Wise, Buchanan, Russell, Henry, Pittsylvania, Franklin, Rockbridge, Augusta, Shenandoah, and Frederick, reach peak foliage levels.
Mid-to-late October
A considerable number of counties experience peak fall foliage from mid-to-late October, including Halifax, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, Greenville, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Sussex, Surry, Prince George, Dinwiddie, Charles City, Henrico, New Kent, King William, Caroline, Hanover, Stafford, Prince William, Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpepper, Orange, Louisa, Fluvanna, Goochland, Powhatan, Amelia, Nottoway, and Lunenburg.
Late October to early November
Only a handful of counties, all of which are along the coast, experience peak fall foliage from late October to early November, including Northampton, Accomack, Gloucester, Middlesex, Mathews, Lancaster, and Northumberland.
Where to go leaf peeping in Virginia
Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive meanders for 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, making it the perfect way to take in the park’s foliage without getting out and hiking around.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Fall foliage enthusiasts flock to the Blue Ridge Parkway, part of the National Park Service, each year from late September through October. Given that the parkway stretches for 470 miles through wooded mountainous areas at varying elevations, motorists can take in a range of festive colors. Higher elevations tend to peak earlier, with lower elevations peaking later in the season.
Virginia State Parks
From mountain overlooks to lakeside trails, Virginia State Parks offer some of the most breathtaking spots to take in vibrant fall colors.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Location: 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
Grayson Highlands State Park is located near the commonwealth’s two highest mountains, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain. Given its location, offering views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high, it’s one of the best state parks for leaf peeping. The park also offers plenty of overlooks that are accessible by hiking trails.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Location: 1235 State Park Rd., Huddleston, VA 24104
The best way to experience the fall foliage at Smith Mountain Lake State Park is to rent a boat to explore the lake’s wooded coastline. If boats aren’t your thing, then you may consider hiking along parts of the 1,148-acre park.
Hungry Mother State Park
Location: 2854 Park Blvd., Marion, VA 24354
Hungry Mother State Park is the perfect place to go to see vibrant fall colors reflected in the placid waters of a 108-acre lake. The lake is surrounded by thick woodlands and towering mountains. For those seeking an immersive leaf-peeping experience, plan to overnight at the park in one of the cabins or yurts.
Sky Meadows State Park
Location: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144
Sky Meadows State Park spans a massive 1,860 acres in the Crooked Run Valley with plenty of woodlands that are perfect for leaf peeping. With miles of trails, including 22 miles of hiking trails and 9 miles of bike trails, an active person looking to take in some fall foliage has plenty of room to roam at the park. Be sure to bring along some sandwiches to enjoy in the picnic area.
National Park Service/U.S. Forest Service
The commonwealth’s national parks and forests also offer sweeping autumn scenery.
Shenandoah National Park
Plan to spend the whole weekend at Shenandoah National Park in fall to get the full foliage experience. Fall is one of the busiest times at the park, given the high popularity of leaf peeping. The park advises that foliage conditions vary depending on which part of the 200,000-acre park you’re in because it stretches 100 miles in length. To ensure you’re getting peak foliage conditions, check the various broadcasts and webcams the park maintains to stay informed about current conditions. Those looking to avoid the crowds are advised to visit during the week. The campsites are first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early if you’re hoping to camp overnight.
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest is the ideal place to go for panoramic mountain vistas, where the fall foliage never ends, given it covers 1.8 million acres. Explore the forests on one of the many trails, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail. While on a hike, you may even spot a black bear or wild turkey. For an extended foliage experience, plan to camp for a night or two.
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